Cruel and unusual punishment (9 min.) -- Veto! (8 min.) -- Battle for the ballot (10 min.)
Summary
Examines the search for balance between the original Constitution and the need to interpret and adjust it to meet the needs of changing times. Details the original Jeffersonian-Madisonian debate, the concept of checks and balances, and the stringent procedures for amending the Constitution. Case studies include legislative decisions about capital punishment for mentally retarded individuals, President Truman's veto of the Taft-Hartley Bill, and the fight for women's suffrage in the United States
Analysis
Social studies
Notes
Series covers topics of civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions recommended by The Civics Framework for the National Assessment of Educational Progress developed by the U.S. Department of Education
Companion web site includes topic overviews, readings, critical thinking activity and web-based resources for each program
Performer
Hosted by Renée Poussaint
File Type
Graphic file (Streaming video; 27 min.)
Notes
High school
9-12
Mode of access: Windows Media Player, World Wide Web
