Teaching About American Federal Democracy

Ten essays discuss federal democracy, the form of government of the United States. The first essay discusses the origins of American federalism. The second examines why we have a federal system, the functions federalism serves, and the consequences of federalism for the American political system. Federalism in the Constitution and constitutional law are treated in the third essay. The importance of cultural pluralism in American life and the role of American federalism in supporting pluralism are the foci of the fourth essay. The roles that the local community, the states, and political parties play in the federal system are examined in essays 5, 6, and 7, respectively. State, local, and professional roles in citizenship education are discussed in the eighth essay. The ninth essay explores how high school U.S. history and government textbooks approach federalism. The concluding essay describes resources on federalism that can be used in curriculum development at the secondary and college levels. Many of the essays are followed by topics for further study and suggested readings for teachers. (RM)