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18 Political Science & The Constitution

THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY
EXHIBIT, 12 panels,
In this exhibit, the United States Constitution is described in the titles of its twelve posters: The Blessings of Liberty, The Articles of Confederation, A "Less Perfect" Union, The Constitutional Convention, The Founder’s Achievement, the Anti-Federalist Argument, Ratification, The Bill of Rights, A City Plan for the Constitution, The Principle of Federalism, The Supreme Law of the Land, To Ourselves and Our Posterity. The full-color posters use clear and striking images to attract viewers. The exhibit is available in two formats: 12 laminated posters which can be hung on a wall individually; or 3 free-standing cardboard kiosks with the 12 posters mounted on. Approximate round trip shipping cost: $11. 12 panels, 24" x 36 "each /

DEEP POLITICS IN THE U.S.
C A
This video features the insights derived from thirty years of research by Peter Dale Scott, University of California Professor and author of The Iran Contra Connection: Secret Teams and Covert Operations in the Reagan Era, and Deep Politics and the Death of JFK. Here, illustrated with archival footage and photos, Scott explains his concepts of "deep politics" and "parapolitics" and their roles in the shadowy, subterranean world of American political life, especially in such major scandals as the Bay of Pigs, Watergate, the Iran-Contra Affair, and the JFK assassination. Here, Scott focuses on how America fruit companies, unions, organized crime and the CIA joined forces in the 1954 coup in Guatemala and subsequent activities which established the foundations for "deep politics" in the United States today. Scott discussed the Bay of Pigs fiasco and other events leading up to the JFK assassination and traces the continuing involvement of Cuban exile figures in subsequent U.S. political scandals such as Watergate. He also analyzes in detail the roles the FBI, CIA, Mafia and Army Intelligence in the JFK assassination, along Lee Harvey Oswald, Guy Banister and Jack Ruby, as well as Allen Dulles’s influential role in the Warren Commission investigation. 54 mins / 1994

A MORE PERFECT UNION
E M H A
In 1787, the year of its birth, the Constitution of the United States was a striking innovation in the design of republican govern nationhood and a practical instrument of government. This series of eight videotapes (22 to 42 minutes in length) covers the Constitution with the format and feel of TV news. Produced by Encyclopedia Britannica and CNN. 42 mins / 1987
Program 1: The Right to Bear Arms; Cruel and Unusual Punishment; The Fifth Amendment
Program 2: Freedom of Speech; Freedom of Religion (Establishment Clause)
Program 3: Freedom of Religion (Free Exercise Clause); An Informed Citizenry; Prison Overcrowding
Program 4: Checks and Balances; Powers of President and the Congress; Freedom of the Press
Program 5: Privacy Rights; Racial Discrimination
Program 6: Rights and the Accused; Rights and Legislating Morality; Voting Rights
Program 7: Historical and Ideological Context--the Writing of the Constitution in 1787; What Happened at the Constitutional Convention
Program 8: The Founding Fathers: the Minds behind the Constitution; Applications of the Constitution--Landmark Court Cases.

A NECESSARY FENCE: THE SENATE'S FIRST CENTURY
DISPLAY, 14 posters,
The title of this exhibit is derived from James Madison's notes made during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Madison discussed the necessity of having a legislative body in which members would serve for a long period of time, protecting the people from their own "fickleness and passion" as opposed to a body popularly elected every two years, which might be more susceptible to public opinion. Madison referred to this group as "a necessary fence" that would balance the House of Representatives. This exhibit highlights the passages of the Constitution that established and defined the Senate. It is divided into five sections--Organization of the Senate, Administration, Treaties, Nominations, and Impeachment. Each section is rich with details of the objects, people and events which marked the Senate's first 100 yeas, including reproductions of artistic renderings, documents, and cartoons. Each laminated has poster has eyehooks for easy hanging. An educational guide is included. Approximate round trip shipping cost: $11. /

PROTECTIONISM
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Protectionism is defined as the restriction of the free flow of imports. This program explores why countries enact protectionist policies, and the effects of protectionism on the global economic flow. Graphics, a roundtable of experts, and case studies are used to distinguish the pros and cons of protectionism. The program helps viewers begin to define the interdependencies of world trade. 60 mins / 1994 /

SKOKIE: RIGHTS OR WRONG
H C A P
The Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech, but should that right be granted to extremists who deny freedom to others? SKOKIE documents the legal and moral crisis posed when the American Nazi Party chose to demonstrate in Skokie, Illinois, home to many concentration camp survivors. Featured are scenes of the angry demonstration, interviews with Nazi leaders, ACLU attorneys, Holocaust survivors, Jesse Jackson. "SKOKIE is outstanding and of great use to teachers of American government, civics and history." --John Patrick, Director Eric/Chess 25 mins / 1989

THE SPEECHES OF JOHN F. KENNEDY
M H C A P
John F. Kennedy was the most dynamic President in decades. His charismatic message of hope and change led the nation into a "New Frontier." The first President to use the medium of television, every speech contained in this tape reverberates with his special life force. You’ll see all major addresses, from his 1960 Presidential campaign through his three controversial years in office. Students of communication will enjoy analyzing Kennedy’s rhetorical style. Students of recent history will enjoy the feeling of "being there." 60 mins / 1990

THE SPEECHES OF NELSON MANDELA
M H C A P
Listen to the words of this former political prisioner who rise to become President of South Africa after the fall of apartheid. /

TR: THE STORY OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT
H C A P
More than a chronological account of Roosevelt’s life this program explores the influences of TR’s childhood on the shaping of man; charts TR’s meteoric rise to the presidency; and explores the turbulent years after he left office. 120 mins / 1996

TAKING LIBERTIES
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This weekly television series focuses on the Bill of Rights and civil liberties. The goal of each show is to increase awareness and understanding of fundamental constitutional guarantees, and to provide students with a historical context within which to understand our legal system. The format consists of three segments: an initial discussion by the host and 2 high students; a segment with expert guests; an audience participation segment. The audience consists of high school students form participating government classes around the state. 30 mins each / 1995
Program 1 The Individual Conscience: Religious Freedom under the First Amendment
Program 2 Freedom for the Thought We Hate
Program 3 Equal Before The Law
Program 4 Fair is Fair: Protection for All
Program 5 The Role of the Courts
Program 6 Is There A Constitution Right To Privacy? Where Is It Written?
Program 7 Crime and Civil Liberties
Program 8 A Free Press for A Free Country
Program 9 Civil Disobedience
Program 10 Fair Trail
Program 11 Beyond the Bill of Rights: Action Against Discrimination
Program 12 Religious Displays on Public Property

THE THIRTY-SECOND PRESIDENT
H C A P
How has television shaped political campaigning and politics itself? This eye-opening video begins with Dwight Eisenhower's run for the presidency, when television debuted and its powers were first tapped. Host Bill Moyers interviews Rosser Reeves, an advertising executive who initiated political TV advertising in 1952, and media wizard Tony Schwartz, creator of the infamous girl-with-daisy atomic bomb ad for Lyndon Johnson. Their comments lay bare the duality--and perhaps hypocrisy--of the impetus to appeal to public emotions while denying responsibility for this influence. The video alludes to some of the most memorable political TV spots and the lasting and controversial impact of television on government. 58 mins / 1988

TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION
M H
In 1787, Bostonians were divided on the issue of ratifying the Constitution. Supporters of the Constitution and a strong federal government are opposed by those who fear that the Constitution will sacrifice the rights of individuals and the autonomy of the states. This tape presents a dramatized version of the arguments of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and others as they prepare to vote on the ratification issue. 29 mins / 1985

THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
M H A
High school and junior high school students will better understand the basic concepts behind the Constitution after viewing this series. Each program discusses issues, trends and applications of constitutional principles. Using dramatic and documentary elements, the programs highlight the evolutionary nature of the Constitution, its structure, and its civic values. Host Bill Moyers leads young viewers through typical scenarios in which they apply their interpretations of the law. A teacher's guide included. 30 mins each / 1987
LIMITED GOVERNMENT AND THE RULE OF LAW The balance of individual rights and the government's power to protect.
FEDERALISM Division of power between national and state government.
SEPARATION OF POWERS WITH CHECKS AND BALANCES Judicial, legislative and executive power balancing.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION The individual right to free speech vs. civic security.
EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAWS Interpreting the Fourteenth Amendment.
THE CONSTITUTION AND THE ECONOMY The extent of government involvement in the economy.

WHAT IS A FLAG?
E
This video uses the basic concept of flags as an approach to teaching kids about democracy and civic responsibility. Gradeschoolers share their ideas of what the flag means to them. The idea of a flag is given historical context, with reference to Arthurian banners and Native American totems. A modern flag seamstress discusses the pride she takes in her job. Lastly, a classroom of second graders cooperate to design their own flags using symbols meaningful to them. WHAT IS A FLAG emphasizes the diversity of American culture and civic empowerment for kids. 17 mins / 1994



Indiana Humanities Council
1500 North Delaware Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317.638.1500 or 800.675.8897
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Humanities To Go- Video & Exhibit Lending Library
[How to Use HTG]

1 African American History & Culture

2 Architecture

3 Archaeology

4 The Arts &
Art History

5 Asian History & Culture

6 Choice Documentary Films

7 Diversity & Tolerance

8 Environment/Exhibits

9 History, 18th Century

10 History, 19th Century

11 History, 20th Century

12 Indiana History & Culture

13 Jewish History & Culture

14 Latin American History & Culture

15 Literature, Language & Authors

16 Media Literacy

17 Native American History & Culture

18 Political Science & The Constitution

19 Religion

20 Social Issues

21 Storytelling, Folktales & Folklore

22 Women's Studies