Resource Center

Videotapes, Slide/Tape

Government

To quickly find a specific title, check the Title Index.

Congress: How It Works and Sometimes Doesn't

VHS, 50 min., 1979

A clear and vivid explanation of the way Congress works under our system of checks and balances. It traces the historical conflict with the presidency and describes basic legislative processes.

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The Constitution: Foundation of Our Government

VHS, 50 min., 1977

This program reviews historical facts surrounding the birth of the Constitution, emphasizing regional compromise on slavery, representation, and other issues. It traces landmark segregation and desegregation cases, demonstrating modern conflict between adherents of states' rights and federal powers.

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Constitutional Convention

Slides/script, 20 min., 1980

Contains a brief history of Arkansas constitutions and outlines the procedures for preparing the proposed constitution of 1980.

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Interpreting the Law: The Role of the Supreme Court

VHS (3 parts), 60 min., 1990

This program examines the Supreme Court from the early federalist period to the present. It explores how the court evolved from the weakest of the three branches of government to the final arbiter and interpreter of the nation's laws. It also explains how justices are selected, how the court is organized, what kinds of cases the court will hear, and how the court reaches a decision.

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Listening to America with Bill Moyers: A Conversation with Governor Bill Clinton

VHS, 58 min., 1992 CC

On July 7, 1992, the eve of the Democratic National Convention, Bill Moyers interviews Governor Bill Clinton in an hour-long discussion about his views on the problems facing the country and about his forthcoming presidential campaign.

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Model United Nations Security Council

VHS, 12 min., 1989

Provides an introduction to the Model United Nations concept. Included are simulations to see how a meeting is organized and conducted, along with practical suggestions for high school participants to simulate the roles of various ambassadors from various countries. Produced by Arkansas State University.

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Ordeal of Power: The President and the Presidency

VHS, 56 min., 1979

Explains how the powers of the presidency are defined in the Constitution, shows how they have changed in practice, and considers attempts by Congress to limit presidential authority.

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The Power Game: The Presidency

VHS, 58 min., 1988 CC

What is the power of the president? What is the difference between running a successful campaign and the actual process of governing? This program reveals that the selection of appropriate photo opportunities and other broadcasting details has become almost as important as state negotiations. The establishment of a short, clear agenda that plays on the nightly news overshadows the creation of working coalitions. This combination of factors is shown as a stumbling block in the creation of substantive legislation and policies.

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Pursuit of Justice

VHS, 30 min., 1990, Teachers guide available

The idea of constitutional rights and how they developed, their history in colonial America and in the newly independent nation, and the Bill of Rights and later amendments are reviewed. Four landmark cases that illustrate the ongoing struggle to secure constitutional rights are featured: Brown vs. Board of Education, New Jersey vs. T.L.O., Texas vs. Johnson, and Gideon vs. Wainwright. First, events and circumstances which created the case and the arguments by both sides before the Court are presented. Then, the Court's decision and the reasons behind it are presented.

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The Scales of Justice: Our Court System

VHS, 37 min., 1979

Explains the Supreme Court's function in relation to the executive and legislative branches, examines the work of federal, state, county, and municipal courts, and traces trial procedures.

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Supreme Court Decisions That Changed the Nation

VHS, 15-40 min. each, 1986

The insights of former Attorney General Ramsey Clark highlight these seven in-depth examinations of crucial Supreme Court cases. Photographs, video sequences, and period art combine to illuminate the lasting impact each decision has had on our concept of justice.

 

1-Marbury vs. Madison
The ground-breaking decision, clarifying the power of the judiciary.

2-McCulloch vs. Maryland
The national-bank case establishing the "implied powers" of our federal government.

3-The Dred Scott Decision
The controversial case involving slavery and states' rights.

4-Plessy vs. Ferguson
The decision that gave legal justification to segregation, invoking the concept of "separate but equal."

5-Brown vs. Board of Education
The unanimous overruling of Plessy vs. Ferguson, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

6-Gideon vs. Wainwright and Miranda vs. Arizona
Two decisions clarifying the rights of the accused.

7-Roe vs. Wade
The controversial case that legalized abortion.

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This Honorable Court

VHS, 60 min. each., 1988, Teacher's guide available CC

In this two-part program, the Supreme Court is profiled as both a source of stability and a force for social change. Provides the viewer with an unprecedented look behind-the-scenes of this American institution.

 

1. A History of the Court

Part one surveys the Court's evolution and growth from its modest beginnings in 1789. Examines significant decisions rendered under Chief Justice John Marshall, the issue of slavery in the Dred Scott case to modern times and the process of nominating and confirming Supreme Court justices.

 

2. Inside the Supreme Court

Part two takes the viewer inside the Supreme Court, showing the justices and their law clerks at work. The case of Edwards v. Aguillard which challenged the teaching of creationism in Louisiana schools is the focus of the program. Viewers follow a step-by-step process of how a case works its way through the highest court and witness rare interviews with the chief justice and associate justices.

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Your Vote Counts: State and Local Government

VHS, 40 min., ND, Study guide available

This program outlines the basic structures and functions of state, county, and city government and uses case histories to demonstrate the debate about expansion vs. restriction of local authority.

 

See also:

EXHIBITS:
Women and the Constitution
Women's Suffrage Movement

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES:
Thurgood Marshall

WOMEN'S STUDIES:
How We Got the Vote

 

 

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