Creation of Checks and Balances: The Roots of Judicial Review in America New Dimension Media, 1995
(Video). 
This documentary examines the principles of judicial review and sites cases that established the system.
Topics include: the importance of property rights before and after the American Revolution, the tensions between the Patriots and the Tories, the competing theories about which branch of the government determines the constitutionality of a law, how the government is based on the consent of the governed and limited by individual liberties and property rights,  the situation in the colonies following the collapse of colonial government and its institutions, and the historical impact of judicial review on
the executive and legislative branches.

In the Eyes of the Law. National Geographic Society, 1995 (Video). 
This presentation focuses on our judicial system and how it affects our lives. Topics include: basic principles of the American system of justice, presumption of innocence, trial by jury and equality under law, protections provided by the Bill of Rights, a student's right to privacy, how a criminal case can be retried three times, and the ways people who cannot protect their own rights can gain access to the judicial system. Episodes review three cases presented to the Supreme Court:
 School District 47j_ v. Acton; Mississippi v. De La Beckwith; and LaShawn A. v. Barry.

1.) Students will research several of the influential thinkers who have shaped the values of democracy, by reading primary test and secondary source materials. In small discussion groups, or as a whole class activity, students develop a matrix that compares each of the different political thinker's ideas. Topics for comparison could include: political parties, individual rights, nature of man, balance of powers, public good, role of leaders, etc. Students present their findings, outlining the significant aspects of each philosopher's main arguments on democracy.

2.) Students read and rewrite one of the Federalist Papers into contemporary language, relating issues that faced the founding fathers with issues that face individuals living in American society today. Federalist Number 10, 51, and 76 express points of view on topics that were fundamental to the documents that formed the basis for our republic. These are topics that continue to shape our country's government this day. 

3.) Students choose one topic that they can 'sell' to the general public by way of advertisement. Creating a commercial product from one appealing aspect of American democracy, students present their beliefs in a creative and artistic way to the class. A written essay accompanies the advertisement, explaining the presentation's main points.

In one class session all students' work is made available to the entire class. Student assignments are passed around to other 'student evaluators,' who will be responsible for giving feedback on the projects. Evaluators will identify three strengths and three areas for improvement for each assignment that they evaluate. A student/teacher developed rubric may be used for this task.

The teacher includes the comments from student evaluators when making a final assessment, using a grading criteria which considers content, creativity, and presentation.