Let me guess...the old social studies teacher you referred to was when you were in about 5th grade.
Actually, High School.
Mr. Maxon was a staunch conservative, highly intelligent, and taught me most of what I know about the Republic.
We even ran a computer simulation that called the '84 Presidential election within a few percentage points.
(FYI I graduated in '86.)
After the second time I didn't hand in an assignment on time and complete, he threw my sorry butt in detention. And did it every single time. No excuses.
Best teacher I ever had.