This syllabus is a statement of the goals and objectives of the New York State grade 12 social studies program for the study of the U.S. government. The first section of the syllabus lists goals for elementary, secondary, and continuing education and the overall goals of the grades 7-12 social studies program, while the second section outlines the social studies skills for the grades 7-12 program. The remainder of the syllabus presents the goals and objectives of the course, "Participation in Government," and suggests models for successful presentation of the goals and objectives. These models include: (1) public policy analysis model; (2) office of the citizen model; (3) the political process model; (4) public affairs model; (5) national issues forum model; (6) public policy issues model; (7) community service/internship model; and (8) group investigation model. The appendices contain guidelines for student exemption from the course and students with handicapping conditions. (DJC)