This textbook is designed to increase political knowledge and sophistication about the U.S. political system. The volume consisting of five units tries to capture the vitality and drama of politics through the use of cases that describe the political activities of typical citizens and political leaders. Simulations, games, political attitude surveys, and data-processing activities are used to enliven the study effort. Unit 1, "Introduction to the Study of Political Behavior," includes chapters on: (1) "What is Political Behavior?"; (2) "Political Participants"; and (3) "Making Judgments about Political Behavior." Unit 2, "Similarities and Differences in Political Behavior," contains: (1) "Comparing Political Behavior"; (2) "Culture and Political Behavior"; (3) "Social Status and Political Behavior"; and (4) "Political Loyalties." Unit 3, "Elections and the Behavior of Voters," includes: (1) "Selecting Leaders of Government"; (2) "Participating in Electoral Politics"; and (3) "The Voting Decision." Unit 4, "Political Decision-Makers," contains: (1) "Introduction to the Study of Political Decision-Makers"; (2) "The Presidential Role"; (3) "The Congressional Role"; (4) "The Role of Supreme Court Justices"; and (5) "The Role of Federal Bureaucrats." Unit 5, "State and Local Decision-Makers," includes: (1) "The Nature of American State and Local Governments"; (2) "Chief Executives in State and Local Government"; (3) "Legislative Bodies in State and Local Government"; (4) "Courts in State and Local Government"; and (5) "State and Local Bureaucrats." A copy of the U.S. Constitution is included. (EH)