This seventh grade unit is one of a sequential learning series of the Focus on Inner City Social Studies (FICSS) project developed in accordance with the needs and problems of an urban society. A description of the project is provided in SO 008 271. This unit studies ways in which political parties are both the source of many of our values and the means of translating our values into meaningful action. Specific student inquiry areas include the history, structure, purposes, values, and main issues of the Republican, Democratic, American Independent, Communist, and National Socialist (Nazi) parties. The content of the unit includes teaching strategies, source materials, learning objectives, specific learning activities, and teacher and student resources. (Author/DE)