In a simplified edition of a textbook designed especially for the use of the foreign-born who are preparing themselves for their naturalization examinations as applicants for United States citizenship, twenty-one lessons tell about the government of the United States and about the kind of Constitution upon which it is founded. In order to help individuals having a limited educational background, this version covers essentially the same subject matter as the original edition, but is shorter and uses a simpler vocabulary. The text of each lesson is introduced and summarized. Activities such as discussion questions, field trips, and completion and multiple choice questions are suggested. Black and white figures and illustrations are amply used to help present concepts. The content sequence begins by discussing group membership and citizenship. The history of the government and Constitution is related, followed by an examination of the processes and functions of the local, state, and federal governments. A list giving meanings of special words used and reproductions of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States are provided. The original version is SO 006 742; a related document is ED 058 112. (Author/KSM)