One of twelve instructional units in the Native American Career Education (NACE) program, this unit is intended to help Indian junior high school students understand the basic functions performed by government for the community and the need areas it addresses; to help them understand the organization and activities of federal, state, local, and tribal governments and volunteer organizations; and to introduce them to public service and some of the careers it includes. An on-going activity, in addition to four other activities, is the preparation of a display of newspaper articles featuring government and public service. Related subject areas are government, public service careers, and social studies. Each activity includes objectives, student materials, and suggestions to the teacher on how to use them. Student exercises consist of readings, questions to answer, games, simulations, project instructions, and other learning activities. Each activity is followed by suggestions for ways of extending learning and where appropriate, additional resources are described. Student materials may be used as master copies for reproduction or as models for material development. A test designed to measure student mastery of the main objectives is included with each unit, along with an answer key. (A guide to the whole twelve-unit program is also available--CE 014 043.) (TA)