This book was designed to provide a basis for understanding constitutional government and for participating in U.S. society. Each lesson within the book's six units contains a statement of purpose and a list of review questions: most also contain problem solving exercises. Unit One introduces students to the study of political philosophy. The students learn that the Founders were influenced by certain political philosophies, their understanding of history, and their own experiences. Unit Two gives an account of the influence of the British government upon the U.S. system. A discussion of the Magna Carta is presented. After an examination of the Declaration of Independence, students learn about the major characteristics of state constitutions and the Articles of Confederation. Unit Three includes an account of the Philadelphia Convention and the Virginia and New Jersey plans for a new national government. The students also learn about the legislative branch and the reason for the two houses of the U.S. Congress. Unit Four describes some of the more important developments under the new Constitution. Students study the manner in which the Bill of Rights was added and the organization of the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government. Unit Five is a discussion of fundamental rights. It is pointed out that these rights have been expanded in the last 200 years. Due process in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments is discussed. The students also learn why these rights are important. Finally, in Unit Six, the roles and responsibilities of the citizen in a constitutional democracy are discussed. An appended reference section contains copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, a glossary of major terms, biographical notes, a list of important dates, and a list of Supreme Court cases cited in the text. (SM)