The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has designated the week of September 17-21, 2001, as "Back to School Week." During this week, state legislators from throughout the country are encouraged by NCSL to contact principals and teachers in their respective districts and arrange for classroom visits to help students understand the pressures, conflicts, and difficulties that legislators deal with in trying to solve public problems. In general, these lesson plans outline for students the importance of representative democracy, the message that their voices count, and the valid role of special interest groups in the process. This booklet contains three lesson plans: "Compromise--Why Don't We All Agree?"; "Who Are Legislators?"; and "Participation--Where's My Voice?" Each lesson lists educational goals; suggests an appropriate grade level; notes time requirements; lists materials needed; outlines national civics and government standards; and provides a step-by-step guide for the teacher to follow in the classroom, including a vocabulary list, a main activity, reflection questions, and follow-up measures. (BT)