This teacher's manual is one volume of a six volume curriculum for the secondary level, designed to provide a systematic, group-oriented approach to decision-making in areas crucial to adolescent development: work, drug (substance) use and abuse, sexuality and social relationships, juvenile law, and people and government. The general goals of the curriculum are listed, i.e., to provide information, to increase student awareness, and to provide the opportunity for practice in decision-making skills. A course outline listing topics and related activities, and an instrument for assessing student knowledge in the area of people and the government are provided in an initial section. The eight lessons cover the individual as a member of the group; making and changing rules; city, state and federal governments; and the Supreme Court. A final lesson relates the previous lessons to school and student elections. Each lesson lists goals, activities, needed materials, and references. Suggested activities include brainstorming, case studies, role plays, collages, and mock interviews. Informational handouts and worksheets are also provided. A final student assessment and course evaluation complete the manual. (BL)