Teachers of an eighth grade American history and government course are provided with a 4 unit curriculum guide. Following an introduction and course outline, Unit I, "Beginnings of America," contains 3 lessons covering exploration, colonization, and the American Revolution. The three lessons in Unit II examine the practical and humanistic aspects of democracy. Unit III explores the foundations of American democracy in lessons on law, criminal and civil justice, civil rights, and civic participation. The final unit includes four lessons focusing on the social problems of poverty, crime, alienation, and the environment. Lessons utilize a variety of teaching methods, including discussion, debate, editorials, role plays, skits, and collages. General teaching strategies, research guidelines, and Hawaii Social Studies Program objectives are appended. (LP)