In order to make informed voting decisions citizens need background information on complex foreign policy issues facing the United States. This guide presents current issues and provides information to help citizens cast a thoughtful vote. The guide is divided into six main headings: Leadership; Security; Economic and Social Issues; Critical Regions; Bilateral Relations; and United Nations. The first of 18 subtopics discussed is the role of the U.S. Congress in developing foreign policy; other topics are terrorism, international drug traffic, the role of Japan as a leading industrial nation, Central America and political change, controlling the arms race, South Asia, problems in the Middle East and Gorbachev's Societ Union. The historical background of various countries' relations with the United States is given and brief bibliographies are included for each topic. Policy choices are presented, along with the pros and cons of current U.S. positions for each argument. Maps, charts, and drawings are also included. (NL)