This document, which is intended as a handbook for individuals who have been appointed to positions in United States (U.S.) governments, is a lengthy essay on understanding and fulfilling the responsibilities associated with accepting a position of leadership. The following are among the topics discussed in chapters 1-6: (1) joining the "governing class" (definition of the term "governing class," the U.S. system of government, the academic view, types of "inners" and "outers," the ethics of influence); (2) becoming and being a leader (selecting a political party, being political, demonstrating loyalty); (3) team building (B and A teams, subcabinets); (4) making policy (the budget process, the "planning-programming-budgeting" system, where new ideas originate); (5) policy implementation (implementation as exploration, advice for policy managers, strategies that work, and accountability); and (6) dealing with the media. Chapter 7 contains the following suggestions for appointed government officials: (1) remember that leaders are role models; (2) care about partnership; (3) always remember the hyperpluralism of the U.S. government and the great barrier reef of federalism, which can wreck voyages to accomplishment; (4) cultivate the press; (5) be careful about confidences; (6) be careful about jokes; (7) pace yourself; (8) be consistent; and (9) think about your future. (MN)