Designed to encourage informed and critical thinking on contemporary political issues and processes, the articles, case studies, and activities in this student handbook can be incorporated into secondary school social studies units on government or current events. Eight chapters cover the presidency, the federal bureaucracy, the Congress, the Supreme Court and the judicial branch of government, special interest groups, the media, the electoral process, and federalism. Within each chapter, articles written by Republicans, Democrats, liberals and conservatives, public officials and private citizens convey a balanced picture of America's diverse political environment. A case study in each chapter illustrates how the major political actors and institutions operate. Topics covered include the controversy at the Environmental Protection Agency, the desegregation of public schools, media coverage of the Vietnam War, and President Reagan's budget and tax battles with Congress. Appendices contain a glossary and a copy of the Constitution. (LP)