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. Seven chapters cover the executive branch of government, Congress, the judiciary, special interest groups, the media, the electoral process, and federalism. Within each chapter, articles written by Republicans, Democrats, liberals, conservatives, private citizens and public officials convey a balanced picture of America's diverse political environment. Some of the major issues examined in these articles are the federal bureaucracy, the president's relationship with Congress, government regulation, foreign policy formulation, legislative veto power, the relationship of Congress with the Supreme Court, excessive lobbying, the president and the press, and the pros and cons of public action committees (PACs). Learning activities and case studies in each chapter add depth and relevance to the issues raised in these articles. Case studies include such topics as school desegregation, media coverage of the Vietnam War, President Reagan's tax and budget battles with Congress, and restrictions on Japanese imports. The handbook appendices include a copy of the Constitution and a glossary of political terms. (LP)