This study examines past and present public issue forums and their role in the United States political system. The first chapter describes traditional forms of the public forum such as town meetings, neighborhood societies, lyceums, university extension programs, and settlement house networks. Analyzed next are the content, organization, and effectiveness of the following modern forum movements: The Studebaker Forums (1932-40); the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Schools of Philosophy and Farmer Discussion Forums (1935-40); the Foreign Policy Associates Great Decisions Program (1955-present); the National Endowment for the Humanities Bicentennial American Issues Forum (1975-76); the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges' National Energy Forum (1980); the Twin Cities Citizens League (1952-present); and Swedish Study Circles (1903-present). Various lessons to be learned from the case studies are covered, including issues raised by the case studies (an overriding sense of mission, centralized versus decentralized management, timing of the program, local sponsorship, use of national organizations, issue selection, materials, use of media, leadership training, formats for discussions, getting beyond the typical forum audience, and citizen response); the Swedish study circles and the American context; and future public forum movements. The final chapter deals with the Domestic Policy Association, the United States' newest national issues forum. (MN)