This is one unit of the series described in SO 000 378. To insure that his unit will go beyond the general treatment of government thought in Civics or American History classes, emphasis has been placed on the methods of inquiry which will help the student achieve the self-realization of his own role in government. An examination is made into the roots of our heritage, the underlying values and goals of American Society, and the reasons for our basic beliefs. Some specific objectives are described: 1) to understand that local, state, and federal governments through control, regulation, and services affect the way we live; 2) to investigate the government role in finding solutions to continuing problems; 3) to understand the framework of the government, the relationship between federal and state powers, and the division of authority at each level of government; 4) to realize the survival of the democratic system depends on the active participation of all citizens; 5) to understand the right to dissent; 6) to investigate the ideas of Western Civilization that influenced the philosophy of government; 7) to grasp the flexibility of our constitution; and 8) to realize that a society cannot be organized or functional without laws. (SBE)