The resource handbook contains ideas, suggestions, and resource materials for teaching about the state and local government of Oregon to students at the elementary and secondary grade levels. The guide's major objective is to assure that new voters will graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to be confident and active participants in government at all levels. Teaching techniques suggested include questioning techniques, class discussion, research, games and simulations, community action projects, and creative art activities. The handbook is divided into four major sections, each of which is organized around one of the following political science concepts: (1) The function of government is made increasingly difficult due to the rapidity and intensity of change in modern American society. (2) Governmental units are supported by an orderly procedure of self-taxation. (3) Government must respond to change, and in a democracy the nature and direction of governmental response to change is conditioned by the extent of popular participation in political processes. (4) State and local governmental units are created and altered to meet specific needs of the people within those units. Although the guide specifically treats government in Oregon, it can serve as a model for local government teaching in other states. (Author/RM)