This resource packet is designed to provide teachers and other civic educators with an introduction to differing concepts of authority views of the state in a complex world environment and to serve as a blueprint for developing materials, classes and programs for civic education. The material discusses: (1) the relationship between the concepts of state, nation, nation-state, and ethnic group; (2) the purposes served by various states and their priorities; and (3) the exercise of political authority and use of power without authority. The papers included are: "On the Concept of Authority" (R. Freeman Butts); "The Soviet View of the State" (The Close Up Foundation); "On the Crisis of Legitimacy in the Communist World" (James H. Billington); and "Citizenship and Different Views of the State" (Jeane J. Kirkpatrick). Discussion questions, program and curriculum ideas, suggested readings, and a list of organizations with related resources conclude the document. (NL)