This guide is designed to help teachers prepare lessons about the purpose, history, organization, and functions of the selective service system. The following topics are covered in the guide's seven sections: the selective service system today; history of conscription in the United States; history of the selective service system; organization and functions of the selective service system; selective service classification; duties and responsibilities of local and appeal boards; and the selective service claim and appeal process. Each section includes background information, a summary of important teaching points, and several commonly asked questions and their answers. Contains a glossary and 27 references. (MN)