Lessons in the Basic Skills series help social studies instructors respond to the need to both teach course content and provide meaningful instruction in basic skills. This unit illustrates the mechanics and reality of government. Lessons focus on American government—national, state, and local. Independent lessons can be used in any sequence and throughout a government or civics course.

Topics covered in Basic Skills: Government include the ratification of the Constitution and constitutional reform, voting patterns, the origin of American symbols, political parties, campaign financing, and the checks and balances system. Part 1 strengthens reading skills with lessons such as Using the Textbook Effectively: The National Standards for Civics and Government and Reading for Literal Meaning: Constitutional Reform. Part 2 reinforces study skills with lessons that include Listening for Information: Betsy Ross’s Star and Following Directions: Types of Elections. Part 3 addresses reference and information research skills. Lessons include Using the Almanac: Federal Government Officials and Using the Internet: Searching the World Wide Web. Part 4 focuses on maps, globes, and visual materials. Lessons include Using Charts and Graphs: State Officials’ Salaries and Using Scale and Location: Our Nation’s Capital and Historical Philadelphia. Part 5 provides practice in using information skills, with lessons such as Determining Cause and Effect: Civil Rights and Civil Disobedience and Predicting Possible Outcomes: Terrorist Acts. Part 6 explores interpersonal relationships and social participation skills. Lessons include Communicating Personal Beliefs and Feelings: Judicial Review and Keeping Informed about People, Events, and Issues: Local and State Government.