This booklet traces the emergence of a democratic government in Nigeria through military dictatorship to the writing of a constitution fashioned on the American model. Chapters include: (1) "Prologue"; (2) "Nigeria Defined"; (3) "Tragedy and Recovery: The First Republic and the Federal Military Government"; (4) "The Making of the Second Republic: Democracy Reborn"; and (5) "Nigeria and the United States." Monographs in FPA's Headline Series are published approximately four times a year and are intended as a resource for teachers and students in the foreign policy area. Each monograph: is about a world area or topic; is written by a noted scholar; is brief (usually 64 pages); is written to be highly readable; and includes basic background, maps, charts, discussion guides, and suggested reading. (EH)