THE FEDERAL ROLE IN CONSUMER PROTECTION IS OUTLINED, WITH ATTENTION TO THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, THE POSTAL SERVICE, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND UBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, AND THE OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND TO THE PROVISIONS OF FEDERAL LAW AND FEDERAL CONSUMER AGENCY LEGISLATION. SELECTED STATE LEGISLATION IS EXAMINED WITH RESPECT TO CONSUMER PROTECTION INITIATIVES IN ALASKA, ARIZONA, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW MEXICO, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TEXAS, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND OTHER STATES. MISCELLANEOUS STATE PROVISIONS ARE ALSO SUMMARIZED. INTELLIGENT BUYING PRACTICES ARE OUTLINED WITH REGARD TO HOME IMPROVEMENTS, GUARANTEES, CONSUMER BUYING RIGHTS, HEALTH CARE, BUYING USED CARS, BUYING AIR CONDITIONERS, SPOTTING WORK-AT-HOME FRAUDS, LEGISLATION COVERING UNORDERED MERCHANDISE, AND DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES. THE CONSUMER'S POSITION IN THE FRANCHISING SYSTEM AND THE HISTORY OF CONSUMERISM ARE ALSO DISCUSSED. STATE CONSUMER STATUTE REFERENCES AND DISCLOSURE CONTRACT FORMS ARE APPENDED. AN INDEX IS INCLUDED. (KBL)