A simple independent-quark model based on the Dirac equation with an equally mixed scalar–vector linear confining potential model is used to obtain a fit for the electromagnetic properties — like the magnetic moments, charge radii and axial-vector coupling-constant ratios — of octet baryons, taking into account the appropriate center-of-mass corrections. This fit is extended to include the quark-core contributions to the nucleon electromagnetic form factors [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and the axial-vector form factor GA(q2). The respective root-mean-square radii associated with [Formula: see text] and GA(q2) come out as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The possibility of restoring in this model the chiral symmetry in the usual way is discussed and the pion-nucleon coupling constant is found as gπ NN = 13.72 as compared to (gπ NN ) exp ≃ 13.