This booklet is one of a series of reports addressing the most critical issues confronting state boards of education throughout the United States. Each report attempts to present a concise, informative review and analysis of the best and most current information available on one of these critical topics. This booklet focuses on the role of state boards of education in political issues affecting education. Section 1 contains a brief overview and summary of the booklet; section 2 presents a review and analysis of the political role of state boards of education by Michael D. Usdan; section 3 presents a number of action alternatives recommended by the staff of the National Association of State Boards of Education; and section 4 contains footnotes and a brief annotated bibliography prepared by the author of section 2. (Author/JG)