In this paper, a comparison of the Latin American and the North American society is presented as a preliminary to future refinement of the concepts into instructional devices for secondary students. Following discussion of the distinctions between the two general societal types (Latin America as organic-centripetal and North America as pluralistic-centrifugal), 17 characteristics illustrating 68 general concepts relating to these societies are charted in terms of: 1) traditional, contemporary, or dominant societal tendencies; and, 2) the pressures promoting conflicts and change. The characteristics--religion, social classes, family structure, education, agrarianism, urbanism, philosophy, ideology, violence, economy, the military, public administration, political parties, representation and voting, and affluence--are then analyzed narratively to provide concrete examples of how the general concepts can explain commonalities among Latin American societies, with special reference to the political consequences of the characteristics. A description of an experimental game replicating a Latin American election and a list of more than 70 selected readings on Latin America are appended. (GC)