The political learning of 2,584 children enrolled in elementary and junior high schools of southern California is explored in this report. Growth patterns of Mexican-American and Anglo-American children are studied and comparisons are made in their political orientations. Data were obtained by questionnaires administered in grades 4-8 after the general elections of 1970 and in January and February of 1971. The analysis of children's responses focused on: 1) knowledge of political information; 2) attitude toward political authority; and, 3) orientations toward citizenship role. Principal findings indicate that as a group, Mexican-American children acquire less political information than their Anglo-American counterparts whether responses are analyzed by ethnic background alone, or by ethnic background and sex, social status, and level of ability. The gap between the two ethnic groups tends to widen as children progress through the grades. Mexican-American children of lower socioeconomic status are highly cynical about responsiveness of government to their needs and anticipate unfair treatment from policemen and judges. Fewer Mexican-American children have internalized norms associated with political involvement. At certain points in the report suggestions are made to educators concerning children's curricular needs in political affairs and the unique needs of the Mexican-American child. (Author/JLB)