One of a series of pamphlets providing practical and useful sources of classroom techniques for social studies teachers, the concern of this issue is how to engage children in the study of political participation, attending to varied dimensions of political actions and approaches to analysis. The first of two sections discusses political participation in terms of citizen actions and informs the teacher of social organization and membership theory. The second section contains suggestions for study describing a variety of approaches which teachers can adapt or extend according to their instructional setting with upper-elementary or middle school students. The activities, for each of which a statement of purpose and an outline of activities is given, include the following: Initiating a dialogue on dilemmas of participation; Developing a comparative study; Observing participation in public meetings; Developing a political participation index: Developing a measure of political trust; and Developing a belief in influence scale. A two-part bibliography is first concerned with literature that focuses on political participation, discussions of democratic theory, and descriptive studies of participation, and secondly identifies curriculum projects, games, and miscellaneous agencies, publishers, and materials useful in planning further experiences. A related document is ED 083 057. (KSM)