The rationale, goals, curriculum components, instructional strategies, and curriculum development process of a two-semester, secondary-level political science course, "Comparing Political Experiences," are described in this paper. Developed as part of the High School Political Science Curriculum Project at Indiana University, the major purpose of the course is to build political competence in students by teaching them political knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in political activities. The instructional materials include two semesters of course work for 12th-grade students. "The Political Systems," a first-semester course, focuses on key concepts such as political systems, experiences, resources, and activities. It also presents basic skills in analyzing political life and participating in political groups. The "Political Issues" second-semester course offers an in-depth documentary study of four common, political experiences and an opportunity for students to extend and refine their skills. The teaching methods of the curriculum stress active-inquiry learning, often with documentary case studies and programmed exercises. Field testing, revisions, evaluation, and diffusion activities of the materials are also described. (Author/DE)