This is the introductory unit to the second semester "Comparing Political Experiences" course which focuses on specific, controversial political issues. The unit uses a comic book format to teach 12th-grade students the fundamental political concepts of system, political-system types, and political experiences which will be used in later units that focus on specific issues. The unit is self-instructional, and students proceed at their own rate. The unit centers around the fictitious planet of Acton which is facing environmental disaster. In searching for a new planet to inhabit, the Actonites experience and learn about many new and diverse political systems. Episode 1 identifies the concept of system and describes a participant political system. Episode 2 describes and applies the concepts of political resources, activities, and maintenance. Episode 3 examines the elite political system and explains the concept of political development. Episode 4 identifies a bureaucratic political system and explains the concept of political conflict. Episode 5 defines a coalitional political system, political change, and the role of the observer in bring about change. (Author/DE)