This guide for high school political science teachers focuses on political decision making. The program emphasizes experiential learning through utilizing community and state resources and implementing field study and internships for students. The document is presented in eight sections. The introduction includes a values survey and suggestions for introducing students to active citizenship. Section II discusses data collection and community research. A questionnaire and description of a student project in New Jersey are included. Students assess community and police relations, recreational needs, youth services, senior citizen services, housing, and health services. Section III, "Influences," examines the news media, permanent and ad hoc lobbying pressure organizations, and political parties. Procedures for organizing a student legislative training center are outlined. Section IV examines the legislative process at the state level with an emphasis on identifying key points at which pressure can be brought to influence legislation. Section V outlines the Model Congress, an annual event in which high school students representing different schools convene to simulate legislative politics and decision making. Section VI describes a community recycling program and Sections VII and VIII present a county and local government curriculum guide. Simulation games and activities are included in appendices. A resource guide of organizations, publications, audiovisual materials, and simulations concludes the document. (KC)