The effect of political influences on the allocation of personnel, money, facilities, and equipment by elementary school principals is discussed in this paper. The use of Zald's political economy framework as a tool for understanding the principal's role in allocating resources is described by the author. He suggests that the principal occupies a pivotal position (between the school and central office) through which resources flow. The author comments on the constraints and channels that are influenced or created by the political structure of the district. Finally, the way in which research might affect resource allocation is discussed by using the political economy framework as a conceptual tool. (Author/JEH)