  The general expression for excitation cross section of polarized atoms by
polarized electrons is derived by using the methods of the theory of an atom
adapted for polarization. The special cases of the general expression for the
description of the angular distribution and alignment of excited atoms in the
case of polarized and non-polarized atoms as well as the magnetic dichroism of
the total excitation cross section of polarized atoms are obtained. The cross
sections and alignment parameters for the excitation of the autoionizing states
2p$^5$3s$^2$ $^2$P$_{3/2}$ for Na and 3p$^5$4s$^2$ $^2$P$_{3/2}$ for K are
calculated in distorted wave with exchange approximation.
