Idaho Social Studies 3.SS.4.4

Social Studies3rd GradeCivics and Government

The Standard

Explain how local government officials are chosen, e.g., election, or appointment.

Idaho Content Standards: K-12 Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain two ways local officials get their jobs. In an election, voters choose. In an appointment, an official or group chooses someone for the job.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a sample town ballot and a council hiring notice, a student identifies which job is elected and which is appointed. They name who makes each choice.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think every local official is chosen by voters. They may also think an appointment means the person volunteered, rather than being selected by someone with authority.
How to Assess It: Give students two statements: “Residents vote for mayor” and “The council chooses a town manager.” Ask them to label each election or appointment and circle who makes the choice.

Lesson moves

Have pairs sort cards showing residents voting for mayor and a council choosing a town manager into election and appointment piles.
Ask students: “Who chooses the mayor in our sample town? Who chooses its town manager?” Have them write one sentence for each.
Play a matching game with role cards, chooser cards, and election or appointment cards; ask students to explain each match.
Show a local election ballot and a council meeting notice about filling a job; ask students who makes each choice.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.SS.4.4, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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