Indiana Social Studies 5.C.7
The Standard
Examine ways by which citizens may effectively voice opinions, monitor government, and bring about change in government, including voting and participation in the election process.
2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify ways people can share concerns with officials, check government decisions, and seek change. They explain how eligible voters choose candidates and how other people can take part in elections.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a local problem, a student can choose an official to contact and explain what to ask for. They can use meeting minutes to check what happened and explain how an election could affect future decisions.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students think signing a petition automatically changes a law. Others think only adults can voice concerns or that checking on officials ends after an election.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A city plans to remove a playground. Name one way to tell officials what you think, one way to check their decision, and one way an election could affect what happens next.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups mock candidate flyers, paper ballots, and a later council vote record; tally ballots, then compare the winner's vote with their campaign promise.
Ask students to write: The town may close the library on Saturdays. How could citizens share concerns and track the council's decision?
Run a card sort: match campaign volunteering, public comments, meeting minutes, and petitions to speaking up, checking decisions, or seeking change.
Show students local council meeting minutes; have them find a vote and draft one respectful question for a council member.
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Printable 5.C.7 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 8.C.6
Explain ways that citizens can participate in the election process (e.g., political parties, campaigns, and elections) at the federal, state, and local levels.
- 4.C.5
Give examples of how citizens can participate in their state government and explain the right and responsibility of voting.
- IS.2.4
Give examples of how citizens can participate in their state government and explain their rights and responsibilities, including civic engagement and voting.
- 8.C.7
Explain how citizens can monitor and influence the development and implementation of public policies at local, state, and federal levels of government.
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