Indiana Social Studies IS.2.4
The Standard
Give examples of how citizens can participate in their state government and explain their rights and responsibilities, including civic engagement and voting.
2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students name ways to take part in state government, such as voting when eligible, contacting a state lawmaker, or speaking at a public hearing. They explain voting rights and responsibilities, including learning about candidates and following election rules.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can choose a way to act on a state issue and explain how to do it. They can distinguish the right to vote from the responsibility to make an informed choice.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may confuse state lawmakers with members of Congress or think only voters can contact state officials. Some think voting is required by law or assume every state has the same registration rules.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Name two ways to influence a state decision, including one you could use before turning 18. Explain one right and one responsibility of an eligible voter.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use your state legislature’s district lookup to find the representative for a local public library, then mark the district on a printed map.
Ask: Can a 16-year-old influence a state bill without voting? Have students name one action and explain the right that protects it.
Give pairs cards labeled vote, email a state senator, testify at a hearing, and campaign; have them sort which actions require voting eligibility.
Display a current bill from your state legislature’s website; have students draft a two-sentence message to a lawmaker stating a position and reason.
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Printable IS.2.4 Worksheet
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- 4.C.5
Give examples of how citizens can participate in their state government and explain the right and responsibility of voting.
- 3.C.5
Explain the role citizens have in making decisions and rules within the community, state, and nation, such as participating in local and regional activities, vo...
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