Oklahoma Social Studies 2.C.1.7
The Standard
- 2.C.1
- Explain the importance of the basic principles that provide the foundation of the United States of America’s system of government.
Explain how active citizens participate in democratic governments by voting to elect officials who represent them and by running for public office.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies (2026) · 2.C.1
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain that eligible voters choose people to hold public office. They also explain that a person can run for office and, if elected, represent the people in their community.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can describe what a voter does and what a candidate does. They can say whom an elected mayor or council member represents.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think voting and running for office are the same thing. Some think children can vote in public elections, or that an elected official represents only the people who voted for them.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: An adult wants to help choose the town's mayor or become mayor. Write what the adult would do in each case, and say whom the winner represents.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Let volunteers run for class representative, give classmates paper ballots, count the votes, and name whom the winner represents.
Ask, 'Why might someone vote for a candidate instead of running for office?' Have students write one reason for each choice.
Sort cards reading 'casts a ballot,' 'asks to be mayor,' and 'counts votes' into voter, candidate, or election worker piles.
Show a ballot from a past local election; students find the office and candidates, then name the community the winner represents.
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Printable 2.C.1.7 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- USG.C.5.1
Analyze how citizens participate in our constitutional republic by voting in public elections and running for public office; describe factors that affect voter ...
- 3.C.1.4.B
Explain the importance of voting in elections and running for public office to the preservation of a constitutional republic.
- 4.P.2.1
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of government, the benefits of democratic systems, and their responsibilities as citizens.
- 4.C.1
Explain the principles of democratic government and the role of citizens.
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