Express an understanding of how civic participation affects policy by applying the rights and responsibilities of a citizen. Includes electoral processes, voting rights, interest groups, political parties, media literacy, information evaluation, community engagement, and advocacy.

Colorado's 2022 Academic Standards for Social Studies in Civics emphasize two core competencies: Civic Participation (applying civic rights and responsibilities in community, state, national, and global contexts) and Government Structure and Function (analyzing origins, structures, and functions of government). Content spans constitutional principles, federalism, the three branches of federal government, Colorado state and local government, civil rights and liberties, political participation, and public policy analysis. Colorado is notable for mandating civics as the only statewide graduation requirement in social studies — other social studies courses (history, geography, economics) are required by local districts, not state law.