Recognize that citizens must stay informed about public policy, participate civically, and uphold laws at local, state, and federal levels

Delaware's State Standards for Social Studies organize K-12 content across four areas — Civics, Economics, Geography, and History — with standards-based assessments at grades 4, 7, and 11. The Civics strand for grades 9-12 addresses government structure and ideology, the constitutional role of political parties and interest groups, American government as a dynamic and evolving process, informed citizen participation, and practical civic skills development. Delaware is notable among states for not mandating a specific civics course or civics test for high school graduation — civics content is integrated into the broader social studies curriculum across grade levels rather than isolated in a standalone required course. Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, the Delaware scope and sequence places Grade 7 social studies as a focused civics and economics year, with students examining government structure and purposes, principles of the American political system, rights and responsibilities of citizens, and civic participation skills.