The introduction to the California History-Social Science Content Standards refers to "the rights and obligations of citizenship." Emphasis within the standards is on understanding, analyzing and explaining the functions and structures of government and the political process, and not on practicing citizenship skills beyond the classroom.

The California History-Social Science Framework is based on the California History-Social Science Content Standards. The framework encourages discussion of controversial issues; emphasizes the importance of "the application of ethical understanding and civic virtue to public affairs," including "the individual responsibility and behavior that create a good society [and] the individual's role in how society governs itself"; and encourages "the development of civic and democratic values as an integral element of good citizenship." The framework provides opportunities for student participation in school and community service programs and activities and also includes an appendix on service-learning.