"The study of the social sciences (civics, economics, geography, and history) prepares students for responsible citizenship." The goal of the Oregon Civics and Government Standards is for students to "understand and apply knowledge about government and political systems, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens." One standard is "Understand participatory responsibilities of citizens in the community (voluntarism) and in the political process (becoming informed about public issues and candidates, joining political parties/interest groups/associations, communicating with public officials, voting, influencing lawmaking through such processes as petitions/initiatives)." Another standard emphasizes the influence of individual and group support or dissent on government.

The state publishes a Social Sciences Grade-Level Map of Oregon's Common Curriculum Goals, Content Standards and Eligible Content and a 2-page tool called "Is Social Science Analysis Embedded in Daily Instruction?" but does not publish a curriculum framework that guides instruction at each level through sample lesson plans or instructional strategies. The grade-level map details the skills needed at each grade level to meet benchmarks 2, 3 and CIM (Certificate of Initial Mastery). These benchmarks correspond roughly to grades 5, 8 and 10.