NC Standard Course of Study contains civics standards. Each grade-level starts with a list of strands addressed and includes a series of "competency goals." Each competency goal includes a series of objectives. E.g., Competency Goal 4 for the 10th-grade citizenship course is: "The learner will explore active roles as a citizen at the local, state, and national levels of government." Objective 4.04 is "Demonstrate active methods of promoting and inhibiting change through political action." Objective 4.08 is "Participate in civic life, politics, and/or the government."

The Social Studies Standard Course of Study (effective 2003-04 school year) includes a recommended course sequence and competency goals at each grade level, aligned with the course sequence. The introduction supports the idea of "citizenship education as the primary purpose of K12 social studies" and argues that an effective program "prepares students to make decisions based on democratic principles" and "leads to citizen participation in public affairs." The Course of Study recommends citizenship courses in 3rd and 10th grades. American government is an elective course.

G.S.§ 115C-81 is an Act to Enhance and Further Implement the Provisions of the Student Citizen Act of 2001: encourages all middle & high schools "to have elected student councils through which students have input into policies and decisions that affect them. The purpose of these student councils is to build civic skills and attitudes such as participation in elections, discussion and debate of issues and collaborative decision making." Also encourages discussion of current events, especially in social studies and language arts classes. Local boards of education are encouraged to teach the responsibility of service to others by providing opportunities for student involvement in community service or service-learning, to teach the responsibility of good citizenship, which includes obeying state and national laws, abiding by school rules, and "understanding the rights and responsibilities of a member of the republic." Amends 115C-105.35 to include a provision instructing the State Board of Education to consider incorporating into the School-Based Management and Accountability Program a character and civic education component, which may include a requirement for student councils.