North Dakota has performance and content standards. Both contain 9 standards common across grades, and knowledge and skill benchmarks for each standard, at grades 4, 8 and 12. The performance standards describe four performance levels for each benchmark (novice, partially proficient, proficient and advanced proficiency). The content standards include the same standards and benchmarks, along with examples of specific knowledge that students must demonstrate to meet the standard, and examples of instructional activities that would help students meet the standards and benchmarks. Standard 5: Students understand the role of the citizen in society. Benchmark 8.5.2 (grade 5): Understand the necessity of citizen participation in the political process.

The Social Studies Content Standards include examples of activities that support the standards and benchmarks, but there is no instructional framework.