While a formal civics course is not offered until high school, kindergarten students learn to «identify personal traits, such as courage, honesty, and responsibility» and third - graders learn to «explain how local government officials are
chosen, e.g., election, appointment,» according to the Idaho State Department of Education's
social studies standards.22 By the time students reach 12th grade, they are more prepared to learn civics - related
topics, such as the electoral process and role of political parties; the methods of public participation; and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, than students with no prior exposure to a civics curriculum.