The questions are distributed relatively equally among the social science learning standards.
Many questions address more than one standard.
The social science disciplines comprise political systems, economic systems, and social systems. The content covered by the political systems standards includes the basic principles and traditions of the U.S. government, the structure and functions of government, the election process, and foreign policy. The economics standards require a student to have knowledge and understanding of economic systems and the nature of the U.S. economy, including choices people make in the production and distribution of goods and services and the relationship of governments to trade and economic practices. The items also assess students understanding of the roles of individuals and groups in society and the development of social systems over time. The U.S. and world history standards require students to use historical skills and analysis, understand historical events, and have knowledge of the development of political system, economic systems, and social systems.