Public Records Keep Power Visible

Reader Unit 18, pages 69-72 of The Constitution Kids.

Watch for information the characters need before they can judge whether a decision is fair.

The story path moves into transparency: people can only hold power accountable if they can see enough of what power is doing.

Core civic idea: Transparency gives citizens evidence for participation, oversight, and trust.

Public records are often seen as windows into government actions and decisions. But how much can you really learn from them, and where do these records leave gaps in understanding the full story?

Assign the reading, then use the connected topic as the classroom explainer or discussion guide.

A short video lesson connecting this part of the story to the civic idea is planned.