This paper discusses the content of the social studies tests of the 1981-82 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Selected social studies and citizenship items were administered to 3,200 students aged 9, 13, and 17 and to adults aged 26-35. Twelve sources describing the social studies tests were reviewed, particularly the Citizenship and Social Studies Objectives and the Released Exercises, containing about one-fourth of the test items. The objectives were developed by 255 people, and resulted in 196 specific objectives in five major categories, demonstrating: (1) skills necessary to acquire information; (2) skills necessary to use information; (3) understanding of individual development and communication skills; (4) understanding of and interest in the ways humans organize, adapt to, and change their environment; and (5) understanding of and interest in the development of the United States. There were also 32 mid-level objectives, which are appended. Most of the objectives dealt with content, while some covered discourse, thinking, and values and attitudes. There was concern about content validity, since the categories were not evenly represented. In a number of cases, an argument could be made about the correct alternative from the multiple choice items. (GDC)