Frequently Asked Questions
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution promotes a greater understanding of our constitutional democracy, its institutions, and its fundamental principles and values. The curriculum develops the skills needed to become effective and responsible citizens. It increases students’ understanding of and willingness to use democratic processes to make decisions and manage public and private conflicts. The curriculum builds around civic values and concepts fundamental to the theory and practice of democratic citizenship in the United States.
The fundamental hypothesis of the We the People curriculum is that education can increase a person’s capacity and inclination to act knowledgeably, effectively, and responsibly. It follows that educational institutions must help students improve their capacity to make intelligent choices for themselves—to learn how to think rather than what to think.
We the People Curriculum
How is the Curriculum Organized?
The curriculum covers the origins of the Constitution, its historical development, its functioning over 235 years, and the contemporary challenges it faces in the 21st century.
The student text divides into units of study, and each unit subdivides into individual lessons.
How Does the Curriculum Breakdown by Grade Level?
The We the People curriculum focuses on enhancing students’ understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy and helping them discover the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
The curriculum breaks into three levels, each designed to target specific grade ranges and provide progressively deeper insights into the U.S. Constitution. These three levels are:
- Elementary School Level (Level 1):
- Targeted Grades: Primarily for grades 4-5.
- Overview: The Level 1 curriculum introduces younger students to fundamental concepts related to the Constitution and the structure of the U.S. government. It uses age-appropriate materials and activities to teach basic civic knowledge and values.
- Key Topics: Elementary school students learn about the Constitution's basic principles, citizens' roles, and the importance of civic participation.
- Middle School Level (Level 2):
- Targeted Grades: Primarily for grades 6-8.
- Overview: Level 2 builds upon the foundational knowledge introduced in Level 1 and delves deeper into constitutional concepts. Students explore more complex topics related to the Constitution, government institutions, and historical context.
- Key Topics: Middle school students study the Constitution's origins, the Bill of Rights, federalism, and the roles and responsibilities of government branches and citizens. They engage in discussions and activities that encourage critical thinking.
- High School Level (Level 3):
- Targeted Grades: Primarily intended for high school students.
- Overview: Level 3 comprehensively examines the Constitution and the American government. It challenges students to think critically about constitutional principles and their application to contemporary issues. The curriculum fits well as part of advanced civics or government courses.
- Key Topics: High school students explore in-depth topics such as the Constitutional Convention, the structure and functions of government, the judicial branch, civil liberties and civil rights, and the Constitution's relevance in modern society. They engage in more advanced discussions, research, and simulations.
Each level of the We the People curriculum is tailored to the age and grade level of the students, ensuring that the content is age-appropriate and aligns with learners' development. The curriculum progressively deepens students' understanding of the Constitution, civic engagement, and the principles of American democracy as they advance through their school years.
What’s In the Student Book?
- Lesson Purpose – This introductory paragraph gives students a glimpse of this lesson's material.
- Lesson Objectives – These statements provide students with an awareness of what they should know and be able to do upon completion of the lesson.
- Terms to Understand – Each lesson begins with a list of essential words and concepts. Students may utilize quizzes – such as multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, or correctly using the term or concept in a sentence – to test their knowledge of the terms and concepts.
- Critical Thinking Exercises – This feature offers another opportunity to assess students’ capacity to develop and defend an argument and to support it with evidence.
- What Do You Think? – This feature can assess student understanding as the lesson progresses. The questions in this segment help teachers check for understanding, conduct a class discussion, or, more formally, have students prepare essays or write position papers.
- Reviewing and Using the Lesson – This feature can be used as a quiz at the end of each lesson to evaluate whether students have learned the material covered in the lesson. Or it can be used as a homework assignment to review the material covered.
- Activities – Found immediately after Reviewing and Using the Lesson, this section provides optional activities to substitute, support, or enrich the lesson.
- Reference Section – Found at the end of the student book, it contains significant documents often used in the lessons: For example, the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution.
How Do I Use the Textbook?
The We the People materials are designed to align with social studies and civics standards. The curriculum materials will be supplemental to the material you already use in your classroom, although some classes use it exclusively. Here are some ways you can incorporate the curriculum into your instruction:
- Structured Lesson Plans: The curriculum provides structured lesson plans and materials for teachers. Educators can follow these plans to ensure comprehensive coverage of constitutional topics.
- Debate and Discussion: Use the curriculum as a basis for class debates and discussions. Encourage students to explore different perspectives on constitutional issues and engage in civil discourse.
- Research Projects: Assign research projects based on specific constitutional topics covered in the curriculum. Such assignments encourage independent learning and critical thinking.
- Current Events Analysis: Connect the curriculum to current events and contemporary issues. Discuss how constitutional principles apply to real-world situations.
- Essay and Writing Assignments: Give assignments requiring students to analyze constitutional issues and express their opinions coherently.
- Critical Thinking Exercises: Incorporate critical thinking exercises like case studies and hypothetical scenarios to challenge students' understanding of constitutional concepts.
- Assessment and Quizzes: Use the provided assessment materials and quizzes to gauge students' understanding of the material.
- Simulated Congressional Hearings: Teachers can organize simulated congressional hearings in classrooms or schools. This activity allows students to apply their knowledge through discussions and presentations about constitutional issues.
Simulated Congressional Hearings
What is a Simulated Congressional Hearing?
We the People has a built-in authentic performance assessment: simulated congressional hearings. The simulated hearings allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles. Students can evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.
Students act as expert witnesses and "testify" their constitutional knowledge in the format of simulated congressional hearings. A volunteer judging panel- comprised of adults from the community will hear the students present, ask follow-up questions, and offer feedback.
How Do Students Prepare for a Simulated Congressional Hearing?
A class is divided into small groups based on the number of units in the curriculum. Each group typically has 3-6 students, depending on the class size.
Each group works collaboratively to prepare answers to all the questions for the unit.
Students review materials in the We the People textbook and research other materials, preparing a four-minute response to the question for each unit and getting ready to answer follow-up questions related to the initial question.
Students should prepare a presentation answering all parts of their question so that, when read, it is four minutes at most. Students may use the text or any other reference materials to prepare a response to their question. Questions may ask students to form and explain their own opinions.
Responses may be written on paper or note cards. They do not need to be memorized.
What Questions Do Students Answer for the Simulated Congressional Hearing?
For Levels 1 and 2, the questions are in the back of the Teacher’s Edition. They are also available online. There are three multi-part questions per unit.
For Level 3, the Center for Civic Education provides new questions every year. They are available online. Previous years’ questions are also available online.
How Does a Hearing Work?
During a hearing, groups of students engage in a structured format that includes a four-minute oral response segment, during which they can refer to their notes.
Subsequently, a judging panel poses follow-up questions to the students, who must respond without notes for six minutes. The follow-up questions relate to the students' presentations and associated content. Using a scoring rubric, these judges evaluate both the prepared oral presentation and the responses to follow-up questions.
Do I Have to Participate in a State Competition to Use the Simulated Congressional Hearing?
Nope! You can host your simulated congressional hearings in your classroom or school. Here are the steps to do so:
- Select a Topic or Unit: Choose a specific unit or topic from the curriculum you want students to focus on during the Simulated Congressional Hearing. The unit or topic could be related to a particular section of the Constitution or a specific theme.
- Form Student Teams: Divide your class into teams, each responsible for researching and presenting on a specific aspect of the chosen topic.
- Research and Preparation: Provide time for students to research their assigned topics thoroughly. Encourage them to use primary and secondary sources, including curriculum materials, books, articles, and online resources.
- Develop Oral Presentations: Instruct each team to prepare a brief oral presentation (around four minutes) summarizing their research findings. Emphasize the importance of clear and concise communication.
- Create a Panel of Judges: Identify individuals who will serve as judges for the Simulated Congressional Hearing. These judges can be educators, community members, or even older students. Ensure that they understand the rules and objectives of the Simulated Congressional Hearing.
- Set a Date and Location: Choose a date and location for the Simulated Congressional Hearing. It can occur within your classroom or in a larger auditorium or meeting space, depending on the scale of the event.
- Establish Rules and Format: Define the rules and format for the Simulated Congressional Hearing, including time limits for presentations and question-and-answer sessions. Ensure that students understand how their presentations are evaluated.
- Practice Rounds: Conduct practice rounds with students to simulate the Simulated Congressional Hearing format. These rounds will help students become comfortable with the process and refine their presentations.
- Simulated Congressional Hearing Event: On the selected date, host the Simulated Congressional Hearing event. Each team presents its research findings, followed by a question-and-answer session with the panel of judges. Encourage active engagement and discussion.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Judges assess each team's presentation and responses based on predetermined criteria. Provide constructive feedback to students after the event, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
- Debrief and Reflection: After the Simulated Congressional Hearing, facilitate a debriefing session where students reflect on their experiences and what they learned.
- Awards or Recognition: Consider recognizing students with awards or certificates to acknowledge their efforts and achievements.
What If I Do Want to Compete?
Great! State Coordinators organize the regional and state-level competitions. Please reach out to the coordinator in your state for more information.
The National Finals
What are the National Finals?
Prepare to be amazed as high school students from across the nation showcase their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and the American government. This isn't your typical competition; it's an intellectual showdown that inspires critical thinking and civic engagement.
Now in its fifth decade, the National Finals of We the People bring together students from high schools nationwide, adding an exciting finale to their educational journey. The competition format follows the Simulated Congressional Hearing model, the authentic assessment tool of the We the People curriculum.
The competition typically features 48 teams, each representing their respective states. Winners of state competitions determine the final lineup of these competitive teams, and they’re usually known by mid-February.
Where and When Are the Finals Held?
The National Finals typically unfolds in and around the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C., providing an immersive learning experience. The next event will take place April 9-11, 2025.
While in Washington, D.C., students can explore our nation's capital, learn about government beyond the classroom walls, and meet with elected officials, community leaders, and other dignitaries. Grand Classroom manages travel, lodging, and tour arrangements for participating classes. The Center for Civic Education organizes all other aspects of the National Finals.
For more information, please contact Emily Voss.
Who Attends the We the People National Finals?
To qualify for participation in the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals, a team must go through prior competitions at various levels. The exact process may vary slightly depending on the state or region, but the general steps are as follows:
- Regional Competitions: In many cases, there are regional competitions where teams of students showcase their knowledge and understanding of the Constitution. A State Coordinator organizes these competitions.
- State Competitions: Winning or top-performing teams from regional competitions may advance to state-level competitions. The winning team from each state is then invited to advance to the National Finals. If the opportunity allows, a state’s second-place team may also be invited to attend the National Finals as a Wild Card entry. State competition questions can be found here.
- National Finals: The National Finals are the ultimate stage of the competition, where the best teams from across the country come together to compete.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements to Compete?
The We the People National Finals presents a unique opportunity for high school classes. The following policies are designed to guide schools preparing to participate in the National Finals during the 2024–2025 Academic Year.
Team Eligibility
- Rostered Classes:
- All rostered classes, regardless of size, are encouraged to participate in the We the People National Finals.
- After-School Clubs:
- Clubs are eligible to participate, provided their respective state has not sent a team to the We the People National Finals since 2019.
Team Composition
- There are no strict rules regarding team size. The class competition fee remains the same, regardless of the class size, ensuring that all classes, big or small, can participate.
- Each participating class must answer all six unit questions.
- Classes must be divided into six groups, each responsible for testifying on their assigned unit.
- We recommend that each group should have at least three members, with the group sizes as equal as possible.
- Students can participate in more than one unit if the class has fewer than 18 students.
Team Selection Process
- Each state can establish its own criteria for regional and state-level competition participation.
- If a state’s winning team meets the National Finals participation requirements, that team can attend the National Finals as the state representative.
Wild Cards
- The wild-card system is designed to promote inclusivity and diversity in the competition, providing more schools and students with the chance to participate.
- The We the People National Finals can accommodate 48 teams of students. Each state will be invited to send the winner of its state-level competition. If a state chooses not to send a team to the competition, another state will be invited to send a second team. The second team is designated as the wild-card team.
- The state coordinator, who oversees the We the People program in their state, selects the wild-card team based on their performance at the state-level competition and their potential to effectively represent the state at the national level.
- The wild-card system offers an additional chance for a high-performing team to compete nationally. If two teams are sent from a state, they must come from different schools. This rule ensures that a broader range of schools have the opportunity to participate and showcase their talents at the national level.
Individual Student Eligibility
- Participation is open to all high school students, regardless of their prior experience with We the People. Students who participated in elementary or middle school hearings can compete in the high school competition.
Rosters
- Teachers/coaches must provide a class roster, including unit assignments, after securing their spot in the National Finals by winning their state-level competition or through a wild card invitation.
- The class roster should specify the unit to which each student is assigned.
- National Finals rosters are due no later than February 25, 2025.
- Teachers have the flexibility to change student unit assignments at each competition level (regional, state, national), providing an opportunity for growth and development, and allowing students to showcase their skills in different areas.
Can You Volunteer at the National Finals?
Yes! Your expertise and guidance can inspire young minds and foster a deep appreciation for the U.S. Constitution and the American government. Behind the scenes, our volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring the event runs smoothly. Your dedication makes the We the People National Finals possible.
Volunteer roles include:
- Timers/Facilitators who accompany judge panels and ensure they arrive at each hearing room on time. They are responsible for collecting and delivering score sheets. They will run a stopwatch during each hearing based on the time limit for the opening statement and follow-up questions.
- The Registration/Information Crew who greet other volunteers and guests, provide them with appropriate materials, point them in the right direction, answer practical questions, and are warm and helpful.
- The Set-Up Crew who helps us prepare the venue for showtime by arranging and placing signage and helping organize event materials for teachers, guests, and other volunteers. These volunteers will help prep for evening and awards events during the competition. Afterward, they will help us pack up.
- Floor Supervisors who are responsible for overseeing the smooth flow of foot traffic on the days of the competition. They will help direct students and guests to hearing rooms, changing rooms, restrooms, and other amenities.
If you're interested in serving as a judge or volunteering in another capacity, please complete the volunteer interest form. If you are a current educator or require documentation of volunteer hours, we will gladly provide a certificate for you.
Is it Possible to Sponsor the National Finals?
Absolutely! Becoming a sponsor for the We the People National Finals is an outstanding opportunity to be part of an inspiring event that celebrates civic education and empowers young minds. If you or your organization are interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities and contributing to the success of the We the People National Finals, please contact Mara Tolas for detailed information and partnership possibilities.
Have More Questions?
Watch our great We the People Bootcamp professional learning webinars! Or you can contact us via email, and we'll happily answer your questions.
