What Is the We the People Program from the Center for Civic Education?

Updated

We the People is the Center for Civic Education's flagship constitutional curriculum: a comprehensive program used nationwide that culminates in what the Center describes as the largest civics competition in the United States. Students work through the curriculum and then apply their knowledge in simulated congressional hearings, where they take and defend positions on historical and current constitutional issues. It is designed for classroom use by teachers and for students who want a structured, participatory way to study the Constitution.

How the program works

The structure follows a clear sequence:

  1. Curriculum study. Students learn the Constitution through the We the People curriculum, building knowledge of its history, principles, and application.
  2. Preparation of positions. Students develop and defend positions on constitutional questions, including both historical and current issues.
  3. Simulated congressional hearings. Students present their positions in a hearing format that mirrors congressional testimony, then respond to questions.
  4. Competition. The program culminates in a national civics competition, which the Center describes as the largest in the U.S.

The core mechanism is the hearing format: rather than only testing recall, it asks students to apply constitutional reasoning and defend an argument in front of others.

Who it is for

  • Teachers looking for a comprehensive constitutional curriculum with a built-in culminating activity.
  • Students who learn best through simulation, argument, and public speaking.
  • Schools and programs that want to participate in a national civics competition.

The Center frames the program within its broader mission: preparing citizens who understand, value, and practice democracy. A former We the People student is quoted on the site saying the program made them "strive to be a better citizen, friend, follower, and leader."

What to expect

Element What it involves
Curriculum Comprehensive study of the U.S. Constitution
Classroom activity Simulated congressional hearings
Student task Take and defend positions on historical and current issues
Culminating event National civics competition

How it differs from Project Citizen

The Center's other flagship program, Project Citizen, focuses on public policy rather than constitutional hearings. Students identify a local issue, research it, explore solutions, and take steps to put a plan into action. If your goal is constitutional study and debate, We the People is the match; if your goal is local policy engagement, Project Citizen is the closer fit.

Getting started

Start at civiced.org and explore the We the People program page linked from the homepage. Teachers can review the curriculum and competition structure there; the site also highlights related free classroom resources, such as the Teaching250 lesson collection created with the National Constitution Center and Civics Renewal Network partners.