We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution North Dakota State Finals

Simulated Hearings

We The People’s culminating activity is a simulated congressional hearing in which students “testify” before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.

The Curriculum

The foundation of the We The People program is an innovative course of instruction on the history and principles of U.S. constitutional democracy.The high school text covers these six units: 

One: What Are the Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System?

Two: How Did the Framers Create the Constitution?

Three: How Has the Constitution Been Changed to Further the Ideals Contained in the Declaration of Independence?

Four: How Have the Values and Principles Embodied in the Constitution Shaped American Institutions and Practices?

Five: What Rights Does the Bill of Rights Protect?

Six: What Challenges Might Face American Constitutional Democracy in the Twenty-first Century?