We The People
This comprehensive civics course teaches the philosophical and historical foundations of the U.S. political system. HND supports this program in schools across the state by offering free textbooks and teacher training institutes to high school teachers. In addition, this course is offered online to adults. It is always free and open to the public. Sponsored by Bravera Bank.
The Citizen &
The Constitution
America is more divided than ever. Trust in our institutions is eroding at an alarming rate. Civic engagement is on the decline and according to the Pew Research Center, the United States trails most developed countries in voter turnout. The grand challenge of restoring faith in our democracy and living up to our nation’s founding ideals can be fulfilled by a robust civics education program that will prepare our students to sustain our democracy across the many challenges we face in the modern world. The We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution curriculum has a proven track record of success and Humanities North Dakota is committed to providing access to teacher training, textbooks, and supplemental resources to every school in North Dakota.
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.
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2024 North Dakota State Champions:
Edgeley High School, Teacher Melissa Entzi
The students qualified to advance to the National Finals in Washington, D.C.
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?
Teacher Sign-Up
Yes, keep me updated on FREE teacher institutes, continuing education credits, networking, curriculum, and other civics education opportunities. FREE classroom copies of We The People textbooks are available.
Teacher Summer Institute
North Dakota We the People and Humanities North Dakota offers a summer institute that provides training to educators as they work with constitutional scholars and mentor teachers. Participants attend lectures and sessions dedicated to teaching methods appropriate to the We The People curriculum. They also participate in a simulated congressional hearing modeled on the We the People culminating activity. Educators from across the state of North Dakota are eligible to participate based on their application. Space is limited.
Donate
We The People program and competition is sponsored by:
Jamie Stewart
Dave & Karla Ehlis
