We the People… The Citizen and the
Constitution is the high school level textbook, and
We the People… is the title of books designed
for upper elementary and middle school students. Teacher's
guides for each level contain lesson plans and suggested activities
to enrich classroom instruction. Classroom sets include 30
student books, a teacher's guide, and an instructional packet
containing the information and supplies necessary to complete
the program. Classroom sets are available to teachers on a
limited basis. Anyone wishing to preview the books or to obtain
a classroom set is asked to contact the CCLCE office, or to
contact their regional coordinators. (See Curriculum
Materials for more information.)
After studying the We the People…
texts, students may prepare for a culminating activity, a simulated
congressional hearing in which they testify before a panel of
judges. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding
of constitutional principles and have the opportunity to evaluate,
take and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary
issues.
In Connecticut this culminating activity involves
high school classes that work as cooperative teams, and compete
at a statewide hearing held in late January or early February.
The winning team travels to Washington D.C. in the spring to
represent their state in the We the People…
national finals. More than 1,200 high school students and their
teachers throughout the country participate annually in the
We the People… national competition.
The We the People… program
is administered nationally by the Center for Civic Education,
located in Calabasas, California and in Connecticut by the CCLCE.
Within Connecticut there are 5 congressional district coordinators
working with the schools in their district. Since the beginning
of the We the People… program in 1987, more
than 24 million students and 75,000 educators have participated
in the instructional program. We the People… benefits
from the active participation of members of Congress, as well
as support from professional, business, and community organizations
throughout the country. Please contact
the CCLCE office for more information.
Request
an application to register a team.
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