Since 1987 over 31,000 students and 1,000 teachers have participated in the National Finals. Over the years, over 12,000 parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors have traveled to Washington, D.C., to celebrate the accomplishments of the students. In communities across America over $31,000,000 has been raised to ensure the success of the National Finals year after year.
The 30th Anniversary We the People National Finals will be held April 21-24, 2017 at the National Conference Center. Classes qualify for the National Finals by placing first in their state competition or through wild card availability. We also welcome a the Warren E. Burger class in tribute to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger. The Burger class is selected from classes that meet federal guidelines defining high-needs students. The competition will be conducted at the National Conference Center in the Washington D.C. area and in hearing rooms on Capitol Hill.
The 30th Anniversary We the People National Finals will be held April 21-24, 2017 at the National Conference Center. Classes qualify for the National Finals by placing first in their state competition or through wild card availability. We also welcome a the Warren E. Burger class in tribute to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger. The Burger class is selected from classes that meet federal guidelines defining high-needs students. The competition will be conducted at the National Conference Center in the Washington D.C. area and in hearing rooms on Capitol Hill.
During the National Finals students participate in simulated congressional hearings. Students testify as constitutional experts before panels of judges acting as congressional committees scoring the groups through a performance-based assessment. Each class is divided into six groups based on the six units of the We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution high school textbook. Each hearing begins with a four-minute opening statement by students and is followed by a six minute period of follow-up questioning during which judges probe students' depth of knowledge, understanding, and their ability to apply constitutional principles. The format provides students an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles while providing the seventy-two judges with an excellent means of assessing students' knowledge and application to historical and current constitutional issues.
While in Washington, D.C., students have the opportunity to explore our nation's capital, learn about government beyond the classroom walls, and meet with elected officials and other dignitaries. Travel, lodging, and tour arrangements for classes are managed by WorldStrides. The Center for Civic Education organizes all othe aspects of the National Finals.
