This year over 1,200 high students and 56 teachers will participate in the 2018 We the People National Finals. And, over 1,000 parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors travel to Washington, D.C. to celebrate the accomplishments of the students from 56 communities from across the United States of America. Nearly $2,000,000 will be raised to ensure the success of this year's National Finals. The 31st We the People National Finals will be held April 27-30, 2018 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. 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 72 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 other aspects of the National Finals. Since 1987 over 32,000 students and 1,000 teachers have participated in the National Finals.
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This site is brought to you by the Center for Civic Education. The Center's mission is to promote an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy. The Center has reached more than 30 million students and their teachers since 1965. Learn more.
Center for Civic Education
5115 Douglas Fir Road, Suite J
Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone: (818) 591-9321
Email: web@civiced.org
Media Inquiries: cce@civiced.org
Website: www.civiced.org
