National Finals: April 9-11, 2025

Prepare to be amazed as high school students from across the nation showcase their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and American government. Now in its fifth decade, the National Finals serves as an exciting finale to students' We the People educational journey. The competition utilizes Simulated Congressional Hearings and typically features 48 teams, each representing their respective states.

Awards

The National Finals Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, April 11. This special event, culminating the weekend, will include the announcement of the top ten teams and other award winners. For those who cannot attend in person, the event is live streamed and recorded for viewing at any time.

Learn More About the Awards

See Past Award Winners

Events & Schedules

Further, more detailed event schedule updates, including locations for specific events, will be released closer to the National Finals dates of April 9-11, 2025. Please check back here for updates, or make sure you're signed up for the Center's newsletter.

Maps & Locations

The 2025 National Finals will again unfold in and around the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C., providing an immersive learning experience.

The competition sessions on April 9-10 will take place at the National Conference Center, just outside of Washington, D.C., in Leesburg, Virginia.
Final Round competitions and activities will take place at the National Union Building, just around the corner from Ford's Theatre, at 918 F St NW in Washington, D.C.

Additional locations and maps will be provided closer to the National Finals dates of April 9-11, 2025. Check back here for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and When are the Finals Held?

The National Finals typically unfolds in and around the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C., providing an immersive learning experience. The next event will take place April 9-11, 2025.

While in Washington, D.C., students can explore our nation's capital, learn about government beyond the classroom walls, and meet with elected officials, community leaders, and other dignitaries. Grand Classroom manages travel, lodging, and tour arrangements for participating classes. The Center for Civic Education organizes all other aspects of the National Finals.

Who Attends the National Finals?

What are the Eligibility Requirements to Compete?

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is for all students. High schools with classes competing in the We the People simulated congressional hearings must comply with the following rules:

Once teachers have confirmed their spot in the National Finals, whether through winning at the state level or receiving a wild card invitation, they must submit a class roster with students assigned to each unit. The Center will give the teacher details on how to do this.
The Center is committed to encouraging the widest possible participation from a broad range of students with a continued emphasis on the involvement of all members of a class or club. For purposes of the competition, a "class" must…
- be constituted according to the school's regular policies and procedures for student admittance to a class or club;
- be designated on the school's master program (schedule of class or club offerings) as a required or elective class or after-school/out-of-school time club;
- We the People teams outside the parameters of these criteria should reach out to the Center Programs team [programs email] to confirm eligibility
Students from all high school grade levels are encouraged to participate, and club teams are welcome to include a mix of students from different grades.
Students who have competed at a high school regional, state, or national competition may not compete again at that same level of competition in a future year. However, students who have previously competed may attend hearings as teaching assistants and/or spectators. Students participating in elementary and/or middle school hearings may participate in the high school competition.
Each class must be divided into six groups, and each group will be responsible for "testifying" on their assigned text unit. Each group should have at least three members, and the number of students in each group should be as equal as possible.
There are no set minimum or maximum limits on the number of students who can participate as team members.
When a class has fewer than 18 students, teachers may allow some students to participate in multiple groups. The Center generally recommends that any individual student not serve on more than 3 unit panels.
The class roster shall identify the unit to which each student is assigned. A class roster is required for each level of competition (regional, state, and national). Teachers may change student unit assignments for each level of competition if they so desire. New students, however, may not be added to a roster after a class enters its first level of competition without permission from the We the People state coordinator and the Center Programs team.

What are the Hearing Questions for the Competition?

Revisit Last Year's National Finals

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Emily Voss by email. They can assist you or direct you to additional resources.