We the People State Hearings

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Program promotes civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s upper elementary and secondary students. The We the People curriculum is an innovative course of instruction on the history and principles of the United States constitutional democratic republic. We the People program'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. These hearings are open to any Illinois teacher who uses the We the People curriculum in their classroom. Participating in the hearings is a great assessment activity. Classes can choose to compete competitively or in any capacity that best suits the goal of the teacher.