Course Information

What is We the People?

We the People is a nationally acclaimed program designed to give high school students a deep dive into the history, principles, and contemporary relevance of American constitutional democracy. Developed by the Center for Civic Education and aligned with state standards, this course transforms passive learning into active civic engagement. It goes beyond the typical history book to help students understand how the U.S. government works and why the Constitution still matters today.

Structure of the Class

The We The People curriculum makes use of political cartoons, historic documents, photos and other graphics, all of which are also used in the AP U.S. Government curriculum. A strong point of WTP is that it encourages students to analyze, reason, and form conclusions and these skills are extremely valuable in any AP class.

Simulated Congressional Hearing

The heart of the We the People program is a professional performance assessment that moves students from the classroom to the witness stand. Instead of a traditional written exam, students act as "expert witnesses" in a simulated congressional hearing, testifying before a panel of community members, lawyers, and scholars.

The class is divided into six teams of about 3 to 6 students. Each team focuses on one unit of the We the People curriculum and explores major constitutional questions.

Your team will research, discuss, and prepare a clear four-minute opening statement that fully answers your assigned question. Success depends on collaboration, shared responsibility, and strong teamwork.

During preparation, you may use your textbook, primary sources, and class notes, just like in a real academic or legal briefing. The goal is to understand the Constitution, build strong arguments, and communicate your ideas clearly.

Oral Statement (4 minutes)

Your group will present your four-minute opening statement to a panel of judges. This is your chance to show what you researched and explain your ideas clearly and confidently. You may use your written notes or note cards during this part.

Follow-Up Questions (6 minutes)

After your statement, the judges will ask follow-up questions. These questions are designed to see how well you understand the topic and how well you can think on your feet. During this part, notes are not allowed. You’ll need to rely on what you know, work together as a team, and respond in a thoughtful, professional way.

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