We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution

We the People ... The Citizen and the Constitution is a nationally acclaimed civic education program that focuses on the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. More than rote memorization of histrionics, the program encourages contemporary application of principles underlying our constitutional democracy by students K-12. For many young people, the program results in a life-changing experience, one that promotes lasting participatory engagement in our democracy commencing at the community level.

Through We the People Students Examine:

The Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System
How the Framers Created the Constitution
How the Constitution has been Changed to Further the Ideals Contained in the Declaration of Independence
How the Values and Principles Embedded in the Constitution have Shaped American Institutions and Practices
The Bill of Rights
What Challenges Might Face American Constitutional Democracy in the 21st Century

Upon Completion of the Course

Students are afforded the opportunity to showcase their skills through simulated hearings. Hearings are held at the school, congressional district and state level throughout Kentucky. Winning teams from the high school level district hearings advance to a state level competition. At the state competition, students knowledge of the constitution and ability to think on their feet are tested by judges from an array of disciplines, including elected representatives from all three branches of government, academic professors from institutions of higher learning, and leaders from the private sector. The winning team emerging from this event advances to a national competition held annually each May in Washington, D.C.

Evaluations

Evaluations conducted on this rigorous academic program reveal that students who participate in We the People possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for serving as an American citizen. In fact, it has been demonstrated that high school students understanding of our constitutional democracy surpasses that of young adults attending college.

The Administrative Office of the Courts

The Administrative Office of the Courts has been a partner with the Center for Civic Education since 1988, bringing this innovative, hands-on civic education program to students throughout the state of Kentucky. For more than two decades, judges, teachers and other community leaders have worked tirelessly to bring this riveting program to both teacher in-service programs and classrooms throughout the state. The endurance and increasing popularity of this program is testimony to its success.

News of Interest

Highlands High is state We the People champ for 7th straight year

For the seventh consecutive year, Highlands High School in Fort Thomas has won the state championship in the We the People … The Citizen and the Constitution civic education competition. The Highlands High team prevailed over two other high schools at the competition Jan. 24 in Lexington to earn the honor of competing for the national title in Arlington, Va., in April. Ohio County High School from Hartford was the runner-up for the seventh year in a row. An Owen County High School team from Owenton also competed and a team from Chandler’s Elementary School in Russellville participated as a showcase team. At the national competition, the Highlands High team will participate in mock congressional hearings April 30-May 1 in Virginia. The 10 teams with the highest cumulative scores after the hearings advance to the finals on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on May 2.

Highlands High School is state champ in We the People competition for 6th year in a row

For the sixth consecutive year, Highlands High School in Fort Thomas has won the state championship in the We the People The Citizen and the Constitution civic education competition. The Highlands High team prevailed over two other high schools at the state competition March 1 in Frankfort to earn the honor of competing for the national title in Arlington, Va., and potentially Washington, D.C., from April 24-26. Ohio County High School from Hartford took the runner-up position in the state civic education competition for the sixth year in a row. A team from Owen County High School from Owenton also competed. At the national competition, the team will participate in hearings for two days in Virginia and, if it is among the 10 teams with the highest cumulative scores after those two days, will advance to the finals on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on April 26.

Maysville native immerses herself in Navajo culture for civic education program

Maysville native Deborah Williamson was among 30 educators from 14 states who recently spent three days in Chinle, Ariz., immersing themselves in Navajo history, culture and government for the We the People ... The Citizen and the Constitution civic education program. Williamson was selected to participate in The Navajo Nation Experience because of her role as state coordinator for the program. Williamson is the executive officer of the Department of Court Services at the Administrative Office of the Courts, the operational arm of the Kentucky court system. The Kentucky Court of Justice and the Center for Civic Education in California co-sponsor the We the People program in Kentucky.

Thirteen Educators from Across KY Recognized as Top Civic Educators

At the center court of Rupp Arena, thirteen regional superstars were recognized today but not necessarily for their basketball skills. For the first time, thirteen of Kentucky’s most outstanding civics education leaders were officially honored as finalists for the Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award. Judy Rice of Henry County High School, Region 8, was officially recognized as the 2010 Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leader. The award was presented by members of the Civic Literacy Initiative of Kentucky (CLIK) which includes: the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Court of Justice, the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, the Office of Civic Education and Engagement at the University of Louisville College of Education, and the Office of Secretary of State Trey Grayson.

A video has been created by the Center for Civic Education for judges to review. The video takes judges through the simulated congressional hearings and judging the competition. If you are interested in receiving a copy, please contact us.