# We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals The **We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals** is a premier academic competition designed to engage high school students in a deep exploration of the U.S. Constitution, government, and civic responsibility. Hosted by the **Center for Civic Education**, this program brings together students from across the country to showcase their knowledge of constitutional principles and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Participants compete in a unique format that simulates congressional hearings, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding of civics and their critical thinking skills in front of expert judges. ## Program Structure This is an **in-person competition** held annually in the United States. The program is structured as a series of **simulated congressional hearings**, where teams of students act as expert witnesses, presenting and defending their positions on constitutional issues. - **Format**: Teams are evaluated by panels of judges, which may include legal experts, civic leaders, and educators. Students respond to complex questions about constitutional principles, demonstrating their knowledge, research, and analytical skills. - **Timeline**: The national finals occur over the course of several days, typically toward the end of the academic year. Teams qualify for nationals by advancing through state-level competitions. - **Duration**: Preparation for the competition typically spans several months, as teams engage in extensive research, practice hearings, and collaboration. ## What Students Experience Students participating in the **We the People National Finals** will: - Engage in rigorous academic preparation, researching constitutional topics and landmark Supreme Court cases. - Develop public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills through practice hearings and in-depth discussions. - Present their positions and engage in dialogue with judges who ask challenging follow-up questions, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in real-time. - Connect with civic-minded peers from across the country, fostering a deeper understanding of democratic principles and active citizenship. Through this experience, students gain a profound appreciation for the Constitution and its relevance to modern governance, while honing skills that will benefit them in academic and professional settings. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participation in the **We the People National Finals** is a unique and prestigious achievement that strengthens college applications. This program highlights a student’s dedication to academic excellence, public speaking, and civic engagement. It demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively, conduct in-depth research, and think critically about complex societal issues. Colleges value applicants who demonstrate an understanding of government systems and a commitment to active citizenship, making this program a standout addition to any application. ## Eligibility The **We the People National Finals** is open to **high school students in grades 9-12**. Teams are typically associated with schools or civic education programs and must qualify through state-level competitions organized by the Center for Civic Education. ## How to Participate To participate in the **We the People National Finals**, students must first compete in their state’s We the People competition. Winning teams at the state level earn the opportunity to represent their state in the national finals. Each team is required to pay a **$500 registration fee** to participate in the national competition. Interested students should connect with their school’s social studies or government teacher or reach out directly to their state’s We the People coordinator. For more information about how to get involved, visit the **Center for Civic Education’s website** at [www.civiced.org](https://www.civiced.org).