# We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution

A nationwide high school competition on the U.S. Constitution, civil liberties, and democratic principles through simulated congressional hearings.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Center for Civic Education |
| Category | other |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | 2026-12-01 |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Check official site |
| Apply | https://www.civiced.org/programs/we-the-people |

## About this program

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is a national civics education and competition program run by the Center for Civic Education. High school classes or teams study the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and American democratic institutions, then demonstrate their knowledge in simulated congressional hearings. Students prepare written statements and answer follow‑up questions from panels of judges, typically including legal professionals, educators, and civic leaders.

Most participants are enrolled through their schools, which compete at local and state levels, with top teams advancing to the National Finals in the Washington, D.C. area. The program is geared toward U.S. high school students and emphasizes constitutional literacy, critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork. Participation helps students build strong research and argumentation skills, gain confidence in formal presentations, and deepen their understanding of civic responsibility and public policy.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution cost?

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### What is the application deadline for We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution?

The application deadline is December 1, 2026. Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution?

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution online or in person?

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is an in-person program.

### How do I apply to We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution?

Apply directly through Center for Civic Education's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-04.
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