OVERVIEW

Since 1987, the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program has aimed to promote an informed, enlightened, responsible citizenry by enhancing students' understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy. Administered in Oklahoma by the OBA's Law-related Education Department, this program is taught at the upper elementary, middle, and high-school levels.

PROGRAM

The program is composed of two parts: the curriculum and the culminating activity. Divided into six units, the curriculum leads students through an examination of the philosophical and historical origins of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. It fosters connections between philosophical foundations, historical developments, present institutions, current events, and the meaning of citizenship.

The culminating activity is a simulated congressional hearing in which students testify before a panel of judges. For each unit, a small group of students become experts in the topic of that unit. Each group prepares a four-minute response to hearing questions provided in advance. After presenting their prepared statements, the students field follow-up questions from judges about the content of their presentation and related topics. Following the eight minutes of follow-ups, judges also give students valuable feedback on the content of their presentations.

COMPETITION

While many classes hold non-competitive hearings as a culminating activity, some follow the competition track. In Oklahoma, competitions for high-school classes take place at the congressional district and state levels. The winning team in each district is invited to compete at the state finals, held in the Oklahoma State Capitol building. The state winner advances to the national finals in Washington, D.C. For these events, judges' panels frequently include attorneys, judges, elected officials, members of the press, professors, and other community leaders.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Workshops, institutes, and seminars for We the People teachers are available on local, state, regional, and national levels. Every year, Oklahoma conducts at least one day-long workshop to familiarize teachers with the curriculum and the simulated congressional hearing. (Local training sessions are also held at the district level.) Not only do these sessions guide teachers through the program, but they also qualify teachers to receive a free classroom set of We the People Textbooks.

Regionally and nationally, multi-day institutes and seminars provide a more in-depth look at the curriculum, the content, and the congressional hearing. In addition to institutes that examine the program as a whole, institutes and seminars specific to certain class levels and particular units are offered annually in locations nationwide.

Annual State Training Application

WE THE PEOPLE: ALUMNI NETWORK

Many students who participate in the We the People program find that when the school year is over, they don't want the experience to end. The We the People: Alumni Network gives former participants the opportunity to remain involved with the program. Alumni frequently volunteer in the classroom, at competitions and at workshops. Opportunities for networking with other alumni are also available at colleges and in metropolitan areas. This expanding facet of the program serves to support the overall We the People network and to foster lifelong civic involvement among alumni.

MORE INFORMATION

Details on the national program are also available at the Center for Civic Education.

State Coordinator
Jane McConnell

District Coordinators