Welcome

Events

WE THE PEOPLE
National Finals

Leesburg, Virginia
April 13-15, 2024

  • The competition sessions on April 13-14 will take place at the National Conference Center, just outside of Washington, D.C., in Leesburg, Virginia.
  • Final Round competitions and activities will take place at the National Union Building, just around the corner from Ford’s Theatre, at 918 F St NW in Washington, D.C.

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Prepare to be amazed as high school students from across the nation showcase their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and the American government. Now in its fifth decade, the National Finals is an exciting finale to students’ We the People educational journey. The competition utilizes Simulated Congressional Hearings and typically features 48 teams, representing their respective states.

South Dakota State Coordinator for We the People and Vantage Institute Executive Director

Students learn and practice the skills they need for effective citizenship in their communities and beyond.

Toinette Brown — Vantage Institute Chair


MISSION

a non-profit organization providing education, training, and support for issues facing communities; addressing organizational and public policy challenges and promoting democratic principles and ideals through a variety of nonpartisan programs; and performs research and evaluation for program improvement and evidence of program excellence.

Current Programs

• We the People

• Project Citizen

• Community Discussions/Roundtables


Center for Civic Education Stats

30%

of Americans born since 1980 rate it essential to live in a democracy

1 in 3

Americans say they might consider abolishing or limiting the Supreme Court

40%

of Americans cannot name all three branches of government

Curriculum Partner

Center for Civic Education

Center for Civic Education

The Center for Civic Education helps students develop (1) an increased understanding of the institutions of constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they are founded, (2) the skills necessary to participate as competent and responsible citizens, and (3) the willingness to use democratic procedures for making decisions and managing conflict. Ultimately, the Center strives to develop an enlightened citizenry by working to increase understanding of the principles, values, institutions, and history of constitutional democracy among teachers, students, and the general public.

Students

Hands-on experience with the latest programming curriculum showcasing their work with resources and partnerships for professional development

Project Citizen

Project Citizen provides a practical first-hand approach to learning about our complex system of government and how to monitor and influence it.

We the People

The We the People Open Course introduces learners to the philosophical foundations of the U.S. Constitution through the modern interpretation and application of its ideals. The free, self-paced course features videos of renowned scholars explaining key aspects of the Constitution and online exercises.