We The People
Continue to check back for an all new We the People Page!
Welcome to We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
What is We the People? We the People is the research proven program inclusive of curriculum, community outreach, and connection to real world issues. We the People makes the Constitution, history, and current events relevant and meaningful to our students. Divided into six (6) units or themes, students prepare a response and testify in front of civic leaders and then engage these students with a dialogue on their presentations, ideas, and more.
The Michigan Center for Civic Education has directed the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program in Michigan since the program began in 1987. The Center for Civic Education developed the program as a special program to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The program has established curriculum for 3rd-12th grade. Michigan is also looking to expand the program to colleges and universities.
We the People promotes civic competence, civic responsibility, civic appreciation, and overall enthusiasm for the study of the Constitution. Students understand current events through an informed lens that engages critical thought on the Constitution, history, and so much more. It validates multiple ways to interpret the Constitution and promotes healthy, civil, and meaningful dialogue that lasts a life time. MCCE is most proud of the sense of civic and personal efficacy We the People cultivates along with a desire to stay engaged in civic communities. For years, the Civic Education Research Lab at Georgetown University has been leading the way in the research on the impact of We the People. See the research here! 
What is Special about We the People? The We the People world turns students into active learners where their voice matters. We the People engages students in a curriculum designed to foster understanding of the institutions of American democracy, including the Constitution with a specialization in the Bill of Rights. Culminating activities feature a simulated congressional hearing in which students “testify” before a panel of volunteer attorneys, educators, and civic leaders. A prepared response and a conversation between students and their panel of judges highlights the best of both student-centered pedagogy and Constitutional scholarship. Students sense of civic identity begins to change. As they iterate their understanding and depth of knowledge, they open themselves to seeing themselves as rising scholars.
During events hosted by MCCE, students have opportunities to address panels and testify on critical Constitutional questions of the day. Judges then engage our young Constitutional scholars in dialogue on the content, history, and current applications of the Constitution. Currently, MCCE hosts a district event, a high school state showcase, a legislative showcase, elementary and middle school showcases, and supports teachers through classroom visits and professional learning.
What are the areas of specialization?
We the People is a competition in the format of a simulated congressional hearing. Middle and high school students work collaboratively in teams to research the Constitutional question at hand through a historical lens and apply the learning to modern questions. These unit teams then present their testimony and answer questions about historical, political, and Constitutional issues. Students are considered generalists in most aspects of the Constitution and then specialize in one of six themed areas or “units”. Those are:
Unit 1: What are the Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System?
Unit 2: How Did the Framers Create the Constitution?
Unit 3: How has the Constitution been Changed to Further the Ideals Contained in the Declaration of Independence?
Unit 4: How have the Values and Principles Embodied in the Constitution Shaped American Institutions and Practices?
Unit 5: What Rights does the Bill of Rights Protect?
Unit 6: What Challenges Might Face American Constitutional Democracy in the Twenty-First Century?
Elementary School Students focus on Five Units of those listed above.
Upcoming Events
Elementary and
Click on the image below to sign up to participate and to volunteer for the 2025 Elementary and Middle School We the People Showcases.
April 21, 2025 is hosted by GVSU at the Grand Rapids DeVos Center.
May 22, 2025 is hosted by Wayne State University School of Law.
Check Back for 20225-2026 High School School Information
Save the Dates!
East Side – tentatively November 11, 2025 tbd
West Side – November 14, 2025 at DeVos Center at GVSU
Middle and High State Finals – January 9, 2026 MSU College of law
2025-2026 Volunteer Information
College Information Sponsor Information
Welcome to the We the People 2024-2025 Season!
Educator Roundtables. All educators (PK-12) are welcome to join in the teachers and coaches roundtables. The purposes of the roundtables serve to:
- welcome new teachers and coaches,
- provide opportunities to dialogue on classroom practice,
- gather input on season preferences,
- review season logistics, and
- generally advance a community of practice.
The Events
Both Middle School and High Schools are Invited to Participate in the below District and State Events. The events below are the official high school season events. Additional elementary and middle school events are scheduled – especially for our CEAS We the People Teachers.
Teachers & Coaches – stay tuned for a debrief Zoom meeting and the fall Zoom roundtables.
2024-2025 Event Information Districts – Half Day Events and All Day Professional Learning Options
For districts only, each unit will be asked District Question #3.
A consolidated Google Doc is here and a PDF is here.
The updated Michigan scoring rubric is here.
- East Side District – Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Oakland Schools
- West Side District – Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Kent ISD
MCCE State Finals & Showcase – Full Day Event with All Day Professional Learning OptionsState Final Championship and Showcase – Friday, January 10, 2025 at MSU College of Law.
- Hearings to begin at 10am with a school report time of 9-9:30 am.
- A draft copy of the program with the schedules is located here. Please know there will be changes to the judging lists. This is the known information as of 10am on Thursday, January 9th.
- Volunteers will report by 8:30 am for their orientation. Full orientations are available online prior to the event.
- With appreciation for our enduring host: Michigan State University College of Law. Your commitment to civic education is truly a model for all!
MCCE State Questions:
- The MCCE We the People Committee has determined which two questions will be asked for the state showcase and competition. The questions were chosen to try to provide the whole unit experience – so after analysis of District Question #3, the two questions that best complimented the state questions for the state showcase and competition.
Unit 1 – CCE Qs 1 & 3
Unit 2 – CCE Qs 1 & 2
Unit 3 – CCE Qs 2 & 3
Unit 4 – CCE Qs 1 & 3
Unit 5 – CCE Qs 1 & 2
Unit 6 – CCE Qs 1 & 3
Center for Civic Education’s National Finals & Invitational
- We the People Nationals – April 9-11, 2025 (in person – DC and VA at the National Conference Center) (Please check for spring break)
- We the People Invitational – April 25-26 (Virtual)
- Please check the Center for Civic Education’s We the People website for their specific qualification and competition information at www.civiced.org > programs > We the People