The Citizen and the Constitution
Minnesota We the People… the Citizen and the Constitution is a civic education program designed to foster understanding of the institutions of American democracy, including the Constitution and Bill of Rights and our democratic system of government and its function.
The annual statewide showcase and competition at the State Capitol provides students with the opportunity to show what they know through simulated congressional hearings.
Minnesota State Competition and Showcase
CANNON FALLS IS THE 2012-13 MINNESOTA CHAMPION!
Congratulations Cannon Falls High School. Good luck at the National We the People Competition, April 26-29, 2013.
Financial Support for Participating Schools
A grant from the Civic Education Program, Legacy Amendment, Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund supports student travel costs, teacher substitute costs, and lunches expenses.
For More Information
Email jbloom@teachingcivics.org or contact your Minnesota We the People District Coordinator 2012-2013
A program rich in history
Created in 1987 in celebration of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, over 28 million students across the country have participated in this innovative and acclaimed program. In Minnesota, over 200 classrooms use the We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution materials and participate in simulated congressional hearings.
Program components
- Students engage in rigorous study of the US and Minnesota Constitutions participating in interactive lessons and studying current issues
- Students participate in an engaging, simulated congressional hearing in which they “testify” before a mock congressional committee of other students or volunteer attorneys, educators and civic leaders.
- Teams of high school and middle school students are invited to compete at a state competition held annually at the Minnesota State Capitol. The top scoring high school team is invited to represent Minnesota at the national National We the People Competition sponsored by the Center for Civic Education in Washington, DC each spring.
Grant Supports Participation Costs
A grant from the Civic Education Program, Legacy Amendment, Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund supports student travel costs, teacher substitute costs, and lunches expenses.
A program proven to work
From the U.S. Department of Education to We the People alumni, see the We the People Evaluation Summary.
Minnesota Program Support Material
We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution
The Center for Civic Education publishes We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution. Some teachers use this curriculum as a course textbook while others supplement other textbooks with We the People’s expanded instruction in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Although the three levels of curriculum are suggested for grades 5-6; 7-8; and 9-12, the levels can be used to support differentiated curriculum efforts.
- Level 3, suggested for grades 9-12
- Level 2, suggested for grades 7-8
- Level 1, suggested for grades 5-6
For More Information
Email jbloom@teachingcivics.org or contact your Minnesota We the People District Coordinator 2012-2013
