2008 We the People National Finals
03/26/2008 - 03/30/2008
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Location:
Crystal Gateway Marriott (703) 920-3230
Arlington, VA and Washington, DC
United States
Contact:
Jin Kim
kim@civiced.org
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Description:
The We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals is the annual culminating event of the We the People high school program. High school classes qualify for this national championship by placing first in their congressional district and state competitions.
The competition, in the form of simulated congressional hearings, consists of oral presentations by students before panels of judges from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Students testify as constitutional experts before a 'congressional committee,' that is, the panel of judges.
Each class in the competition is divided into six groups, one group for each of the six unit topics in the We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution (1995) high school textbook. The testimony begins with a formal presentation by one or more students from one of the unit groups. The presentation is followed by a period of questioning during which judges probe students for their depth of understanding and ability to apply their constitutional knowledge. The format provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles while providing teachers with an excellent means of assessing performance.
On the third day of competition, the top ten classes compete in actual hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. When not competing, students have opportunity to tour the metro Washington, D.C., area. Travel, lodging, and tour arrangements for students are made by WorldStrides. The Center organizes all other national finals details.
Questions and inquiries about attending this event may be directed to Kari Coppinger at coppinger@civiced.org.
Update: 07/15/08:
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_9892840
The Denver Post
July 15, 2008
U.S. House congratulates East High
By Joey Bunch
The U.S. House of Representatives today formally congratulated Denver's East High School, repeat champions of the national civics competition 'We the People.'
The House unanimously approved the resolution.
'I want to congratulate East High School for winning this highly competitive nationwide competition,' U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, said in a statement. 'As a former volunteer coach of the East High School We the People program, I know first-hand the skill and expertise needed to be competitive, let alone take home back-to-back championships.'
'The students at East certainly made the Mile High City proud once again.'
The 27 East High students who won the title in the three-day competition at the U.S. Capitol in May was a completely different squad than the 2007 winners, also coached by Denver lawyer Susan McHugh.
The teams research and debate constitutional issues and history.
Students are graded on opening statements and responses to follow-up questions, including the strength of evidence, depth of understanding and reasoning. Attending:
By Application or Invitation Only
Downloads:
General Speech Media | 
Center for Civic Education 
