Important Update

Due to the major health risks created by the coronavirus, it is with deep disappointment that the Center for Civic Education has decided to cancel the in-person portions of the 2020 We the People National Finals and the National Invitational. We are working on an alternative plan that will involve video hearings that are evaluated and scored by our expert judges. We will provide more information in the coming days and weeks. Read our full statement here.

Welcome to the Eighth Annual We the People National Invitational

The staff of the Center for Civic Education appreciates your hard work and dedication to teaching about the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Because of your  participation in the We the People program, your students have acquired the civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions neccessary to effectively participate in our  constitutional democratic republic.

Every American should have the opportunity to explore and experience Washington D.C., our nation's capital.  During your visit are provided with all the necessary tools and resources to expose your students to learning beyond classroom walls that will enrich their lives, open their minds, and challenge them.  Take advantage of this once in a lifetime experience. 

Robert S. Leming, Director
We the People Programs
Center for Civic Education

Middle school teachers, please click here to request additional information.
High school teachers, please click here to request additional information.

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What teachers are saying about the National Invitational

“This year, taking advantage of the National Invitational and having my students come down to Washington, D.C., experience the government that they’ve been studying and then being able to defend their positions before a variety of really esteemed judges, I thought was a great culminating activity for everything we’ve done”  - We the People Teacher, Rhode Island, 2014

"This event is one that I have been waiting for 10 years, ever since I started the classroom hearings. It was an awesome experience, both for my students, as well as myself. To give my students an opportunity to be part of a national competition, and experience Washington, D.C. all in the same trip, is one none of us will ever forget" - We the People Teacher, Oregon, 2013 Inaugural National Invitational

 

When will the competition scores be available?
Scores will be emailed to teachers by May 15, 2020

Hearing Rooms

Saturday and Sunday

The congressional hearings take place in the classrooms at the National Conference Center. Every effort is made to ensure that parents and guests have room to observe the hearings. To ensure that the hearings are not interrupted, parents and visitors are admitted to the hearing room at appropriate break times (between units) and after the judges have left the room. Everyone is welcome to observe the hearings. However to ensure fairness, anyone affiliated with a competing class (teachers, coaches, students, chaperons, parents, friends, relatives, etc.) may not enter the hearing room of any other competing class. Once a class hearing is completed, floor supervisors and Center staff help direct classes and visitors exit in a timely fashion.

Final Round 

The final round of competition takes place on Monday, May 4 2020. The hearings are extended to 12 minutes (four minute opening statement and eight minutes of follow up questions). We hope to allow all classes to observe the final round.

Student Orientation Room

On Saturday and Sunday there is a twenty-five minute briefing for all classes before the hearings begin. Robert Leming, Director of the We the People Programs and Mark Molli, Director of Governmental Relations officially welcome students, teachers, parents, and visitors to the 8th Annual We the People National Invitational and address the students about important matters concerning the competition. Upon arrival floor supervisors and Center staff direct students to the Orientation room. Parents and visitors are welcome to attend At the end of the briefing, floor supervisors and Center staff direct classes to their hearing rooms. Once all classes have been dismissed, parents and visitors are directed to the hearing rooms.

Awards Ceremony

The Awards Ceremony is the culminating event of the Eighth Annual We the People National Invitational. This is the time to celebrate the accomplishments of all of the students and teachers participating in the 2020 National Invitational. The Awards Ceremony is held at the National Conference Center from 7:30-8:45 pm. on Monday night, May 4, 2020.  All students, teahers, parents, and guests are welcome to attend.