National Invitational
Rules and Eligibility for the Academic Year 2025-2026
These rules govern the eligibility criteria and participation guidelines for the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Invitational during the 2025–2026 academic year. The National Invitational offers high school and middle school classes or clubs the opportunity to participate in simulated congressional hearings at the national level within a supportive, virtual environment.
The term invitational reflects the spirit of community and civic engagement rather than strict qualification. The event welcomes new and returning teams from across the country in a virtual, low-barrier setting that emphasizes learning, participation, and public discourse.
Team Eligibility
- Rostered Classes: All rostered classes, regardless of size, are encouraged to participate in the We the People National Invitational.
- After-School Clubs: After-school clubs are also eligible to participate, especially from states or schools where We the People is still developing. The Center strongly encourages clubs to work toward becoming rostered classes over time; however, club teams are welcome at the National Invitational regardless of their prior state participation.
- Previous Participation: Teams that have previously participated in school-wide, regional, district, or state-level We the People competitions are eligible for the National Invitational. New teams without prior competitive experience are also encouraged to attend, especially if they are seeking a first-time national experience in a low-pressure environment.
Individual Student Eligibility
Team Composition
Team Selection Process
Competition Format
