We the People Competition: Strengthening Civic Understanding and Public Speaking Skills
As a high school social studies teacher, I am always looking for opportunities that challenge my students to think critically, engage with constitutional principles, and develop strong public speaking skills. The We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution competition is an incredible opportunity that does just that. This program, organized by the Center for Civic Education, allows students to dive deep into the U.S. Constitution, government, and civic responsibility, preparing them not only for academic success but also for active and informed citizenship.
How the We the People Competition Benefits Students
1. Deepening Constitutional Knowledge
One of the biggest benefits of this program is how it strengthens students’ understanding of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and foundational government principles. Through the competition, students explore historical and contemporary issues, analyze Supreme Court cases, and engage in debates on topics like federalism, civil liberties, and the separation of powers. This aligns perfectly with AP Government, U.S. History, and Dual Credit courses, reinforcing key concepts in an interactive way.
2. Enhancing Public Speaking & Argumentation
The competition format requires students to participate in simulated congressional hearings, where they must present their arguments, respond to questioning from judges, and think on their feet. This experience builds public speaking confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate well-reasoned positions—skills that are essential for college and career success.
3. Encouraging Teamwork and Collaboration
Students work in teams to prepare their testimony and responses, which fosters collaboration, research skills, and group problem-solving. They must divide responsibilities, refine their arguments, and support one another, all of which mimic real-world professional and academic settings.
4. Connecting Students to Real-World Issues
By participating in the We the People competition, students move beyond memorization and start applying constitutional principles to current events and policy debates. Whether discussing First Amendment rights in the digital age or the role of checks and balances in modern governance, students connect history to today’s world, making civic education more meaningful.
5. Preparing for College and Career Success
The research, writing, and speaking skills honed in this competition translate directly to college applications, scholarship opportunities, and career readiness. Many former participants have gone on to careers in law, politics, public service, and education, crediting We the People for preparing them to engage in critical discussions and civic activism.
Integrating It Into My Classroom
I can integrate We the People into my Dual Credit U.S. History or Government class as a culminating project, an enrichment activity, or an extracurricular competition. The program provides structured resources and lesson plans that make it easy to incorporate into existing curricula while also offering students a chance to compete at district, state, and national levels.
Final Thoughts
The We the People competition is more than just a contest—it’s an opportunity for students to engage deeply with the Constitution, sharpen their public speaking abilities, and develop into informed and active citizens. Whether a student is interested in law, public policy, or just wants to improve their confidence in debate and discussion, this program offers an invaluable experience.
For students who want to challenge themselves, learn about the Constitution in a dynamic way, and have a chance to showcase their knowledge on a big stage, I highly encourage them to participate in We the People.
More details can be found at: We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution.
