Welcome to the Seventh 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 will acquire 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 you will be 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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who handles questions about the competition and showcase?
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Director of Professional Development and Special Programs
When will the competition scores be available?
Scores will be emailed to teachers by May 15, 2019
| Forms for Teachers | ||
| National Invitational Class Roster Model Release [Under 18][Over 18] |
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Hearing Rooms
Saturday and Sunday
The congressional hearings will take place in the classrooms at the National Conference Center. Every effort will be made to ensure that parents and guests have room to observe the hearings. To ensure that the hearings are not interrupted, parents and visitors will be 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 will help direct classes and visitors exit in a timely fashion.
Final Round
The final round of competition will take place on Monday, May 6, 2019. The hearings will be 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 will be 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 will officially welcome students, teachers, parents, and visitors to the 6th Annual We the People National Invitational and address the students about important matters concerning the competition. Upon arrival floor supervisors and Center staff will direct students to the Orientation room. If space is available, parents and visitors are welcome. At the end of the briefing, floor supervisors and Center staff will direct classes to their hearing rooms. Once all classes have been dismissed, parents and visitors will be directed to the hearing rooms.
Awards Ceremony
The Awards Ceremony is the culminating event of the Seventh Annual We the People National Invitational. This is the time to celebrate the accomplishments of all of the students and teachers participating in the 2019 National Invitational. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the National Conference Center from 7:30-8:45 pm. on Monday night, May 6, 2019. All students, teahers, parents, and guests are welcome to attend.
