We the People Congressional Hearings

Sherri Dees , Content Coordinator
shdees@kern.org
(661) 636-4195

Teams of students from local high schools will demonstrate their understanding of the U.S. Constitution during the annual 'We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution' Congressional Hearings competition. In this authentic simulation of a congressional hearing, students serve as constitutional experts, delivering prepared statements and responding to in-depth questions on key principles of American government.

Each school is divided into six teams, with each team focusing on a different area of study, including the foundations of the American political system, the creation of the Constitution, the expansion of constitutional ideals, the application of constitutional principles in practice, the rights protected by the Bill of Rights, and the challenges facing democracy in the 21st century. During the hearings, students present their analyses and engage in rigorous dialogue with a panel of judges that includes educators, attorneys, and civic leaders.

The competition challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply constitutional principles to both historical and contemporary issues—developing the knowledge and skills necessary for informed and active citizenship.