WE THE PEOPLE AND PROJECT CITIZE

It is a program to promote civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s elementary and secondary students.

The instructional program enhances students understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy. At the same time, students discover the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The culminating activity is a simulated congressional hearing in which students "testify" before a panel of judges. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.

The primary focus of this program is on the role of state and local governments in the U.S. federal system.

The curriculum involves an entire class of students or members of youth or adult groups in a series of structured, cooperative-learning activities that are guided by teachers, organization leaders, and adult volunteers. Working in four cooperative teams, the students learn to interact with their government through a five-step process.