We the Students – Michigan’s We the People Program
What is We the People? We the People is the research proven program inclusive of curriculum, community outreach, and connection to real world issues. We the People makes the Constitution, history, and current events relevant and meaningful to our students. Divided into six (6) units or themes, students prepare a response and testify in front of civic leaders and then engage these students with a dialogue on their presentations, ideas, and more.
The Michigan Center for Civic Education has directed the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitutionprogram in Michigan since the program began in 1987. The Center for Civic Education developed the program as a special program to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The program has established curriculum for 3rd-12th grade. Michigan is also looking to expand the program to colleges and universities.
We the People promotes civic competence, civic responsibility, civic appreciation, and overall enthusiasm for the study of the Constitution. Students understand current events through an informed lens that engages critical thought on the Constitution, history, and so much more. It validates multiple ways to interpret the Constitution and promotes healthy, civil, and meaningful dialogue that lasts a life time. MCCE is most proud of the sense of civic and personal efficacy We the People cultivates along with a desire to stay engaged in civic communities. For years, the Civic Education Research Lab at Georgetown University has been leading the way in the research on the impact of We the People. See the research here!
What is Special about We the People? The We the People world turns students into active learners where their voice matters. We the People engages students in a curriculum designed to foster understanding of the institutions of American democracy, including the Constitution with a specialization in the Bill of Rights. Culminating activities feature a simulated congressional hearing in which students “testify” before a panel of volunteer attorneys, educators, and civic leaders. A prepared response and a conversation between students and their panel of judges highlights the best of both student-centered pedagogy and Constitutional scholarship. Students sense of civic identity begins to change. As they iterate their understanding and depth of knowledge, they open themselves to seeing themselves as rising scholars.
During events hosted by MCCE, students have opportunities to address panels and testify on critical Constitutional questions of the day. Judges then engage our young Constitutional scholars in dialogue on the content, history, and current applications of the Constitution. Currently, MCCE hosts a district event, a high school state showcase, a legislative showcase, elementary and middle school showcases, and supports teachers through classroom visits and professional learning.
We the People is a competition in the format of a simulated congressional hearing. Middle and high school students work collaboratively in teams to research the Constitutional question at hand through a historical lens and apply the learning to modern questions. These unit teams then present their testimony and answer questions about historical, political, and Constitutional issues. Students are considered generalists in most aspects of the Constitution and then specialize in one of six themed areas or “units”.
Those are:
Unit 1: What are the Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System?
Unit 2: How Did the Framers Create the Constitution?
Unit 3: How has the Constitution been Changed to Further the Ideals Contained in the Declaration of Independence?
Unit 4: How have the Values and Principles Embodied in the Constitution Shaped American Institutions and Practices?
Unit 5: What Rights does the Bill of Rights Protect?
Unit 6: What Challenges Might Face American Constitutional Democracy in the Twenty-First Century?
Elementary School Students focus on Five Units of those listed above.
Jump into Civics!
Want to increase your own and student civic and Constitutional knowledge by 70% in a single year? Want to ensure your students desire to pay attention to what is going on in government and politics while feeling more prepared to become involved in their community including believing in the importance of voting?
This pop-up professional learning opportunity is for you! Join the Michigan Center for Civic Education for the final cohort of Civics that Empowers All Students – We the People program this Aug. 5-7 in Lansing, Michigan. With a focus on 4th-8th grades, the summer institute will kick off a year of learning full of engaging lessons and content ready for you and your classroom. Pre-service and educators of all years of experience are encouraged to apply!
Apply now to engage in a focus on unique social studies processes and protocols with a focus on honoring multiple civic perspectives in the classroom. An intentional focus on collaboration and dialogue across difference, this We the People institute will infuse critical, timely content for you as a professional learner alongside lessons with a focus on:
*Philosophical origins of the U.S. government
*History of the Founding Era
*U.S. Supreme Court updates and analysis
*Rights and Responsibilities of Americans
An all expenses paid summer institute, up to 60 free SCECH credits, a stipend for completing the program, and additional weekend of study and monthly webinars to advance your craft are all included.
See the flyer linked here. Please attend and share widely!
Given the quick turnaround, please apply asap! If you have any questions at all, email Ellen at ezwarensteyn@miciviced.org or call (248) 321-4842
Save the Dates!
East Side – tentatively November 11, 2025 tbd
West Side – November 14, 2025 at DeVos Center at GVSU
Middle and High State Finals – January 9, 2026 MSU College of law
April 21, 2025 is hosted by GVSU at the Grand Rapids DeVos Center.
May 22, 2025 is hosted by Wayne State University School of Law.
Educator Roundtables. All educators (PK-12) are welcome to join in the teachers and coaches roundtables. The purposes of the roundtables serve to:
The Events
Both Middle School and High Schools are Invited to Participate in the below District and State Events. The events below are the official high school season events. Additional elementary and middle school events will be scheduled – especially for our CEAS We the People Teachers.
Teachers & Coaches – you are welcome to an optional Zoom meeting Monday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about the season and make any updates to materials and processes.
Districts – Half Day Events and All Day Professional Learning Options
For districts only, each unit will be asked District Question #3.
A consolidated Google Doc is here and a PDF is here.
The updated Michigan scoring rubric is here.
MCCE State Finals & Showcase – Full Day Event with All Day Professional Learning OptionsState Final Championship and Showcase – Friday, January 10, 2025 at MSU College of Law.
MCCE State Questions:
Center for Civic Education’s National Finals & Invitational
Save the Dates!
East Side – tentatively November 11, 2025 tbd
West Side – November 14, 2025 at DeVos Center at GVSU
Middle and High State Finals – January 9, 2026 MSU College of law
April 21, 2025 is hosted by GVSU at the Grand Rapids DeVos Center.
May 22, 2025 is hosted by Wayne State University School of Law.
Educator Roundtables. All educators (PK-12) are welcome to join in the teachers and coaches roundtables. The purposes of the roundtables serve to:
The Events
Both Middle School and High Schools are Invited to Participate in the below District and State Events. The events below are the official high school season events. Additional elementary and middle school events will be scheduled – especially for our CEAS We the People Teachers.
Teachers & Coaches – you are welcome to an optional Zoom meeting Monday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about the season and make any updates to materials and processes.
Districts – Half Day Events and All Day Professional Learning Options
For districts only, each unit will be asked District Question #3.
A consolidated Google Doc is here and a PDF is here.
The updated Michigan scoring rubric is here.
MCCE State Finals & Showcase – Full Day Event with All Day Professional Learning OptionsState Final Championship and Showcase – Friday, January 10, 2025 at MSU College of Law.
MCCE State Questions:
Center for Civic Education’s National Finals & Invitational
MCCE champions education for active and informed engagement in the practice of democracy.
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