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Program Background:
We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution, a nationally acclaimed program, helps students understand the history and principles of our constitutional government. The program focuses on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and fosters civic competence and responsibility among elementary and secondary school students in public and private schools. The U.S. Department of Education funds the program by an Act of Congress. It began in 1987 under the auspices of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution.
The program's curriculum, developed by the Center for Civic Education in consultation with leading scholars and educators, complements the regular school curriculum. Upon completion of the course of study, classes are encouraged to participate in simulated congressional hearings. These hearings allow upper elementary, middle, and high school students to demonstrate their knowledge of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution is administered nationwide through 435 congressional districts, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. More than 12 million students and 170 teachers have been involved in this in-depth study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. To view more information on this program, please visit the Center for Civic Education Homepage.
Contact: Steve O'Brien
Telephone: (202) 219-2141
E-mail: Steve.O'Brien@ed.gov
Page last modified April 12, 2001 (tca)