The competition includes a mock congressional hearing in which students act as experts on historical and modern constitutional issues. The students present prepared testimony for four minutes on a particular issue, then judges, playing the role of congressional representatives, ask a slew of follow-up questions related to current events, policy, and legal issues. Follow-up questions can be fact-based or opinion-based, so students learn not only important information, but they also learn important skills such as how to argue civilly and how to persuasively advocate for a position. For example, at the State competition, my students played the role of experts on presidential power and executive orders. They were asked questions about the historical use of executive orders, the Supreme Court’s role in checking the power of the executive branch, and whether or not it is good policy for the president to have authority to issue executive orders.
Gahimer explained a program like We the People gives young people faith in the rule of law and the American system of government.
“Gen Z has grown up in a political climate that’s deeply polarized, and many Americans express deep political dissatisfaction. This program helps students both understand why that is, but also how that can possibly be changed. Even for students that don’t intend to study law or policy, the program helps build important life skills,” she said, adding, “Students better their public speaking skills, gain confidence, learn to work together and collaborate as a team, practice civil disagreement, and are forced to think on their feet. Lastly, it helps to increase civic participation and engagement in young people. In a time where so many people feel dejected and uninterested in participating in politics, this program sparks interest and helps students see beyond the headlines and loudest political voices.”
While the students on the team deserve so much credit for their hard work and dedication, Gahimer called faculty advisor and team coach Janet Chandler an unsung hero and devoted educator who goes above and beyond.
“[She] has worked at HSE for over 45 years, is a former ISTA Teacher of the Year, and served as the President of the Teachers Association for many years. She is the reason the HSE We the People program is so dominant,” Gahimer said. “In addition to teaching this material in her classes, she goes above and beyond to make the program what it is. She organizes weekly practices where the students can prepare for the competitions with volunteer judges who are attorneys, judges, and other civic-minded community members. She also coordinates so that each unit has a mentor/coach from whom they can learn and make lasting connections. She really is the gold standard and what I hope many of my students aspire to be.”
The team will compete in the national We the People competition this April in Maryland.
