National Finals
April 17-19, 2026
Bethesda North Marriott
National Invitational
May 15-16, 2026
Virtual Online Hearings
Every year, hundreds of students from across the nation travel to Washington, D.C. for the National Finals or enter the National Invitational. In simulated congressional hearings, they compete in front of scholars, public officials, judges, and other experts, showcasing their knowledge of America's Constitution and government. One team will be national champions, but every student is an inspiration and proof the future of American democracy is in good hands.
The We the People curriculum features a culminating activity where students take positions on historical and contemporary constitutional issues. A panel of volunteer judges serves as faux legislators in a mock congressional hearing. Students testify as expert witnesses, displaying their knowledge of government and the U.S. Constitution. Following a four-minute prepared speech, students field follow-up questions from the judges, after which they are scored on their overall performance.
The National Finals are open to high school teams who've won their state competitions, as well as wildcard selections. The National Invitational allows both high school and middle school teams that have competed at a school-wide, regional, district, or state level. Full eligibility requirements and rules are reviewed each year and are available online. Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries about sending a team to the competition.
The National Finals and National Invitational always benefit from dedicated volunteers, but that's not the only way to get involved. Help bring the Center's programs to your state, or access our self-guided learning tools. Join our alumni network, or invest in civic education through your financial support. Learn all the ways you can get involved today!
About the Competition
Every year, hundreds of students from across the nation travel to Washington, D.C. for the National Finals or enter the National Invitational. In simulated congressional hearings, they compete in front of scholars, public officials, judges, and other experts, showcasing their knowledge of America's Constitution and government. One team will be national champions, but every student is an inspiration and proof the future of American democracy is in good hands.
What Are Simulated Congressional Hearings?
Who is Eligible to Compete?
Impact for a Lifetime
The experience of competing in We the People competitions leaves a lasting mark on the millions of students who've participated in the last forty years. But don't take our word for it.
Student Testimonial: Elizabeth Fakoya
Student Testimonial: Alex Lancaster
Student Testimonial: Brenda Galicia & Sneha Debnath
Teacher Testimonial: Janice Yates
A Storied History
In the four decades since the Bicentennial Commission of the United States Constitution helped launch the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program, over 30 million students and 75,000 educators have taken part. Tens of thousands of those young people have found their way to Washington, D.C., each year to take part in the National Finals. Fourteen different schools have become national champions, starting with Gompers High School from San Diego, California, in 1988.
Lasting Memories
The Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Set just north of the District of Columbia, the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center hosts the We the People National Finals for the first time in 2026. Easily accessible just a block from the North Bethesda Metro Station, the venue's onsite amenities include a high-end bar and restaurant—The Corby Kitchen—an illy Café, a nearby park, and myriad dining options.
Meanwhile, the entire competition—including the hearings, awards ceremony, and other celebrations—will unfold in the attached 61,000 sq. ft. conference center. The modern facility, drenched in sunshine from its massive windows across two levels, will give the competing teams a memorable backdrop for their displays of constitutional savvy.
Support the Experience of a Lifetime
You have an opportunity to bring National Finals teams to Washington, D.C. Many of them wouldn't be able to attend without your support.
