[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          WE THE PEOPLE . . . THE CITIZEN AND THE CONSTITUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, on May 4-6, 2002, more than 1200 students 
from across the United States will visit Washington, D.C. to compete in 
the national finals of the We the People . . . The Citizen and the 
Constitution program, the most extensive educational program in the 
country developed specifically to educate young people about the 
Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
  I am proud to announce that the class from Duluth Central High School 
from Duluth will represent the state of Minnesota in this national 
event. These young scholars have worked diligently to reach the 
national finals and through their experience have gained a deep 
knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and values of 
our constitutional democracy.
  The three-day national competition is modeled after hearings in the 
United States Congress. The hearings consist of oral presentations by 
high school students before a panel of adult judges on constitutional 
topics. The students' testimony is followed by a period of questioning 
by the judges who probe their depth of understanding and ability to 
apply their constitutional knowledge.
  Administered by the Center for Civic Education, the We the People . . 
. program has provided curricular materials at upper elementary, 
middle, and high school levels for more than 26.5 million students 
nationwide. The program provides students with a working knowledge of 
our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the principles of democratic 
government. Members of Congress and their staff enhance the program by 
discussing current constitutional issues with students and teachers and 
by participating in other educational activities.
  It is inspiring to see these young people advocate the fundamental 
ideals of principles of our government in the aftermath of the tragedy 
on September 11. These are ideas that identify us as a people and bind 
us together as a nation. It is important for our next generation to 
understand these values and principles which we hold as standards in 
our endeavor to preserve and realize the promise of our constitutional 
democracy.
  The class from Duluth Central High School is currently conducting 
research and preparing for their upcoming participation in the national 
competition in Washington, D.C. I wish these young ``constitutional 
experts'' the best of luck at the We the People . . . national finals. 
They represent the future leaders of our nation.

                          ____________________