[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E725]]



  COMMENDING THE WE THE PEOPLE . . . THE CITIZEN AND THE CONSTITUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GIBBONS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 2002

  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, on May 4-6, 2002 more than 1200 students 
from across the United States visited 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 Incline High School from 
Incline Village represented the State of Nevada in this national event. 
These young scholars worked diligently to reach the national finals and 
through their experience 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 our government in the aftermath of September 11th. These 
ideas 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.
  Independent studies by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) showed 
that students enrolled in the We the People. . . program at upper 
elementary, middle, and high school levels ``significantly outperformed 
comparison students on every topic of the tests taken.'' Further, in a 
voting and civic participation survey of program alumni, 82% reported 
voting in the November 2000 election. In contrast, the National 
Election Studies reported a 48% turnout in the November 2000 election 
among Americans aged 18-30. This provides ample evidence that when 
students gain valuable knowledge about fundamental American values, 
they are more likely to participate in political life.
  The class from Incline High School diligently conducted research and 
prepared for their participation in the national competition. I commend 
these young ``constitutional experts'' on their work for and commitment 
to the We the People. . . national finals. They represent the future 
leaders of our nation.

                          ____________________