[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 64 (Monday, May 10, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S5076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               WE THE PEOPLE NATIONAL FINALS COMPETITION

 Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, from May 1-3, 2004 more than 1200 
students from across the United States came to Washington, DC to take 
part in the national finals of ``We the People: The Citizen and the 
Constitution.'' This is the most extensive program in the country 
developed specifically to educate young people about the U.S. 
Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Administered by the Center for 
Civic Education, the ``We the People'' program is funded by the U.S. 
Department of Education by act of Congress.
  I am very proud to note that a class from Cheyenne Central High 
School in Cheyenne represented the State of Wyoming in this prestigious 
national event. These outstanding students, through their knowledge of 
the U.S. Constitution, won their statewide competition and earned the 
chance to come to our Nation's capital and compete at the national 
level.
  The 3-day ``We the People'' National Finals Competition is modeled 
after hearings in the U.S. Congress. The students are given an 
opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge before a panel of adult 
judges while they evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant 
historical and contemporary issues. Their testimony is followed by 
questions designed to probe the students' depth of understanding and 
ability to apply their constitutional knowledge. Columnist David Broder 
once described this annual competition as ``the place to come to have 
your faith in the younger generation restored.''
  Most recently, the ``We the People'' program was highlighted at two 
national conferences held in 2003: the White House Forum on American 
History, Civics, and Service, and the first annual Congressional 
Conference on Civic Education. Evaluations and independent studies have 
validated the effectiveness of the ``We the People'' program on 
students' civic knowledge and attitudes. This innovative civic 
education program continues to be one of the best antidotes to apathy 
and cynicism in our Nation.
  I am certain everyone enjoyed their participation in the ``We the 
People'' national finals and I applaud the achievements of all who took 
part in the program. We should all be proud that so many are focused on 
and are learning about the fundamental principles and ideals that 
identify us as a people and bind us together as a nation.

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