The We the People program challenges students to put their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution to the test through a simulated congressional hearing. Each school is divided into six units, with three to four students per unit, and each unit focuses on one of six constitutional topics. Students prepare written testimonies and oral presentations responding to three complex questions that require deep understanding of constitutional principles, landmark Supreme Court cases, historical context, and current events.
During competition rounds, students present their prepared testimonies and then undergo intensive, impromptu questioning by panels of constitutional scholars and experts. Without notes, students must respond thoughtfully and accurately, citing cases, historical precedents, current events, and even personal perspectives. Judges also evaluate teamwork, looking for balanced participation, the ability to expand on a teammate’s response, respectfully challenge a viewpoint, and substantiate claims with evidence. After each round, judges provide detailed, constructive feedback that students immediately apply in subsequent afternoon hearings.
What stood out most throughout the weekend was not only the depth of knowledge demonstrated by Liberty students, but their poise, professionalism, and ability to articulate sophisticated ideas with clarity and confidence. Their command of constitutional law, the Bill of Rights, government structure, history, and modern civic issues rivaled, and often exceeded, that of many adults.
At the banquet held the night before the competition, two students from each school addressed the audience to share gratitude for their coaches and reflect on what the program has given them. One Liberty student spoke candidly about how the divisiveness seen in today’s society can feel overwhelming, but how participating in We the People has given her hope for a brighter and more unified future. That sentiment captured the spirit of the program and the purpose behind the competition.
Many of the judges volunteering at the state competition are alumni of We the People themselves. They return year after year because of the profound impact the program had on their own lives, and their commitment to ensuring today’s students have access to the same transformative civic learning experience.
Liberty’s highest-scoring unit was Unit 6, comprised of Kaiah Bustamante, Mia Dean, Noah Perez, and Celia Reimert, whose exceptional performance reflected months of preparation, collaboration, and dedication.
Coach Brooke Richter said of the competition, "It's incredible when months of hard work pays off in the ultimate test of competition day! The students rose to the occasion and we are all very proud. Civics education is the most important responsibility we have as teachers to ensure our students are prepared to be active, informed citizens as adults. This program provides the strongest foundation for engaged citizenry."
The entire Liberty We the People team represented the school with integrity, intellect, and pride. Their performance at the state level is a testament to the power of civic education and the remarkable potential of Liberty students when challenged to think critically, speak thoughtfully, and engage deeply with democracy.
Liberty We the People Team Roster
Teacher/Coach : Brooke Richter
Unit 1: Foundations of American DemocracyLily Arnold
Shivraj Dhillon
Carter Mortensen
Samreen Sandhu
Unit 2: Creating the Constitution
Fatima Aceves Soltero
Jair Almanza Barreto
Nathan Daniels
Unit 3: Changing the Constitution
Faith Diaz
Zoey Stafford
Audrey Vargas
Unit 4: How Government Works
Robert Clegg
Emily Freeland
Linda Ayllon
Unit 5: Rights and Liberties
Rowan Harrell
Alexander Murillo
Ella Pepper
Cailyn Reimert
Unit 6: Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens
Kaiah Bustamante
Mia Dean
Noah Perez
Celia Perez