"We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution" is a national civic education program that aims to help elementary and secondary students understand the history and principles of constitutional government. The program focuses on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and fosters civic competence and responsibility among students in public and private schools. The "We the People..." curriculum, written in consultation with leading U.S. scholars and educators, was developed by the Center for Civic Education and is funded presently by the U.S. Department of Education through an act of Congress. Students demonstrate their mastery of the course content two ways: (1) in a written assessment, and (2) in a simulated congressional hearing in which the entire class participates. In the hearings, groups of three to six students serve as expert witnesses appearing before a panel of community members acting as congressional committee members. High school classes may participate in congressional district, state, and national-level competitions. The winning class from each state represents its state at the annual national finals held in Washington, D.C. Cited research studies validate the educational effects of the "We the People..." program. Information is provided about how to learn more about "We the People..." and how to obtain program materials. Contains 12 references. (LAP)