We The People

E Pluribus Unum, Out of Many One

About the Hub

Engage directly with the national institutions that exist to serve you! Since 2005, students have explored the ways our Constitution is alive in Washington, DC, through the “We the People” Constitution Tour.

As you explore the “We the People” hub, you will find free resources to help you gain a deeper knowledge of your civic rights, responsibilities, as well as the history and practical implementation of the Constitution. From videos and interactive timelines to quizzes and classroom discussion exercises, “We the People” hub offers enriching activities for every learning style.

Want to schedule a live virtual classroom session with educators at a participating “We the People” site? Click here for more information. As with all “We the People” resources, the opportunity to engage with our educators is absolutely free. You must be a teacher at a DCPS or DC charter school to schedule a live session for your classroom.

Member organizations in the “We the People” Consortium include the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the White House Historical Association, the National Archives and Records Administration, President’s Park/White House Visitor Center (National Park Service), and the George Mason Memorial (National Park Service). Our in-person field studies, which we hope to resume by Fall 2021, are also made possible through the invaluable partnership of USA Guided Tours, Children’s Concierge, and Restaurant Associates.

 

Complete Social Studies and Civics Lesson Plans

Whether you’re a first-year teacher or looking for new content for your students, you can find in-depth lesson plans that include editable full-text scripts, slide decks, and activities. Each of these can be adapted to individual state standards and student needs.

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Teaching the Constitution through Theater

Preview StoryWorks: Now’s The Time

StoryWorks Now’s The Time written by Jean P. Bordewich is a filmed performance that opens at the dawn of Reconstruction, the Civil War has just ended but the nation is plunged again into crisis with the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Andrew Johnson ascends to the Presidency determined to restore white supremacy in the South. Congressional radicals led by Thaddeus Stevens are fighting for a different vision. They intend to create a new society of full racial equality, where Black Americans will have real economic and political power, including ownership of land confiscated from the rebels, education, suffrage and election to public office. This titanic political battle between President and Congress culminates in the first impeachment and trial of a U.S. president, and to more than 150 years of continuing violence and discrimination against Black Americans.

 

View the corresponding curriculum for implementing Now’s The Time in your classroom.

Preview StoryWorks: Beautiful Agitators

StoryWorks Beautiful Agitators is a virtual play reading about Vera Mae Pigee, a hair stylist and business owner in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and one of the unsung heroes of the civil rights era. Using her beauty parlor as a hub for Delta-based organizing and resistance, Pigee operated her salon by day and then transformed it into a clandestine center for civil rights organization and education in the evenings. Known for her big hats and larger than life personality, Mrs. Pigee led the direct action that registered nearly 6,000 African Americans to vote in the region. Although Pigee was largely left out of the history books, along with many women of the movement, this abridged version of Beautiful Agitators and accompanying curriculum revives her legacy, highlighting her methods and tactics.

View the corresponding curriculum for implementing Beautiful Agitators in your classroom.

 

Three Branches of Government

Article 1 Legislative Branch

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Article 2 Executive Branch

The Executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.

Article 3 Judicial Branch

The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Three Branches Institute

Three Branches Institute

The Three Branches Institute is a partnership between the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, White House Historical Association, Supreme Court Historical Society, and the National Archives. Each summer, the organizations host sessions for teachers to learn about their respective branch of government. Follow the links below to learn more about the resources available.

White House Historical Association

U.S. Capitol Historical Society

Supreme Court Historical Society

National Archives and Records Administration

U.S. Constitution

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Educator Forum

Tutorials

Open Author

Get started using our OER authoring tool, Open Author. This video walks you through how to author and remix; including how to add and format content, import and attach resources, embed media, add co-authors, check for accessibility, describe your resource, select a license, align to standards, publish, and download.

Created by ISKME. Licensed Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.