James Madison's Montpelier We the People Spring 2014 | Page 10

We The People

constitution

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t h e f u t u r e o f a m e ric a
In 23 short years—less than a generation—the U.S. Constitution will be 250 years
old. America’s democracy depends on an active, engaged citizenry. Thus, now is the
time to ask where we want to see America in 2037. What can we do to better secure
our nation’s future and our way of life?
In recent months, Montpelier’s Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution has
hosted two significant events with the next generation of American leaders in mind.

engaging tomorrow’s

today

civic leaders

E

ach year, thousands of American students from across
the nation gather in Washington, D.C. for a nationally
acclaimed constitutional competition known as We The People.
Students serve as expert witnesses on topics from the Bill
of Rights to citizenship, and testify in small groups before a
panel of judges acting as U.S. congressional representatives.
Montpelier makes this experience possible for students
from Virginia and Washington, D.C. In the past 18 months,
Montpelier has served nearly 2,500 middle school and high
school students, including 8th grade student Madison Boone
from Kemps Landing Magnet School in Virginia Beach.
“We The People helps me to learn more about the
Constitution, which I believe is the most important part of
our nation—it is the supreme law of the land. I feel that We
The People helps me become a better citizen and helps me
be more informed about today’s current issues.” Madison has
ambitions to attend law school and become a Supreme Court
justice like her role model, Sandra Day O’Connor. With a
name like Madison, we believe she will reach her goals.

Students from Brunswick High School team congratulate each other over a win at
the 2013 We The People state finals.