We the People Team
About The Arvin High We the People Team….
The We the People program is a knowledge-based competition centered on the origins, philosophies, and inner workings of the United States Constitution and government. It was developed by the Center for Civic Education, under a grant from the Department of Education. The team is composed of Arvin High Seniors enrolled in 12th Grade Government.
The competition format is that of a mock congressional hearing wherein the students take on the role of an expert panel who will testify before a panel of judges representing Congress. Students will give a four-minute prepared speech followed by an open and unprepared question and answer session centered around the panel’s particular unit focus. This interactive back and forth between the students and judges ensures that the students must think and answer critically about the questions posed. This requires the students to demonstrate superior knowledge and understanding of our system of government rather than a simple cursory knowledge of the facts.
In each class, students are divided into six units which in turn focus on a particular theme for the competition.
- Unit 1: What Are the Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System?
- Unit 2: How did the Framers Create the Constitution?
- Unit 3: How Has the Constitution Been Changed to Further the Ideals Contained in the Declaration of Independence?
- Unit 4: How Have the Values and Principles Embodied in the Constitution Shaped American Institutions and Practices?
- Unit 5: What Rights Does the Bill of Rights Protect?
- Unit 6: What Challenges Might Face American Constitutional Democracy in the Twenty-First Century?
The Arvin High We the People Team is coached by Nick Hernandez, who is himself an alumnus of the program and Arvin High graduate. He is assisted by Robert Ruckman, Larry Hallum, and Abdula Alshaif.
Students or parents who are interested in the program should contact Mr. Hernandez. Email
Class of 2021 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
21st Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
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Class of 2020 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
21st Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
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Class of 2019 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
21st Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
First Place |
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Class of 2018 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
Second Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
21st Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
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Class of 2017 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
Second Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
21st Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
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Class of 2016 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
Second Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
21st Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
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Class of 2015 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
21st Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
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Class of 2014 |
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Unit 1 |
Second Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
Second Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
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Class of 2013 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
**California Top 4 |
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***NATIONAL FINALIST*** |
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Class of 2012 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
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Class of 2011 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
First Place |
Class of 2010 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
First Place |
Class of 2009 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
First Place |
Class of 2008 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
**California State Top Four |
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Class of 2007 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
First Place |
**California State Top Four |
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Class of 2006 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
Second Place |
Unit 5 |
First Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
Second Place |
Class of 2005 |
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Unit 1 |
First Place |
Unit 2 |
First Place |
Unit 3 |
First Place |
Unit 4 |
First Place |
Unit 5 |
Second Place |
Unit 6 |
First Place |
20th Congressional District |
First Place |
California Region 4 |
First Place |