<p>We The People* <3<3<3 </p>
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<p>I am a junior and I would do anything to get into We the People next year. </p>
<p>Hey People in WE the People ..... can you give me some advice for it?
what are the qualifications needed in order to be in we the people? what does "we the people" mainly focus on? Can I prepare myself in any way? tell me all you can plz....</p>
<p>thanks guys:):]</p>
<p>Hi there sumgirl.</p>
<p>Im currently a we the people-er in southern california and I do have some tips for you.</p>
<p>-Know your stuff...make sure that you're up to date on current events and have an opinion regarding them</p>
<p>-Be a good speaker.Very important, seeing as how most of the competition is entirely dependednt on how you present yourself. Be confident.</p>
<p>-Be opinionated and strong. Nobody likes a wishy-washy debate. Defend your points as if you would take them with you to your dying day (even if you dont believe them)</p>
<p>-Know how to work with people well</p>
<p>-Be a good writer. This is key in making a good pesentation, as well as writing your essay for acceptance.</p>
<p>-Have a car...not really necessary, but it just makes getting to meetings a whole lot easier.</p>
<p>I wish you luck!!!!</p>
<p>Wow thank you so much ... </p>
<p>wish you luck too.... hope you guys make it to the nationals
U'll see our school there...:)</p>
<p>what is we the people?</p>
<p>Thanks again mariopuzo!</p>
<p>Anyone else in We the People that can give me some input?</p>
<p>I did We the People last year. It focuses mostly on constitutional law, its history, and how you can apply it to various situations. </p>
<p>Every year, our teacher requires the class to memorize 7 quotes that can be used in basically any situation and also hands out a sheet with about 100 more quotes that can be useful. Keep up with current events, and when you're discussing a topic, do not bring up a current event that you are not 100% familiar with. Last year at district, my group mentioned the Patriot Act as an example of citizens giving up their rights, and then we were questioned about it for the rest of the time. You also have to know how to make a good impression on the judges. My class spent an entire block practicing how to greet the judges and another block learning how to make the introductory essay seem even more interesting. Also, depending on how competitive your school is, be prepared to practice after school. My class met on most Sundays, and my group also met about three times/week after school to work with the teacher.</p>
<p>thanks that really helps *</p>
<p>any more advice/comments ?</p>
<p>I didn't do WTP but one of my best friends did. Basically, read the newspaper every day, watch the news on TV, and get one of the news mags like Time. This guy got obsessed with the news by the time WTP rolled around. Cnn.com is also useful if you like to get your news that way--my best friend got me hooked on it a few years ago and it is now my homepage (so I can get my news on the fly).</p>
<p>About having a car--that is really important too. My friend who did it needed one so badly that he got this ancient 1982 Plymouth Gran Fury! Hey, it did run well, and it was also the most talked-about car in the lot. He should consider fixing it up and taking it to classic car shows...this car even had an 8 track player (that he broke, unfortunately).</p>
<p>I'm in Unit 1... for other people, what unit are you guys in? Maybe we can get a whole national thing going on!</p>
<p>I have a been a WTP coach at my kids H.S. the past 4 years (unit 5). To my mind, the most critical aspect to doing well is preparing for the open question period. Many of the 4 minute essays sound the same, but teams that distinguish themselves are the ones that can answer the judges followup questions.</p>
<p>And, the key to doing well in prep. for the followup questions is have as many people challenge you with questions as possible. The questions are often designed to have "two-sides." Know each side well. It is not as important to be "right," as it is to give solid and rational reasons for the position you have taken. And, yes, current events are important. Look at what cases are currently on the US Supreme Court's docket for decision this year, and see how the principles involved in your questions apply to these pending cases. It really impresses the judges to see students take these broad consitutional principles, and apply them to new fact patterns.</p>
<p>Good luck to you all.</p>
<p>CD</p>