Constitutional Democracy Project

Constitutional Democracy Project The Constitutional Democracy Project brings civics to life for students and educators.

The Constitutional Democracy Project reaches out to our youngest citizens-elementary and high school students-by providing:

Student Programs
Students from diverse backgrounds are provided with opportunities to learn first-hand about legal and political issues. Teacher Training
Teachers learn in-depth content about the American legal and governmental system, as well ways to incorporate interactiv

e methods such as mock trials, Socratic discussions, case studies, and role-plays into their classrooms. Resource Experts in the Classroom
Lawyers, judges, police officers, and other public officials are recruited and prepared to work with teachers and students. Innovative Curricula
Designed for use in government, Constitution, civics, and other social studies classes, Constitutional Democracy Project's curricula give students background on our legal and political system and challenge them to apply this knowledge through case studies, mock trials, discussions, and other interactive means.

01/26/2026

I have been thinking a lot about the death of Alex Pretti and how to have those hard conversations with students.

As educators, we tell students that democracy depends on accountability, due process, and the rule of law.

Moments like this test whether we believe that—or just teach it.

When someone dies at the hands of government agents, the question is not “Which side are you on?”
The question is how a democracy responds when power takes a life.

Teaching civic literacy means helping students wrestle with uncomfortable realities:
• government authority
• use of force
• transparency
• public trust

Avoiding these conversations doesn’t protect students.
It leaves them unprepared for citizenship.

If we don’t model how to ask hard questions, who will?

01/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Our Wisconsin & Illinois We the People Teams! 🎉

Today’s Wisconsin and Illinois We the People Hearings showcased the hard work, dedication, and constitutional knowledge of some truly outstanding students and educators.

In Wisconsin, two teams represented Wauwatosa with distinction. Wauwatosa West earned first place, while Wauwatosa East delivered an impressive performance and secured a wild card berth—a testament to the strength of civic education in the district.

In Illinois, competition was fierce among Maine South High School, St. Joseph-Ogden High School, J. Sterling Morton High School, and William Howard Taft High School, with Illiana Christian High School participating as an exhibition team. Maine South High School claimed first place, St. Joseph-Ogden finished second and earned a wild card spot, followed by Taft High School in third and J. Sterling Morton in fourth.

We are incredibly proud of all the students, teachers, judges, and volunteers who made today’s hearings such a success. Your commitment to civic learning and constitutional understanding gives us great hope for the future of our democracy.

09/23/2025

Exciting news! Our Project Director, Dee Runaas, has been honored with the Darlene Ruscitti Civic Champion Award for her commitment to civic education. This award celebrates those who help prepare young people to be informed, engaged citizens—and Dee is a true champion of that mission!

Address

IIT Chicago-Kent College Of Law
Chicago, IL
60661

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13129065255

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Constitutional Democracy Project posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Constitutional Democracy Project:

Shortcuts

Share

Category