Ben Franklin would vote Yes for “We the People.” An inspiring view of democracy’s future.

By Andy McLeod

(A former aide to two US Senators and appointee?of two Governors, I volunteered at the We the People national finals in Leesburg VA, April 13-14, 2024.)

It has long been recorded that Benjamin Franklin, when departing the Constitutional Convention in 1787, was asked “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"

The American sage responded warily:? “A republic, if you can keep it.”

Our ability to “keep it” feels as uncertain now as at any time in the past 150 years. Yet, in the current political maelstrom, we fail to adequately appreciate the many, truly patriotic Americans -- public officials, community leaders, reformers, election workers, and teachers -- who are daily devoted to the health and well-being of our democracy.

Last week, I was privileged to witness the national finals of We the People, a competition by the Center for Civic Education that has prepared young Americans to engage actively in the democratic system for over 30 years.? The emergence of skilled and highly motivated young citizens is an inspiring sight.

High school teams, having advanced through state-level competitions, came from disparate places including the Denver, Reno, and Richmond areas and a rural Maryland town of 3,000. The students had prepared constitutional and legal cases and, in simulated congressional hearings, were questioned by sitting (real) state and local judges, public defenders, and lawyers.

The pertinent and challenging topics included:

●???? How did the founding framers' experience with state constitutions influence the writing of the US Constitution?

●???? How was due process in the 14th Amendment interpreted by courts after the Civil War?

●???? Has the Constitution’s “take care” clause that laws be faithfully executed expanded presidential powers?

●???? What are the implications of artificial intelligence on the criminal justice system?

The students offered precise, cogent responses in debate, citing decision after decision to buttress their arguments and, at times, finishing each other’s sentences.? They also did not hesitate to differ thoughtfully from their teammates.

The thrust of the program is to learn and demonstrate “how," not “what,” to think about serious civic matters.

“She has the skills of a future leader,” assessed a judge about one panelist.

Another remarked: “How can high school kids be so smart?”

A third marveled: “I know prosecutors and defense attorneys who don’t know the law like that young man.”

Ben Franklin would also be rightfully impressed with the young scholars training to ensure that we “keep” the republic. He would also give We the People a strong thumbs up.

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