D.C. This simulated congressional hearing competition includes more than 1,200 students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. An entire class, working in cooperative teams, prepares and presents statements before a panel of community representatives who act as congressional committee members.
Students then answer questions posed by the committee members.
The format provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles while providing teachers with an excellent means of assessing performance. High school competition begins at the congressional district level with teams from each school vying for the district championship. While in Washington, students also have an opportunity to visit historic sites and meet with members of Congress and other dignitaries. The program is administered by the Center for Civic Education in Calabasas, California. Fla. The Panasonic Academic Challenge is a national high school competition modeled after Florida's statewide tournament.