Glacier High School’s Advanced Placement government students have shown once again they are well-informed Americans.

This year’s class followed its predecessors by winning first place over five other teams at the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution state competition in Helena.

The state team includes seniors D.J. Brotnov, Ashlee Buller, Jasmyn Burdsall, Rachel Bjork, Elise Byle, Julia Cecil, Jacqueline Culver, Jackson Day, Westley Hughes, Kyle McCabe, Emily Morison, Kylie Peck, Jaclyn Rensel, Mady Rigg, Devin Slater, Boone Tullett and Devon Zander.

The first-place win qualifies them to compete at the second annual We the People National Invitational in Washington, D.C., April 4 through 8.

In preparation for competition, students studied six units about the workings of the U.S. political system, its key figures and historical documents.

The We the People program is sponsored by the Center for Civic Education to promote civic competence and responsibility among high school students.

Competition involves a simulated congressional hearing, according to history teacher Beau Wright.

“The simulated congressional hearing provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and ideas while providing teachers an excellent means of assessing student learning,” Wright said.

During competition, students are asked one of three possible questions pertaining to each unit.

At the state competition, the class worked in teams and presented four-minute statements before a panel of judges who acted as a congressional committee. The statements were followed by cross-examination.

Byle and McCabe said all teams members had to hold their own in order to win, and the same will be true at the national level.

“So much is riding on you for the crossfire [questions],” Byle said. “Every single member on your team has to participate or they dock points from your team and so it’s important that what you say is useful, applicable and relevant.”

“And convincing,” McCabe added.

“Our team as a whole can only win if all of the different units do well,” Byle said.

This is the case even if teammates disagree.

“The thing is — the Constitution — they’ve argued over its interpretation for over 200 years,” Byle said.

Byle and McCabe said the class taught them how to present a valid argument supported by facts.

“As teenagers we love to argue, but for the first time we actually had to have validation for our arguments,” Byle said.

The only requirement for taking the government course is dedication, Wright said. Since the class is only a semester, students planning to attend the national competition will have to spend time outside class writing essays, rehearsing questions and researching constitutional arguments.

“We are going to spend an intensive time between now and April refining their arguments,” Wright said.

Wright said it is phenomenal to watch young students debate difficult Constitutional questions at the national level and it is a very exciting opportunity for Glacier students.

“The Constitution is the foundation for our democracy,” Wright said. “If you understand it, you understand America.”

Students are currently raising money for their D.C. trip. Each member must raise approximately $1,500 to compete in nationals at George Mason University. People interested in making donations may contact Wright at [email protected].

For more information about We The People program, visit new.civiced.org.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].