On November 21 to November 23, 2008, twenty-five Virginia teachers spent the weekend at the Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier focusing on the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution curriculum.  The weekend featured lesson demonstrations, mentor team groups with expert We the People mentor teachers, a simulated congressional hearing, and lectures and discussions with Dr. Beau Breslin, Assistant Dean of the Faculty and Associate Professor of Government at Skidmore College. Dr. Bresin led discussions on the Constitution, focusing on founding principles and the Anti-Federalist and Federalist role in the Constitution's creation. 

Throughout the weekend, teachers prepared for the culminating congressional hearing simulation where teams of teachers prepared testimony for a panel of three judges answering the questions of "What were the major differences between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?  How did the arguments of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists reflect their points of view regarding natural rights, republicanism, and the powers of the states?  Why are the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates still relevant today?" 

The congressional hearing simulation is at the core of the We the People program, which offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of the Constitution while they evaluate, take and defend positions on relevant Constitutional issues.

All teachers who participated in the weekend seminar received a complimentary classroom set of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution textbooks, professional development hours, free room and board and transportation reimbursement.