Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with civics activities and resources.
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Throughout 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will be celebrated nationally with events, activities, and educational programs sponsored by a variety of entities and organizations. To join the celebration, schools and communities can participate in relevant, real-life civics activities as part of their local federal court's educational outreach activities such as:
- Realistic simulations in courtrooms;
- Inquiry-based activities in classrooms; and
- Naturalization ceremonies in communities that celebrate citizenship across the board — by birth and by naturalization.
Resources for Courtrooms, Classrooms, and Communities
We the People - We the Jury
Resources
- Jury Service Basics
- Quiz: Qualifications for Being a Juror
- Podcast: Trial by Jury
- Juror Experiences: What It's Like to Serve
- Rule of Law and Jury Service
- Sixth Amendment Activities
Landmark Cases
- Batson v. Kentucky: Jury selection and race
- J.E.B. v. Alabama: Jury selection and gender
- Carey v. Musladin: Victims' free expression rights and defendants' rights to an impartial jury
We the People - We the Future of the Courts
- National Initiative: Open Doors to Careers in the Courts
- Candid Conversations: Exploring Students’ Questions and Careers in the Courts
- Civility: In the Law and in Life examines the importance of civility as a legal and life skill (4 minutes)
We the People - We the Community
- Naturalization Ceremonies
- Offsite ceremonies have been institutionalized by some of the participating jurisdictions.
What’s Different About This Activity?
Every program option is highly interactive. A menu of programs is available for use in courtrooms, classrooms, and communities. They are easy to scale and modify to meet the needs and interests of the participants.
- The courtroom program gives every student and learning style the opportunity to serve as a juror who learns and practices civil discourse skills used in jury deliberations.
- The classroom program creates student connections with adults who work in the courts. The judge, attorney volunteers, and non-attorney court professionals create a friendly environment for students to ask questions and express their opinions.
- The naturalization ceremonies in communities are opportunities to appreciate the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The naturalization ceremonies can also involve students,
Time Commitment
The time commitment can be scaled to the capacity of the hosts and participants.
- Courtroom Program - No preparation on the part of the teachers and students is needed prior to the event. All preparation is incorporated into the courtroom activity.
- Classroom Program - Optional preparation could include students brainstorming questions in order to make the best use of the time with guests. However, spontaneous and follow-up questions are encouraged.
- Community Program - Student participation in naturalization ceremonies can range from providing the music, to writing welcome notes to the new citizens.