America 250 | CA 175 

The Power of Democracy's America250 Challenge

The California judicial branch is celebrating America250 all year. For the remaining four months, the California courts will participate in an an outreach challenge -- to connect with 250 students in their counties or district between September (Constitution Month) and December when schools break.

 

By visiting schools, or hosting students at the courthouse, each pledge will be accepted by a court or by an individual judge.

​

How Can You Help?

Without teachers and students, the Challenge isn't possible.  Requests are currently being accepted so schools and courts are prepared for Constitution Month activities. ​We have a variety of engagement opportunities for K-12 educators to help pledge takers reach their goal:

​​​

Judges in the Classroom

1) Request a Judges in the Classroom visit. Lesson plans are available for you to choose from, or you can ask the judge to decide. Visit our lessons page for suggestions. 
 

Plan an Assembly

2) Request a judge visit your school for a Constitution Month assembly (Constitution Day is September 17). In a one hour visit, the judge will interact with students, answer questions, and introduce age-relevant content about the U.S. Constitution. 

BONUS: While they're there, have them swear in newly-elected students leaders. We provide the oath.  Or, if you're a Civic Learning Award honoree, host an award presentation in front of your assembly. 

​

If you're looking for an engaging activity for your students:  

​

1) "250 Words for Liberty": Students write and present a 250-word reflection on our state and country's foundational governing documents -- our constitutions. 

View instruction guide here. 
 

• In August, teachers introduce classrooms to the activity when school begins. By Constitution Day, student work should be complete.

• ​​Invite a judge, or judges and other community representatives to an assembly where students present their work.​ 

​

2) Steps of Justice: request a visit host your students at the courthouse. Request a tour of the court, or a meet and greet with a judge in their courtroom. If you bring your new student leaders, ask if they can be sworn in in the courtroom by a judge.

And if your students completed the "250 Words for Liberty" project, request the court host a "finals" friendly competition! 

 

The Power of Democracy has a rich collection of lessons, activities, and stars -- our judges who are experts on the Constitution. Most connections take just one hour, but they last a lifetime.

 

Note: because court resources for outreach are often limited, it is suggested teachers submit their requests as soon as possible. Efforts will be made to make matches for every request. In cases where resources expire, the court will attempt to arrange a visit in 2027.
 

Questions? judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov   

​