The We the People competition invites U.S. residents to submit petitions on matters of national importance, with the most supported ideas reviewed for official response. This process connects everyday citizens directly with federal agencies and policy discussions through a structured public participation mechanism.
Clear eligibility, response timelines, and evaluation criteria help participants understand how petitions move from signature collection to potential publication on the official web portal.
| Phase | Key Requirement | Timeframe | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petition Creation | Account verification and topic relevance | Immediate upon submission | Live petition URL |
| Signature Collection | Minimum 25 signatures required | 30-day window | Public visibility on portal |
| Agency Review | Technical feasibility and policy alignment | 90 days post deadline | Official response published |
| Publication | Redaction compliance and accuracy check | Within 14 days of agency response | Publicly accessible response |
Eligibility And Participation Rules
Understanding who can create or sign petitions ensures the competition remains accessible while preserving the integrity of the process.
Creator Requirements
Authors must be at least 13 years old with a verified U.S. location, and each petition must focus on federal policy issues within government authority.
Signer Requirements
Signatories need a valid email address and must confirm they are United States residents, with a minimum of 25 unique supporters to qualify for official review.
Petition Creation Guidelines
Well-structured petitions increase the likelihood of a detailed agency response and broader community engagement.
Content Standards
Submissions should clearly state a specific request, include factual background, and avoid personal attacks, commercial promotions, or confidential information.
Technical Format
Use plain language, limit length to meet portal constraints, and provide supporting references where relevant to strengthen clarity and credibility.
Signature Collection Mechanics
Robust promotion and transparent tracking help petitions reach the threshold needed for formal consideration.
Promotion Strategies
Sharing via social media, email lists, and community networks accelerates growth, while regular updates maintain signer engagement over the 30-day window.
Verification Process
Each signature undergoes automated and manual checks to confirm eligibility, reducing fraud and ensuring compliance with federal standards.
Agency Review Process
Federal teams evaluate petitions based on relevance, impact, and feasibility before publishing a formal written response.
Evaluation Criteria
Agencies assess legal authority, resource implications, and alignment with current initiatives, then document reasoning in a publicly accessible response.
Response Publication
Once completed, responses appear on the portal with redacted information removed and sources cited where applicable.
Promoting Civic Engagement
Strategic outreach and informed participation strengthen democratic dialogue and increase the real-world impact of public petitions.
- Verify eligibility before creating or signing to avoid delays and resubmissions
- Focus petitions on specific, actionable federal requests with clear background
- Share progress across multiple channels to reach diverse audiences
- Monitor comments and update the petition page with accurate, cited information
- Encourage respectful discourse to keep discussions productive and inclusive
FAQ
Reader questions
Who can create a petition on the We the People platform?
Any U.S. resident aged 13 or older can create a petition, provided the topic falls within federal government authority and they complete verification steps.
How many signatures are required for a response?
Petitions must collect at least 25 unique signatures within 30 days to trigger agency review and a formal published response.
How long does the government take to respond?
Agencies typically publish a response within 90 days of the petition deadline, though complex issues may take additional time and are updated accordingly.
Are comments on petitions moderated?
Yes, comments must follow community standards, avoid spam or abuse, and remain relevant to the petition topic to maintain a constructive discussion.