High schoolers from every corner of the country face off in a national civics competition in this inspiring coming-of-age series. “Citizen Nation,” a new Retro Report series, follows teenagers with different backgrounds and political sensibilities as they come together from across the U.S. to compete in the nation's premier civics competition, "We the People."

In this innovative four-part documentary, journalists embedded in the daily lives of students for nine months in eight states. It shows their challenges and quiet triumphs as they embark on their senior year and offers a rare glimpse into the way this generation is thinking about their role in the world.

As we follow these bright and competitive students through the regional – and then state – competitions, we watch as they answer questions in mock Congressional hearings, showcasing their understanding of the U.S. Constitution and democracy, and how that connects to their lives today. The competition culminates in a championship showdown in the heart of Washington, D.C.

After months of preparation, they are firing on all cylinders, giddy and nervous and dressed to the nines as they prepare to be challenged by contest judges with a barrage of critical questions about democracy and grapple with what it means to come of age in a contentious political environment.