Federalism in Action: Teaching Japanese American Incarceration During World War II

Join the National Constitution Center, the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, and Densho for a full-day professional development workshop exploring the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II through the lens of federalism and the Constitution. 

Using the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans as a case study, participating educators will examine fundamental constitutional questions about the scope and limits of government power, the protection of civil liberties during wartime, and the role of the courts in reviewing government action. Through primary sources, historical scholarship, and classroom-ready resources, teachers will consider these questions from multiple perspectives and develop strategies for engaging students in rigorous constitutional inquiry.

Participating teachers will receive a $100 stipend and workshop materials, as well as light breakfast and a boxed lunch (dietary needs will be accommodated).

This program was made possible because of the National Constitution Center and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF). 

Over the day, you’ll:

• Tour the National Constitution Center’s Governing the Nation gallery to examine Executive Order 9066 and the constitutional questions it raises about presidential power, federalism, and individual rights during World War II.
• Engage with historically grounded primary sources and educational resources, including the Center’s education framework, UCLA’s Foundations and Futures multimedia textbook, and Densho’s digital archives.
• Hear from Deborah Wei, a local scholar and educator, about the history and legacy of Japanese American incarceration during World War II, with an opportunity for discussion and Q&A.
• Apply resources from UCLA, Densho, and the National Constitution Center to develop classroom materials that support student inquiry, historical understanding, and constitutional thinking.

Logistical Details: 

• Thursday, September 10, 2026, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA
• Space is limited. Registration is required by August 31, 2026. 

Agenda