The Bill of Rights Institute is holding an essay contest for high school students (grades 9-12) as a way to promote dialogue in schools about the American Founding Principles.
Guidelines for the Contest
Question: How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?
In an essay of no more than 1,000 words, analyze and discuss:
1. How one of the Founding principles established in the Constitution helps preserve liberty.
2. Why at least one Founder, as evidenced in a primary source document, believed your chosen principle was a safeguard to liberty.
3. Why your principle continues to be important today.
4. How you personally help preserve a culture that ensures the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in America.
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 (PST) on December 15, 2011.
Cash prizes are available for students in each of the five U.S. regions. First place recipients will receive $1,000; second place will receive $500; and third place will receive $250. Cash prizes are also available for teachers who sponsor essays in each of the five regions. Teachers who sponsor a student with a winning essay will receive $100 for each student that places in his/her region.
The Bill of Rights Institute’s website has contest resources for students and teachers, including a contest lesson plan, essay writing tips, Founding documents, and a rubric.
Who They Are
A nonprofit organization, the Bill of Rights Institute seeks to educate youth about the U.S. Constitution. After finding that many high school teachers did not have the resources to teach about the founding principles, institutions, and ideas of this country, the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation launched the Institute in 1999 and since then has helped both teachers and students strengthen civic knowledge in education so that the next generation understands the freedoms and opportunities offered by the Constitution.
