CONSTITUTION CONTEST NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES!
Subject: The origin of some aspect of the U.S. Constitution–specifically, one of the eighteen (18)
topics listed on www.constitutionalscholars.org.
Eligibility: All students in grades 9 through 12 in the 32 counties that constitute the Northern
District of New York (i.e., Albany, Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland,
Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison,
Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Tioga Tompkins, Ulster, Warren and Washington). There is no entry fee, but entries are limited to one per student.
Categories: Entries may be submitted in one of four categories:
1. Essays, which must be typed, between 1,000 and 2,000 words in length, and based exclusively on primary sources (e.g., first-hand accounts) that are cited in a recognized system of citation;
2. Video performances (e,g., a speech, song, or skit/play, etc.), which must be fewer than ten (10)
minutes in duration;
3. Graphic art (e.g., a drawing, painting, photograph or print), which must be on one piece of
material (whatever the size); and
4. Poems/short stories, which must be between 100 and 2,000 words in length.
Due Date: Essays are due by the end of March 31, 2020. For details on formats and methods of
submission, please see www.constitutionalscholars.org.
Judging: By a panel of three or more federal court judges. Results will be announced by the end
of June 15, 2020.
Prizes: Monetary prizes will be awarded in each of the four categories for entrants
winning first place, second place, third place, and honorable mention. A total of
$4,500 will be awarded (across all four categories).
