The Constitutionalist Foundation Essay Contest

The Constitutionalist Foundation Inc.’s mission is to address, educate, coordinate, and provide history and awareness of the importance of the U.S. Constitution, its amendments, its history, and its authors. We are hosting an essay contest for local 5th grade students to encourage and inspire an appreciation for the U.S. Constitution.

Essay Topic for 2018

The First Amendment was adopted on December 15, 1791 as the first of ten amendments that make up the Bill of Rights. One of the most important parts of the First Amendment is the freedom of speech which protects citizens from punishment from the government for what they say or write. They are protected from all government agencies at any level. Our essay this year, would like students to answer the question: What does freedom of speech mean and why is it important?

Contest Rules

• Essays are to be written by 5th grade students and have a word count of 500-750 words
• Essays may be typed or handwritten if printed. All essays submitted must be in English.
  • Typed essays are to be double spaced on 8 ½ ” by 11” paper, using Times New Roman font, size 12. All margins should be set at one inch
  • Handwritten printed essays are to be double spaced on 8 ½ ” by 11” paper
• Essays must have a cover page for anonymity while judging. The cover page should include:
  • Name of student
  • Name of school and teacher
  • Title of essay
• Name of the student, school, or other identifying information should not be on the pages of the essay.
• Deadline: POST MARKED OR EMAILED BY APRIL 15TH TO:
  • 297 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, Texas 78130, or
  • constitutionalistfoundation@gmail.com
• Essays will be judged on both style and sound reasoning. Ideal essays will be well-organized and thoughtfully written.

Prize

The winner will receive a $250 U.S. Savings Bond and be announced at the Constitutionalist Foundation’s event in 2018.

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