The NDNY-FCBA Constitutional Scholars Program is now accepting entries for its Ninth Annual Constitution Contest. As in past years, entries – which may be submitted by students in grades nine through twelve in the Northern District of New York – must regard the origin and nature of some aspect of the U.S. Constitution.
This year, entries must be submitted in one of two categories: posters and video essays. Posters may be in any medium (paper or digital) but must be submitted in PDF format. Video essays may be up to ten (10) minutes in duration and must be posted on YouTube.
Each entry must regard, and answer all questions posed by, one of four topics: (1) the independence of federal judges; (2) the enumerated powers of Congress; (3) the amendments to the Constitution; and (4) James Madison’s “If Men Were Angels” passage from Federalist Paper No. 51.
Submissions are due by the end of Thursday, July 4, 2024. All entries will be evaluated by at least three federal judges. Prize winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 (“Constitution Day”). In each category, first place will receive $1,000, second place will receive $400, third place will receive $100, and honorable mentions will receive $25.
Over the past eight years, the program has awarded more than $26,000 in prize money to 126 students from 23 high schools in the Northern District. Members of the FCBA who know of students who might be interested in entering the contest are encouraged to tell them to visit constitutionalscholars.org.