"250 Words of Liberty"
A Founding Documents Student Essay Contest
Commemorating the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Contest Overview
This activity may be sponsored by a classroom, a school, a school district, or County Office of Education in celebration of Constitution Month and America250.
Timeline
August/September:
Request a judge visit your students to discuss America's founding documents.
September/October:
Students work on their essays. Invite a judge to visit with them to discuss founding documents in more depth.
If students are ready, ask them to read their entries on Constitution Day (September 17)!
November:
Collect essays, then distribute to scorers.
December:
Make your announcement on December 15, Bill of Rights Day.
By February 1, forward the written essay or a video of the student presenting their essay to the Power of Democracy for our statewide contest. An announcement will be made on Law Day May 1, 2027.