Institute on the Constitution sponsors essay contests, giving students opportunity to learn from writings which present the foundational principles of American government, their consequences, and their application. IOTC selects the book, describes what is to be explained, and posits a question. The student will benefit from reading the selected work, giving serious consideration to the concepts, and writing a well-organized presentation.
We believe that students will be encouraged to know that they are among other young people who are learning the truth of our American heritage and who will be equipped to defend and restore our Constitutional Republic.
Unless otherwise noted the contest rules are as follows:
- The contest is open to students who are home- or private-schooled and entering eighth grade (or equivalent) through freshman year in college.
- The essay shall be between 1500 and 3000 words.
- All submissions must be double spaced, handwritten* or in font size of 12 in either Word, Rich Text or PDF format. (*Handwritten essays which are not neatly written and easily readable will not be considered.)
- Contestants must include the following statement at the end of their essay: “On my honor before God, the essay I am submitting is my own work and not that of any other.”
- Essay submission may be by email or by US Mail:
- Contestants are strongly encouraged to send their essays to us using this form. A deadline will be established for email submissions.
- US Mail submissions shall be sent to:
Institute on the Constitution
8028 Ritchie Highway, Suite 211
Pasadena, Maryland 21122
- A postmark deadline will be established for US Mail submissions.
Prizes: First, Second, and Third place winners will receive monetary prizes, which will be described at the beginning of each contest.
Check back periodically for our next Essay Contest!
Read the prize-winning entries to our recent contest, Basic Symbols of American Political Tradition here or find them below.