The 1787 Prize
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is pleased to announce The 1787 Prize, an annual essay contest for high school students in grades 11-12 introduced on the observance of the 2022 Constitution Day.
About the 1787 Prize
“The consent of the governed” is a foundational principle upon which our nation’s government is built. Indeed, the “just powers” of our 1787 Constitution were directly legitimized by ratification of the people in pathbreaking citizen conventions. Today, the freedoms we hold dear are embodied in rules and laws we democratically have a voice in crafting.
The 1787 Prize brings those citizen voices back to center stage. It recognizes the best annual student essay on the subject of the U.S. Constitution’s past, present and future relevance by exploring how our written principles align with this vision of citizen engagement.
Eligibility
The 1787 Prize is open to all high school students in grades 11-12. An essay may be submitted with up to three (3) student co-authors. There is a maximum of one (1) submission per high school.
Essay requirements are:
Between 1,000 - 2,500 words
Includes a footnote and bibliography
Incorporates a mix of primary and secondary sources
Award
For the inaugural prize year, two (2) awards will be announced in the amount of $2,500 each. The $2,500 prize amount will be split among any co-authors.
Timeline
September 17, 2023: The 1787 Prize launch is announced.
March 31, 2024: Essays are due to NCSS by 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time.
April-May 2024: The 1787 Prize Selection Committee reviews all essays.
June 1, 2024: The 1787 Prize winner is announced.
2023-2024 Essay Topic
The Founding Fathers underestimated the dominant role that political parties and groups would play in governance, and this oversight has repercussions. For example, Congress is allowed to oversee the trial of the impeachment process, which means that the President would be judged by loyal members of the same party. If the Founding Fathers had anticipated such power, they might never have put Congress in charge.
Imagine it is 1787. Consider the many negotiations and compromises that occurred during the Constitutional Convention. What changes to the original Constitution would you recommend in order to decrease the power of political parties and groups? Or, should the power of these parties and groups be strengthened? How would this modified Constitution impact present-day political power and processes?
Questions?
Please email awards@ncss.org for any questions about this award, eligibility, timeline, and selection process.
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is pleased to announce The 1787 Prize, an annual essay contest for high school students in grades 11-12 introduced on the observance of the 2022 Constitution Day.
About the 1787 Prize
“The consent of the governed” is a foundational principle upon which our nation’s government is built. Indeed, the “just powers” of our 1787 Constitution were directly legitimized by ratification of the people in pathbreaking citizen conventions. Today, the freedoms we hold dear are embodied in rules and laws we democratically have a voice in crafting.
The 1787 Prize brings those citizen voices back to center stage. It recognizes the best annual student essay on the subject of the U.S. Constitution’s past, present and future relevance by exploring how our written principles align with this vision of citizen engagement.
Eligibility
The 1787 Prize is open to all high school students in grades 11-12. An essay may be submitted with up to three (3) student co-authors. There is a maximum of one (1) submission per high school.
Essay requirements are:
Between 1,000 - 2,500 words
Includes a footnote and bibliography
Incorporates a mix of primary and secondary sources
Award
For the inaugural prize year, two (2) awards will be announced in the amount of $2,500 each. The $2,500 prize amount will be split among any co-authors.
Timeline
September 17, 2023: The 1787 Prize launch is announced.
March 31, 2024: Essays are due to NCSS by 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time.
April-May 2024: The 1787 Prize Selection Committee reviews all essays.
June 1, 2024: The 1787 Prize winner is announced.
2023-2024 Essay Topic
The Founding Fathers underestimated the dominant role that political parties and groups would play in governance, and this oversight has repercussions. For example, Congress is allowed to oversee the trial of the impeachment process, which means that the President would be judged by loyal members of the same party. If the Founding Fathers had anticipated such power, they might never have put Congress in charge.
Imagine it is 1787. Consider the many negotiations and compromises that occurred during the Constitutional Convention. What changes to the original Constitution would you recommend in order to decrease the power of political parties and groups? Or, should the power of these parties and groups be strengthened? How would this modified Constitution impact present-day political power and processes?
Questions?
Please email awards@ncss.org for any questions about this award, eligibility, timeline, and selection process.
