At no time since America’s founding have the assurances of our Bill of Rights been challenged as they are now. In recent history, our Supreme Court has found our own government in violation of rights protected by the Constitution. Supreme Court Justice Gorsuch called our COVID lockdowns “the greatest intrusions on civil liberties in the peacetime history of the world.” On the day that celebrates the beginning of our freedom, July 4, federal Judge Terry Doughty issued an injunction to prevent 11 government agencies from violating our freedom of speech. The federal government has challenged his order.
The events of the past 4 years illustrate that our liberty is not a given. We can remain a free nation only if each generation remains vigilant in defense of the Constitution and our founding principles. Young Americans in grades 7 through 12 will be the next generation called on to keep the spirit of America alive. That is why in 2004, President George W. Bush signed a federal law (108-447) requiring the Constitution be taught in all schools receiving federal funding on Constitution Day.
In support of our children’s future duty, the Idaho Convention of States Action, Teach Freedom program works to educate Idaho students about early American history, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and our founding principles. This year Convention of States Action will also add a bit of fun to Constitution Day – with a contest. Students in grades 7 through 12 are invited to submit essays defending specific rights enshrined in our Constitution. Judging will be done in two age groups – grades 7 through 9, and grades 10 through 12.
Parents of young patriots are invited to encourage them to compete. Entry forms and the contest assignment can be found at this link.
Submissions are due by September 30, 2023. This writing contest requires a 250-word minimum, with no maximum for both grade groups.
We are providing three prizes for each grade group: 1st prize - $100; 2nd prize - $75; 3rd prize $50, in the form of a check issued to the winning students.
Tell your kids to have fun, and show us what they’ve got!
