About the Contest

Contest Dates:

The 2011-2012 Contest Submission Deadline was December 15, 2011.

Participation Numbers:

We are proud to announce that 89,403 students have participated in the Being an American Essay Contest since its inception in 2006.

Winner Announcement:

The 2011-2012 Student winners will be announced in early March 2012 – please check our website for updates.

Question:

How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?

In an essay of no more than 1000 words, analyze and discuss:

• How one of the Founding principles established in the Constitution helps preserve liberty
• Why at least one Founder, as evidenced in a primary source document, believed your chosen principle was a safeguard to liberty
• Why your principle continues to be important today
• How you personally help preserve a culture that ensures the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in America

Read the Complete Rules and Regulations