COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY / TRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS ($2,000-$5,000)
Contest Rules Summary – 2026
Sign up for the contest here.
IMPORTANT: AI tools may be used for technical purposes such as editing, design, and transitions, but all original ideas, writing, and creative content must be the student’s own work. Entries will be analyzed by third party software.
College Students may submit: Essay, Song, STEM, Short Film, Social Media Video, or PSA. All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips, or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
The winner will also be invited to attend the Winner Mentor Trip tentatively scheduled for September 2026 (all costs fully covered).
Submissions due no later than 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026 submitted electronically through the online portal on this site. See Official Rules Section III for complete submission instructions.
• Essay:
Write a 500-700 word essay expressing the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Why are they both important? How different would our nation be without both documents?
Thought starter: Explore Checks and Balances in the U.S. Constitution and how they were inspired by the Declaration as well the ground breaking concepts in the Declaration such as inalienable rights (among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) and the concept of “consent of the governed.”
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. See Official Rules Section III for details.
• Song:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and/or “the consent of the governed.”
The song must be an original pop, country, rock, or other popular genre song composition with lyrics and music written by the student, no longer than 3:20. Song submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled) and must include a video recording of the live performance. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. See Official Rules Section III for details.
• STEM:
Get a pulse on what your peers know about the Declaration of Independence! Conduct a survey or focus group, create an online quiz or website, or design a smartphone app highlighting the celebration of America’s birthday on July 4, 2026.
Thought starter: As part of your project, explain the significance of this sentence using STEM/technology: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” with special emphasis on consent of the governed.
See Official Rules Section III for details about STEM.
• Short Film:
Option 1: Please create a 5-10 minute short film that represents how the Constitution’s checks and balances and federalism have protected our republic
Option 2: Please create a 5-10 minute short film that represents how the Declaration of Independence and its radical ideas of self-government, consent of the governed and individual rights have prevented tyranny and preserved life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Must be an original film written and directed by the student. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the short film. It must be no shorter than 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes in length. See Official Rules Section III for details.
Social Media Video (60 second maximum): Please create a 60 second maximum video (Instagram reel, youtube short, etc) using the following prompt:
How the Declaration of Independence and the concepts embedded (inalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and “consent of the governed”) prevent tyranny and preserve our rights?
Thought starter: How do townhalls reflect these principles? What is “consent of the governed” as stated in this sentence from the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
It must be no longer than 60 seconds in length, originally written and directed by the student and recorded. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the Social Media Video. Social Media Video submissions should be uploaded as 1080×1920 (9:16 aspect ratio) with the highest resolution possible to YouTube or Vimeo (download enabled). See Official Rules Section III for details.
• PSA:
Create a commercial suitable for airing on radio or TV that is no longer than 25 seconds, choosing one of the following prompts:
Option 1: Why citizens should know their Constitution.
Option 2: Why are civil civic conversations important in our society today?
Option 3: How does the Declaration of Independence represent American ingenuity?
Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; script. Please include your name, age, and grade on all pages of the entry package.
The above rules are a summary only. Please consult official rules for complete instructions.
The above rules are a summary only. Please consult “Official Rules” for complete instructions and guidelines.
Section I – General Rules for College Students
Section II – Qualifications
Section III – Instructions
Section IV – Judging Process
Section V – Awards and Prizes
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Section VII – Disclaimer
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Section I – General Rules for College Students
From June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”) Constituting America will conduct the “We The Future” essay, song, STEM, short film, social media video, and PSA contest (the “Contest”) in the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories and the American Armed Forces Schools Abroad.
The Essay topic is:
Write a 500-700 word essay expressing the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Why are they both important? How different would our nation be without both documents?
Thought starter: Explore Checks and Balances in the U.S. Constitution and how they were inspired by the Declaration as well the ground breaking concepts in the Declaration such as inalienable rights (among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) and the concept of “consent of the governed.”
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. See Official Rules Section III for details.
The song subject is:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and/or “the consent of the governed.”
STEM subject is:
Get a pulse on what your peers know about the Declaration of Independence! Conduct a survey or focus group, create an online quiz or website, or design a smartphone app highlighting the celebration of America’s birthday on July 4, 2026.
Thought starter: As part of your project, explain the significance of this sentence using STEM/technology: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” with special emphasis on consent of the governed.
The short film subject is:
Option 1: Please create a 5-10 minute short film that represents how the Constitution’s checks and balances and federalism have protected our republic
Option 2: Please create a 5-10 minute short film that represents how the Declaration of Independence and its radical ideas of self-government, consent of the governed and individual rights have prevented tyranny and preserved life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The Social Media Video subject is:
Please create a 60 second maximum video (Instagram reel, youtube short, etc) using the following prompt:
How the Declaration of Independence and the concepts embedded (inalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and “consent of the governed”) prevent tyranny and preserve our rights?
Thought starter: How do townhalls reflect these principles? What is “consent of the governed” as stated in this sentence from the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
The PSA subject is:
Create a commercial suitable for airing on radio or TV that is no longer than 25 seconds, choosing one of the following prompts:
Option 1: Why citizens should know their Constitution.
Option 2: Why are civil civic conversations important in our society today?
Option 3: How does the Declaration of Independence represent American ingenuity?
• Essay: The completed Contest Sign-up form and essay are preferred to be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site. If it is not possible to electronically submit an entry, please mail it to: Constituting America, P.O. Box 1988, Colleyville, Texas 76034. The student’s name, age, and year must appear on each page of the essay.
• Song: Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled), must include a video recording of the live performance. First line of song description in online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. Must submit Entry/Permission form and YouTube or Vimeo link, lyrics and music electronically through the online portal on this site.
• STEM: Applicable links to your STEM project and any PDF files are to be submitted to the website through the contest entry portal.
• Short Film & PSA: Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; script. Please include your name, age and grade on all pages of the entry package.
• Social Media Video: Submission dimensions should be 1080×1920 (9:16 aspect ratio) with the highest resolution possible and uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: “Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org” The completed Entry/Permission form must be submitted electronically, with the YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the Social Media Video script.
• Entries must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET, May 31, 2026 but may be submitted at any time from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Early entries are appreciated and encouraged.
As further detailed in Section VII entrants and parent/guardians agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of Constituting America, whose decisions are final with respect to all matters of the Contest.
Only one entry per student per category is permitted. Incomplete, late or entries which contain unrequested information, or otherwise fail to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations will not qualify for consideration for the Contest. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians acknowledge and agree that the entry along with any and all documentation submitted therewith will become the sole property of Constituting America and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrant and their parent/guardian represent and warrant that the entry is an original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, is unpublished (in any form or medium) and has not won an award. Constituting America may edit any entries for grammar, modify for style only, and entrant and their parent/guardian hereby grant Constituting America a license to record the song, distribute submitted material to third parties for purposes of publication or production, to publicize the contest, with no additional notification or permission of the entrant or parent/guardian. Submitted material will only be used to further the educational mission and goals of Constituting America (please see Section VI for a Notice to Parents and Privacy Policy), including, but not limited to, featuring the song, essay, PSA and short film on the Constituting America website, and putting them on a DVD for promotional distribution for the contest. Constituting America also reserves the right to produce or sell any “app” submitted, and to incorporate any computer software into our existing website.
Section II – Qualifications
The College Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are students enrolled in a college, university, or trade school carrying 12 hours or more, age 17 to 24 years old at the time of entry.
Students must attend school in one of the 50 States, District of Columbia, all U.S. Territories, or American Armed Forces Schools abroad.
“We The Future” Contest winners are limited to winning twice, and may not win more than once in the same category. We encourage all former “We The Future” Contest winners to join our Youth Advisory Board! Please email WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org for details and to join!
Section III – Essay, Song, STEM, Short Film, Social Media Video, and PSA Instructions
All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Essay Topic:
Write a 500-700 word essay expressing the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Why are they both important? How different would our nation be without both documents?
Thought starter: Explore Checks and Balances in the U.S. Constitution and how they were inspired by the Declaration as well the ground breaking concepts in the Declaration such as inalienable rights (among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) and the concept of “consent of the governed.”
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included.
2. Song theme:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and/or “the consent of the governed.”
The song must be an original pop, country, rock, or other popular genre song composition with lyrics and music written by the student, no longer than 3:20. Song submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled) and must include a video recording of the live performance. It must be sung by the student. The song may be written, performed and submitted by a team of not more than two people. The first line of the song description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: The completed Entry/Permission form with signed parental consent (if under 18); YouTube or Vimeo link; and lyrics and music. The student’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the song submission.
3. STEM:
Get a pulse on what your peers know about the Declaration of Independence! Conduct a survey or focus group, create an online quiz or website, or design a smartphone app highlighting the celebration of America’s birthday on July 4, 2026.
Thought starter: As part of your project, explain the significance of this sentence using STEM/technology: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” with special emphasis on consent of the governed.
If your STEM project is solely digital (i.e. an online survey) submit it electronically through the online portal on this site. If your STEM project is something built or created physically then you can mail it to: Constituting America, P.O. Box 1988, Colleyville, Texas 76034.
If you have questions, please email us a summary of your project to WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org, with the subject line, and depending on what you have developed/created, we will work with you on the best way to submit your project.
4. Short Film subject is:
Option 1: Please create a 5-10 minute short film that represents how the Constitution’s checks and balances and federalism have protected our republic
Option 2: Please create a 5-10 minute short film that represents how the Declaration of Independence and its radical ideas of self-government, consent of the governed and individual rights have prevented tyranny and preserved life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Must be an original film written and directed by the student. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the short film. It must be no shorter than 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes in length.
Short film submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The completed Entry/Permission form with signed parental consent (if under 18), must be submitted electronically, with YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, year, and age must be on each page of the short film script.
5. Social Media Video subject is (60-second):
Please create a 60 second maximum video (Instagram reel, youtube short, etc) using the following prompt:
How the Declaration of Independence and the concepts embedded (inalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and “consent of the governed”) prevent tyranny and preserve our rights?
Thought starter: How do townhalls reflect these principles? What is “consent of the governed” as stated in this sentence from the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
It must be no longer than 60 seconds in length, originally written and directed by the student and recorded. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the Social Media Video.
Social Media Video dimensions should be 1080×1920 (9:16 aspect ratio) with the highest resolution possible and uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: “Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org” The completed Entry/Permission form must be submitted electronically, with the YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the Social Media Video script.
6. Public Service Announcement (PSA) subject is: (25-seconds):
Create a commercial suitable for airing on radio or TV that is no longer than 25 seconds, choosing one of the following prompts:
Option 1: Why citizens should know their Constitution.
Option 2: Why are civil civic conversations important in our society today?
Option 3: How does the Declaration of Independence represent American ingenuity?
Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; script. Please include your name, age, and grade on all pages of the entry package.
Section IV – Judging Process
After the expiration of the Contest Period, the judges selected by Constituting America will review all entries and submissions which comply with these Official Rules and Regulations and select one (1) winning essay, one (1) winning song, (1) winning STEM, one (1) winning short film, and one (1) winning PSA. Judges reserve the right to not make an award in any category and/or make multiple awards per category. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Adherence to instructions stated in Section III
2. Essay: originality, neatness, spelling, grammar and form – MLA Format is suggested.
3. Song: original song appealing to broad base of youth
4. STEM: originality, and usefulness in aiding students to learn about the U.S. Constitution
5. Short film: originality, appeal to college age group
6. Social Media Video: originality, appeal to college age group, shareable, fun, inspirational and/or educational
7. PSA: originality, appeal to college age group, likeliness to be aired by a television station
The odds of winning are proportional to the amount of entries received. Winners will be notified during the fall of 2026.
Section V – Awards and Prizes
The five college winners will be contacted directly through contact information provided on the Contest Signup Form. Winners will also be announced on www.constitutingamerica.org. As a condition to receiving any awards, the winners must provide publicity photos and may be required to return a liability release and publicity release within 10 days following the date of notification. Winners will receive:
BEST ESSAY – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as Best Essay, College 2026
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Essay, College 2026
4. $5,000 Scholarship Prize
BEST SONG – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America College Song, 2026
2. Television Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Song, College 2026
4. $2,000 Scholarship Prize (If team submission, prize is split)
BEST STEM – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as Best STEM, College 2026
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best STEM, College 2026
4. $2,000 Scholarship Prize
BEST SHORT FILM – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America College Short Film, 2026
2. Television Appearances(to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Short Film, College 2026
4. $2,000 Scholarship Prize(If team submission, prize is split)
BEST Social Media Video – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America College Social Media Video, 2026
2. Social Media Appearances(to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Social Media Video, College 2026
4. $2,000 Scholarship Prize(If team submission, prize is split)
BEST PSA – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America College PSA, 2026
2. Television Appearances(to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best PSA, College 2026
4. $5,000 Scholarship Prize(If team submission, prize is split)
All entrants and their parents/guardians are solely responsible for understanding and complying with any and all federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances that may apply to the entrants and the activities or business in which such entrants may engage. Tax consequences may be associated with the prizes received by a Contest winner, which may include, without limitation, an obligation to report as income and to pay taxes on such income to federal, state, or local authorities. It is the responsibility of each Contest winner to determine the tax consequences of the prizes received and to comply with all applicable laws in all respects.
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Upon submission of entry, the material entered becomes the property of Constituting America. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians grant Constituting America the right, unless prohibited by law, to use their names, cities and states of residence, pictures and likenesses without compensation, for the express purpose of advertising and publicity of the Contest in any and all media, now or after. Entrants and their parent/guardian also grant Constituting America permission to use their name and materials submitted to further its mission as stated on www.constitutingamerica.org. Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents are posted on www.constitutingamerica.org. Entrant and his or her parent/guardian hereby agree and acknowledge the provisions set forth in the Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents.
To receive further information about Constituting America, students, parents or guardians must click “Sign Up for Email Updates” on the front page of the website at www.constitutingamerica.org.
Section VII – Disclaimer
Constituting America will administer any and all aspects of the Contest, including, without limitation, evaluating a student’s qualification or material submission, judge selection, review of entry documents and information, determination of prize winners, all of which is in the sole and absolute discretion of Constituting America. Any and all decisions of Constituting America relating to the administration of the Contest are final in all respects and no student, parent /guardian or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal, contest, and dispute or otherwise challenge such administration.
Constituting America is not responsible for (i) incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized by this contest or by any human error which may occur in the processing of entries into this contest; or (ii) for lost, late, misdirected or delayed entries or electronic transmission errors or technical malfunctions.
If for any reason, the Contest is interrupted, delayed or negatively affected by any causes beyond the control of Constituting America, Constituting America reserves the right to cancel, modify or delay the Contest.
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Constituting America will not discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its administration of the Contest. Each eligible entry submitted will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents and the criteria described in Section IV.
This Contest is governed by the internal laws of the state of Texas without regard to principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Official Rules and Regulations is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.
HILLSDALE / CONSTITUTING AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP FUND ($5,000)
Any high school or college winner who commits to attend Hillsdale College is automatically considered for an additional, one time $5,000 scholarship award from the Hillsdale/Constituting America Scholarship Fund.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ($1,000)
Contest Rules Summary – 2026
Sign up for the contest here.
IMPORTANT: AI tools may be used for technical purposes such as editing, design, and transitions, but all original ideas, writing, and creative content must be the student’s own work. Entries will be analyzed by third party software.
Parent/Guardian must read “Constituting America’s Privacy Policy Guidelines and Notice to Parents,” approve of student entering, “check” parent statement on online form & sign hard copy contest entry form.
High School Students may submit the following: Essay, Song, STEM, Short film, Social Media Video, or PSA. All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips, or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
The winner will also be invited to attend the Winner Mentor Trip tentatively scheduled for September 2026 (all costs fully covered).
Submissions due no later than 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026, through the online portal on this site. See Official Rules Section III for complete submission instructions
• Essay:
Please choose from the following prompts.
Option 1: Write a 500-700 word essay on the different powers vested in our three branches of government and why the concept of checks and balances, as guaranteed by our Constitution, is vital to the preservation of our government. Are there examples (recent or historical) of violations of these checks and balances?
OR
Option 2: Write a 500-700 word essay expressing the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. How did one impact the other?
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. See Official Rules Section III for details.
• Song:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The song must be an original pop, country, rock, or other popular genre song composition with lyrics and music written by the student, no longer than 3:20. Song submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled) and must include a video recording of the live performance. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. See Official Rules Section III for details.
• STEM:
Get a pulse on what your peers know about the Declaration of Independence! Conduct a survey or focus group, create an online quiz or website, or design a smartphone app highlighting the celebration of America’s birthday on July 4, 2026.
Focus groups or surveys must poll twenty or more of your peers; online quizzes and websites must be completed/viewed by at least fifteen people and submission must include a report of results; smartphone apps must be downloaded and tested by fifteen people and submission must include a report of results. Please include two paragraphs as to how you would market your project. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the STEM project.
See Official Rules for details.
• Short film:
Create an original short film, 5-8 minutes in length, with a theme of celebrating the rights represented in the Declaration of Independence and their significance, with special focus on “consent of the governed”:
Thought starter: What does this sentence mean? “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Must be an original film written and directed by the student. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the short film. It must be no shorter than 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes in length. See Official Rules Section III for details.
• Social Media Video (60 second maximum):
Please create a 60-second maximum video (Instagram reel, YouTube short) using the following prompt:
Express how the Declaration of Independence created a foundation for a government based on individual rights, liberty, and the consent of the governed, as opposed to “consent of the government.”
It must be no longer than 60 seconds in length, originally written and directed by the student and recorded. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the Social Media Video. Social Media Video submissions should be uploaded as 1080×1920 (9:16 aspect ratio) with the highest resolution possible to YouTube or Vimeo (download enabled). See Official Rules Section III for details.
• PSA:
Please create a commercial suitable for airing on radio or TV that is exactly 25 seconds long, using the following prompt:
Why should Americans celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence with great festivities? Why should it be commemorated, as John Adams once said, with “’Pomp and Parade… Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other”?
Thought starter: What does Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness and “consent of the governed” mean in this sentence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
It must be 25 seconds in length, originally written and directed by the student and recorded. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the PSA. PSA submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled), “black to black.” See Official Rules Section III for details.
The above rules are a summary only. Please consult “Official Rules” for complete instructions and guidelines.
The above rules are a summary only. Please consult “Official Rules” for complete instructions and guidelines.
Section I – General Rules for High School Students (Grades 9-12)
Section II – Qualifications
Section III – Instructions
Section IV – Judging Process
Section V – Awards and Prizes
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Section VII – Disclaimer
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Section I – General Rules for High School Students (Grades 9-12)
From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”) Constituting America will conduct the “We The Future” essay, song, STEM, Short film, Social Media Video, and PSA contest (the “Contest”) in the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories and the American Armed Forces Schools Abroad.
The essay topic is:
Please choose from the following prompts.
Option 1: Write a 500-700 word essay on the different powers vested in our three branches of government and why the concept of checks and balances, as guaranteed by our Constitution, is vital to the preservation of our government. Are there examples (recent or historical) of violations of these checks and balances?
OR
Option 2: Write a 500-700 word essay expressing the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. How did one impact the other?
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. See Official Rules Section III for details.
The song subject is:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
STEM subject is:
Get a pulse on what your peers know about the Declaration of Independence! Conduct a survey or focus group, create an online quiz or website, or design a smartphone app highlighting the celebration of America’s birthday on July 4, 2026.
Focus groups or surveys must poll twenty or more of your peers; online quizzes and websites must be completed/viewed by at least fifteen people and submission must include a report of results; smartphone apps must be downloaded and tested by fifteen people and submission must include a report of results. Please include two paragraphs as to how you would market your project. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the STEM project.
The short film subject is:
Create an original short film, 5-8 minutes in length, with a theme of celebrating the rights represented in the Declaration of Independence and their significance, with special focus on “consent of the governed”:
Thought starter: What does this sentence mean? “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
The Social Media Video subject is:
Please create a 60-second maximum video (Instagram reel, YouTube short) using the following prompt:
Express how the Declaration of Independence created a foundation for a government based on individual rights, liberty, and the consent of the governed, as opposed to “consent of the government.”
The PSA subject is:
Please create a commercial suitable for airing on radio or TV that is exactly 25 seconds long, using the following prompt:
Why should Americans celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence with great festivities? Why should it be commemorated, as John Adams once said, with “’Pomp and Parade… Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other”?
Thought starter: What does Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness and “consent of the governed” mean in this sentence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
It must be 25 seconds in length, originally written and directed by the student and recorded. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the PSA. PSA submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled), “black to black.”
To enter, students and/or parent/guardians are encouraged to fill out the online Contest Sign-up form, indicating their intent to enter the contest, including the line on the form giving parental consent. Contest updates and deadline reminders will be sent to the students signing up for the contest in advance.
Submissions due no later than 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026, through the online portal on this site. See Official Rules Section III for complete submission instructions and guidelines.
• Essay: The completed Contest Sign-up form with signed parental consent and essay should be submitted as a PDF through the online portal on this site or mailed in hard copy form to the P.O. Box below. The student’s name, age, and grade must appear on each page of the essay.
• Song: Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled), must include a video recording of the live performance. The first line of song description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. Must submit electronically the Entry/Permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; lyrics and music through the online portal on this site.
• STEM: Using your creativity, develop some type of applied technology that can be used to promote the U.S. Constitution or Declaration of Independence. Examples: a random survey of students to test constitutional knowledge, design a computer game tied to the Constitution or liberties it represents, construct an app or website showcasing a particular aspect of the Constitution’s value in contemporary America, to your peers. The choice is yours. Please include two paragraphs as to how you would market your project. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the STEM project.
• Short film & PSA: Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; script. Please include your name, age, and grade on all pages of the entry package.
• Social Media Video: Submission dimensions should be 1080×1920 (9:16 aspect ratio) with the highest resolution possible and uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: “Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org” The completed Entry/Permission form must be submitted electronically, with the YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the Social Media Video script.
Entries must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET, May 31, 2026, but may be submitted at any time from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Early entries are appreciated and encouraged.
As further detailed in Section VII entrants and parent/guardians agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of Constituting America, whose decisions are final with respect to all matters of the Contest.
Only one entry per student per category is permitted. Incomplete, late, or entries that contain unrequested information, or otherwise fail to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations will not qualify for consideration for the Contest. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians acknowledge and agree that the entry along with any and all documentation submitted therewith will become the sole property of Constituting America and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrant and their parent/guardian represent and warrant that the entry is an original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, is unpublished (in any form or medium), and has not won an award. Constituting America may edit any entries for grammar, modify for style only, and entrant and their parent/guardian hereby grant Constituting America a license to record the song, distribute submitted material to third parties for purposes of publication or production, to publicize the contest, with no additional notification or permission of the entrant or parent/guardian. Submitted material will only be used to further the educational mission and goals of Constituting America (please see Section VI for a Notice to Parents and Privacy Policy), including, but not limited to, featuring the song, essay, short film, and PSA on the Constituting America website, and putting them on a DVD for promotional distribution for the contest. Constituting America also reserves the right to produce or sell any “app” submitted and to incorporate any computer software into our existing website.
Section II – Qualifications
The High School Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are students in grades 9-12 and are 14 to 19 years old at the time of entry, attending public, private, religious, home school programs, and charter schools.
Students must attend school in one of the 50 States, District of Columbia, all U.S. Territories, or American Armed Forces Schools abroad.
“We The Future” Contest winners are limited to winning twice, and may not win more than once in the same category. We encourage all former “We The Future” Contest winners to join our Youth Advisory Board! Please email WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org for details and to join!
Section III – Essay, Song, STEM, Short film, Social Media Video, and PSA Instructions
All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips, or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Essay Topic:
Please choose from the following prompts.
Option 1: Write a 500-700 word essay on the different powers vested in our three branches of government and why the concept of checks and balances, as guaranteed by our Constitution, is vital to the preservation of our government. Are there examples (recent or historical) of violations of these checks and balances?
OR
Option 2: Write a 500-700 word essay expressing the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. How did one impact the other?
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. See Official Rules Section III for details.
The essay must be no shorter than 500 words and no longer than 700 words, typed or handwritten. Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. If submitted electronically, the essay should be saved as a PDF and submitted electronically through the online portal on this site.
2. Song theme:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The song must be an original pop, country, rock, or other popular genre song composition with lyrics and music written by the student, no longer than 3:20. Song submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled) and must include a video recording of the live performance. It must be sung by the student. The song may be written, performed, and submitted by a team of not more than two people. The first line of the song description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: The completed Entry/Permission form with signed parental consent (if under 18); YouTube or Vimeo link; and lyrics and music. The student’s name, grade, and age must be on each page of the song submission.
3. STEM:
Get a pulse on what your peers know about the Declaration of Independence! Conduct a survey or focus group, create an online quiz or website, or design a smartphone app highlighting the celebration of America’s birthday on July 4, 2026.
Focus groups or surveys must poll twenty or more of your peers; online quizzes and websites must be completed/viewed by at least fifteen people and submission must include a report of results; smartphone apps must be downloaded and tested by fifteen people and submission must include a report of results. Please include two paragraphs as to how you would market your project. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the STEM project.
Using your creativity, develop some type of applied technology that can be used to promote the U.S. Constitution or Declaration of Independence. It can be as simple as a random survey of students in your school testing their constitutional knowledge, to something a little more complex like designing an interactive computer game tied to some part of the Constitution or liberties it represents. Or you can construct an app or even a website showcasing a particular aspect of the Constitution’s value in contemporary America, to your peers. The choice is yours.
If your STEM project is solely digital (i.e. an online survey) submit it electronically through the online portal on this site. If your STEM project is something built or created physically then you can mail it to: Constituting America, P.O. Box 1988, Colleyville, Texas 76034.
If you have questions, please email us a summary of your project to WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org, with the subject line, and depending on what you have developed/created, we will work with you on the best way to submit your project.
4. Short film subject is:
Create an original short film, 5-8 minutes in length, with a theme of celebrating the rights represented in the Declaration of Independence and their significance, with special focus on “consent of the governed”:
Thought starter: What does this sentence mean? “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Must be an original film written and directed by the student. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the short film. It must be no shorter than 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes in length.
Short film submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The completed Entry/Permission form with signed parental consent (if under 18), must be submitted electronically, with YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, grade, and age must be on each page of the short film script.
5. Social Media Video subject is (60-second):
Please create a 60-second maximum video (Instagram reel, YouTube short) using the following prompt:
Express how the Declaration of Independence created a foundation for a government based on individual rights, liberty, and the consent of the governed, as opposed to “consent of the government.”
It must be no longer than 60 seconds in length, originally written and directed by the student and recorded. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the Social Media Video.
Social Media Video dimensions should be 1080×1920 (9:16 aspect ratio) with the highest resolution possible and uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: “Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org” The completed Entry/Permission form must be submitted electronically, with the YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the Social Media Video script.
6. Public Service Announcement (PSA) subject is:
Please create a commercial suitable for airing on radio or TV that is exactly 25 seconds long, using the following prompt:
Why should Americans celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence with great festivities? Why should it be commemorated, as John Adams once said, with “’Pomp and Parade… Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other”?
Thought starter: What does Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness and “consent of the governed” mean in this sentence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
It must be 25 seconds in length, originally written and directed by the student and recorded. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the PSA.
PSA submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The completed Entry/Permission form with signed parental consent (if under 18), must be submitted electronically, with YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, grade, and age must be on each page of the PSA script and submission.
Section IV– Judging Process
After the expiration of the Contest Period, the judges selected by Constituting America will review all entries and submissions which comply with these Official Rules and Regulations and select one (1) winning essay, one (1) winning song, one (1) winning STEM, one (1) winning short film and one (1) winning public service announcement. Judges reserve the right to not make an award in any category and/or make multiple awards per category. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Adherence to instructions stated in Section III
2. Essay: originality, neatness, spelling, grammar, and form
3. Song: original song appealing to a broad base of youth
4. STEM: originality, and usefulness in aiding students to learn about the U.S. Constitution
5. Short film: originality, appeal to a high school age group
6. Social Media Video: originality, appeal to college age group, shareable, fun, inspirational and/or educational
7. PSA: originality, appeal to high school age group, likeliness to be aired by a television station
The odds of winning are proportional to the amount of entries received. Winners will be notified during the fall of 2026.
Section V – Awards and Prizes
The five high school winners will be contacted directly through the contact information provided on the Contest Signup Form. Winners will also be announced on www.constitutingamerica.org. As a condition to receiving any awards, the winner must:
Winners Recieve:
BEST ESSAY – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as Best Essay, High School 2026
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Essay, High School 2026
4. $1,000 Scholarship Prize
BEST SONG – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America High School Song, 2026
2. Television Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Song, High School 2026
4. $1,000 Scholarship Prize (If team submission, the prize is split)
BEST STEM – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as Best STEM, High School 2026
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best STEM, High School 2026
4. $1,000 Scholarship Prize
BEST SHORT FILM – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America High School Short Film, 2026
2. Television Appearances(to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Short Film, High School 2026
4. $1,000 Scholarship Prize(If team submission, the prize is split)
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America High School Social Media Video, 2026
2. Social Media Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Social Media Video, High School 2026
4. $1,000 Scholarship Prize (If team submission, the prize is split)
BEST PSA – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America High School PSA, 2026
2. Television Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best PSA, High School 2026
4. $1,000 Scholarship Prize (If team submission, the prize is split
All entrants and their parents/guardians are solely responsible for understanding and complying with any and all federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances that may apply to the entrants and the activities or business in which such entrants may engage. Tax consequences may be associated with the prizes received by a Contest winner, which may include, without limitation, an obligation to report as income and to pay taxes on such income to federal, state, or local authorities. It is the responsibility of each Contest winner to determine the tax consequences of the prizes received and to comply with all applicable laws in all respects.
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Upon submission of an entry, the material entered becomes the property of Constituting America. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians grant Constituting America the right, unless prohibited by law, to use their names, cities, and states of residence, pictures, and likenesses without compensation, for the express purpose of advertising and publicity of the Contest in any and all media, now or after. Entrants and their parents/guardians also grant Constituting America permission to use their name and materials submitted to further its mission as stated on www.constitutingamerica.org. Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents are posted on www.constitutingamerica.org. Entrant and his or her parent/guardian hereby agree and acknowledge the provisions set forth in the Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents.
To receive further information about Constituting America, students, parents or guardians must click “Sign Up for Email Updates” on the front page of the website at www.constitutingamerica.org.
Section VII – Disclaimer
Constituting America will administer any and all aspects of the Contest, including, without limitation, evaluating a student’s qualification or material submission, judge selection, review of entry documents and information, determination of prize winners, all of which is in the sole and absolute discretion of Constituting America. Any and all decisions of Constituting America relating to the administration of the Contest are final in all respects and no student, parent /guardian, or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal, contest, and dispute or otherwise challenge such administration.
Constituting America is not responsible for (i) incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized by this contest or by any human error which may occur in the processing of entries into this contest; or (ii) for lost, late, misdirected or delayed entries or electronic transmission errors or technical malfunctions.
If for any reason, the Contest is interrupted, delayed, or negatively affected by any causes beyond the control of Constituting America, Constituting America reserves the right to cancel, modify or delay the Contest.
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Constituting America will not discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its administration of the Contest. Each eligible entry submitted will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents and the criteria described in Section IV.
This Contest is governed by the internal laws of the state of Texas without regard to principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Official Rules and Regulations is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ($200)
Contest Rules Summary – 2026
Sign up for the contest here.
IMPORTANT: AI tools may be used for technical purposes such as editing, design, and transitions, but all original ideas, writing, and creative content must be the student’s own work. Entries will be analyzed by third party software.
Parent/Guardian must read “Constituting America’s Privacy Policy Guidelines and Notice to Parents,” approve of student entering, “check” parent statement on online form & sign hard copy contest entry form.
Middle School Students may submit: Essay, STEM, Song, or PSA. All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips, or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Submissions due no later than May 31, 2026, through the online portal on this site. See Official Rules Section III for complete submission instructions.
The winner will also be invited to attend the Winner Mentor Trip tentatively scheduled for September 2026 (all costs fully covered).
• Essay:
Please choose from the following prompts.
Write a 500-700 word essay explaining the following sentences from the Declaration of Independence and explore why it was a groundbreaking concept at the time – and how these words continue – 250 years later – to inspire our country and leaders, with special focus on “consent of the governed.”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. See Official Rules Section III for details.
• STEM project:
Get a pulse on what your peers know about the Declaration of Independence! Create an online quiz or website, conduct a survey or focus group, design a chatbot, a smartphone app containing information on the Declaration of Independence, its history, meaning, 250th birthday, and significance today.
Focus groups or surveys must poll twenty or more of your peers; online quizzes and websites must be completed/viewed by at least fifteen people and submission must include a report of results; smartphone apps must be downloaded and tested by fifteen people and submission must include a report of results. Please include two paragraphs as to how you would market your project. See Official Rules for Details.
• Song:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and “consent of the governed.”
Thought Starter: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
The song must be an original pop, country, rock, or other popular genre song composition with lyrics and music written by the student, no longer than 3:20. Song submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled) and must include a video recording of the live performance. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. See Official Rules Section III for details.
• PSA:
Please create a commercial suitable for airing on the radio or TV that is exactly 25 seconds, utilizing the following prompt: Express the significance and impact of the Declaration of Independence, with special emphasis on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and “consent of the governed.”
Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; script. Please include your name, age, and grade on all pages of the entry package.
The above rules are a summary only. Please consult official rules for complete instructions.
Section I – General Rules for Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)
Section II – Qualifications
Section III – Instructions
Section IV – Judging Process
Section V – Awards and Prizes
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Section VII – Disclaimer
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Section I – General Rules for Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)
From June 1, 2025 – to May 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”) Constituting America will conduct the “We The Future” essay and STEM contest (the “Contest”) in the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories and the American Armed Forces Schools Abroad.
The essay topic is:
Write a 500-700 word essay explaining the following sentences from the Declaration of Independence and explore why it was a groundbreaking concept at the time – and how these words continue – 250 years later – to inspire our country and leaders, with special focus on “consent of the governed.”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. See Official Rules Section III for details.
STEM subject is:
Get a pulse on what your peers know about the Declaration of Independence! Create an online quiz or website, conduct a survey or focus group, design a chatbot, a smartphone app containing information on the Declaration of Independence, its history, meaning, 250th birthday, and significance today.
Focus groups or surveys must poll twenty or more of your peers; online quizzes and websites must be completed/viewed by at least fifteen people and submission must include a report of results; smartphone apps must be downloaded and tested by fifteen people and submission must include a report of results. Please include two paragraphs as to how you would market your project . See Official Rules for details.
The song subject is:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and “consent of the governed.”
Thought Starter: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
To enter, students and/or parent/guardians are encouraged to fill out the online Contest Sign-up form, indicating their intent to enter the contest, including the line on the form giving parental consent. Contest updates and deadline reminders will be sent to the students signing up for the contest in advance.
The PSA subject is: Please create a commercial suitable for airing on the radio or TV that is exactly 25 seconds, utilizing the following prompt: Express the significance and impact of the Declaration of Independence, with special emphasis on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and “consent of the governed.”
Submissions due no later than 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026 through the online portal on this site. See Official Rules Section III for complete submission instructions and guidelines.
• Essay: The completed Contest Sign-up form with signed parental consent and essay should be uploaded as a PDF through the contest entry portal on this site or mailed in hard copy form to the P.O. Box below. Student’s name, age and grade must appear on each page of the essay.
• STEM: Applicable links to your STEM project and any PDF files are to be uploaded to the website through the contest entry portal.
• Song: Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled), must include a video recording of the live performance. First line of song description in online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. Must submit electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry/Permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; lyrics and music.
PSA: Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; script. Pls. include your name, age, and grade on all pages of the entry package.
Entries must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET, May 31, 2026, but may be submitted at any time from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Early entries are appreciated and encouraged.
As further detailed in Section VII entrants and parent/guardians agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of Constituting America, whose decisions are final with respect to all matters of the Contest.
Only one entry per student per category is permitted. Incomplete, late or entries which contain unrequested information, or otherwise fail to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations will not qualify for consideration for the Contest. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians acknowledge and agree that the entry along with any and all documentation submitted therewith will become the sole property of Constituting America and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrant and their parent/guardian represent and warrant that the entry is an original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, is unpublished (in any form or medium) and has not won an award. Constituting America may edit any entries for grammar, modify for style only, and entrant and their parent/guardian hereby grant Constituting America a license to record the song, distribute submitted material to third parties for purposes of publication or production, to publicize the contest, with no additional notification or permission of the entrant or parent/guardian. Submitted material will only be used to further the educational mission and goals of Constituting America (please see Section VI for a Notice to Parents and Privacy Policy), including, but not limited to, featuring the essay on the Constituting America website, and putting them on a DVD for promotional distribution for the contest. Constituting America also reserves the right to produce or sell any “app” submitted, and to incorporate any computer software into our existing website.
Section II – Qualifications
The Middle School Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are students in grades 6-8 and are 11 to 15 years old at the time of entry, attending public, private, religious, home school program and charter schools.
Students must attend school in one of the 50 States, District of Columbia, all U.S. Territories, or American Armed Forces Schools abroad.
“We The Future” Contest winners are limited to winning twice, and may not win more than once in the same category. We encourage all former “We The Future” Contest winners to join our Youth Advisory Board! Please email WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org for details and to join!
Section III – Essay, STEM, Song & PSA Instructions
All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Essay Topic:
Please choose from the following prompts.
Write a 500-700 word essay explaining the following sentences from the Declaration of Independence and explore why it was a groundbreaking concept at the time – and how these words continue – 250 years later – to inspire our country and leaders, with special focus on “consent of the governed.”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age, and grade on every page of the essay. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included. See Official Rules Section III for details.
Essay must be no shorter than 500 words and no longer than 700 words, typed or handwritten. Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, age and grade on every page of the essay. Essay should be saved as a PDF and submitted electronically with entry form through the online portal on this site. If mailing, the essay and entry form must be included.
2. STEM: Using your creativity, develop some type of applied technology that can be used to promote the U.S. Constitution or Declaration of Independence. It can be as simple as a random survey of students in your school testing their constitutional knowledge, to something a little more complex like designing an interactive computer game tied to some part of the Constitution or liberties it represents. Or you can construct an app or even a web site showcasing a particular aspect of the Constitution’s value in contemporary America, to your peers. The choice is yours. Please include two paragraphs as to how you would market your project.
If your STEM project is solely digital (i.e. an online survey) submit it electronically through the online portal on this site. If your STEM project is something built or created physically then you can mail it to: Constituting America, P.O. Box 1988, Colleyville, Texas 76034.
If you have questions, please email us a summary of your project to WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org, with the subject line, and depending on what you have developed/created, we will work with you on the best way to submit your project.
3. Song:
Create an original song with the theme of our Country’s 250th birthday, and what it means to be celebrating this milestone birthday of the Declaration of Independence, with special focus on the Declaration’s words including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and “consent of the governed.”
Thought Starter: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
The song must be an original pop, country, rock, or other popular genre song composition with lyrics and music written by the student, no longer than 3:20. Song submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled) and must include a video recording of the live performance. It must be sung by the student. The song may be written, performed and submitted by a team of not more than two people. The first line of the song description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The song title must be in the title of the uploaded video and the song lyrics must be in the description of the video. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: The completed Entry/Permission form with signed parental consent (if under 18); YouTube or Vimeo link; and lyrics and music. The student’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the song submission.
4. Public Service Announcement (PSA):Please create a commercial suitable for airing on the radio or TV that is exactly 25 seconds, utilizing the following prompt: Express the significance and impact of the Declaration of Independence, with special emphasis on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and “consent of the governed.”
It must be 25 seconds in length, originally written and directed by the student and recorded. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the PSA.
PSA submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The completed Entry/Permission form with signed parental consent (if under 18), must be submitted electronically, with YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the PSA script and submission.
Section IV – Judging Process
After the expiration of the Contest Period, the judges selected by Constituting America will review all entries and submissions which comply with these Official Rules and Regulations and select one (1) winning essay and one (1) winning STEM. Judges reserve the right to not make an award in any category and/or make multiple awards per category. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Adherence to instructions stated in Section III
2. Essay: originality, neatness, spelling, grammar and form
3. STEM: originality, and usefulness in aiding students to learn about the U.S. Constitution
4. Song: original song appealing to broad base of youth
5. PSA: originality, appeal to high school age group, likeliness to be aired by a television station
The odds of winning are proportional to the amount of entries received. Winners will be notified during the fall of 2026.
Section V – Awards and Prizes
The middle school winners will be contacted directly through contact information provided on the Contest Signup Form. Winners will also be announced on www.constitutingamerica.org. As a condition to receiving any awards, the winners must:
Winners will receive:
BEST ESSAY – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as Best Essay, Middle School 2026
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Essay, Middle School 2026
4. $200 Gift Card to a retail location (to be announced)
BEST STEM – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as Best STEM, Middle School 2026
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best STEM, Middle School 2026
4. $200 Gift Card to a retail location (to be announced)
BEST SONG – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America High School Song, 2026
2. Television Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Song, High School 2026
4. $200 Gift Card (If team submission, prize is split)
BEST PSA – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America High School PSA, 2026
2. Television Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best PSA, High School 2026
4. $200 Gift Card (If team submission, prize is split
All entrants and their parents/guardians are solely responsible for understanding and complying with any and all federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances that may apply to the entrants and the activities or business in which such entrants may engage. Tax consequences may be associated with the prizes received by a Contest winner, which may include, without limitation, an obligation to report as income and to pay taxes on such income to federal, state, or local authorities. It is the responsibility of each Contest winner to determine the tax consequences of the prizes received and to comply with all applicable laws in all respects.
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Upon submission of entry, the material entered becomes the property of Constituting America. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians grant Constituting America the right, unless prohibited by law, to use their names, cities and states of residence, pictures and likenesses without compensation, for the express purpose of advertising and publicity of the Contest in any and all media, now or after. Entrants and their parent/guardian also grant Constituting America permission to use their name and materials submitted to further its mission as stated on www.constitutingamerica.org. Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents are posted on www.constitutingamerica.org. Entrant and his or her parent/guardian hereby agree and acknowledge the provisions set forth in the Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents.
To receive further information about Constituting America, students, parents or guardians must click “Sign Up for Email Updates” on the front page of the website at www.constitutingamerica.org.
Section VII – Disclaimer
Constituting America will administer any and all aspects of the Contest, including, without limitation, evaluating a student’s qualification or material submission, judge selection, review of entry documents and information, determination of prize winners, all of which is in the sole and absolute discretion of Constituting America. Any and all decisions of Constituting America relating to the administration of the Contest are final in all respects and no student, parent /guardian or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal, contest, and dispute or otherwise challenge such administration.
Constituting America is not responsible for (i) incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized by this contest or by any human error which may occur in the processing of entries into this contest; or (ii) for lost, late, misdirected or delayed entries or electronic transmission errors or technical malfunctions.
If for any reason, the Contest is interrupted, delayed or negatively affected by any causes beyond the control of Constituting America, Constituting America reserves the right to cancel, modify or delay the Contest.
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Constituting America will not discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its administration of the Contest. Each eligible entry submitted will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents and the criteria described in Section IV.
This Contest is governed by the internal laws of the state of Texas without regard to principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Official Rules and Regulations is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ($100)
Contest Rules Summary – 2026
Sign up for the contest here.
Parent/Guardian must read “Constituting America’s Privacy Policy Guidelines and Notice to Parents,” approve of student entering, and “check” parent statement on online form & sign hard copy contest entry form.
IMPORTANT: Submissions must be entirely the original work of the students, without any assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Entries will be analyzed by third party software.
Elementary students may submit a Poem or Holiday Card.
Poem: Please create a poem about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, celebrating our country’s 250th birthday, with special emphasis on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and/or the concept of “consent of the governed.”
Electronic submissions of Poems are due by May 31, 2026 through the online portal on this site. See Official Rules Section III for details.
Holiday Card Please create a Constitution-themed artwork appropriate for the front of a holiday card
utilizing this prompt:
Recognizing the Declaration of Independence is turning 250 years old this July 4, 2026, create an artwork that illustrates a portion of this sentence from the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Instructions:
Create an original drawing, no bigger than a 9×11 image, single-sided, easily scanned (2-dimensional only), in full color in pencil, pen, colors, or paint. All holiday card entries must be mailed to Constituting America and MUST include the student’s name, age, and grade on the back of the drawing along with the signed permission/entry form.
The Holiday Card Contest is proudly named in memory of Conrad Ainslie Bauman (February 26, 2014 – September 23, 2015). See Official Rules Section III for details.
Mailed entries must be postmarked by May 31, 2026, and include the entry form, with signed parental consent. The student’s name, age, and grade must appear on the entry.
Please mail entries to: Constituting America We The Future Contest PO Box 1988, Colleyville, TX 76034
Entries will not be returned. The winner gives Constituting America the right to reprint and redistribute entries.
The above rules are a summary only. Please consult “Official Rules and Regulations,” for complete instructions and guidelines.
Section I – General Rules for Elementary Students (Grades K‐5)
Section II – Qualifications
Section III – Instructions
Section IV – Judging Process
Section V – Awards & Prizes
Section VI – Notice & Privacy Policy
Section VII – Disclaimer
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Section I – General Rules for Elementary Students (Grades K‐ 5)
From June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”) Constituting America will conduct the “We The Future” holiday card and poem contest (the “Contest”) in the 50 States of the United States of America (including the District of Columbia), the U.S. Territories and the American Armed Forces Schools Abroad.
The poem topic is: A poem about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, celebrating our country’s 250th birthday, with special emphasis on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and/or the concept of “consent of the governed.”
The holiday card topic is: Recognizing the Declaration of Independence is turning 250 years old this July 4, 2026, create an artwork that illustrates a portion of this sentence from the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Instructions for the holiday card and poem are outlined in Section III.
To enter, students and/or parent/guardians are encouraged to fill out the online Contest Sign-up form, indicating their intent to enter the contest, including the line on the form giving parental consent. Contest updates and deadline reminders will be sent to the students signing up for the contest in advance.
To enter the poem, the completed Contest Sign-up form with signed parental consent and poem entry may be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site or mailed in hard copy form to the P.O. Box below. The student’s name, age, and grade must appear on the poem.
The holiday card entry, along with the completed Contest Sign-up form with signed parental consent, must be submitted by mail in hard copy form, with student’s name, age, and grade on back, to:
Constituting America We The Future Contest
P.O. Box 1988 Colleyville, TX 76034
Entries must be received electronically by (poem only) by 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026, or postmarked (artwork or poem) no later than May 31, 2026.
As further detailed in Section VII entrants and parent/guardians agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of Constituting America, whose decisions are final with respect to all matters of the Contest.
Incomplete, late, or entries that contain unrequested information, or otherwise fail to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations will not qualify for consideration for the Contest. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians acknowledge and agree that the entry along with any and all documentation submitted therewith will become the sole property of Constituting America and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrant and their parent/guardian represent and warrant that the entry is an original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, is unpublished (in any form or medium), and has not won an award. Constituting America may edit any entries for grammar, modify for style only, and entrant and their parent/guardian hereby grant Constituting America a license to distribute submitted material to third parties for purposes of publication or production, to publicize the contest, with no additional notification or permission of the entrant or parent/guardian. Submitted material will only be used to further the educational mission and goals of Constituting America (please see Section VI for a Notice to Parents and Privacy Policy), including, but not limited to, the sale of the holiday cards on the Constituting America website, and use of the holiday card language, artwork or any parts thereof on t-shirts or other items for sale on the website, with proceeds benefiting Constituting America.
Section II – Qualifications
The Elementary School Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are students in grades K-5 and are 5 to 12 years old at the time of entry, attending public, private, religious, home school programs and charter schools. Students must attend school in one of the 50 States, District of Columbia, all U.S. Territories, or American Armed Forces Schools abroad.
“We The Future” Contest winners are limited to winning twice, and may not win more than once in the same category. We encourage all former “We The Future” Contest winners to join our Youth Advisory Board! Please email WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org for details and to join!
Section III – Holiday Card and Poem Instructions
The subject matter of the poem must be: A poem about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, celebrating our country’s 250th birthday, with special emphasis on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and/or the concept of “consent of the governed.”
The poem may be typed or handwritten, and submitted electronically or mailed. If submitted electronically, the poem should be saved as a PDF. Whether submitted electronically or in hard copy form, poem entry MUST include the student’s name, age, and grade on the poem.
The theme for the holiday card is: Recognizing the Declaration of Independence is turning 250 years old this July 4, 2026, create an artwork that illustrates a portion of this sentence from the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Create an original drawing, no bigger than a 9×11 image, single-sided, easily scanned (2-dimensional only), in full color in pencil, pen, colors, or paint. No Text. All holiday card entries must be mailed to Constituting America and MUST include the student’s name, age, and grade on the back of the drawing along with the signed permission/entry form.
The Conrad Ainslie Bauman Holiday Card Contest is in Memory of Conrad Ainslie Bauman (February 26, 2014 – September 23, 2015). Although briefly on this earth, Conrad touched the hearts of many and his beautiful spirit lives on. He loved art, and we are proud to name Constituting America’s Holiday Card Contest after him. Born on February 26, 2014, Conrad passed away on September 23, 2015, from a very rare form of leukemia, JMML.
All entries must include the signed Entry/Permission Form, available for download on the website. The form should be signed by the parent if the entrant, scanned in and accompany electronic submissions, or 2 copies mailed in with hard copy submissions.
Section IV – Judging Process
After the expiration of the Contest Period, the judges selected by Constituting America will review all entries and submissions which comply with these Official Rules and Regulations and select one
(1) winning poem and one (1) winning holiday card. Judges reserve the right to not make an award in any category and/or make multiple awards per category. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Adherence to instructions stated in Section III
2. Poem: originality, neatness, spelling, grammar, and form; Holiday card: artistic quality, originality, ability to reproduce, and neatness.
The odds of winning are proportional to the amount of entries received. Winners will be notified during the fall of 2026.
Section V – Awards and Prizes
The two elementary school winners will be contacted directly through the contact information provided on the Contest Signup Form. Winners will also be announced on www.constitutingamerica.org. As a condition to receiving any awards, the winners must provide publicity photos and may be required to return a liability release and publicity release within 10 days following the date of notification. Winners will receive:
BEST POEM – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as Best Poem, Elementary School
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Poem, Elementary School
4. $100 Gift Card to a retail location (to be announced)
BEST HOLIDAY CARD – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as an official holiday card
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Official Holiday card
4. $100 Gift Card to a retail location (to be announced)
All entrants and their parents/guardians are solely responsible for understanding and complying with any and all federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances that may apply to the entrants and the activities or business in which such entrants may engage. Tax consequences may be associated with the prizes received by a Contest winner, which may include, without limitation, an obligation to report as income and to pay taxes on such income to federal, state, or local authorities. It is the responsibility of each Contest winner to determine the tax consequences of the prizes received and to comply with all applicable laws in all respects.
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Upon submission of an entry, the material entered becomes the property of Constituting America. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians grant Constituting America the right, unless prohibited by law, to use their names, cities, and states of residence, pictures and likenesses without compensation, for the express purpose of advertising and publicity of the Contest in any and all media, now or after. Entrants and their parents/guardians also grant Constituting America permission to use their name and materials submitted to further its mission as stated on www.constitutingamerica.org. Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents are posted on www.constitutingamerica.org. Entrant and his or her parent/guardian hereby agree and acknowledge the provisions set forth in the Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents.
To receive further information about Constituting America, students, parents or guardians must click “Sign Up for Email Updates” on the front page of the website at www.constitutingamerica.org.
Section VII – Disclaimer
Constituting America will administer any and all aspects of the Contest, including, without limitation, evaluating a student’s qualification or material submission, judge selection, review of entry documents and information, determination of prize winners, all of which is in the sole and absolute discretion of Constituting America. Any and all decisions of Constituting America relating to the administration of the Contest are final in all respects and no student, parent /guardian, or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal, contest, and dispute or otherwise challenge such administration.
Constituting America is not responsible for (i) incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized by this contest or by any human error which may occur in the processing of entries into this contest; or (ii) for lost, late, misdirected or delayed entries or electronic transmission errors or technical malfunctions.
If for any reason, the Contest is interrupted, delayed, or negatively affected by any causes beyond the control of Constituting America, Constituting America reserves the right to cancel, modify or delay the Contest.
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Constituting America will not discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its administration of the Contest. Each eligible entry submitted will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents and the criteria described in Section IV.
This Contest is governed by the internal laws of the state of Texas without regard to principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Official Rules and Regulations is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.
LAW SCHOOL & GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Sign up for the contest here.
IMPORTANT: Submissions must be entirely the original work of the students, without any assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Entries will be analyzed by third party software.
Must be enrolled in a graduate school or law school, carrying 9 hours or more, seeking a graduate or law degree, age 18 and above. The winner will also be invited to attend the Winner Mentor Trip tentatively scheduled for September 2026 (all costs fully covered).
Graduate and Law School Students may submit a Short Film or Speech. All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Submissions due no later than 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026 through the online portal on this site.
See Official Rules Section III for complete submission instructions:
• Speech:
Option 1: Explain one Article of the Constitution and give examples as to how it is working or not working to protect our freedoms through the Constitution’s system of checks and balances.
Option 2: How the Declaration of Independence and the concepts embedded (inalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and “consent of the governed”) prevent tyranny and preserve our rights.
Thought starter: How do townhalls reflect these principles? What is “consent of the governed” as stated in this sentence from the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Speech must be no longer than 20 minutes and no shorter than 15 minutes, video recorded and uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). Your entry will consist of the link to your speech, a written copy of your speech, and your signed entry form submitted through the online portal on this site. See Official Rules Section III for full details.
• Short Film:
Option 1: How are the Constitution’s Checks and Balances Relevant Today?
Option 2: Tell the story of one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and how their courage created the great nation we are today.
Must be an original film written and directed by the student. Up to two students may collaborate on and submit the short film. It must be no shorter than 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes in length. Short film submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). See Official Rules Section III for full details.
The above rules are a summary only. Please consult “Official Rules” for complete instructions and guidelines.
Section I – General Rules: Grad/Law Students
Section II – Qualifications
Section III – Instructions
Section IV – Judging Process
Section V – Awards and Prizes
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy Section VII – Disclaimer
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Section I – General Rules for Graduate and Law School Students
From June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”) Constituting America will conduct the “We The Future” speech and short film contest (the “Contest”) in the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories and the American Armed Forces Schools Abroad.
The speech topic is:
Option 1: Explain one Article of the Constitution and give examples as to how it is working or not working to protect our freedoms through the Constitution’s system of checks and balances.
Option 2: How the Declaration of Independence and the concepts embedded (inalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and “consent of the governed”) prevent tyranny and preserve our rights.
Thought starter: How do townhalls reflect these principles? What is “consent of the governed” as stated in this sentence from the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
The short film subject is:
Option 1: How are the Constitution’s Checks and Balances Relevant Today?
Option 2: Tell the story of one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and how their courage created the great nation we are today.
Submissions due no later than 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026 through the online portal on this site. See Official Rules Section III for complete submission instructions and guidelines.
• Speech: Entry should be recorded and posted to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form, YouTube or Vimeo link, and written copy of your speech. Pls include your name, age and grade on all pages of the entry package.
• Short Film: Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; script. Please include your name, age and grade on all pages of the entry package.
Entries must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET, May 31, 2026 but may be submitted at any time from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Early entries are appreciated and encouraged.
As further detailed in Section VII entrants agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of Constituting America, whose decisions are final with respect to all matters of the Contest.
Only one entry per student per category is permitted. Incomplete, late or entries which contain unrequested information, or otherwise fail to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations will not qualify for consideration for the Contest. By entering the Contest, entrants acknowledge and agree that the entry along with any and all documentation submitted therewith will become the sole property of Constituting America and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrant represent and warrant that the entry is an original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, is unpublished (in any form or medium) and has not won an award. Constituting America may edit any entries for grammar, modify for style only, and entrant hereby grant Constituting America a license to record the song, distribute submitted material to third parties for purposes of publication or production, to publicize the contest, with no additional notification or permission of the entrant or parent/guardian. Submitted material will only be used to further the educational mission and goals of Constituting America (please see Section VI for a Notice to Parents and Privacy Policy), including, but not limited to, featuring the song, speech, PSA and short film on the Constituting America website, and putting them on a DVD for promotional distribution for the contest. Constituting America also reserves the right to produce or sell any “app” submitted, and to incorporate any computer software into our existing website.
Section II – Qualifications
The Graduate/Law School Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are students enrolled in a graduate school or law school, carrying 9 hours or more, seeking a graduate or law degree, age 18 and above at the time of entry.
Students must attend school in one of the 50 States, District of Columbia, all U.S. Territories, or American Armed Forces Schools abroad.
“We The Future” Contest winners are limited to winning twice, and may not win more than once in the same category. We encourage all former “We The Future” Contest winners to join our Youth Advisory Board! Please email WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org for details and to join!
Section III – Speech and Short Film Instructions
All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
1. Speech Background: The Framers of the Constitution carefully constructed it to protect individual liberty and to restrain the power of the federal government. The Constitution is comprised of seven Articles which define and describe:
• the three branches of the federal government,
• the relationship between the federal government and the states,
• various other aspects of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and its preservation and amendment process.
In recent history, there have been many examples of the Constitution not being followed, as well as many instances of the Constitution being upheld and the separation of powers being enforced as one branch of government acts as a “check” on another branch’s power.
Speech Topic:
Option 1: Explain one Article of the Constitution and give examples as to how it is working or not working to protect our freedoms through the Constitution’s system of checks and balances.
Option 2: How the Declaration of Independence and the concepts embedded (inalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and “consent of the governed”) prevent tyranny and preserve our rights.
Thought starter: How do townhalls reflect these principles? What is “consent of the governed” as stated in this sentence from the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Speech must be no longer than 20 minutes, and no shorter than 15 minutes. Speech entry should be recorded and posted to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry permission form, YouTube or Vimeo link, and written copy of your speech. Pls. include your name, age, and grade on all pages of your entry package.
2. Short Film: Should be an original film written and directed by the student. It must be no shorter than five minutes and no longer than ten minutes in length.
Option 1: How are the Constitution’s Checks and Balances Relevant Today?
Option 2: Tell the story of one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and how their courage created the great nation we are today.
The short film may be written, directed and submitted by a team of not more than two people. Film & PSA submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The completed Entry/Permission form must be electronically submitted, with YouTube or Vimeo link, and script through the online portal on this site. The student’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the script.
Section IV – Judging Process
After the expiration of the Contest Period, the judges selected by Constituting America will review all entries and submissions which comply with these Official Rules and Regulations and select one (1) winning speech, and one (1) winning short film. Judges reserve the right to not make an award in any category and/or make multiple awards per category. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Adherence to instructions stated in Section III
2. Speech: originality, neatness, spelling, grammar and form, level of support generated for your cause
3. Short film: originality, appeal to college age group.
The odds of winning are proportional to the amount of entries received. Winners will be notified during the fall of 2026.
Section V – Awards and Prizes
The two graduate/law school winners will be contacted directly through contact information provided on the Contest Signup Form. Winners will also be announced on www.constitutingamerica.org. As a condition to receiving any awards, winners must:
Winners will receive:
BEST SPEECH – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as Best Speech, Graduate/Law School, 2026
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Speech, Graduate/Law School, 2026
4. $2,000 Scholarship Prize
BEST SHORT FILM – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website as official Constituting America Graduate/Law School Short Film, 2026
2. Television Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Short Film, Graduate/Law School, 2026
4. $2,000 Scholarship Prize (If team submission, prize is split)
All entrants and their parents/guardians are solely responsible for understanding and complying with any and all federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances that may apply to the entrants and the activities or business in which such entrants may engage. Tax consequences may be associated with the prizes received by a Contest winner, which may include, without limitation, an obligation to report as income and to pay taxes on such income to federal, state, or local authorities. It is the responsibility of each Contest winner to determine the tax consequences of the prizes received and to comply with all applicable laws in all respects.
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Upon submission of entry, the material entered becomes the property of Constituting America. By entering the Contest, entrants and their parent/guardians grant Constituting America the right, unless prohibited by law, to use their names, cities and states of residence, pictures and likenesses without compensation, for the express purpose of advertising and publicity of the Contest in any and all media, now or after. Entrants and their parent/guardian also grant Constituting America permission to use their name and materials submitted to further its mission as stated on www.constitutingamerica.org. Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents are posted on www.constitutingamerica.org. Entrant and his or her parent/guardian hereby agree and acknowledge the provisions set forth in the Privacy Policy and Notice to Parents.
To receive further information about Constituting America, students, parents or guardians must click “Sign Up for Email Updates” on the front page of the website at www.constitutingamerica.org.
Section VII – Disclaimer
Constituting America will administer any and all aspects of the Contest, including, without limitation, evaluating a student’s qualification or material submission, judge selection, review of entry documents and information, determination of prize winners, all of which is in the sole and absolute discretion of Constituting America. Any and all decisions of Constituting America relating to the administration of the Contest are final in all respects and no student, parent /guardian or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal, contest, and dispute or otherwise challenge such administration.
Constituting America is not responsible for (i) incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized by this contest or by any human error which may occur in the processing of entries into this contest; or (ii) for lost, late, misdirected or delayed entries or electronic transmission errors or technical malfunctions.
If for any reason, the Contest is interrupted, delayed or negatively affected by any causes beyond the control of Constituting America, Constituting America reserves the right to cancel, modify or delay the Contest.
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Constituting America will not discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its administration of the Contest. Each eligible entry submitted will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents and the criteria described in Section IV.
This Contest is governed by the internal laws of the state of Texas without regard to principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Official Rules and Regulations is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein
TEACHER CATEGORY
Contest Rules Summary – 2026
The winner will receive:
BEST LESSON PLAN – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website
2. Public Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Lesson Plan, Teacher Category, 2026
4. $2,000 Cash Prize
MOST CONTEST ENTRIES – 1 Teacher Chosen
1. Announced as the winner of our Harold Simmons Excellence in Constitutional Teaching Award
2. $1,000 Cash Prize
3. Presentation at your school, with certificate, trophy, and check.
Sign up for the contest here.
IMPORTANT: Submissions must be entirely the original work of the teacher, without any assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Entries will be analyzed by third party software.
Teachers, kindergarten through 12th grades, are eligible to sign up for this category.
K12 Teachers are invited to enter a U.S. Constitution lesson plan in the We The Future Contest.
One entry per person. All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips, or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
$50 Amazon Gift Card: Every teacher that submits or helps at least 10 students submit contest entries will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. To claim your gift card please send us an email at WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org listing the relevant and completed contest entries you are responsible for and the best email to receive your Amazon gift card.
Should you decide to have students work on their projects during class time you can submit them all together without the Parent Permission Form. If a student is selected as a finalist they will be required to have parents complete the Parental Permission Form.
Most Contest Entries: The teacher who coordinates their class/school/school district sending in the most contest entries for our “We The Future” Contest will win a $1,000 cash prize and a special presentation at your school! Teachers are restricted to winning the Most Contest Entries category one time.
Lesson Plan:
Design a lesson plan to teach the following portion of the Declaration of Independence, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
Focusing primarily on the principle of consent of the governed.
Focus on one specific age group: Elementary School, Middle School, or High School. Teachers who instruct on various K12 subjects are encouraged to enter: Examples: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), History, English, Art, Music, Drama. Any teacher is welcome to submit an entry. Examples: public schools, including charter schools; private schools, home educators. Please submit the entry electronically through the online portal on this site
See Official Rules Section III for instructions and guidelines. The winner will also be invited to attend the Winner Mentor Trip tentatively scheduled for September 2026 (all costs fully covered).
Electronic Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026, through the online portal on this site.
The winner gives Constituting America the right to reprint and redistribute entries.
The above rules are a summary only.
Please consult “Official Rules and Regulations,” for complete instructions and guidelines.
1. Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Male / Female
4. Address
City State Zip
5. Telephone
6. E-Mail
7. School Name School City
8. Grade Level of Lesson Plan
9. Agree to rules (signature required)
The lesson plan MAY be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site.
THIS entry form signed by the entrant must accompany all entries, whether mailed or electronically submitted.
For electronic submissions submissions, please scan in a copy of this signed form.
Please see Contest Rules for more details.
Signing up online does not replace the requirement to submit this form with your entry.
CONSTITUTING AMERICA LESSON PLAN ENTRY MAILING ADDRESS
Constituting America ATTN: We The Future Contest PO Box 1988 Colleyville, TX 76034
**Entries will not be returned. The winner gives Constituting America the right to reprint and redistribute entries. Please see Contest Rules for more details.
Section I – General Rules for Teachers, K-12
Section II – Qualification
Section III – Instructions
Section IV – Judging Process
Section V – Awards & Prizes
Section VI – Notice & Privacy Policy
Section VII – Disclaimer
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Section I – General Rules for Teachers, K-12
From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”) Constituting America will conduct the “We The Future” lesson plan contest (the “Contest”) in the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories and the American Armed Forces Schools Abroad.
The lesson plan subject is: Design a lesson plan to teach the United States Constitution. Guidelines for the lesson plan are outlined in Section III.
To enter, teacher entrants are encouraged to fill out the online Contest Sign-up form, indicating their intent to enter the
contest. Contest updates and deadline reminders will be sent to all signing up for the contest in advance.
All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips, or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Electronic Submissions due by 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026, through the online portal on this site.
Lesson Plan:
Design a lesson plan to teach the following portion of the Declaration of Independence, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
Focusing primarily on the principle of consent of the governed.
Focus on one specific age group: Elementary School, Middle School, or High School. Teachers who instruct on various K12 subjects are encouraged to enter: Examples: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), History, English, Art, Music, Drama. Any teacher is welcome to submit an entry. Examples: public schools, including charter schools; private schools, home educators. Please submit the entry electronically through the online portal on this site
Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET, May 31, 2026. As further detailed in Section VII entrants agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of Constituting America, whose decisions are final with respect to all matters of the Contest.
Only one entry per entrant is permitted. Incomplete, late, or entries that contain unrequested information, or otherwise fail to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations will not qualify for consideration for the Contest. By entering the Contest, entrants acknowledge and agree that the entry along with any and all documentation submitted therewith will become the sole property of Constituting America and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrants represent and warrant that the entry is an original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, is unpublished (in any form or medium), and has not won an award. Constituting America may edit any entries for grammar, modify for style only, and entrant hereby grants Constituting America a license to record the song, distribute submitted material to third parties for purposes of publication or production, to publicize the contest, with no additional notification or permission of the entrant. Submitted material will only be used to further the educational mission and goals of Constituting America (please see Section VI for a Privacy Policy), including, but not limited to, featuring the lesson plan on the Constituting America website, and putting it on a DVD for promotional distribution for the contest.
Section II – Qualifications
The Lesson Plan Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers. Any teacher is welcome to submit an entry. Examples: public schools, including charter schools; private schools, home educators.
“We The Future” Contest winners are limited to winning twice, and may not win more than once in the same category. We encourage all former “We The Future” Contest winners to join our Youth Advisory Board! Please email WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org for details and to join!
Section III – Lesson Plan Instructions
The Lesson Plan: Should be original, written by the entrant. Length is flexible. The subject of the lesson plan is a lesson that teaches the United States Constitution to students. Focus on one specific age group: Elementary School, Middle School, or High School. Teachers who instruct on various K12 subjects are encouraged to enter. Examples: Teachers of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), History, English, Art, Music, Drama. The completed Entry/Permission form must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site. The entrant’s name must be on each page of the lesson plan.
Section IV – Judging Process
After the expiration of the Contest Period, the judges selected by Constituting America will review all entries and submissions that comply with these Official Rules and Regulations and select one winning lesson plan. Judges reserve the right to not make an award in any category. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Adherence to instructions stated in Section III
2. Lesson plan: originality, appeal to students, educational value
The odds of winning are proportional to the amount of entries received. Winners will be notified during the fall of 2026.
Section V – Awards and Prizes
The winners will be contacted directly through the contact information provided on the Contest Signup Form. Winners will also be announced on constitutingamerica.org. As a condition for receiving any awards, the winner must:
All entrants are solely responsible for understanding and complying with any and all federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances that may apply to the entrants and the activities or business in which such entrants may engage. Tax consequences may be associated with the prizes received by a Contest winner, which may include, without limitation, an obligation to report as income and to pay taxes on such income to federal, state, or local authorities. It is the responsibility of each Contest winner to determine the tax consequences of the prizes received and to comply with all applicable laws in all respects.
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Upon submission of an entry, the material entered becomes the property of Constituting America. By entering the Contest, entrants grant Constituting America the right, unless prohibited by law, to use their names, cities, and states of residence, pictures and likenesses without compensation, for the express purpose of advertising and publicity of the Contest in any and all media, now or after. Entrants also grant Constituting America permission to use their name and materials submitted to further its mission as stated on www.constitutingamerica.org. Privacy Policy is posted on www.constitutingamerica.org. Entrant hereby agrees and acknowledges the provisions set forth in the Privacy Policy.
To receive further information about Constituting America, students, adults, parents or guardians must click “Sign Up for Email Updates” on the front page of the website at www.constitutingamerica.org.
Section VII – Disclaimer
Constituting America will administer any and all aspects of the Contest, including, without limitation, evaluating an entrant’s qualification or material submission, judge selection, review of entry documents and information, determination of prize winners, all of which is in the sole and absolute discretion of Constituting America. Any and all decisions of Constituting America relating to the administration of the Contest are final in all respects and no entrant or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal, contest, and dispute or otherwise challenge such administration.
Constituting America is not responsible for (i) incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized by this contest or by any human error which may occur in the processing of entries into this contest; or (ii) for lost, late, misdirected or delayed entries or electronic transmission errors or technical malfunctions.
If for any reason, the Contest is interrupted, delayed or negatively affected by any causes beyond the control of Constituting America, Constituting America reserves the right to cancel, modify or delay the Contest.
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Constituting America will not discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its administration of the Contest. Each eligible entry submitted will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents and the criteria described in Section IV.
This Contest is governed by the internal laws of the state of Texas without regard to principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Official Rules and Regulations is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.
SHORT FILM CATEGORY
Short Film Contest Rules Summary – 2026
Adults, ages 25 and up, are eligible to sign up for this category.
Sign up for the contest here.
IMPORTANT: Submissions must be entirely the original work of the entrant, without any assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Entries will be analyzed by third party software.
Adults are invited to enter a short film in the We The Future Contest.
One entry per person. All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Short Film: Subject is: “Why the United States Constitution is Relevant Today,”
and must be an original film written and directed by the entrant. Up to two entrants may collaborate on and submit the short film. It must be no shorter than 5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes in length.
Electronic Submissions due by 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026, through the online portal on this site.
Film submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry/Permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; and a copy of the script. Entrant’s name and age must appear on the entry and all pages of the entry package. See Official Rules Section III for details.
The winner gives Constituting America the rights to reprint and redistribute entries.
The above rules are a summary only.
Please consult “Official Rules and Regulations,” for complete instructions and guidelines.
Section I – General Rules for Adults, Age 25 & Up
Section II – Qualification
Section III – Instructions
Section IV – Judging Process
Section V – Awards & Prizes
Section VI – Notice & Privacy Policy
Section VII – Disclaimer
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Section I – General Rules for Adults, Age 25 & Up
From June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”) Constituting America will conduct the “We The Future” short film contest (the “Contest”) in the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories and the American Armed Forces Schools Abroad.
The short film subject is: “Why the United States Constitution is Relevant Today.” Guidelines for the short film are outlined in Section III.
To enter, adult entrants are encouraged to fill out the online Contest Sign‐up form, indicating their intent to enter the contest. Contest updates and deadline reminders will be sent to all signing up for the contest in advance.
All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Electronic submissions due by 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026 through the online portal on this site.
Film: Submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The following must be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site: Entry/Permission form; YouTube or Vimeo link; and a copy of the script. Student’s name and age must appear on the entry, and all pages of the entry package.
Entries must be received by 11:59p.m. ET, May 31, 2026. As further detailed in Section VII entrants agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of Constituting America, whose decisions are final with respect to all matters of the Contest.
Only one entry per entrant is permitted. Incomplete, late or entries which contain unrequested information, or otherwise fail to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations will not qualify for consideration for the Contest. By entering the Contest, entrants acknowledge and agree that the entry along with any and all documentation submitted therewith will become the sole property of Constituting America and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrants represent and warrant that the entry is an original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, is unpublished (in any form or medium) and has not won an award. Constituting America may edit any entries for grammar, modify for style only, and entrant hereby grants Constituting America a license to record the song, distribute submitted material to third parties for purposes of publication or production, to publicize the contest, with no additional notification or permission of the entrant. Submitted material will only be used to further the educational mission and goals of Constituting America (please see Section VI for a Privacy Policy), including, but not limited to, featuring the short film on the Constituting America website, and putting it on a DVD for promotional distribution for the contest.
Section II – Qualifications
The Short Film Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are 25 years or older.
“We The Future” Contest winners are limited to winning twice, and may not win more than once in the same category. We encourage all former “We The Future” Contest winners to join our Youth Advisory Board! Please email WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org for details and to join!
Section III – Short Film Instructions
Short Film: Should be an original film written and directed by the entrant. It must be no shorter than five minutes and no longer than ten minutes in length. The short film subject should be: “Why is the United States Constitution Relevant Today?” The short film may be written, directed and submitted by a team of not more than two people. Film submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (640 x 360 minimum, HD preferred) or Vimeo (download enabled). The first line of the video description in the online submission must read: Submitted to Constituting America’s We The Future 2026 Contest www.constitutingamerica.org. The completed Entry/Permission form with signed parental consent, must be submitted electronically, with link, and script through the online portal on this site. The entrant’s name, grade and age must be on each page of the short film script.
Section IV – Judging Process
After the expiration of the Contest Period, the judges selected by Constituting America will review all entries and submissions that comply with these Official Rules and Regulations and select one winning short film. Judges reserve the right to not make an award in any category. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Adherence to instructions stated in Section III
2. Short film: originality, appeal to adults, educational value
The odds of winning are proportional to the amount of entries received. Winners will be notified during the fall of 2026.
Section V – Awards and Prizes
The winners will be contacted directly through contact information provided on the Contest Signup Form. Winners will also be announced on www.constitutingamerica.org. As a condition to receiving any awards, the winner must provide publicity photos and may be required to return a liability release and publicity release within 10 days following the date of notification. Winner will receive:
BEST SHORT FILM – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website.
2. Television Appearances (to be determined).
3. Certificate for winning Best Short Film, Adult Category, 2026.
All entrants are solely responsible for understanding and complying with any and all federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances that may apply to the entrants and the activities or business in which such entrants may engage. Tax consequences may be associated with the prizes received by a Contest winner, which may include, without limitation, an obligation to report as income and to pay taxes on such income to federal, state, or local authorities. It is the responsibility of each Contest winner to determine the tax consequences of the prizes received and to comply with all applicable laws in all respects.
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Upon submission of entry, the material entered becomes the property of Constituting America. By entering the Contest, entrants grant Constituting America the right, unless prohibited by law, to use their names, cities and states of residence, pictures and likenesses without compensation, for the express purpose of advertising and publicity of the Contest in any and all media, now or after. Entrants also grant Constituting America permission to use their name and materials submitted to further its mission as stated on www.constitutingamerica.org. Privacy Policy is posted on www.constitutingamerica.org. Entrant hereby agrees and acknowledges the provisions set forth in the Privacy Policy.
To receive further information about Constituting America, students, adults, parents or guardians must click “Sign Up for Email Updates” on the front page of the website at www.constitutingamerica.org.
Section VII – Disclaimer
Constituting America will administer any and all aspects of the Contest, including, without limitation, evaluating an entrant’s qualification or material submission, judge selection, review of entry documents and information, determination of prize winners, all of which is in the sole and absolute discretion of Constituting America. Any and all decisions of Constituting America relating to the administration of the Contest are final in all respects and no entrant or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal, contest, and dispute or otherwise challenge such administration.
Constituting America is not responsible for (i) incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized by this contest or by any human error which may occur in the processing of entries into this contest; or (ii) for lost, late, misdirected or delayed entries or electronic transmission errors or technical malfunctions.
If for any reason, the Contest is interrupted, delayed or negatively affected by any causes beyond the control of Constituting America, Constituting America reserves the right to cancel, modify or delay the Contest.
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Constituting America will not discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its administration of the Contest. Each eligible entry submitted will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents and the criteria described in Section IV.
This Contest is governed by the internal laws of the state of Texas without regard to principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Official Rules and Regulations is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.
SENIOR ADULT ESSAY CATEGORY
Contest Rules Summary – 2026
Adults, ages 65 and up are eligible to sign up for this category.
Sign up for the contest here.
IMPORTANT: Submissions must be entirely the original work of the entrant, without any assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Entries will be analyzed by third party software.
Adults, ages 65 and up, are invited to enter an essay in the We The Future Contest.
All materials must be included in the submission.
Essay topic is:
Please share your thoughts and personal experiences about this sentence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
Focusing primarily on the principle of consent of the governed and how that principle protects life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Essay must be no longer than 850 words, typed or handwritten. If handwritten, must be legible. Essay entry may be mailed or submitted electronically, but MUST include entrant’s name and date of birth on every page of the essay. See Official Rules Section III for details.
Entries are preferred to be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site.
Mailed entries must be postmarked by May 31, 2026. All entry submissions must
be accompanied by the entry form. Entrant’s name and age must appear on all pages of the entry package. All submission materials must be included.
Please mail entries to:
Constituting America We The Future Contest PO Box 1988
Colleyville, TX 76034
Entries will not be returned. The winner gives Constituting America the rights to reprint and redistribute entries.
Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026 or postmarked no later than May 31, 2026.
The above rules are a summary only.
Please consult “Official Rules and Regulations,” for complete instructions and guidelines.
1. Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Male / Female
4. Address
City State Zip
5. Telephone
6. E-Mail
10. Agree to rules (signature required)
The essay MAY be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site.
THIS entry form signed by entrant, must accompany all entries, whether mailed or submitted electronically.
For electronic submissions, please scan a copy of this signed form.
Please see Contest Rules for more details.
Signing up online does not replace the requirement to submit this form with your entry.
CONSTITUTING AMERICA ESSAY ENTRY MAILING ADDRESS
Constituting America ATTN: We The Future Contest PO Box 1988, Colleyville, TX 76034
**Entries will not be returned. The winner gives Constituting America the rights to reprint and redistribute entries. Please see Contest Rules for more details.
Section I – General Rules for Adults, Age 65 & Up
Section II – Qualifications
Section III – Instructions
Section IV – Judging Process
Section V – Awards & Prizes
Section VI – Notice & Privacy Policy
Section VII – Disclaimer
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Section I – General Rules for Senior Adults, Ages 65 & Up
From June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 (the “Contest Period”) Constituting America will conduct the “We The Future” essay contest (the “Contest”) in the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories and the American Armed Forces Schools Abroad.
The essay subject is:
Please share your thoughts and personal experiences about this sentence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
Focusing primarily on the principle of consent of the governed and how that principle protects life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
To enter the essay, the completed Contest Sign-up form and essay entry may be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site or mailed in hard copy form to the P.O. Box below. If mailed in hard copy, all materials must be included.
Constituting America We The Future Contest
P.O. Box 1988
Colleyville, Texas 76034
Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2026 or postmarked no later than May 31, 2026.
As further detailed in Section VII entrants agree to accept and be bound by all terms of these Official Rules and Regulations and the decisions of Constituting America, whose decisions are final with respect to all matters of the Contest.
Only one entry per entrant is permitted. Incomplete, late or entries which contain unrequested information, or otherwise fail to comply with these Official Rules and Regulations will not qualify for consideration for the Contest. By entering the Contest, entrants acknowledge and agree that the entry along with any and all documentation submitted therewith will become the sole property of Constituting America and will not be acknowledged or returned. Entrants represent and warrant that the entry is an original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, is unpublished (in any form or medium) and has not won an award. Constituting America may edit any entries for grammar, modify for style only, and entrant hereby grants Constituting America a license to record the song, distribute submitted material to third parties for purposes of publication or production, to publicize the contest, with no additional notification or permission of the entrant. Submitted material will only be used to further the educational mission and goals of Constituting America (please see Section VI for a Privacy Policy), including, but not limited to, featuring the essay on the Constituting America website, and putting it on a DVD for promotional distribution for the contest.
Section II – Qualifications
The Essay Contest is open to all United States citizens or legal residents who are 65 years or older.
“We The Future” Contest winners are limited to winning twice, and may not win more than once in the same category. We encourage all former “We The Future” Contest winners to join our Youth Advisory Board! Please email WeTheFuture@ConstitutingAmerica.org for details and to join!
Section III – Essay Instructions
All materials must be included in the submission.
The Essay topic is:
Option 1: Please share your thoughts and personal experiences about this quote: President Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.” Ronald Reagan, Encroaching Control (The Peril of Ever-Expanding Government) Speaking at the annual meeting of the Phoenix (Arizona) Chamber, March 30, 1961
Option 2: Please share your thoughts and personal experiences about this quote. “The assertion of the right to liberty and equality in the Declaration of Independence was of the greatest importance not only to Americans but to the world.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Essay should be no longer than 850 words, typed or handwritten. If handwritten, must be legible. If submitted electronically, the essay should be saved as a PDF. To enter the essay, the completed Contest Sign-up form and essay entry may be submitted electronically through the online portal on this site or mailed in hard copy form to:
Constituting America We The Future Contest
P.O. Box 1988 Colleyville, Texas 76034
Whether submitted in hard copy form or electronically, the entrant’s name and date of birth must be on each page of the essay. If submitting in hard copy, please include the essay and Sign-up form.
Section IV – Judging Process
After the expiration of the Contest Period, the judges selected by Constituting America will review all entries and submissions which comply with these Official Rules and Regulations and select one winning essay. Judges reserve the right to not make an award in any category. Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Adherence to instructions stated in Section III
2. Essay: originality, neatness, spelling, grammar and form
The odds of winning are proportional to the amount of entries received. Winners will be notified during the fall of 2026.
Section V – Awards and Prizes
The winners will be contacted directly through contact information provided on the Contest Signup Form. Winners will also be announced on www.constitutingamerica.org. As a condition to receiving any awards, the winner must provide publicity photos and may be required to return a liability release and publicity release within 10 days following the date of notification. Winner will receive:
BEST ESSAY – 1 Entry Chosen
1. Worldwide exposure on the Constituting America website, 2026
2. Television Appearances (to be determined)
3. Certificate for winning Best Essay, Senior Adult Category, 2026
All entrants are solely responsible for understanding and complying with any and all federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances that may apply to the entrants and the activities or business in which such entrants may engage. Tax consequences may be associated with the prizes received by a Contest winner, which may include, without limitation, an obligation to report as income and to pay taxes on such income to federal, state, or local authorities. It is the responsibility of each Contest winner to determine the tax consequences of the prizes received and to comply with all applicable laws in all respects.
Section VI – Notice and Privacy Policy
Upon submission of entry, the material entered becomes the property of Constituting America. By entering the Contest, entrants grant Constituting America the right, unless prohibited by law, to use their names, cities and states of residence, pictures and likenesses without compensation, for the express purpose of advertising and publicity of the Contest in any and all media, now or after. Entrant also grant Constituting America permission to use their name and materials submitted to further its mission as stated www.constitutingamerica.org. Privacy Policy is posted on www.constitutingamerica.org. Entrant hereby agrees and acknowledges the provisions set forth in the Privacy Policy.
To receive further information about Constituting America, students, adults, parents or guardians must click “Sign Up for Email Updates” on the front page of the website www.constitutingamerica.org.
Section VII – Disclaimer
Constituting America will administer any and all aspects of the Contest, including, without limitation, evaluating an entrant’s qualification or material submission, judge selection, review of entry documents and information, determination of prize winners, all of which is in the sole and absolute discretion of Constituting America. Any and all decisions of Constituting America relating to the administration of the Contest are final in all respects and no entrant or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal, contest, and dispute or otherwise challenge such administration.
Constituting America is not responsible for (i) incorrect or inaccurate entry information whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized by this contest or by any human error which may occur in the processing of entries into this contest; or (ii) for lost, late, misdirected or delayed entries or electronic transmission errors or technical malfunctions.
If for any reason, the Contest is interrupted, delayed or negatively affected by any causes beyond the control of Constituting America, Constituting America reserves the right to cancel, modify or delay the Contest.
Section VIII – Nondiscrimination Policy
Constituting America will not discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in its administration of the Contest. Each eligible entry submitted will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents and the criteria described in Section IV.
This Contest is governed by the internal laws of the state of Texas without regard to principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Official Rules and Regulations is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.