Idea of America Essay Competition (2002-2006)

ESSAY CONTESTS AND WINNERS

2005-2006 ESSAY CONTEST

The question:

Write an essay that examines the historical debate over the benefits and disadvantages of adopting the First Amendment. Are the freedoms named in the First Amendment fundamental and if so why? More…

The grand prize-winning essay:

Four high school writers earn prizes
Pittsburgh Teen Selected as Grand Prize Winner of NEH Essay Contest
Read the Grand Prize-Winning essay by Elise Liu of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2004-2005 ESSAY CONTEST

The question:

Describe totalitarianism by comparing the goals, methods, and results of fascism and communism. How were the tenets of these totalitarian movements different from the ideals that unite Americans? How did the ideals embodied in the American founding prevail? (More)

The winners

The grand prize-winning essay:

Read the grand prize winning essay by Carmiel Schickler of Port Washington, New York

2003-2004 Essay Contest

The question:

How does the Gettysburg Address reflect America's founding ideas and what is the relevance of the speech today? (more)

The winners

The grand prize winning essay:

"Looking Back on a Legacy of Liberty," by Rachel Shafer of Longmont, Colorado

2002-2003 Essay Contest

The question:

Write an essay that describes how a significant event in our nation's history illustrates a principle of American democracy. (more)

The winners

The grand prize winning essay:

"Marbury vs. Madison," by Morgan Transue of Kendall, New Jersey