Making Democracy Work Essay Contest

U.S. Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) invites students in grades 6 through 12 to participate in the nation’s first “Making Democracy Work” Student Essay Contest.  The contest is presented by the United States Capitol Historical Society and challenges students to examine the role of informed citizens in making the American system of government work.   “I encourage Georgia students to participate in this national essay contest,” said Broun.  “My hope is that they will study the Constitution and read what our Founding Fathers had to say about it as they explore the importance of citizen participation to our American democracy.” The contest is open to students in two categories:  juniors (grades six through eight) and seniors (grades nine through twelve).  The Historical Society will choose winners from each division.  First place winners will receive $1000 and a trip to Washington D.C., second place winners $500, third place winners $100, and the top fifty entries a copy of Understanding Congress by former Congressman Lee Hamilton.  In addition, the schools that produce first place winners will receive $1,000 classroom grants.   Students should submit their essays by Friday, June 15th to uschs@uschs.org or the following address:  2012 Making Democracy Work Essay Contest, U.S. Capitol Historical Society, 200 Maryland Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.  For more information about contest rules and to obtain registration forms, visit the U.S. Capitol Historical Society website at www.uschs.org/278/2012-uschs-student-essay-contest.htm.