HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST IN HONOR OF AMERICA'S FOUNDING

Update: 2007 Winners Announced

"George Washington and the Future of the American Presidency"

"As the first of every thing in our situation will serve to establish a precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part that these precedents may be fixed on true principles." —George Washington, 1789

ESSAY CONTEST: The importance of remembering the legacy and leadership of George Washington is evident daily in contemporary America. ISI is committed to keeping the vital lessons of the American Founding alive for the rising generation through this prestigious essay contest on "George Washington and the Future of the American Presidency."

FOCUS AND FORMAT OF THE ESSAY: It was universally thought in 1786 that the republic was on the verge of anarchy and disorder. The Revolutionary War has softened the republican ties of the Articles of Confederation and the battered citizenry was anxious to reclaim the basic elements of civil society. The drafting of the Constitution of the United States unified the competing claims of popular sovereignty and freedom of expression, but more importantly, established the executive position of government at a time when the monarchy was openly and routinely chided as oppressive. Having left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his countrymen, Washington became the first president of the United States, and with that momentous task, he laid both diplomatic and symbolic foundations that have guided U.S. president's for generations.

Students are asked to consider those elements of Washington's presidency that established important precedents and procedures for the office of Commander in Chief and how those components have changed over the years for good or ill. Essayists should also consider the character of the modern American presidency in light of George Washington. What has remained the same, and what has changed? Essays are to be between 1,200–1,500 words in length, double-spaced, and printed on one side only. All submissions must be postmarked or e-mailed by 5:00 p.m. EST on January 12, 2008. They will be judged on the basis or scholarship, imagination, and literary quality.

CONTEST AWARDS:

1st Place:	$1,000
2nd Place:	$500
3rd Place:	$250
4th – 10th Place:	ISI Books set on Order and Liberty at the Founding

EVERY ENTRANT WINS: Upon registration, ISI will send you a free copy of A Student's Guide to American Political Thought. Entrants will also receive a complimentary membership to ISI and will receive our free journal of scholarship and opinion, The Intercollegiate Review.

Download the essay contest brochure here (PDF).

For more information or to register, please contact kcribb2@isi.org.