AWARDS & COMPETITIONS

• First Place: $1,500

• Second Place: $1,000

• Third Place: $500

Context for Analysis

The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times. Although Americans often debate amending the Constitution, there is another option that Americans debate much less frequently: drafting an entirely new document. 

In a letter to James Madison, Thomas Jefferson argued that constitutions should be replaced every 19 years, on average: "If it be enforced longer, it is an act of force, and not of right." Writing in response, James Madison argued that, if constitutions are to change every 19 years, then governments will not embody wisdom developed over generations, and chaos will ensue as factions fight for control over ever-changing constitutions. Moreover, if laws are also temporary, then all property rights will be questioned repeatedly. 

These quotes may be found in letters at this link: https://www.colorado.edu/herbst/sites/default/files/attached-files/nov_2_-_constitution.pdf (Prior to writing, please read the letters from Jefferson and Madison included in the weblink.)

Today, following Jefferson’s philosophy, constitutions in fourteen U.S. states require citizens to vote every 20 years or so on whether to have constitutional conventions. The U.S. Constitution lacks such a requirement but instead allows for amendments.

Essay Writing Prompt

Build upon or refute one or more of the arguments presented by Jefferson or Madison to answer the questions: “Should constitutions be replaced every 19 years? Why or why not?” 

Instructions and Notes:

• 10 pages maximum
• 12-point Times New Roman
• Standard margin size
• Include a title page with your name (do not include your name on any other page)
• Use parenthetical references (Washington 2024, 12) with a separate reference section for citations
• Only full-time FSU undergraduates allowed to submit
• Scholarships processed through Financial Aid and disbursed through Student Business Services
• Submitted essays are not allowed to use Artificial Intelligence platforms for their submissions. All submissions will be run through an AI Detector
• Please submit a headshot and one-paragraph bio with your submission

Deadline:

Submissions are now CLOSED.

RESTRICTIONS: (1) Winners from the previous year cannot apply to this year. (2) Winners in one branch cannot reapply to that same branch later. 

COMPETITION WINNERS:

First Place - Brittany Tito

Second Place - Sofia Arango

Third Place - Jasmine Tavares

• First Place: $1,500

• Second Place: $1,000

• Third Place: $500

Context for Analysis

In 2010, Gallup reported 66 percent of Millenials and Gen Z held positive views of capitalism while only 48 percent held positive views of socialism. By 2019 the share with positive views on capitalism fell to 51 percent and the share with positive views of socialism inched up to 49 percent. This shift prompted The Economist February 2019 cover story "The Rise of Millennial Socialism," which argued: 

 "Socialism is storming back because it has formed an incisive critique of what has gone wrong in Western societies. Whereas politicians on the right have all too often given up the battle of ideas and retreated towards chauvinism and nostalgia, the left has focused on inequality, the environment, and how to vest power in citizens rather than elites." 

Essay Writing Prompt

In this essay, critically engage with two philosophical works: G.A. Cohen's Why Not Socialism? and Jason Brennan's Why Not Capitalism?. First, assess whether Brennan's defense of capitalism is a robust and convincing counterargument to Cohen’s critique of capitalist systems. Then, consider how defenders of capitalism can effectively address common critiques related to inequality, environmental degradation, and cronyism through alternative arguments or policy proposals. 

Instructions and Notes:

• 10 pages maximum
• 12-point Times New Roman
• Standard margin size
• Include a title page with your name (do not include your name on any other page)
• Use parenthetical references (Washington 2024, 12) with a separate reference section for citations
• Only full-time FSU undergraduates allowed to submit
• Scholarships processed through Financial Aid and disbursed through Student Business Services
• Submitted essays are not allowed to use Artificial Intelligence platforms for their submissions. All submissions will be run through an AI Detector
• Please submit a headshot and one-paragraph bio with your submission

Deadline:

Submissions are now closed.

RESTRICTIONS: (1) Winners from the previous year cannot apply to this year. (2) Winners in one branch cannot reapply to that same branch later. 

COMPETITION WINNERS:

First Place - Mikayla Robinson

Second Place - Juanse Gutierrez

Third Place - Alexandra Falvella

Award Amount: $2,000 (Three recipients per academic year)

Description of Award

The Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University recognizes three undergraduate students annually for their exceptional civic character and leadership. This award honors individuals who have addressed meaningful challenges through teamwork, service, and a demonstrated commitment to improving the university community.

The IGC Civic Leadership Award seeks students who exemplify a strong civic-minded spirit, exhibit impactful leadership on campus, and show clear potential to continue contributing positively to civic life and democratic engagement in the future.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for the IGC Civic Leadership Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
• Be a full-time undergraduate student currently enrolled at Florida State University’s main campus and in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• Have demonstrated significant leadership on campus through service, collaboration, and a commitment to improving the University community.
• Exhibit qualities associated with future leadership success, including effective teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire others to take action.
• Not have previously received the IGC Civic Leadership Award.
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to civic values through their leadership activities.
• Have attended at least two Institute for Governance and Civics events within the past 12 months.

Nomination Process

Faculty, staff, peers, or students themselves may submit nominations. The Institute for Governance and Civics will begin accepting nominations in Spring 2026.

Instructions and Notes:

• Nominations must include specific examples of the nominee’s leadership contributions and their impact on the campus community.
• Submissions may not use Artificial Intelligence platforms in the preparation of nomination materials.
• The nomination form should clearly articulate how the nominee embodies the values and principles outlined in the eligibility criteria.
• Academic transcripts are reviewed solely to verify eligibility and academic standing.

COMPETITION WINNERS:

Catalina Grieco

Tanay Warrier

Sophia Vizoso

Funding Available: Varies based on project needs

Description of Grant

The Institute for Governance and Civics is committed to supporting student-led research that aligns with its mission and purpose. This grant provides funding for graduate research projects that contribute to governance, civic engagement, and public policy discourse. Examples of eligible research areas include polling and public opinion analysis, legislative impact studies, civic technology development, policy evaluation, and electoral system research. Proposals should demonstrate clear research objectives, academic rigor, and potential community or scholarly impact.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be a full-time graduate student currently enrolled at FSU’s main campus and in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• The research project must align with the mission and focus areas of the IGC.
• The applicant must have a faculty member serving as the Primary Investigator (PI) overseeing the research.
• Funding must be allocated to an appropriate university account ending in 140 (e.g., xxxxxx-140).

Submit Your Research Proposal Here