2026 Student Constitutional Convention
The Institute for Governance & Civics at Florida State University will host the 2026 Student Constitutional Convention on March 27–28, 2026, in the Student Union Senate Chambers. This invitation-only, two-day academic convening brings together selected FSU undergraduate students to engage directly with one of the most consequential questions in American constitutional life: how constitutional change should occur.
Modeled on the structure of a formal constitutional convention, participating students will serve as delegates who propose, debate, and vote on amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The convention is designed to provide hands-on experience in constitutional reasoning, civil deliberation, and democratic decision-making, while exposing students to leading legal scholars and practitioners from across the country.
The program will feature introductory remarks by Professor Richard Albert, Hines & Thelma Baker Chair in Law at the University of Texas, framing the constitutional amendment process and the question of constitutional change. The convention will also include a formal debate on whether the United States should pursue a second constitutional convention, with Professor Sanford Levinson of the University of Texas arguing in favor and Professor Morgan Marietta of the University of Tennessee arguing against.
In addition to these plenary sessions, delegates will participate in committee deliberations and structured debates governed by parliamentary procedure, with procedural instruction and guidance provided by the convention parliamentarian. The program will further explore constitutional design at the state level, including a session focused on the Florida State Constitution led by Patricia Levesque, CEO of the Foundation for Excellence in Education.
Why a Student Constitutional Convention?
The Student Constitutional Convention reflects the Institute’s commitment to cultivating informed, thoughtful citizens through rigorous civic education. By placing students in the role of constitutional decision-makers, the convention encourages careful analysis, respectful disagreement, and an appreciation for the principles and processes that sustain constitutional democracy.
Participation is competitive. Sixty undergraduate students will be selected to serve as delegates and will receive a $500 stipend. Meals will be provided. Applications are due by January 15, 2026.