Awards & Scholarships

• 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:

Submit electronically here by Monday, November 24th, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET

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

Essay competition coming soon.

Essay competition coming soon.

Essay competition coming soon.

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 and constitutional leadership. This award honors individuals who have tackled significant challenges through teamwork and a commitment to improving their community. Nominees must demonstrate how their leadership reflects the principles embodied in the U.S. Constitution and/or the Declaration of Independence. The award seeks applicants who exemplify a civic-minded spirit, showcase strong leadership on campus, and have the potential to continue making a meaningful impact in the future.

Eligibility Criteria

• The nominee must be a full-time undergraduate student currently enrolled at FSU’s main campus and in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• The nominee must have demonstrated significant leadership on campus through service, teamwork, and a commitment to improving the University community.
• The nominee must exemplify characteristics of future leadership success, such as effective collaboration, problem-solving, and inspiring others to take action.
• The nominee must not have previously received the Student Leadership Award.
• The nominee must have displayed a commitment to civic and constitutional values in their leadership activities, reflecting the principles of the U.S. Constitution and/or Declaration of Independence.
• The nominee must agree to attend three Institute for Governance and Civics events within 12 months of receiving the award.

Nomination Process

Faculty, staff, or peers may nominate students, or students may self-nominate. All nominations must be submitted by March 18th, 2025 through the official IGC website. Recipients will be announced at the Student Leadership Awards Night on April 8th, 2025.

 Submit Your Nomination Here

Instructions and Notes:

• Nominations must include examples of the nominee’s leadership contributions and impact on campus.
• Nominations are not allowed to use Artificial Intelligence platforms for their submissions.
• The nomination form must highlight how the nominee embodies the values and principles outlined in the eligibility criteria.
• Academic transcripts are reviewed solely for eligibility verification.

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