Civics Crisis? New Presidential 1776 Scholarship Challenges Students to Know the Constitution  

The American education system currently deserves an “F” for its failures to teach even the basics on the American government and how it functions.  

This was demonstrated in embarrassing fashion this month when an anti-ICE sheriff in North Carolina testified before the state legislature proved he didn’t know which branch of government he worked under, nor even the names of the three branches. 

The sheriff is far from alone.  

A national survey found that 58% of American adults fail a basic civics test that includes questions about how the government works. Another study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reported that more than 70% of Americans fail a basic civic literacy quiz on topics like what the three branches of government are and other foundational concepts.  

The Department of Education aims to reverse this reality by launching a new nationwide civics competition called “The Presidential 1776 Award for Civics.” 

As part of the “America 250” celebration, the competition is designed to deepen understanding of the nation’s founding principles, U.S. Constitution, and key moments in American history. This scholarship contest challenges high school students on their knowledge of civics and the ideas that shaped the United States. 

The Presidential 1776 Award was announced in a news release by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. 

“As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” McMahon said, “this competition is an opportunity for young people to push themselves, learn our history, and take pride in the principles that unite us. I am grateful to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation and all of the educators, partners, and families who are helping to make this effort possible. Game on!”   

Award Details  

Registration for the Presidential 1776 Award competition has just opened and will continue through Feb. 21. Students who wish to participate should sign up online at the official registration portal before the deadline to be eligible to compete in the first round of testing. 

The competition is open to all high school students (grades 9–12) who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories. Participation is free, and students can compete regardless of their school or background, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

The Presidential 1776 Award unfolds in three main rounds: 

1. Online Exam: Held February 22–28, this electronically proctored, timed multiple-choice test covers civics and foundational U.S. history. 

2. Regional Semifinals: In May, state finalists compete in in-person short-answer and verbal rounds. 

3. National Finals: At the end of June—just before America 250’s July 4 celebration— the top regional competitors face off in the final round in the District of Columbia.

The three rounds of multiple-choice and verbal examinations were developed independently by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, a federal entity established by Congress in 1986 to improve civics education and strengthen understanding of the U.S. Constitution. 

Executive Secretary and CEO of the Foundation, Julie E. Adams, commented on the scholarship. “Our James Madison Fellows are among the best teacher-scholars on the U.S. Constitution and the American Founding, and they will write challenging but fair questions for the intrepid students who take part in the award. The knowledge of American civics and history is vital to the survival of the Republic.” 

The competition offers significant scholarship prizes for top-performing students: 

1st Place: $150,000 

2nd Place: $75,000 

3rd Place: $25,000 

In total, $250,000 in scholarships will be awarded to the three national winners, providing substantial support for college or future educational pursuits. 

The Presidential 1776 Award is part of the nation’s “America 250” celebration—a year-long commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. This initiative reflects a broader effort by the Department of Education and its partners to engage young people more deeply in civic learning and to celebrate the principles that have shaped the United States.

This competition has a crucial mission and offers the necessary incentive to introduce the American Constitution to students.  

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