“[The Declaration of Independence] was the word, “fitly spoken” which has proved an “apple of gold” to us. The Union, and the Constitution, are the picture of silver, subsequently framed around it. The picture was made, not to conceal, or destroy the apple; but to adorn, and preserve it. The picture was made for the apple–notthe apple for the picture.”
Abraham Lincoln, 1861.
The Constitution Bowl is an annual event organized and hosted by Lee’s Political Science Program to celebrate Constitution Day by popularizing the Constitution and the events around its creation. Although most Americans are familiar with the important role of the Constitution in determining politics and public policy in America, too few know what our founding document says or the intricacies surrounding its establishment.
Highschoolers compete in teams of 4 students, answering questions about the American Constitution and the Founding. The Quiz Bowl is based on round-robin style elimination and concludes in a championship round. The Constitution Bowl is a fun way to get students to learn about the text of the Constitution as well as to engage in a larger discussion about our founding principles and the proper role of government in our lives. The event is headlined by a guest speaker who highlights the relationship between our Constitutional forms and responsible citizenship. Participants and volunteers are provided with pocket Constitutions, refreshments throughout the day, and other promotional materials. Lee students and faculty help to facilitate the event under the direction of the Center for Responsible Citizenship.
In the Constitution Bowl, high school teams compete by answering trivia questions pertaining to the Constitution. In the Constitution Bowl, students answer questions pertaining to the following documents:
- Constitution
- Declaration of Independence
- Articles of Confederation
- Federalist Papers 1, 10, 51, 70, 78, 84
- Tennessee Constitution
Moreover, students are also expected to know basic constitutional history on the Founding Era and the Presidential Succession Act.
Finally, students must have Wikipedia knowledge of opinion, author, date the Court Cases below:
- Marbury v. Madison
- Dred Scott v. Sandford
- Brown v. Board of Education
- Barron v. Baltimore
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Ana Alves Shippey at aalves@leeuniversity.edu.