The 2026 Citizenship Challenge:

America has two documents that have helped shape our country.

The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, announced that the colonies were independent and expressed important American ideals, including equality, liberty, individual rights, and government based on the consent of the people.

The United States Constitution, written in 1787, created our system of government and established rules and protections designed to preserve our democracy and our rights.

The Question

As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which document has been more important in shaping America – the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution?

Choose one and make your case.

In your essay:

• Explain the purpose of each document.
• Give at least two examples supporting your choice.
• Explain why someone might choose the other document.
• Explain why you believe your choice has had the greater impact on America.

There is no right or wrong answer. We want to hear what you think and why.

Who Can Enter?

The Challenge is open to 4th and 5th grade classes enrolled in public, private, or parochial school, or home study programs from Pennsylvania.

Individuals and our Classroom teams are asked to write an essay that addresses their point of view on the assigned issue. Teams take one position and defend their argument in a concise written document of a minimum of 300 words.

The contest is drawn from PA Civics standards relating to principles and documents of government; rights and responsibilities of citizens; and information on how government works.

Annual Prizes

GRAND PRIZE (1) of $1,000: The first place school will receive a check to be used toward a program that promotes civics learning and engagement across the student body.
RUNNER-UP PRIZES (4) of $500: Each of the runner-up schools will receive a check to be used toward a program that promotes civics learning and engagement across the student body.

How to Enter?

The deadline for submissions is November 11, 2026. Classrooms should submit their entry in an essay form. Essays should be a minimum of 300 words. Essays should be double-spaced using Times New Roman 12pt. Essays should include a cover sheet with the following information:

School Name
Grade Level
Teacher’s Name
Teacher’s Email Address
School Phone Number
Class Size

Essays need to be submitted by midnight on November 11, 2026 to info@rendellcenter.org or mailed to

The Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement
Citizenship Challenge
P.O. Box 1033
Berwyn, PA 19312

Once your entry has been submitted, you will receive confirmation that the judging committee has received your submission.

The Top 10 finalists will be notified by December 1 if their essay has been selected for the Finals (see below).

Judging Criteria

The essays will be judged on the four areas of Focus, Content Development, Organization and Style. Each area will be worth 25 points.

If you have any questions about your submission, please contact us at the email above or by calling The Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement at 484-568-3910.

Finals

The finals will be a creative opportunity and each team will have three (3) minutes to do a presentation on the winning essay. Each presentation should be more than just a reading of the essay. Teams could:

• • Write a scene
  • Prepare a song
  • Do an interview
  • Create a rap
  • Develop a commercial
  • Think of your own, creative idea

After your group’s 3-minute presentation, the team of moderators, including Former Governor Edward G. Rendell and Judge Marjorie O. Rendell will ask each team a few questions about the issue. Teams will also have an opportunity to tour the National Constitution Center. The Rendell Center will cover all the costs of the trip.