More than 80 students from eight schools put their constitutional knowledge to the test at the Show Me the Constitution mock congressional hearing competition April 7 in Columbia.
The students were given the unique opportunity to argue complex constitutional issues before a panel of judges composed of leaders in the legal and educational fields. Joplin High School took first place, Central High School took second place, and Kickapoo High School finished in third place.
The competition, hosted by The Missouri Bar’s citizenship education department, simulates congressional committee hearings, challenging teams of students to analyze and apply constitutional principles to contemporary legal and political issues. This year’s topics included:
– presidential immunity;
– the overturning of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.; and
– proposed constitutional changes to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Central High School senior Ben Ondetti has competed three times. For him, it’s an opportunity to learn about things he otherwise wouldn’t research. He expressed his fondness for the program and its importance in society.
“I think [the competition] is extremely important to keep around for future generations…” Ondetti said. “I think that it’s super important for maintaining education, especially a higher and deeper level of rigor that is extremely important nowadays.”
Hon. W. Brent Powell of the Supreme Court of Missouri said he is inspired by the students who compete each year and their excitement for constitutional issues. He encourages all the students he interacts with to consider law. He also encourages lawyers to get involved with the program and serve in any way they can.
“It’s fantastic. If someone asks you to get involved, get involved.” Powell said. “You won’t regret it.”
It can be nerve-wracking for students to argue constitutional topics in front of prominent members of the legal community. Seneca High School senior Ysabella Moss said she was nervous at first, but the judges made her feel comfortable, and she enjoyed the opportunity to meet them.
“Once we started getting into the questioning, it got more comfortable…” Moss said. “It was really interesting to hear their opinions and also have them ask us our opinions.”
Her classmate Evelyn Ritter echoed the statement and added that the competition has helped them become informed citizens, especially after voting in their first election.
“We’re high school kids so logically, we don’t really look at these issues on an everyday basis,” Ritter said. “But this event has given us the opportunity to look at these things and look at our Constitution and how these different things affect us, or could affect us in the future.”
The competition would not be possible without the lawyers and educators who volunteer their time to judge the competition. They play a major part in helping The Missouri Bar further its goal of ensuring all Missourians have access to ongoing civics education.
View photos from this year’s Show Me the Constitution competition here.
The Missouri Bar citizenship education department hosts numerous events throughout the year and provides resources that can be implemented in the classroom. View dozens of resources at MissouriLawyersHelp.org.