2026 Fourth Circuit Civics Contest - We Hold These Truths, Now Tell Yours

In 2026, our country commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a document which declared that “all men are created equal” and endowed with the “unalienable rights” to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” These words sparked a revolution and created a nation grounded in the rule of law. Today, the judiciary works to protect the rights outlined in the Declaration and to ensure that its foundational principles continue to guide our nation.

Your Truths: Create an original graphic poster and a written description that conveys what the Declaration’s founding principles and the rule of law mean to you.

The written statement is your personal perspective on the message behind the poster and how it educates or inspires the public. Consider one or more of these questions in preparing your submission:

  • How has a court decision shaped what equality, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness means to you or your community?
  • What does the rule of law mean to you and how does it impact daily life?
  • Think of someone, a judge, lawyer, or member of the community, who contributed to upholding the Declaration’s principles. How does their story inspire you today?
  • What can you, as a citizen, do to help carry the Declaration’s values forward for the next 250 years?

Who May Enter

Students currently in grades 9 through 12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Note: Prior winners of any Fourth Circuit-sponsored contest as well as children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and members of the household of a federal judge or federal judiciary employee may not participate in the competition.

Submission Deadline

Your entry form and poster file must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026. Scroll down for the link to complete your entry form and submit your poster and written statement. Entries must be uploaded to the Fourth Circuit’s Box account as a file or photo.

Judging

  • Understanding of Principles (25%)
    Does the submission demonstrate understanding of the Declaration’s principles and the rule of law?
  • Clarity of Message (20%)
    Does the submission effectively convey a clear and engaging message?
  • Originality and Creativity (20%)
    Does the submission show originality and creativity and properly credit copyrighted sources?
  • Visual Impact & Design (20%)
    Is the submission visually appealing and organized?
  • Writing Quality (15%)
    Does the description of the project reflect a unique perspective written in an accurate and persuasive manner?

Missing the submission deadline, exceeding the word limit, plagiarizing content, providing false entry information, and not adhering to the rules are grounds for disqualification.

First Place:

$1,000
Second Place:

$750
Third Place:

$500

Submission Details

  • One submission per participant.
  • Graphic Poster must be submitted as a PDF or photo file (.pdf, .jpeg, .png). No links will be accepted. Maximum 10 MB size.
  • Submissions must include:
    • Poster written statement: 250-500 word statement addressing the prompt and describing your message. Submit your written statement as plain text through the contest entry form.
    • Statement of AI Use: If AI is used in the production of the poster or description, you must include a brief statement describing the AI tool used, how you verified the accuracy of any AI generated information, and a certification that you have fully disclosed your AI use. Submit your statement as plain text through the contest entry form.

Awards & Courthouse Display

Winners will be announced in August, and a Constitution Day Program will be held in September.

The Fourth Circuit will display electronic or printed copies of the winning and other selected submissions and written statements on the Courts4Civics website and in the Lewis F. Powell Jr. Courthouse or other courthouse.

Questions

Contact civics@ca4.uscourts.gov or call 804-916-2715

Submit Your Poster & Statement