Winners of the Constitution Day Essay Contest sponsored by the Los Alamos Federated Republic Women are, from left, Danae Zimmerman, Los Alamos High School, Brian Scott, Barranca Mesa Elementary School, Colton Scott, Los Alamos Middle School and Mia Larsen, Barranca Mesa Elementary School. Also pictured is Terra Fullbright, LAFRW President, who presented the four students with their awards Saturday evening at the Republican Party of Los Alamos Constitution Day Dinner at Cottonwood on the Greens. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos Middle School seventh grader Colton Scott reads his Constitution Day essay at the RPLA Constitution Day Dinner Saturday evening at Cottonwood on the Green. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Barranca Mesa Elementary School student Colton Scott reads his Constitution Day Essay Contest entry from the 4th-6th grade division at the RPLA Constitution Day Dinner Saturday evening at Cottonwood on the Green. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Barranca Mesa Elementary School student Mia Larsen reads her Constitution Day Essay Contest entry at the Republican Party of Los Alamos Saturday evening at Cottonwood on the Green. Larsen’s essay is featured below. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Four winners of the Los Alamos Federated Republican Women Constitution Day Essay Contest were honored Saturday evening during the Republican Party of Los Alamos Constitution Day Dinner at Cottonwood on the Green. They are Mia Larsen, Brian Scott, Colton Scott and Danae Zimmerman.
The contest is designed to challenge students to learn more about the Constitution and
to express original, thoughtful ideas in essay writing. Essays were judged on how completely and clearly the ideas were stated and supported. Grammar, spelling and punctuation were also considered.
Fourth through sixth graders were required to write no more than 350 words on the topic, “Based on the U.S. Constitution, discuss how the government gets its power from the people. Explain whether the Constitution granted enough power or not enough power to its citizens. Support your conclusion.” Mia Larsen and Brian Scott of Barranca Mesa Elementary each received $100.
Middle schoolers were required to write no more than 450 words on, “Based on the U.S. Constitution, discuss how the government gets its power from the people. Explain whether
the Constitution granted enough power or not enough power to its citizens. Support your conclusion.”. Colton Scott received an award of $200 for his essay.
The high school topic was a little tougher: Write an original essay of no less than 450 words and no more than 600 words: Discuss the reasons for the creation of the Electoral College. Compare the Electoral College system to the election of the president by popular vote, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both for voters and states. State your opinion as to whether or not the Electoral College should be maintained. Support and defend
your conclusion. Winner Danae Zimmerman was awarded $300.
The following is the award-winning essay by Mia Larsen. Others will be printed as they are received.
The U.S Constitution
By Mia Larsen
The government has three branches that get their power from the people. The three branches are executive, judicial, and legislative. I think this is enough power for the citizens since the people elect the branches of government and because the Constitution grants the people of the United States of America their freedoms.
The executive branch consists of the president, vice president, and the cabinet. The president runs the country. A few responsibilities of running the country is the president is the commander and chief of the armed forces, and the president can suggest new laws. The citizens of the United States of America vote every four years for who they think is the best candidate.
The legislative branch is led by Congress. It is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate. The members of the legislative branch are voted into office by the people.
The Judicial branch is made up of the supreme court and other federal courts. Supreme Justices are nominated by the president and voted in by the senate.
I do think the Constitution granted enough power and freedom to the American citizens. The Constitution gives people the power to elect the person for president who they feel is best for the position. As well, the Constitution grants and protects freedoms through the amendments. The amendments are changes to the Constitution that add rights and protect freedoms of American citizens. Three Examples of the amendments are freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and the freedom of speech. In conclusion , I feel the Constitution of the United States grants its citizens enough power because the laws are determined by the officials who were elected by the American citizens.