Oratorical Contest

The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program “A Constitutional Speech Contest” is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.

If the winner of the Department Competition is not available to attend the National competition, the 2nd place contestant can compete in their place.  Only contestants who compete at the National competition receive the $2,000 ‘State Finalist’ scholarship from the National organization.

Kansas high school students (Grade 9 – 12) interested in competing should complete a Contestant Entry Form and send it to the address on the form at least two weeks prior to the District Contest.  Use this map to find which Kansas American Legion District you are in, and the list to the left to Determine the time and place of your local District competition.  Districts may organize high school level competitions.  For information on high school and District level competitions, contact the District oratorical chairman using the contact information on the right.  For questions about the Department or National coopetition, contact Department Headquarters at 785-232-9315.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Article III
Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

Article IV
Section 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

Article VI
Clause 3. The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.