National Political Science Bee (IAC – U.S. Division)
Individual buzzer-based quiz competition on U.S. and world politics, political theory, political economy, and current events. Students first sit for a National Qualifying Exam; top scorers advance to the National Championships held alongside other IAC events and participate in discussion dinners with practitioners.
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Columbia Undergraduate Law Review – High School Essay Contest
Essay contest on law and public policy topics run by Columbia's undergraduate law review. Often intersects with constitutional law, civil rights, and governance.
YMCA Youth & Government – Model Legislature & Court (California, East Bay)
Six‑month experiential program where high school delegates simulate California's legislature, executive, and courts, writing bills, debating, and attending statewide conferences; local delegations meet weekly.
California Association of Student Councils (CASC) – Region Conferences
CASC is California's student‑run leadership and advocacy organization that trains student leaders and gives them direct experience in democratic decision‑making and lobbying for student issues. Region Conferences are one‑day or multi‑day local leadership conferences where high school students get training in advocacy, running student government, and civic engagement.
Columbia Political Review High School Essay Contest
Annual essay contest hosted by Columbia University's undergraduate political journal. Prompts focus on contemporary political issues and public policy; winning essays may be published in the Columbia Political Review.
Constituting America – "We the Future" Contest (Civics & Constitution)
National contest on U.S. constitutional principles with categories like essays, PSAs, short films, and songs about founding documents and civic values. Very political/civics-oriented.
Federal Bar Association – National Civics Essay Contest
National essay competition on constitutional and civics themes; high school students write up to 1,000‑word essays responding to a prompt with legal/historical analysis; prizes include scholarships for top essays.