The Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government has established the Publius Prize for Undergraduate Writing on Public Affairs. The $250 prize will be awarded to a Notre Dame undergraduate for an essay published during 2021-22 academic year that “refines and enlarges the public views.” The prize reflects and furthers the Center’s mission of cultivating thoughtful and educated citizens.
“The effect of [representation] is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose.” –Federalist 10 (1787)
Any articles and essays published in print or online during the 2021-22 academic year in a student, local, or national media outlet are eligible for the prize. Papers from undergraduate courses will not be considered. The author of the prize winning essay will be awarded $500, and the winning essay will be published on the Center’s website.
How to Apply for the Publius Prize
Complete this form by Friday, April 29, 2022 to apply. Winners will be notified by May 7, 2022. Questions can be directed to Soren Grefenstette (sorengref@nd.edu).
Originally published by at constudies.nd.edu on April 21, 2022.