Oratorical Contest
“A constitutional speech contest”
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship and the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, and the ability to think and speak publicly.
For students of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Private School and Home Schoolers/Independent Study who live in San Ramon Valley (Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, Diablo, Blackhawk). Notify American Legion Post 246 that you will be participating by E-mail to commanderpost246@gmail.com, or Postal mail to PO Box 133, Danville, CA 94526 not later than December 31, 2023.
We will notify participants in early January about logistical details with expectation that participants will perform their prepared oration and extemporaneous responses not later than January 25, 2024. If you are not in the area served by our local American Legion Post 246, you may find a local post serving your area and enter to compete by checking The American Legion website using the link https://www.legion.org/oratorical.
Assigned Topics for 2024 Oratorical Contest
Amendment II – A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment XXIII – The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct:
A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the State, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.
Amendment XXV, Section 3 – Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.
Amendment V – No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, not be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.