The AMERICAN LEGION, Department of Maryland, during this school year, again sponsors an Oratorical Contest for high school students in Maryland. The purpose of the contest is to develop knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution, the ability to think and speak clearly and critically, and the acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.  In recent years, the American Legion has partnered with the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association and the National Speech and Debate Association to offer programs to young people interested in this sort of activity.  They are awarded points for participation in the Legion contests.  
​
​Prepared Oration
Each contestant shall deliver a prepared oration, which must be an original effort. The oration must address some aspect of the Constitution of the United States, which emphasizes the attendant duties and obligations of a citizen to our government. Possible subjects include:

• An American Citizens Rights and Responsibilities Under The Constitution
• Our Constitution - Worth Having, Worth Defending
• The Constitution in a Changing World
• The Constitution in Our Everyday Life 
• The Bill of Rights - Reciprocal Rights and Duties
• The Constitution - Guardian of the People’s Rights

Assigned Topic Discourse
In addition to a Prepared Oration, contestants must be prepared to speak on a specific article or amendment to the Constitution. The National office chooses four each year and contestants will prepare a speech for all four. However, only one is chosen, at random, during a contest and all contestants will speak on the same article or amendment. Contestants are sequestered during the contest so they do know know which choice was drawn until it it their turn to speak.  See below for the list of selected assigned topics for the year. 

Awards for 2023
Contestants in the National Finals receive scholarships of

• 1st place $25,000
• 2nd place $22,500
• 3rd place $20,000
• All state winners who participate in first-round National contests receive $2,000 scholarships.
• All second-round contestants receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. ​

The Department of Maryland awards the following medals and scholarships at State Finals:

• 1st Place Gold Medal and $3,000
• 2nd Place Silver Medal and $2,000
• Others (3rd +) Bronze Medal and $750

Maryland District and Post scholarship or cash awards vary.

Assigned Topics for 2023

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Amendment XIV, Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Amendment XVI
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.