Junior High State Competition Key Information
Deadline: If you intend to compete on March 9, 2027, you must submit this registration form by December 15th, 2026
When: March 09, 2027
Time: 8:30 am - 2:00 PM.
Location: University of Utah
Selection Process
- Each school must submit a video on a Google Drive folder of a group delivering a four minute speech on the multi-part question of Unit 6, Question 1:
"What are the responsibilities of citizens?
Many people believe that an informed citizenry is essential for democracy to work.
Should people be required to pass periodic citizenship tests to maintain their citizenship? Why or why not?
Would you favor requiring literacy tests, fairly administered, before allowing citizens to vote? Why or why not?"
- Entry Limit: Only up to six schools can participate at the State level competition
- If more than six schools submit videos, they will be sent to judges for review.
- Judges will select the top 6 presenters for the State Competition.
- Video Deadline: February 26th, 2027
- Selection results will be sent no later than March 3rd, 2027
Competition Rules and Format
- Each school must respond to all of the "Question 1's" in all six units. To do so, the school must have six groups, with each group assigned to testify on one unit.
- There is no formal maximum team size, but we generally recommend for a school's team size to be no more than 36 students to support equitable participation and manageable group sizes.
- Each group may include between 3-6 members.
- Students may testify on more than one unit only if the team includes fewer than 18 students. In such cases, no student may testify on more than two unit panels.
- Each round will last no more than 20 minutes.
Round Breakdown - Each round will last up to 20 minutes, during which the following activities will take place:
- Judges introduce themselves.
- The group briefly introduces themselves.
- 4 minutes – Written presentation
- 6 minutes – Judges’ follow-up questions
- Judges provide brief feedback.
Nuances of the 6-minute Judges Follow-Up Questions
For Judges:
- A judge will initiate with one of the mandatory questions. Afterwards, that judge may ask related questions based on students' responses.
- Judges are welcome to stick to only the mandatory questions if they wish.
- Judges do not need to get through every mandatory question on the list.
- Judges may ask the mandatory questions in any order.
- Judges are asked to remain attentive to the students’ age and grade level and make every effort to keep questions age-appropriate and relevant. Questions intended to “catch” or mislead students should be avoided.
For Teachers/Students:
- Students will know the mandatory questions in advance.
- Students are encouraged to engage in dialogue rather than a strict “Q & A” format.
- Students may ask for clarification or respond honestly if they do not know the answer. For example, they might say:
“We do not know. That is not something we have ever discussed in class.”
“That is not something we have ever read about.”
“That is not something we have personally experienced.”
“We have not studied that, but here is what we think based on what we do know.”
Traditions & Expectations
Dress: Formal attire is customary and encouraged.
Courtesy and Professionalism: Please stand when judges enter or exit the room. At the conclusion of each round, it is tradition for judges to shake hands with students.