The Blog at MSPC

Americans should not take the wisdom and thoughtful deliberation of the founders for granted, and we can’t be deceived into thinking that the American experiment can continue to thrive without the participation of an informed and engaged citizenry.

Part of a citizen’s job is to inform the rising generation of what the Declaration really said, what it really means, and why it is important. May we continue that effort long after this 250th anniversary has receded into history.

July 1, 1776, witnessed one of the most consequential debates in American history. The topic was whether America should declare independence. The principal participants were the passionate John Adams of Massachusetts for the affirmative and the eloquent John Dickinson of Pennsylvania for the negative.

Americans knew of the long struggle for liberty waged against the Crown by their British ancestors. Absolute submission to a government in which they had no representation was not a condition they were prepared to accept.

As America prepares for its 250th birthday, it’s important to remember why we celebrate.

Open to high school teams from Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington, the We the Students Civics Bowl will bring together students from across the region for a fast-paced, academic team competition featuring tournament-style bracket play and celebrity judges and moderators from law, media, and public life.