Help students navigate complex constitutional issues at Show Me the Constitution

The Missouri Bar is seeking volunteers to judge the Show Me the Constitution mock congressional hearing competition.  

The competition, which will take place April 20, 2026, in Columbia, replicates congressional committee hearings, challenging teams of students to apply constitutional principles to current events. 

Hon. W. Brent Powell, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, was a judge for the 2025 competition. He encouraged all lawyers to get involved with the program. 

“It’s fantastic. If someone asks you to get involved, get involved,” Powell said. “You won’t regret it.”  

How it works 

Teams of three to five students will take on the role of experts testifying about constitutional issues before a congressional committee composed of three judges. Teams will have five minutes to read their prepared statement. At the end of the presentation, judges will have 10 minutes to ask follow-up questions. 

This year’s topics include: 

— Should stare decisis matter in the 21st century?  

— To what extent should the First Amendment's protection of free expression apply to speech on social media platforms?  

— Is federalism still relevant in our country? 

If you are interested in volunteering for Show Me the Constitution, contact CitizenshipEducation@mobar.org.