National Civics Bee championship held in Washington DC

The 4th Annual National Civics Bee Championship took place Wednesday night in Washington DC, featuring middle school students from across the country, WTOP reported.

Contestants advanced through local and state competitions sponsored by regional chambers of commerce before reaching the national event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in the District, according to WTOP.

Participants were tested on knowledge of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, presidential history, landmark Supreme Court cases, and political principles from the Enlightenment period, WTOP said.

The competition included multiple choice rounds, a back-and-forth gauntlet, and a final round delayed by technical issues. A student from Colorado won first place by correctly answering a question about the Whiskey Rebellion during George Washington’s presidency, WTOP reported.

Hanna Skandera Grady, CEO of the Daniels Fund which created the Civics Bee with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, told WTOP that the event encourages deep study and critical thinking, providing an opportunity for students who excel outside of sports to shine.

Grady also noted the event’s growth from five cities to participation from every state this year, and hopes the Civics Bee will continue to gain popularity, with the competition airing on CSPAN.