The “Democracy in America” program addresses the need to re-engage American citizens in our nation’s unequaled democratic achievement —which includes 200 consecutive years of uninterrupted, regularly-held periodic elections— and to present this achievement as an example for the rest of the world. The three major objectives of the program are:

1. To achieve greater and more active participation in the democratic process
2. To increase awareness and appreciation of our democratic system
3. To foster enhanced recognition of voting rights

As part of the program, the Foundation will sponsor a series of essay contests in schools throughout the United States, at two levels, Junior High and Elementary. Participation can take the form of teams or entire classes, with each school submitting one entry for each level. Essays will cover themes such as “Virtues we should cherish and promote in American Democracy”. The Foundation may invite the Board of Education of each county to establish a jury and choose a winner. Winners may be brought the Nation’s Capital to participate in a series of visits, tours and pertinent discussions of democracy. The Foundation will eventually study the possibility of extending the essay contest overseas, soliciting foreign students' opinion of democracy in the United States and providing a forum for discussion about democracy, citizen participation and civil rights.