College and high school students can participate in this contest.

The Nation magazine is looking for original, thoughtful and provocative essays. Participants answer this question: It’s clear that the political system in the U.S. isn’t working for many. If you had to pick one root cause underlying our broken politics, what would it be and why?

Essays should not exceed 800 words and should be original, unpublished work that demonstrates fresh, clear thinking and superior quality of expression and craftsmanship.

Each winner will be awarded a US$1,000 cash prize and a lifelong Nation subscription. The five finalists will be awarded US$200 each and subscriptions. The winning essays will be published in The Nation and featured at thenation.com.

The deadline is June 30.

For more information, click here.