RECOGNIZING SARAH MAJESKIE, GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 WINNER OF WISCONSIN'S 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2026 STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

On 2026-09-14, Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING SARAH MAJESKIE, GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 WINNER OF WISCONSIN'S 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2026 STUDENT ESSAY CONT" in the House.

RECOGNIZING SARAH MAJESKIE, GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 WINNER OF WISCONSIN'S 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2026 STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E913-E914] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING SARAH MAJESKIE, GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 WINNER OF WISCONSIN'S 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2026 STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST ______ HON. GLENN GROTHMAN of wisconsin in the house of representatives Monday, September 14, 2026 Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sarah Majeskie, the winner of the ninth through twelfth grade division of my 2026 Student Essay Contest, and to commend this outstanding young person from Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District for her thoughtful reflections on our country and system of government. Sarah, a tenth-grade student at Berlin High School, was selected as the winner for her essay reflecting on the importance of America's constitutional republic, representative government, individual rights, and the freedoms protected by our Constitution. I am proud to recognize Sarah for the time, effort, and thought she put into her essay. Her work demonstrates an appreciation for the responsibilities of citizenship and the principles that have helped make our nation strong. I congratulate her on this achievement and am pleased to include in the Record her winning essay: Sarah Majeskie--Berlin High School, 10th Grade If you ask Americans what type of government we have, many will say we live in a democracy. While it is true our government uses democratic principles such as voting for our leaders, we do not operate under a democracy. Instead, the United States government is a Constitutional Republic, a form of government that I along with many other Anrericans value and believe is the best way to provide our nation with a strong future. Before we as American citizens can value our Constitutional Republic and give it the respect it deserves, we must first understand it. Although people may appreciate something without fully comprehending it, to hold it to a high value they must understand what it is and what it means to them. A Constitutional Republic is a form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, governed by a constitution that sets forth fundamental principles and laws of the state and limits government power. Unlike a monarchy, where leaders inherit power, a dictatorship where citizens live in fear because power is in the hands of a select few, or authoritarianism where freedoms are stripped from people, our constitution protects our individual rights which sets us apart. For any governing leader to be elected, the Constitutional Republic directs that any eligible citizen has the ability to vote, regardless of race, gender, or financial background. This ensures that the government must follow the Constitution while allowing citizens to choose those who represent them. Our Constitutional Republic differs from pure democratic systems that operate solely on majority rule. Our government gives those in smaller rural communities as strong a voice as those in bigger urban communities. In our Constitutional Republic nobody agrees 100% with each other. However because of the way our country is run, we can all vote for who we believe will uphold what is right. We can choose who will represent everyone's individual voice. We do not use pure democracy which follows majority rule, rather we follow the constitution which protects our individual rights as voters. I value the opportunities being a citizen of the United States provides. We have the chance for new beginnings, new opportunities, and a new way of living. As Americans, we can express our opinions, choose who we want to support, and vote for our future. Whether it is voting for the new alderperson in a tiny town of 2,000, or casting a ballot for the Commander in Chief itself, we are given the opportunity to choose who we think best represents the American people in regions across the nation instead of the first born child of a king, or whoever possesses the most brute force. Another thing I value is that as a woman, I will be able to vote when I am of voting age. There are no hoops for women to jump through and I value that every person no matter what has the right to vote, and our vote really matters. As I vote for one candidate, someone else votes for another, but no matter who is elected, our constitution ensures the power is divided across the country differently so that power remains in the hands of the people. One thing I value the most under our constitution is our religious liberties. The ability to practice my religion including choosing my way to worship, pray, and share my beliefs is a right I value because I know many others do not have this privilege. It is my hope for our future that no matter who runs our country, our schools, or even our hospitals, that everyone may be free to practice any religion they choose, supported by the constitution. As America continues to be a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, I hope that our Constitutional Republic can continue to provide fair representation and equal protection under law to all citizens. Having a diverse country where everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is my ultimate wish for our future. [[Page E914]] ____________________