Applicants will be evaluated, on the basis of materials in their applications, as follows:

(a) Demonstrated commitment to teaching American history, American government, social studies, or political science at the secondary school level;

(b) Demonstrated intention to pursue a program of graduate study that emphasizes the Constitution and to offer classroom instruction in that subject;

(c) Demonstrated record of willingness to devote themselves to civic responsibility;

(d) Outstanding performance or potential of performance as classroom teachers;

(e) Academic achievements and demonstrated capacity for graduate study; and

(f) Proposed courses of graduate study, especially the nature and extent of their subject matter components, and their relationship to the enhancement of applicants' teaching and professional activities.

(g) Content of the 600-word essay.

(a) An independent Fellow Selection Committee will evaluate all valid applications and recommend to the Foundation the most outstanding applicants from each state for James Madison Fellowships.

(b) From among candidates recommended for fellowships by the Fellow Selection Committee, the Foundation will name James Madison Fellows. The selection procedure will assure that at least one James Madison Fellow, junior or senior, is selected from each state in which there are at least two legal resident applicants who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in § 2400.3 and are judged favorably against the selection criteria in § 2400.30.

(c) The Foundation may name, from among those applicants recommended by the Fellow Selection Committee, an alternate or alternates for each fellowship. An alternate may, at the Foundation's discretion receive a fellowship if the person named as a James Madison Fellow declines the award or is not able to pursue graduate study as contemplated at the time the fellowship was accepted. An alternate may be named to replace a Fellow who declines or relinquishes an award until, but no later than, March 1st following the competition in which the alternate has been selected.

(d) Funds permitting, the Foundation may also select, from among those recommended by the Fellow Selection Committee, Fellows at large.