We feature eight different program areas that high school students can choose to engage in during State Assembly.
Legislators write a bill (alone or with a partner) that they would like to become a law. Students and their bills are assigned to a committee and either the House or the Senate. Throughout the program the students, acting Senators and Representatives, discuss their bill in committee and in session. Once the bill passes committee, as well as House and Senate, it is then put onto the Youth Governors desk to be signed into law or vetoed.
In the Appellate Court, students work in teams of two attorneys. There are two issues in the case, and each team member will prepare one issue. They will argue both sides of the case during the competition. Appellate teams will also serve as justices for one or more rounds. As justices, they will hear the cases and question the attorney teams. A team confirmation form (found in delegation forms) will need to be submitted by lead advisors no later than (Date TBD).
Cabinet Members assist the Youth Governor in promoting their agenda and legislation that they want to see passed. They will advocate in committees, as well as help the governor interview authors of bills that have passed out of chambers to make a decision to pass or veto the bills. Applications to be a part of this specialized program area will be open in mid-October.
Lobbyists advocate for or against specific legislation through testimony in committees and one-on-one efforts with legislators, members of the cabinet and the Governor. Applications to be a part of this specialized program area will be open in mid-October.
Media delegates develop and produce daily videos, podcasts, newspapers and social media coverage of important events and hot topics at the conference. They also travel to different program areas throughout the conference and showcase their work. Applications to be a part of this specialized program area will be open in mid-October.
Students will investigate a scenario and try to seek out the facts of the issue by interviewing six witnesses. They will collaborate to create a recommendation at the end of the exercise. Applications to be a part of this specialized program area will be open in mid-October.
Students will assist the Secretary of State in planning election precinct locations, recruiting and training poll workers and the advertisement of voting. Applications to be a part of this specialized program area will be open in mid-October.
Students in the Supreme Court discuss the constitutionality of bills posed at the conference. The Attorney General will argue on behalf of the state and student authors will testify on their bills with the help of student legal council. Applications to be a part of this specialized program area will be open in mid-October.