Youth & Government is an opportunity for high school students to take
action and get involved in state government. The program brings the political process to students that will be future
leaders.
Almost 800 students in grades nine through tweleve take part in the Model
Legislature every April in Harrisburg. Here they sit in the chambers at actual politicians desks, debate their bills, argue
their case, and write about current events. YAG is when the leaders of our youth in this state come together to learn
about government, make a difference, and most importantly have fun.
Getting to Model takes hard work and responsiblity. After joining a local
delegation, an individual has to write a bill. A bill can be written on anything that one feels needs to be changed or enforced
in the state of Pennsylvania. The individual must research that bill and be prepared to support their beliefs in debate. Also,
the delegation needs to fundraise to pay for club dues, Election Convention, Mock, and Model.
Election Convention is where all delegations from one side of the state (state
is divided into East and West until Model) convene and elect officers to serve at Model. Offices include Committiee Chair,
Lt. Governer, Speaker of the House, Sergeant at Arms, Justices, Press Corps, etc.
Mock is the big practice round for Model. Here students from their half of
the state get together and discuss thier bills. They also debate bills in small comittee like groups and at joint session.
MODEL LEGISLATURE
Harrisburg Capitol Complex
Model is the real deal; this is where all the work pays off. At Harrisburg
the youth take over the Capitol. Students are divided into five groups in the legislative branch: Gold Senate, Blue Senate,
Gold House, Blue House, and Commonwealth House (Freshmen). The bills first go into committee. If passed there they enter either
the House or Senate depending on where the individual is placed. If successful, the bill moves on to the remaining chamber.
After passing through both the House and Senate, the bill is sent to be reviewed by the youth Governer. The goal is to get
him or her to sign it. When a bill is signed, it is later sent to the actual state government. One example of a YAG bill in
effect is the white warning lines on the shoulders of roads.
A Judical Branch is also part of the YAG Model Legislature. Delegations
form law firms who argue their case in front of the youth Sumpreme Court. During the whole weekend, the press corps run from
place to place to capture everything in a daily newspaper. When a hard day has passed, activities are provided at the
hotel for fun such as karaoke, a dance, and a concert.
The best of the best in the state are eligible to attend the Conference on
National Affairs in the Blueridge Mountains of Carolina. Over thirty state Youth and Government programs unite here to compose
proposals for national laws.
Youth and Government is an ideal opportunity for high school students to
be educated in government while meeting new friends and having fun. Remember YAG delegates are your future; are you
scared yet?
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