State Government Overview

Each of our YMCA Youth and Government programs across the country host an annual youth-run, youth-led model state government. These programs are usually held at the State Capitol (or at a large conference center/hotel), and allow students to lead and serve in various program areas and roles.

Each state program is designed to model their respective state government, so no two state programs are exactly alike – much like with actual state governments. These include, but are not limited to:

• Legislative – Representatives/Senators who write and debate legislation
• Judicial – Attorneys and Judges/Justices who argue or hear cases in appellate/trial courts
• Executive – Cabinet, Department, and Agency officials who advocate for executive priorities
• Media – Journalists and Editors who report on and investigate issues
• Lobbying – Advocacy & Special Interests