Ten students at Elsberry High School recently had an opportunity to participate in a mock government and learn first hand how democracy works at the state level.
Missouri Youth In Government (YIG) is a student-driven simulation of state government, which involves over 900 Missouri youth in grades 8-12. Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles, register YIG and prepare for the State Convention.
At the YIG State Convention, students create their version of state government under the guidelines of the Missouri Constitution. All YIG participants in Missouri come together for this three-day event at the State Capitol. Legislators meet in committees and in the House and Senate chambers to debate legislation. Attorneys try their cases before student judges and engage in a moot trial competition.
The entire event is covered by a student newspaper, published four times in three days, and by a student television news program that airs several times each day. Participants also engage in campaigns and elections for officers who will serve during the following year.