The Model Government Program is a student-driven simulation of state government and political activities, which involves over 700 Missouri youth in grades 9-12.
Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles and register appropriately with YIG. After meeting within their local delegations, students from all delegations come together for the Primary Convention in October where they receive program training and meet in political parties to nominate candidates for Executive Offices. All of this training and preparation culminates with the annual 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. Lobbyists maintain close contact with the legislative process as they support or oppose issues. 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.
Below is a listing of these programs. Click on the name of each program to learn more about it.