The goal of the Executive Branch Program is to provide students with a leadership opportunity by serving as and for an Executive Officer. During the State Convention, opportunities for students to participate include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Governor’s Cabinet and Staff, Lieutenant Governor’s Cabinet and Staff, Assistant Secretary of State, and Assistant Attorneys General.
The structure of the Executive Branch Program is based on that of Missouri's Executive Branch with elections taking place each December during the YIG State Convention. Students elect a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, who each then serve the following year. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor conduct interviews at the Executive Branch Leadership Institute to fill positions in their cabinets and staffs. The Secretary of State and Attorney General appoint assistants who will serve with them at the State Convention.
Governor
The Governor serves as the highest representative of, the strongest leader in, and the most enthusiastic promoter of the Missouri YMCA Youth In Government Program. The Governor remains prepared to represent the YMCA and speak on the YMCA Youth In Government Program to other individuals or groups. The Governor’s Manual defines the duties and expectations of the Governor.
Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor primarily serves as the ranking member of the Senate. This person presides over the Senate and serves in a leadership capacity in its activities. (See the Legislative Program for more information.)
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State presides over the election during the annual State Convention. This involves registering convention participants as voters, setting up the ballot and voting area, and counting the ballots. The Secretary of State also co-signs bills with the Governor and affixes the seal of Youth In Government.
Attorney General
The Attorney General traditionally responds to requests from the Governor, Legislators, and Legislative Committees for legal opinions on pending legislation and on various aspects of the legislative process. The Attorney General may appoint and empower two Assistant Attorneys General to oversee the duties of public relations and legislative testimony.
Governor's Staff
The Governor appoints up to five participants to serve as staff during the State Convention. These positions are defined in the Governor’s Manual and include Chief of Staff, Lobbyist Liaison, Chief Counsel, Legislative Liaison, and Press Secretary.
Governor's Cabinet
The Governor’s Cabinet shall be composed of no more than six individuals who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor during the State Convention. Cabinet members will represent the executive departments of state government on behalf of the Governor. Cabinet members will each write bills corresponding to their department and are encouraged to use EBLI proposals. Cabinet members must get a Representative and/or Senator in the Legislative Program to sponsor and submit their bills to be included in the Bill Book.
During the State Convention, the cabinet will actively work to pass their bills by testifying at committee hearings, lobbying legislators, and keeping the Governor informed on the status of legislation. Additionally, cabinet members will serve as adjunct members of the Governor’s staff to assist with the goals of the Governor’s administration. Cabinet members will participate in staff meetings, press conferences, and bill signings. They will play an active role in advising the Governor about legislation and will also monitor other legislation related to their department.
Lieutenant Governor's Staff
The Lieutenant Governor’s Staff shall be composed of no more than four individuals who shall serve under the Youth Lieutenant Governor during the State Convention. Lobbyist staff members will represent issues pertaining to economic development, education, and health and senior services. Staff members will each write bills corresponding to their policy area and are encouraged to use EBLI proposals. Staff members must get a Representative and/or Senator in the Legislative Program to sponsor and submit their bills to be included in the Bill Book.
During the State Convention, the staff members will actively work to pass their bills by testifying at committee hearings, lobbying legislators, and keeping the Lieutenant Governor informed on the status of legislation. Staff members will participate in staff meetings, press conferences, and other events related to the Lieutenant Governor. They will play an active role in advising the Lieutenant Governor about legislation and will also monitor other legislation related to their policy area.