Welcome to the
65th Session
of Arizona Girls State!
TBD
University of Arizona Girls State is a unique citizenship training program in which Auxiliary members guide
the
youth of
our
nation toward an understanding, comprehensive and appreciation of their roles as United States Citizens.
Girls State offers training in the practical process of self government and good citizenship as
practiced in a democratic society.
Each summer, the “citizens” study local county and state government processes. They do this by
setting up their own miniature city, county and state governments and administer them according
to the laws of their particular state.
After arriving at Girls State, the citizens are divided into two political parties, often named the Nationalist
and Federalists. These parties do not reflect the two major political parties in today’s system of
government. The parties allow citizens to gain knowledge about the operations of a two-party system.
Girls State citizens participate in these instructional political parties, and elections are
held to fill city
and state positions. Activities include legislative sessions, campaigning,
party rallies, debating and voting.
The citizens also receive special instruction in
parliamentary procedure.
Girls State affords participants an opportunity to live together as self-governing
citizens by informing
them about the privileges, right and responsibilities
of American citizenship.