The American Legion Auxiliary has one great purpose: to contribute to the accomplishments of the aims and purposes of the American Legion. Its activities are designed to carry out the parts of the American Legion programs which can best be accomplished by the work of women. The Auxiliary serves with unselfish devotion to the well being of the American Republic. Local American Legion Auxiliary Units participate in many activities for youth including Girl Scouts, educational assistance, scholarships, Girls State and Girls Nation. The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State of the Department of New York conducted its first session in 1941.

The purpose of Girls State is to awaken within the youth of our nation a sincere conviction that well-informed, intelligent, participating citizens are vitally needed to protect and preserve our American Democracy and our American Institutions. Girls State is a mythical “51st” state, wherein, through actual participation, the girls share the duties, responsibilities and privileges of American citizenship. Every citizen has an active part in some phase of state, city or county government. She learns to do by doing. She learns that her government is just what she makes it. High school juniors with leadership qualities are selected to participate in Girls State.

Source of official student records: Registrar, The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, Inc., Department of New York, 112 State Street, Suite 409, Albany, New York 12207.

Titles of all evaluated learning experiences
State and Local Government and Politics

Descriptions and credit recommendations

State and Local Government and Politics
(Formerly State Government and Politics)
Location: Various college facilities in New York State.
Length: 40 hours (1 week); in addition, 40-hour post-course supervised internship.
Dates: Version 1: June 1983 - May 1991. Version 2: June 1991 - May 2001. Version 3: June 2001 - Present.
Objectives: Version 1: To expand and deepen the student’s knowledge of the electoral process and its results. Version 2 or 3: Describe the structure and function of state and local governments within the intergovernmental system.
Instruction: Version 1: The Program is focused on public policy issues and processes, and the study of the electoral process: how it works and how it provides for representation in the American political system. Students participate in lecture/discussion sessions, seminars, and simulation exercises. During her senior year of high school following the Girls State experience, each student prepares a research design of approximately four pages which is then developed into a major research paper of a minimum of 20 pages under the direction of a mentor. The research design and research paper are submitted to a panel of college professors for grading. In addition, each student is required to complete an approved internship of at least 40 hours in government and/or politics during her senior year. Version 2: Through lecture/discussion sessions, seminars, and simulation exercises, the following topics in state and local government are addressed: state governments within the federal system; traditional state and local government responsibilities; state constitutional development; a comparison of the three branches of government (the executive, legislative and judicial) at the national, state, and local levels; political parties in the United States with focus on the states; the role of interest groups and the importance of elections at state and local levels of government. Emphasis is on public policy formulation, with New York State as the relevant example. During her senior year of high school following the Girls State experience each student is required to complete an approved 40-hour internship in government and/or politics. In addition, two of the following three written assignments must also be completed, under the supervision of a mentor: A learning log based on the internship experience; an annotated bibliography for a topic in government or political science; a 10-page research paper on a topic in government or political science. Version 3: Through lecture/discussion sessions, seminars, and simulation exercises, the following topics in state and local government are addressed: state governments within the federal system; traditional state and local government responsibilities; state constitutional development; a comparison of the three branches of government (the executive, legislative and judicial) at the national, state, and local levels; political parties in the United States with focus on the states; the role of interest groups and the importance of elections at state and local levels of government. Emphasis is on public policy formulation, with New York State as the relevant example. During her senior year of high school following the Girls State experience each student is required to complete an approved 40-hour internship in government and/or politics. In addition, the following written assignments must also be completed, under the supervision of a mentor and the Girls State political instructor: A learning log based on the internship experience and Girls State experiences; an extended policy memo based on research on a state or local issue.
Credit recommendation: Version 1, 2, or 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Government or Political Science (6/85) (6/91 revalidation) (6/96 revalidation) (6/01 revalidation) (11/06 revalidation).
 
Updated 5/1/08

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