American Legion Jersey Girls State

 

The Structure of Girls State

At Girls State, each girl, as she registers, becomes a citizen of an assigned city. The citizens set up city governments and elect city officials. The City Councils then enact ordinances to govern the cities. The city officials enforce the ordinances. Two cities constitute a county. The county governments are organized by the election of a Board of Freeholders,  a Sheriff, etc. for each county. The elected officers then proceed to function in all county matters, as provided by the Constitution and the laws of the State of New Jersey. The counties together become the state. Each girl is assigned to one of two parties - Federals or Nationals - so they may see how political parties function. They develop their own party platforms and discuss issues they choose. All of the elections are carried out according to the existing laws of New Jersey following the State Primary Election is the General Election, when the citizens elect the Girls State Governor.  From the Assembly and Senatorial Districts, they elect the members of the Girls State Assembly and Senate. An Inaugural Ceremony is held and the Girls State Governor-elect and other state officials are given their oaths of office. The two branches of the legislature organize, author, and pass bills. The Governor decides whether to sign the bills into law or veto them.  

Sponsorship to Girls State

Girls will be accepted for enrollment when sponsored directly by a unit of the American Legion Auxiliary or approved by a unit for sponsorship by another organization. Every unit of the American Legion Auxiliary in New Jersey is urged to sponsor one or more citizens to Girls State. It is expected that most of the citizens will be sponsored by units. However, sponsorship of some citizens by civic, fraternal, and patriotic organizations is highly encouraged, provided the citizens are enrolled through a local unit. Any organization wishing to sponsor one or more citizens should contact the  Girls State Chairman of the unit. Likewise, units are encouraged to contact community organizations most likely to sponsor a citizen.  Enrollment is limited. Therefore, Auxiliary units and other organizations desiring to sponsor citizens should make plans early to do so, sending fees at the earliest convenient date.

For more information on the New Jersey Girls State Program please email Mr. David Belville or visit the American Legion Jersey Girls State website.