What is Girls State?

Girls State offers training in the practical processes of self government and good citizenship as practiced in a democratic society.

After arriving at Girls State, the citizens are divided into two political parties, often named the Nationalists and the 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 operation of a two-party system.

Each summer, approximately 20,000 enthusiastic young women participate in Girls State sessions across the nation. At Girls State, the “citizens” study local, county, and state governmental 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.

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, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship.

This learning experience better familiarizes the young women with their duties as United States citizens and encourages their participation in the democratic process.