Q: What is the Commitment Level?
A: Meetings are held every other Wednesday until Springfield. Students will complete their tasks based on their roles, generally, attornies will have a larger workload than legislators. However, both programs give you ample time to finish your work before any deadlines. Meetings are held in the afternoon so there is no conflict with sports or other clubs. You are expected to come to meetings, both Pre-Leg's, and Springfield.
Q: What is the difference between the Judicial and Legislative programs?
A: Both programs are very rewarding and build your public speaking skills and confidence, but they differ in what they do. Youth and Gov aims to simulate a mock Illinois government and have programs for different parts of the government. Legislators write bills that they aim to get through both chambers of congress. Attorneys study cases that they argue in different trials and their subsequent appeals.
Q: What is Springfield?
A: The Springfield Assembly is our State Assembly that you will be working towards the entire year. Due to COVID-19, there is a chance that the assembly might be online this year, however, the events will remain largely the same. Lobbyists will be able to talk to Legislators and perform Oral Testimonies, turn in Written Testimonies, and other things to earn as many points as possible before the end of the assembly. Legislators will debate bills in committee meetings and work to get their own bills passed while supporting legislation that they feel is important. Finally, Attorneys and Clerk Bailiffs will be participating in the Appeals Process by performing Oral Arguments that simulate how real lawyers argue in court, even in a virtual setting!
Q: What are the Fees?
A: For 2021-2022, fees are $375 dollars, however, scholarships are offered at a state level to help keep the program accessible. This includes the hotel rooms and food at Springfield.
