Welcome to the 61st Session
of Arizona Girls State!

June 8th - 14th, 2008
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.