Illinois YMCA Youth & Government

Major Offices

There are six major officers in Youth & Government - Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Chief Justice, Secretary of State, Presiding Officer and Executive Director of the Lobbyists.

Unless otherwise stated below, all major office candidates will have to do the following:

  • Fill out and turn in the Declaration of Candidacy Form for Major Office
  • Give a one to three minute speech at Pre-Leg 1 and 2 and a speech of up to 5 minutes at the Springfield Assembly.
  • Final candidates at the Springfield Assembly must submit a photo for the program book by the required deadline.
  • Final candidates will also attend officer training on the Thursday prior to the Springfield Assembly
  • Final candidates must submit a Candidate Financial Disclosure Form prior to campaigning

Governor

Requirements - Candidate must be a Senior, have at least one year of Youth & Government experience and be registered as a Legislator.

Candidate Responsibilities - In addition to the requirements for all major offices listed at the top of the page, Governor candidates will, in addition to their speeches, participate in a press conference conducted by members of the Youth & Government press corps.

Official Duties - Primarily, the Governor meets with bill groups and lobbyists to gather information on bills that will help him/her decide whether to sign or veto each bill that passes both chambers.  In addition, the Governor may grant interviews with the press and address the legislative chambers.  Following election, the Governor is invited to attent the YMCA National Youth Governor’s Conference in Washington, D.C. and will also serve a one-year term as a non-voting member of the Youth & Government Board of Directors.

Lieutenant Governor

Requirements - Candidate must be a Senior, have at least one year of Youth & Government experience, be registered as a legislator and must also run for the office of Committee Chair.

Candidate Responsibilities - In addition to the requirements for all major offices listed at the top of the page, the Lieutenant Governor must select one to three areas of interest or special topics and work with lobbyists on those issues - fill out the required form from your advisor. 

Official Duties - The Lieutenant Governor serves an assistant to the Governor and serves in his/her place when the latter is unable to perform his/her duties.  The Lieutenant Governor will also chair three Special Committees in Springfield - one for each color of legislature - which Lobbyist-submitted bills and resolutions will be heard.

Secretary of State

Requirements - Candidate must be a Junior or Senior, have at least one year of Youth & Government experience and be registered as a legislator.

Candidate Responsibilities -No additional responsibilities beyond the general responsibilities for all major office candidates.

Official Duties - The Secretary of State is the manager of the entire bill flow process and must have detailed knowledge of how the bill flow desk operates.

Chief Justice

Requirements - Candidate must be a Junior or Senior, have at least one year of Youth & Government experience and be registered as an Attorney.

Candidate Responsibilities -No additional responsibilities beyond the general responsibilities for all major office candidates.

Official Duties - The Chief Justice serves as the Chief Officer of the Supreme Court(s).  In this capacity, he/she communicates with the Assistant Chief Justices throughout the weekend regarding court confrences attendance, written evaluations of oral arguments and briefs, and other problems or concerns.  Additionally, the Chief Justice presides over the Judicial Review process on Sunday.  Like the Governor, the Chief Justice serves a one-year term as a non-voting member of the Youth & Government Board of Directors.

Presiding Officer

Requirements -  Candidate must be a Junior or Senior, have at least one year of Youth & Government experience and be registered as a legislator.  Additionally, candidates cannot be the House Sponsor or Senate Sponsor of their bill.

Candidate Responsibilities - Instead of speeches, candidates for Presiding Officer will lead a role play - a mock debate of a bill - at Pre-Leg 1 & 2 and the Springfield Assembly.  Because of this, candidates should have detailed knowledge of parliamentary procedure.

Official Duties - The Presiding Officers (Presidents of the Senate and Speakers of the House for each color legislature) preside over a chamber and keep order to the debate of bills.

Executive Director of the Lobbyists

Requirements - Candidate must be registered as a Lobbyist.

Candidate Responsibilities -No additional responsibilities beyond the general responsibilities for all major office candidates.

Official Duties - The Executive Director works with the Lobbyist Advisors in coordinating Lobbyists’ acvitities throughout the Springfield Assembly weekend.