Version 1: The Program is focused on public policy issues and processes, and the study of the electoral process: how it works and how it provides for representation in the American political system. Students participate in lecture/discussion sessions, seminars, and simulation exercises. During her senior year of high school following the Girls State experience, each student prepares a research design of approximately four pages which is then developed into a major research paper of a minimum of 20 pages under the direction of a mentor. The research design and research paper are submitted to a panel of college professors for grading. In addition, each student is required to complete an approved internship of at least 40 hours in government and/or politics during her senior year. Version 2: Through lecture/discussion sessions, seminars, and simulation exercises, the following topics in state and local government are addressed: state governments within the federal system; traditional state and local government responsibilities; state constitutional development; a comparison of the three branches of government (the executive, legislative and judicial) at the national, state, and local levels; political parties in the United States with focus on the states; the role of interest groups and the importance of elections at state and local levels of government. Emphasis is on public policy formulation, with New York State as the relevant example. During her senior year of high school following the Girls State experience each student is required to complete an approved 40-hour internship in government and/or politics. In addition, two of the following three written assignments must also be completed, under the supervision of a mentor: a learning log based on the internship experience; an annotated bibliography for a topic in government or political science; a 10-page research paper on a topic in government or political science. Version 3: Through lecture/discussion sessions, seminars, and simulation exercises, the following topics in state and local government are addressed: state governments within the federal system; traditional state and local government responsibilities; state constitutional development; a comparison of the three branches of government (the executive, legislative and judicial) at the national, state, and local levels; political parties in the United States with focus on the states; the role of interest groups and the importance of elections at state and local levels of government. Emphasis is on public policy formulation, with New York State as the relevant example. During her senior year of high school following the Girls State experience each student is required to complete an approved 40-hour internship in government and/or politics (if applying for college credit). In addition, the following written assignments must also be completed, under the supervision of a mentor and the Girls State political instructor: a learning log based on the internship experience and Girls State experiences; an extended policy memo based on research on a state or local issue.