Research shows that young people are not proficient in civics and lacking in knowledge of our system of government. They are also less likely to be involved politically than older generations. But a number of programs are trying to address this problem.
For example, Missouri recently started the Checks and Balances Project to teach students about state government. Each month, the project features two satellite telecasts, one on the legislative branch and one on the judicial. Legislators and judicial officers speak about selected topics and then allow students a chance to ask questions and express opinions. The project also features a Web site, MoStuGov, to encourage student journalists to report on state government.
The Wisconsin Senate recently completed a pilot of the Senate Scholar Program that combined mock legislative activities with actual work experience as senate messaging staff. As one student participant put it, "you learn more here in a week than you possibly can anywhere else." This is one of a number of new programs across the country that are engaging young people in the legislature.
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