Learning About Government

At The Souce

By Tanjua Damon

Learning about government in the classroom is how most students do it. Newtown High School junior Michael Taylor, however, was able to see firsthand what the government is about during an 11-day National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, DC.

Michael joined 350 other students from around the country to learn about the United States government. The conference provided students with the opportunity to have a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the government. They attended hearings at the Senate and visits with the congressmen.

“They pretty much covered everything about it,” Michael said. “I’ve learned a little bit about it in school. But I knew there was a lot more about it and thought it would be amazing to see.”

The high school students also were able to interact with members of the National Press Club, including a breakfast with congressional correspondence from UPI, Newsweek, CNN, and NPR. Students also participated in a briefing from Danny Lee McDonald, chairman of the Federal Election Commission, as well as a Judicial Issues panel on constitutionality with the president of the Harvard Society of Law, Life and Religion. There was a debate on “The Future of China and Taiwan” with Dr Nicholas Berry, senior analyst for the Center of Defense Information, and Mark Fund, assistant director and research fellow of Chinese Studies at The Nixon Center.

“One day we went to Capitol Hill to meet with senators and congressmen. We talked with their interns,” Michael said. “I met with Congressman Jim Maloney. We were able to sit in on Congress. It was really amazing just seeing all the faces we recognized. It was pretty cool.”

Towards the end of the conference, the 350 students participated in a Model Congress where they simulated what actually happens.

“I felt honored when I was there with 350 other students from all across the country,” Michael said. “Every day was so amazing. It was a great experience. You just learn so much. Hearing all the speakers, you learn about society and how everything works.”

The Congressional Youth Leadership Council sponsors the National Young Leaders Conference. Students are nominated by their schools, congressional members, and other leaders, as well as by the TIP (Talent Identification Program).