President of the Senate

How many people serve in this Role? 

1 President of the Senate

Who can run for this Role?

Must be a Junior or Senior. Must have at least 1 year of experience participating in Youth and Government.

Main Role and Responsibilities

The President of the Senate is the chief presiding officer of the Senate chamber during the Youth and Government Weekend. This is one of the most prestigious leadership positions in Maine YMCA Youth and Government. The Role closely mirrors that of the President of the Maine Senate, with an emphasis on leadership, parliamentary procedure, and maintaining fair debate. 

The President does not argue for or against Bills while presiding; instead, their job is to ensure every delegate has a fair chance to participate and that the Senate operates smoothly

Responsibilities include:

• Preside over Senate sessions by opening and closing the Chamber and keeping proceedings on schedule
• Recognize senators who wish to speak and ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to participate
• Apply parliamentary procedure to keep debate orderly and resolve procedural questions
• Maintain decorum by enforcing the Chamber's rules and keeping discussions respectful
• Manage the legislative process by guiding Bills through debate, amendments, and voting
• Remain neutral and impartial, giving supporters and opponents of legislation an equal opportunity to be heard. 
• Announce vote results and cast a tie-breaking vote if the Senate is evenly divided

Outside of the Youth and Government Weekend, the President of the Senate is expected to:

• Assist in preparing for the Youth and Government Weekend with other student leaders
• Assist in training Senate leaders and committee chairs

What skills are important for this Role?

• Strong public speaking skills
• Confidence with parliamentary procedure
• The ability to remain impartial while presiding
• Excellent organization and leadership
• Think quickly under pressure
• Comfortable leading a chamber that can include more than 40 participants.

Does this Role attend the Leadership Training beginning on Thursday?

Yes!

Election/Selection Procedure for 2026 Youth and Government

The President of the Senate is an elected position. At either Caucus B or C (see Caucus Agenda) when the Role is put up for nomination by the Program Director:

1. Have someone from your delegation enter your name in nomination, this is done by entering your name in the chat.
2. After all nominations are in you will be asked to speak about why you want this role. Please be prepared to speak about your qualifications and why you think you would be the best person to fill this Role.
3. Then the election will be held, all those present will cast a vote, the candidate receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner of this Role.

Election Procedure for 2027—Will be elected during 2026 Youth and Government Weekend

During the 2026 program, the President of the Senate will be elected to serve for the following year.

To apply:

1. Complete the President/Speaker Nomination Form
2. Complete the form which must include:
   1. Complete all of the questions
   2. Endorsement from your delegation Advisor
   3. Explain “why you believe you would be a good President?”
3. Deadline to submit is noon on Saturday!
4. Prepare a speech about your qualifications to give at the Banquet on Saturday evening.