"We the people . . ."

    means you.

This one of a kind exhibition engages the visitor in the political process through voting, identifying party platforms and personalizing legislative activities. "We the People" seeks to emphasize the importance and privilege of taking an active role in democracy as the introductory panel states, "we the people means you."

In Room One, The Model Louisiana City is designed to show visitors how almost everything we do is in some way influenced by laws, the constitution, and the legislature. The Laws in Your Daily Life computer interactive stop lets visitors vote on a referendum and realize the consequences of a YES or a NO vote.

Image you're part of the democratic process. In this unique stop, visitors can literally imagine themselves in the shoes of reporters, legislators, volunteers, and other valuable figures in this process.

The You Make the Budget computer interactive kiosk allows visitors to make decisions about appropriations in the state's budget. Visitors decide how much to allocate towards education; health and social services; transportation; military affairs; public safety and corrections; economic development; tourism and cultural development; agriculture and forestry; and general government. After allocations are made the results are compared with the state's ACTUAL budget!

In Room 2 visitors can search a database for their state legislators at an Interactive Internet Kiosk, and then send them an e-mail with a pledge to take a more active role in politics and elections this coming year.

The Wall of Fame listening exhibit features recordings of stories from ordinary individuals -- women and men, old and young -- who have made a difference in the quality of life for Louisiana citizens. One person can make a difference, and it could be you!

In Room 3, there are several exhibits which focus on Campaigns and Elections. The film, Dig A Little Deeper explains the importance of being an informed voter by relying on various sources of information including television, radio, Internet, newspaper, and magazines.

On-Air is an interactive video program allowing visitors to videotape themselves making political campaign commercials, editorials on a current event, or a short speech. Please schedule On-Air ahead of time -- call (225) 342-0500.

The Pick your Platform! interactive exhibit allows visitors to understand political platforms. The platforms for the Republican and Democratic Presidential campaigns are displayed along with images of the candidates at a debate.

Room 4 features The Struggle exhibit which highlights individuals and groups of people who have fought for the right to vote including women, African-Americans, Native Americans, and young people. A listening area allows visitors to access oral histories from people who remember what it was like to fight for this right.

The Path to Voting exhibit shows visitors the precise steps individuals must take to actually vote. It explains that you must register to vote, assess the candidates and issues, cast your vote, and act on the outcome.