A student in middle school / junior high or high school may have the opportunity to participate in student government. One way he may participate is by running for a specific position on the student council, such as representative or president of the student body. These positions generally just play an advisory role – their votes do not carry any authority to make changes within the school. But they do function as a sort of liaison between the students and the faculty. Student government gives the administration the opportunity to hear the “voice” of the students. It allows them to make their opinions known.
Admittedly, sometimes running for a position in student government is little more than a popularity contest. Nonetheless, it gives all students a chance to participate in the democratic process, either as a candidate or in the act of voting. Participation in student government also allows students to develop leadership skills, thus preparing them to be active, informed citizens of a democratic republic.
Although the student government has a decidedly limited role, there are some endeavors that it may undertake to leave its mark on the school. For example, they may choose to set up or sponsor a class project, like a fundraiser for a worthy charity. Alternatively, they could organize to bestow a class gift or legacy on the school. This is particularly common with a senior class, who will be graduating and moving on to life beyond high school. They could thus inspire future students to think about the world outside of their own class and consider how they may leave the school a better place than when they first entered its halls as freshmen.