Scanlan, a recent high school graduate from the western Nebraska town of Gering, planned to study American politics at Patrick Henry College in Virginia after her reign as Miss America.

She said she also hoped to attend law school, become a judge and eventually a politician.

But up first, she'll register to vote after she turns 18 next month, making decisions based on ideas rather than political affiliations, she said.

Slideshow: Beauty queen scandals

"I do think I will register as an Independent," Scanlan said. "All the bipartisanship has become ridiculous and it's time to look at issues instead of parties."

Scanlan won after strutting in a black bikini and a white evening gown, playing "White Water Chopped Sticks" on piano and telling the audience that when it comes to the website Wikileaks, security should come before public access to government information.

"You know when it came to that situation, it was actually based on espionage, and when it comes to the security of our nation, we have to focus on security first and then people's right to know, because it's so important that everybody who's in our borders is safe and so we can't let things like that happen, and they must be handled properly," she said.

Scanlan said the question was easier for her than a generic question, because she has routinely discussed current events with her family, she said.

At 17, she is already wiser than many Americans.

Brains and Beauty!

there were much prettier girls than her in the pageant... she really isn't that pretty...

Prettier than Sarah Palin and a whole lot smarter.

maybe.... but i would do either one...

That proves you are a healthy American Male!