BOYS STATE

(Article Printed in The Legion Times, February 2004, Volume 85 Issue 4)

Introduction

Boys State is designed to supplement the information taught in high school civics classes. It is an activity born out of a need for youth training in practical citizenship, leadership, and to instill a working knowledge of the structure and operation of state government.

Objectives

Boys State has the following objectives:

 1. To develop leadership and pride in American citizenship

2. To arouse a keen interest in the detailed study of government

3. To develop in the young citizens of Boys State a full understanding of our American traditions and belief in the United States of America

4. To arouse in the young citizens a determination to maintain our form of government, and, from the Preamble to the American Legion's Constitution

5. "To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation and

6. To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy"

Instructional Program

The effectiveness of American Legion Boys State programs in teaching state government is in its instructional program. That important facet of the overall activity is carried out in three distinct components: limited classroom instruction, functional activities (learning by doing), and general assemblies of instruction.

Generally, about half the program hours are directed to government instruction and practical exercises. Classroom instruction is held on subjects such as law, civil service, election procedures and parliamentary procedures. Special schools to inform candidates of the duties of the office they seek are conducted. Topics of instruction include detailed explanation and instruction on legislative, executive and judicial procedures of the respective state government.

Functional activities start with a caucus or other method of nominating candidates for city offices and conclude with the election and inauguration of the Governor of the mythical state organization.

These functional activities are the heart of the instructional program. Included are elections, caucuses, conventions, operation of the courts, legislative assemblies, law enforcement and public welfare. The activities take a considerable portion of the time allotted for instructional purposes and constitute the primary means through which the young men "learn by doing."

Every citizen becomes an integral part of Boys State, assuming responsibilities and performing duties either as an elected or appointed official, or otherwise fulfilling an assignment entailing the duties of responsible citizenship.

The Political Organization of

American Legion Boys State

Upon arrival at Boys State, the young men are assigned to one of two political parties. In most programs those parties are called the "Nationalists" and the "Federalists." Such a political organization results in involvement at the precinct level, the city, county, judicial circuit, senatorial or legislative district as well as at the state level.

The government organization provides for elections at all levels. Also included in the program are party caucuses and conventions, platform development, and the organizing and operation of local government units such as county boards, agencies and courts.

Assisting with the instruction are volunteers from all levels of government and also from the private sector. Many government office holders donate their time each year to address the boys about the duties and responsibilities of their office, giving the boys a first hand account of current issues affecting their state. Many of the volunteers also serve as advisors in helping the boys form their own operating government.

Boys State allows the participants to form and operate their government without strict control and excessive supervision by the adult volunteer staff.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The American Legion's National Americanism Commission has established certain qualifications for prospective Boys State citizens and works with the respective programs to insure compliance. Guidelines for Boys State participation include:

• Only males who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester of high school remaining are to be considered.

• Any boy who has previously attended a Boys State is not eligible to attend a second session.

• Only boys with outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, and service to their schools are to be considered.

In the actual selection process, merit and ability are the two most important factors considered. No boys are permitted to attend because of either poverty or wealth. It is not a program for underprivileged boys nor is it a summer camp for recreation. Fees, or "tuition," are paid by American Legion Posts or other community minded organizations, with little or no expense to a young man and his family.

The selection process varies in the state-level organizations of The American Legion, but it is generally conducted with the school recommending several more boys than a sponsor has quotas for. The sponsor (either a Legion Post or other organization) then selects representatives from this list.

Department of Texas

Boys State

The American Legion, Department of Texas Boys State will be held 

June 4 - 10, 2005 at The University of Texas Campus in Austin, Texas.