The overarching objective of the Boys State Education Program is to provide delegates a chance to learn about the operation of government, especially in the State of Oklahoma, and to provide them with ample opportunities to practice and experiment with the lessons that they have learned.
A major portion of the Boys State Program is intended to educate delegates about the government of the State of Oklahoma and how it operates. While there are ample opportunities to learn throughout the week in a variety of activities, the structured portion of the Education Program is broken into four categories: Classroom Instruction, Government in Action, Special Lectures, and Special Schools.
Government In Action
At the heart of our democracy, representative government requires the service and sacrifice of citizens. It is the duty and obligation of good citizens to actively participate, engage, and contribute to the well-being of our government.
During Boys State, all delegates actively engage in the Boys State government. Upon arrival, each delegate, randomly assigned to either the Boomer or the Sooner party, helps facilitate the election process. These parties create their platforms without regard to existing political parties, emphasizing a non-partisan and non-political approach.
Delegates interested in running for high offices, such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General or State Treasurer, are encouraged (though not required) to check the appropriate box during enrollment. Regardless of their initial indications during enrollment, all delegates can declare candidacy for these or other offices after arriving at Boys State. Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor will engage in moderated debates before the general election.
Delegates may choose to seek positions in the executive branch, the judiciary, OR advance within the legislature to leadership positions. Campaign materials must be produced at Boys State, so delegates are encouraged to bring supplies to create campaign signs and other materials. Delegates may also campaign for office before the Boys State session begins. However, no information regarding individual delegates will be released by Oklahoma Boys State.
Every delegate plays a vital role in shaping Oklahoma Boys State and the laws passed by delegates continue to impact future sessions of Boys State as part of the Oklahoma Boys State Statutes. All Boys State delegates are strongly encouraged to prepare legislation before the Boys State session begins to present to their peers for consideration. However, delegates may draft legislation during the session. All proposed legislation must be submitted via the Delegate Dashboard.
Here we present an introduction of the elements of the Boys State Practicum, historically referred to as “Government In Action” or “GIA”. More detailed information is available in the specific articles dedicated to each piece of the practicum
- Executive Branch:
- The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other executive officers take charge of implementing policies and managing the state.
- Delegates in these roles make decisions, oversee government agencies, and address policy issues.
- The executive branch ensures efficient administration and serves as the face of Boys State leadership.
- Legislative Branch:
- The legislature (composed of delegates) convenes to propose, debate, and pass legislation.
- Bills are introduced, discussed, debated, and voted upon.
- Delegates learn about the complexities of lawmaking, the power of negotiation, and the importance of compromise.
- Judicial Branch:
- Just like in the real world, Boys State has a very active judicial system. Delegates can participate as judges, attorneys, litigants, or court staff.
- Mock trials allow delegates to argue facts about cases, present evidence, and make legal arguments.
- The judicial branch ensures that the rule of law is upheld, and that justice is served within the Boys State community.
- The Fourth Branch: Journalism:
- Journalism plays a crucial role in the Boys State ecosystem. It serves as the fourth branch of government by providing information, analysis, and transparency.
- Delegates interested in journalism receive hands-on experience in writing, reporting, and publishing or broadcasting.
- Oklahoma Boys State collaborates with Rogers State University’s RSU-TV, the only full-powered public television station licensed to a public university in Oklahoma.
- RSU-TV hosts a fully operational and technically cutting-edge TV studio on campus, where the School of Journalism produces a new Boys State news broadcast every day of the session.
- Municipal Operations:
- At the local level, delegates engage in municipal governance. They handle issues related to infrastructure, public services, and community development.
- Municipal leaders work together to address the needs of their simulated cities, making decisions that impact the lives of their fellow delegates.
- Oil Simulation:
- The Boys State program includes an oil simulation, reflecting the importance of the energy industry in Oklahoma.
- Delegates learn about oil production, exploration, and economic implications.
- This hands-on experience provides insights into the complexities of managing a business and natural resources.