Special To The Weekly Vista
American Legion Post 341 of Bella Vista recently sent 11 delegates to Arkansas Boys State, an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors. This six-day training course focuses on the study and practical application of self-government. This is planned so that boys may put into practice the theories of American government, as taught in the classroom, through operation of the city, county and state offices as organized under the plans of Boys State.
When the boys reach campus, they will be assigned to cities and will live in these cities for the period of Boys State. Two cities will make up a county, and the counties will make a mythical state. The assemblage will function under two political subdivisions -- under the basic laws of the state of Arkansas -- using the existing constitution and existing laws as a guide.
The caucus and convention method will be used for nominating candidates to city and county offices. Primary elections will determine the party's nominee for state offices. Petition method is used in determining how a candidate's name is placed on the ballot. A lack of time prevents primaries on the city and county level of government.
In Boys State, the boys have their own legislature and introduce and argue their own bills. They make and enforce ordinances regulating their cities. They conduct their own elections. They have their own police force and court of law, and they administer justice. The boys have a chance to learn for themselves that government is just what they make it.
Community on 08/24/2016