More than 500 high school boys descended upon campus this week for the American Legion Boys State June 10-16. The event's goal is to educate high school students about government and politics by creating a mock state. Legislative, judicial and executive branches are formed during the week-long event.

"City councils, county commissioners, and district court judges have already been placed," said Jake Ellis, a Boys State coordinator who has been involved with the program for seven years. "By Wednesday we will have an entire state government running."

In addition to forming mock state governments, two participants will be chosen to attend the annual national event in Washington D.C., Boys Nation, which mirrors the structure of the federal government.

Like the real government, the parties are divided between liberal and conservative political ideologies.

"We don't use Republican and Democrat because there are preconceived notions about them," Ellis said.

Rather, two political parties, Federalist and Nationalist, are used for Boys State.

"Federalists tend to be conservative and the Nationalists tend to be liberal," Ellis said. "There is usually about a 60/40 split, which reflects the split in Kansas."

Kansas has been host to the mini-democracies nearly as long as Boys State has existed.

"The first session in Kansas was in 1937," Ellis said. "Actually this year we are celebrating our 70th session."

This is the 16th year Boys State has been at K-State.

According to the American Legion's Web site, Boys State was founded in 1935 by two American Legionnaires "to counter the Fascist-inspired Young Pioneer Camps."

Various non-governmental events, such as a talent show, band, and choir performances, are held at Boys State.

"Classical pianists to skits to military type drills," Ellis said. "A wealth of talent will be brought together."

Additionally, several guest speakers from all branches of the government will present, including keynote speaker Delano Lewis, a former U.S. ambassador to South Africa and retired chief executive officer of National Public Radio. Two state representatives and a district court judge also will speak.

"They will give presentations about real government, campaigning, and what they do as representatives," Ellis said.

Boys State aims to teach about government in a more personal way.

"They learn about it in school, but they don't really understand it," Ellis said. "We want to teach them civic involvement. We want them to actively participate by voting in elections."

Although government education is the focus of the event, leadership development and communication skills also are emphasized.

"We help develop them to be successful in whatever they choose to do," Ellis said. "Politics, business or education. We feel we are able to inspire young men to do things they thought they couldn't. They learn their true capabilities."

Boys State participant Martin Cram said it has been an inspiring event. Cram said Delano Lewis had a particularly strong impact on him.

"He told us if we try, we can achieve," Cram said. "He was a delegate in 1955, and went on to be an ambassador to South Africa. It shows you how far you can go."

Although students typically cringe when they hear the word "educational," many enjoy learning about government.

"Many of the staters here will be able to vote in the next election," Cram said. "It's amazing. It really teaches you that you will have a voice in less than a year."

For students to attend Boys State, they must be accepted. A high grade point average, or involvement in extracurricular activities is recommended.

"Either have a 3.0, or participation in extracurricular activities like student council, sports, or scouts," Boys State coordinator Spencer Sward said. "Individuals must be motivated and involved."