Every year each Boys State program across the country selects two outstanding citizens to represent them at American Legion Boys Nation held in Washington, D.C. where they are introduced to the structure and function of the federal government.

The first American Legion Boys Nation (then called Boys Forum of National Government) was held on the campus of American University, Washington, D.C., August 4-9, 1946.

From 1946 through 1951, and from 1969 to 1985 the Boys Nation program was conducted at American University; from 1952 through 1967, Boys Nation was held at the University of Maryland. The site of the 1968 program was Georgetown University. In 1986 the program was moved to its present site at Marymount University.

At Boys Nation, each Delegate represents his State as a Senator. The week of government training in the Nation's Capitol combines lectures and forums with visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical spots in and around Washington. During a visit to Capitol Hill, Boys Nation Senators meet with elected Representatives and Senators from their home states. Delegates visit Fort McHenry and other historic sites near Baltimore, Maryland, and participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Some of the other visits made during the week-long session are to the FBI, the Department of State, the Lincoln, Vietnam, Jefferson and Korean Memorials, and The White House.