The intricate inner workings of government are being unveiled this week on the Kansas University campus, where 465 high school girls are taking part in the 61st annual Sunflower Girls State.

Girls from throughout Kansas moved into McCollum Residence Hall Sunday and by the end of the day many of them had managed to get themselves elected to offices in fictional cities named after American Indian tribes.

Nicole Bellinder, 17, Lawrence, became a member of the Apache City Council.

“I thought this was a really great opportunity to learn about leadership and the government of Kansas,” Bellinder said.

Kristina Clement, 17, Lawrence, found herself serving on the budget committee for the city of Kickapoo.

“It’s really hard, but I’m sure I’ll find a way to handle it,” she said.

Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Kansas. During the week participants will experience government at the city, county and state levels. By the end of the week some of the girls will be “elected” to state offices.

Activities, including a trip to the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka, continue through Friday.

“Our hope is that they will become interested in government and become more active citizens in their community,” said Debbie Carr, Girls State spokeswoman.

Girls State began in 1939 at Washburn University as a response to the similar Boys State begun in 1935. The next year it was moved to KU and has been conducted annually ever since, excepting a hiatus from 1943 through 1946 because of World War II.

Jeanette Riki, 16, El Dorado, left, and Katie Robbins, 17, Oskaloosa, members of the fictional Kickapoo City, try to out-cheer other participants at the 61st annual Sunflower Girls State opening ceremony Sunday in Budig Hall at Kansas University.

The girls, all entering their senior year, qualify and are selected to attend Girls State by processes determined by their sponsors, Carr said.

During the week the girls will hear speeches from state officials, including Atty. Gen. Phill Kline, Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, Court of Appeals Judge G. Joseph Pierron, Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, and Sen. Karin Brownlee, R-Olathe.

In the past Girls State has succeeded in spurring participants to become involved in government, Carr said.

“We had one young girl file for a state office while she was here,” Carr said. “She didn’t win, but it was all for fun.”

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Carr also noted that Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, who lives in Lawrence, once attended Girls State.

Bellinder isn’t sure if she wants to work in government, but is leaving the door open to being a political campaign worker for a candidate.

“I hope this will help me figure that out,” she said of Girls State.

Becoming a politician doesn’t appeal to Clement, either.

“I’m thinking about possibly embassy work or foreign affairs,” she said.