Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith leader of the Boy Rangers is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state''s senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington however Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys'' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.