U.S. Senate

Illuminate the inner workings of committee politics in this simulation which casts students as senators sitting on several committees. Throughout the simulation, students learn about the compromises and considerations necessary to create legislation as they consider, amend, and vote on a variety of bills at the committee level.

Senators must decide which of the bills under consideration should be a top priority, what amendments they believe are necessary, and how they can succeed in ensuring that the bills they support are reported out to the full Senate for a deliberation and vote.

Fifteen fictional senators are featured in the simulation. Students, as senators, devise strategies for working with their colleagues in order to ensure that they are best able to advance their own particular legislative agenda. Each senator is a member of two or three committees, with each committee considering three draft bills. The simulation includes pre-loaded draft bills which the participants amend and debate. Biographical information is provided for each senator.

This simulation was developed with the support of the Dirksen Congressional Center.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• One or more Internet-connected computers or devices per team. (Optimized for desktop and laptop computers.)
• Up-to-date web browser. (Internet Explorer is not supported.)
• JavaScript and pop-up windows must be enabled. (Check your browser settings.)
• No plug-ins or additional software required.