More than 260 students from nine political science courses finished the opening night of voting in a Congressional simulation exercise Wednesday night, Nov. 29 in McKinnon Hall. The students voted on five pieces of legislation that survived the committee process, including proposed legislation to allow offshore oil drilling on the U.S. east coast; a minimum wage law; and a law that would allow illegal immigrants to enroll in U.S. colleges and universities.
Throughout the semester, students in the congressional simulation exercise have played the role of a current member of the U.S. House, researching the member’s home district, political leanings and voting tendencies. Students worked on proposed pieces of legislation, which then went before committees. The simulation is designed to give students an understanding of the legislative process, says Sharon Spray, associate professor of political science.
“I think students will remember the processes and procedures of Congress better by participating in the simulation rather than reading it from a book,” says Spray. Upperclass students wrote policy briefs on prospective legislation, while others who participated in committee work saw how debates over rules and amendments can affect the language of legislation.
In addition to learning about the inner workings over government, Spray says students also learn other lessons. “Many of them had to take on roles they didn’t anticipate, like public speaking. It’s a great way for them to develop leadership skills and learn the art of compromise.”
In Wednesday’s voting, a bill to open the waters off the East Coast for oil drilling passed 123-97; a bill to raise the minimum wage to $7.25/hour in 2008 passed 230-9; and a bill to spur growth of nuclear power plants in the U.S. passed 185-35.
Legislation to ban the importation of diamonds not regulated by an international body was defeated 128-95, and a bill that would make it easier for illegal immigrants to attend a U.S. college or university was defeated 132-85.
Floor voting will conclude Thursday evening.