AP Government Mock Congress Simulation Activity

Prep Day: Introduction of Mock Congress December 13, 2017 

• • Go over instructions of project
  • Sign up for a Bill topic must be in one of the committees below: Energy and Commerce Committee, Education and Workforce Committee, Homeland Security Committee 
  • Brainstorm and begin research and drafting of bill 
  • Provided (MUST USE!) I will provide the link, give me your email 

  Homework: Write bill over weekend/do research on topic. By Monday, 12/18, students must turn in their bill's title and purpose statement.

  
  

  Day 1: Party and Committee Leadership Selection December 18, 2017

  •   Due: Provide title, purpose of legislation and rough draft

    
    

    • Collaboration of bills with party members
    • Vote on party leadership
    • Committee service selection
    • Vote on committee leadership
    • Party Caucus Strategy Meeting 

    Materials:

     Committee Service Selection Sheet 

      Title and Purpose of Legislation Sheet 

    HW: Complete writing of bill (Due Friday)

  Day 2: Markup in Committees December 21, 2017 

  
  

  • All members of Congress will drop their proposed bills in the hopper
  • Committee members individually read bills and take notes on potential amendment ideas Markup Notes 
  • Committee Chairmen will lead committee in discussion over proposed amendments Directions and script provided 
  • Committees will vote on which bills will be recommended to the floor and which will die in committee
  • Committee Chairs report results to Speaker markup sheets will be stapled to bill 
  • Speaker will create floor debate calendar in preparation for debate.

  HW: Read Robert's Rules of Order and familiarize yourself with the structure for the floor debate. Read over bills passed through committee in preparation for floor debate AND complete the Pre-Floor Debate section of your Floor Debate Voting Log.   

  
  

  Day 3: Floor Debate and voting January 4, 2018 

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    Due: Complete Bill Log, Read Robert's Rule of Order and Dress Professional! 

    • Utilize handout on Robert's Rule of Order to follow parliamentary procedures
    • Speaker will provide agenda for the floor debate
    • Sponsor of bill will introduce it to the floor
    • Members of Congress will keep a voting log
    • Votes will be cast for each bill debated

    Day 4: Floor Debate and Voting, Override Presidential Veto & Wrap-up  January 5, 2018 

    • Due: Dress Professional! 

      
      

      • Continuation of Yesterday

      
      

    • • Same procedures for the floor debate and voting will continue until completed
      • Bills passed will then be sent to the White House for the president (staff member) to be signed. If the president signs the bill it is turned into law. If the president vetoes the bill, the House will have an opportunity to override the veto with a 2/3 vote.
      • Students will write a reflection on their experience during the mock congress project
      • Discuss party polarization causes and effects

      HW: Complete Voting Log and turn in