Had a thought today. Many US Government or Civics teachers use the idea of a "Mock Congress" as an engaging way to teach how the Legislative branch of government works. There are many forms of this activity but most depend on the size of the classes and the kind of facilities available. Not to be confused with any large scale event like a Model UN or some sort of Boys/Girls State, the Mock Congress is for 1-3 classes to role-play how Congress works.
To do this effectively you need to have students play the role of the House of Representatives, Senators, and then the VP, Party leaders, and perhaps a Seargent of Arms, or even some members of the media. The whole purpose of this effort is so that students can form committees and create, debate, and try to pass bills into law. As things develop, many of the fine points of the process emerge. Students try to compromise, re-write, and struggle to actually get something passed.
Naturally competitive, students usually get into the process. Add to this the role-playing of political figures, you have the makings of an engaging, worthwhile learning activity.
It follows that I became enthralled with the notion of what would this be like today given the political realities and division so prominent in the US Congress today. We'd certainly get all manner of Stimulus bills, but what other necessary legislation would cross their desks. I might add here that actually writing a bill is a great exercise in critical thinking and the use and power of language.
I haven't done this in a classroom for upwards of 15 years now. Back then bills that legalized marijuana were big. But students also tried to produce legislation that applied to every facet of their political ideology. Today, we might get bills that attempt to deal with student loan debt, minimum wage, and auto safety. But stalwart issues like the death penalty and abortion would certainly make their presence felt.
And then there is the matter of students assuming the roles of the most fragrant and unpopular, respected and ethical politicos that inhabit the Capitol building today. That might be the best part.
Initially, I thought that this would be something I might like to avoid. But in reconsidering and looking at all the skills and objectives involved, I've changed my mind. Most welcome would be the actual act of engaging another person or persons in a verbal exchange of ideas. Kids today need role models who do not interrupt each other and who can keep a civil tone. I think I'd tell them about Kelly.
Kelly was a young African-American man that was once in one of my classes. He fancied himself a preacher and had the voice and disposition to back it up. But he also had another quality. After the more emotional students would share their ideas on a given subject, Kelly would finally raise his hand to speak. Then, very calmly, he'd preface his remarks by saying very slowly... "Well, here's what I think..." What would follow is a well-reasoned response detailing his ideas and with whom he agreed and disagreed. It was a thing of beauty. Something we can't legislate but something that would definitely benefit the US Congress.
Comments