Mock Congress in American Government Class
Source/Author: Ron Heller, US History Teacher
December 16, 2021
As an end of term project, Shorecrest Upper School’s American Government class held a mock House of Representatives Session as laid out by the Bill of Rights Institute. Students wrote bills, introduced bills, debated and discussed bills in committees, voted, and practiced overriding vetoes. In this way, students learned the process of how a bill does or does not become a law.
Each student was responsible for developing their own bill including its purpose, the appropriations that would be involved, and any penalties that would be incurred.
Different students were selected to be Speaker, Committee Chairman, Party Leaders, Majority and Minority Whips. The make-up of the committee was representative of the present balance of power in Congress. Each student presented their bill to the Committee followed by witness testimony (if applicable), a Q&A period, and a Markup session by party caucus for any amendments.
The bills students presented ranged from animal exploitation, reproductive rights, ocean trawling and recitation of "The Pledge of Allegiance" in classrooms, to name a few. A spirit of compromise prevailed as all bills passed -- but with many amendments added.
Through this experience the Chargers gained a better understanding of how the House of Representatives functions and better appreciation for the challenges faced by Legislators.
Through this experience the Chargers gained a better understanding of how the House of Representatives functions and better appreciation for the challenges faced by Legislators.
