Title: Congressional Simulation and Policy Debate
Synopsis:
In today’s class, we engaged in a congressional simulation to refine a bill focused on aid to Ukraine and border security. Students assumed the roles of senators, debated amendments, and aimed to align the bill with their characters’ stances. The objective was to understand the legislative process, the importance of role-play in grasping political dynamics, and the art of persuasive argumentation in policy-making.
Attendance:
– Absent: Fatima Kakkar, Amira, Hafaza, Sameer (notified absence due to sickness), Fossa (Kevin McCarthy not specified)
– Total Number of Students Mentioned Absent: 5
Topics Covered:
1. Congressional Simulation Introduction
– Recap of previous progress
– Reminder of roles and objectives
2. Review of the Bill
– Accessing the bill’s PDF on e-course
– Role reassignment due to absences
3. Amendment Proposals and Debate
– Discussion of potential changes to the bill based on character alignment
– Individual student presentations of proposed amendments
4. Voting on Amendments
– Majority voting on proposed changes
– Recording of amendments that passed or failed
5. Preparation for Final Vote
– Instruction to review readings for next class
– Announcement of final vote to take place in the next session
Actionable Items:
1. Role Reassignment – Assign roles to students who were absent in the previous class or newly assigned.
2. Amendment Submission – Students to submit their proposed amendments in the telegram group for clarity.
3. Reading Assignments – Ensure students are up to date with the readings for the next class (Scott and Rosati, Stephen Walt).
Homework:
– Read two chapters in Scott and Rosati, the textbook.
– Read one short chapter from Stephen Walt (to be available on e-course tonight).
– Be prepared for the final vote on the bill in the next class session.