Playing Politics: Utilizing Simulations to Expose Students to the Factors that Shape Congressional Decision Making

• In Event: Teaching with Simulations in American Government and Public Policy

Brief Overview

We present a simulation that allows students to act as members of Congress on an ad hoc House committee addressing a salient issue. Students experience the pressures members face including public support, group pressure, and party politics.

Authors

• Kellee J. Kirkpatrick, Idaho State University

• James W. Stoutenborough, Idaho State University