The House Will Come to Order

In February, following extensive study of Congress, St. Pius X seniors in Government classes participated in the 23rd Student Congress, a two week simulation of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Each student wrote a detailed, unique legislative bill on a topic of their choosing, and was a full voting member.

They split up into Republicans and Democrats in a random process to mirror the proportions in the real House.  Party members then elected their leaders, including a Speaker, and many served as Committee Chairs or Clerks. Each “Representative” served on a committee, gathered information in a hearing held on each bill, testified for or against bills, and determined if the bill should go forward and in what form, discussing and crafting amendments at their discretion.  

Bills that survived the committee screen were reported to the full chamber for floor debate and voting. The Congress concluded with the veto and override process. Throughout the project, students engaged in reflective inquiry, conducted passionate but always civil discourse, employing and improving written and verbal communication, debate/argumentation, decision-making and leadership skills.  Students reported overwhelmingly that their understanding of Congress was much improved through their participation.