The 7^th Annual Bridgewater State University

Model United States Senate for High School Students

8:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.

Friday, March 25, 2011

 

The Bridgewater State University Model Senate is an exciting event during which high school students from Massachusetts simulate the legislative process of the United States Senate. As part of a service learning component of a course on the U.S. Senate offered by the Political Science Department, high school students will be educated about senate procedure, policy, and power.  During the preparation stages as well as during the event, students will be closely assisted by Bridgewater State University students and faculty. 

High school students will be expected to select a senator from the U.S. Senate who they would like to role-play.  Students will debate and modify bills, treaties, and presidential nominations during committee proceedings and floor sessions; each committee will also have the opportunity to question an expert witness who is testifying on proposed legislation.  Students will also participate in party caucuses.  Finally, a national emergency will be sprung on senators at some point during the event, and they will be expected to address it as they deem appropriate.  Riddick's Rules of Senate procedure will be followed at all times, and a BSU faculty member or student will serve as the Senate parliamentarian.

The conference is intended to provide delegates with an opportunity to develop leadership skills in a legislative/policy-making setting, with an emphasis on critical thinking and oral communication. Having been immersed in the senatorial experience, students will leave the event with a clearer understanding of the intricacies of the legislative process.  BSU students and faculty will evaluate and assess the quality of each senator's participation, and awards will be issued to the ten best senators and to the student who submits the best original bill.  Students will interact with an actual legislator from either the state legislature or the U.S. Congress at lunch-during which the legislator will provide a keynote address.

If you believe this would provide an exciting opportunity to learn in an experiential manner about the governmental process in the United States, then register today.  Let us know two or three senators who you would like to role play, and we will do our best to make sure that you get your top choice.  Then prepare to work with BSU faculty and students to learn about the United States Senate and to have a good time along the way!

 

Why participating in Model Senate is a GOOD IDEA!

 

●    Opportunity to work with college undergraduates, faculty, and leading public officials

●  Chance to role-play your favorite Senator and learn about Senate procedure

●  Improve your public speaking and argumentative skills in a non-threatening environment

●  Learn more about the views of political parties and prominent issues affecting our country

●  Develop an appreciation of the difficulties that are inherently part of the governing process in any democratic policy

●  Enhance college applications and scholarship portfolios

●  Interact with other Massachusetts high school students who are interested in government and public affairs

 

 

Registration and Contact Information

 

The Model Senate is open to all Massachusetts high school students.  The registration fee is $20.00 per student. This includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and an ice cream social and awards celebration at the conclusion of the event on Friday afternoon.  The registration deadline is Wednesday, March 23, 2011 (although we strongly encourage students to register as early as possible).  To pre-register, go to the online registration form at: www.bridgew.edu/cls/HSModelForm.htm.  A group registration form can be found at:  www.bridgew.edu/cls/HSModelSenateGroupRegistration.doc.  To complete the registration process, please send a check for $20 per participant payable to: "BSU Center for Legislative Studies" to the following address:

Dr. Mark Kemper

Center for Legislative Studies

Political Science Department

180 Summer Street House

Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, MA 02325

 

For more information on the model senate program, please contact Professor Kemper by either phone or email.  We encourage you to also visit the Center for Legislative Studies' website to learn more about the model senate event.

Phone:  508.531.2796

Email:  mkemper@bridgew.edu

www.bridgew.edu/CLS/modelsenate.cfm

 

 

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Schedule of Events

All Events in the Rondileau Campus Center

Bridgewater State University

 

 

8:00 - 8:30                 Sign-in and Continental Breakfast

                                    (Large Ballroom)

 

8:30 - 8:45                 Introduction and Welcome

                                    (Large Ballroom)

 

8:45 - 9:15                 Party Caucuses

                                    (Democrats:  Council Chambers)

                                    (Republicans:  Large Ballroom)

 

9:15 - 10:45              Committee Hearings (with witness)

                                    (Committee One: Plymouth County)

                                    (Committee Two: Crimson and White)

                                    (Committee Three: Council Chambers)

                                    (Committee Four: Green Room)

 

10:45 - 12:00            Floor Session

                                    (Large Ballroom)

 

12:00 - 1:15              Lunch and Keynote Address

                                     to be announced

                                    (Small Ballroom)

 

1:15 - 1:30                 Party Caucuses

                                    (Democrats:  Council Chambers)

                                    (Republicans:  Large Ballroom)

 

1:30 - 3:00                 Committee Hearings (with witness)

                                    (Committee One: Plymouth County)

                                    (Committee Two:  Crimson and White)

                                    (Committee Three: Council Chambers)

                                    (Committee Four: Green Room)

 

3:00 - 3:15                 Party Caucuses

                                    (Democrats:  Council Chambers)

                                    (Republicans:  Large Ballroom)

 

3:15 - 5:00                 Floor Session

                                    (Large Ballroom)

 

5:00 - 5:30                 Ice Cream Social / Awards Presentation

                                    (Small Ballroom)