Indiana University Foundation
Virtual Congress will be an online game to teach young people about representative democracy in an innovative way and help them understand their role as citizens.
In conventional computer simulations, the main moves are basically programmed at the outset. The latest role-play games, however, have enormous flexibility and allow players to develop their own identities, devise their own strategies and make their own decisions about what happens in their virtual world.
In this game, the world will be Congress, and the ultimate goal, passing a bill.
Students from across the country will fill the 535 seats in Congress, and others will participate as constituents, journalists, lobbyists and staffers. Players will engage in the many activities that lead up to a bill becoming a law. Senators and representatives will hear from constituents, committees will discuss bills, journalists will report on legislative activity, and interest groups will seek to affect the outcome.
Students will learn the nuts and bolts of the legislative process and also learn some of the skills needed to be a successful legislator, such as working out compromises among multiple viewpoints and various versions of bills.
For more information visit the Center on Congress at Indiana University.
- Legal Name:
- Indiana University Foundation
- Project Name:
- Virtual Congress
- Location:
- Bloomington, IN
- Amount:
- $500,000
- Award Date:
- Jun 13, 2007
For the development of an online "virtual congress" game that would teach young people about representative democracy in an innovative way and help them to understand their role as citizens.
Wayne Vance
Assistant to the Director
Phone Number: 812-856-4708
wvance@indiana.edu