1. Simulation Orientation Introduction of the Players Role Assignments and Responsibilities  Legislators  Executive Branch  Media Storylines and General Considerations A Typical Simulation Session The Legislative Process: A Brief Refresher How to…. Group Meetings Discussion with Simulation Alumni

2. Role Assignments and Responsibilities Legislators  Consider bills referred to your committee and floor.  Strategize with party members in your own and other house  Introduce your own bill(s) and pursue your own political and policy agenda Executive Branch  Pursue the President’s legislative and budget agenda.  Lobby members of Congress in support of that agenda.  Respond to domestic and international events Media  Cover the simulation through observation and interviews.  Report on the events of the simulation at each session.

3. Storylines and General Considerations Storylines  Budget  President’s Legislative Agenda  International and Domestic Events Outside these storylines the direction of the simulation is entirely in your hands! General considerations  Divided Government  House or Senate  Majority or Minority Party Member

4. Assessing Your Simulation Performance Written Assignments  Role Analysis  Legislative Analysis Worksheet  Simulation Journals  Mid-Simulation Assessment  Final Simulation Analysis In-Class Simulation Performance Peer Evaluations

5. A Typical Simulation Session Before the Simulation Begins  Drop off your written assignment  Pick up a legislative activity report and your correspondence  Find your assigned seat Report from Estorian Press Conferences Simulation Deliberations  Legislators meet with Committees or in Full Session  Executive branch meets together  Media begins covering events Committee Chairs and House/Senate Leaders Submit Legislative Reports

7. How To… Hold a press conference Work with/influence the media Introduce a bill/issue an executive order Consider a piece of legislation in committee Consider a bill on the floor Filibuster (Senate) Get a bill out of a committee without a vote (House)

8. Group Work Legislative  Go over first twenty bills referred to committee  Identify each party’s likely views on the bills  Introduce yourself to allies in opposing house’s committee Executive Branch  Develop your legislative agenda  Write/assign sections of SOTU speech  Introduce yourself to relevant leadership in your field Media  Observe committee meetings  Review legislation being considered in House/Senate