Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 34 Virginia Government Simulation By JACKSON MALLORY To see a group of well-rounded college students at the Virginia State Capitol is not a peculiar sight in Richmond. However, witnessing students debate real-life legislation in the House of Delegates chamber is quite unusual. Yet, during the Virginia Government Simulation in 2024, such an occurrence took place. TheVirginia Government Simulation, or VGS for short, is an intercollegiate legislature program that allows students from any higher education institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia to draft and debate legislation, network with legislators, and emulate every branch of state government. Currently, VGS boasts positions for a House of Delegates, Governor, and Lt. Governors, as well as a Journalism program. The program originated with a call from a professor teaching Political Science at Radford University. Dr. Chapman Rackaway, Chair of his Political Science Department, suggested the concept to Dr. Amanda Wintersieck of Virginia Commonwealth University, who was recently elected Director of the Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism (IDEP). The Institute aims to "increase trust between individuals and within our institutions at the state and federal level," Wintersieck said. As such, the Institute employed an undergraduate Senior Research Fellow—yours truly—to assist the two professors in researching and developing the brand-new simulation. Although development ran smoothly, the team hit a roadblock when it came to funding. While VGS was projected to be incredibly successful, "a program like this is very costly to run," Wintersieck said. Despite the financial complications, she promised "to keep the program affordable," which was made possible through the contributions of VCU alumni and other donors. Even with these setbacks, the Inaugural Virginia Simulation was a significant success. Forty-five students convened in Virginia's capital from all corners of the Commonwealth, spanning Northern Virginia's George Mason University to Tidewater's Hampton University, and even as far as Radford University, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. These goal-oriented students engaged in numerous activities, from fiery debates to hosting committee meetings during their lunch break. Unlike most government simulations, VGS is dedicated to realism, immersing students in a simulation almost identical to the modernday Virginia state legislature. The Inaugural Virginia Government Simulation took place within the prestigious walls of the House of Delegates chamber, with participants taking on the role of a Delegate and receiving party assignments at random. They then deliberated to democratically elect their Majority and Minority leaders, along with party whips. Following the elections, floor debate began. While in the chamber, participants juggled debates under time constraints, made countless motions, and voted on all legislation presented. All legislation debated during the simulation was selected by staff via actual bills introduced by the General Assembly. Future simulations, however, will draw from legislation created by students. Thanks to support from Jay Pearson and the House of Delegates Clerk's office, the simulation was a success. The program even caught the eye of one Virginia Representative, the Honorable Delegate Betsy Carr of House District 78, who attended the event as a guest speaker and voiced support, calling it "a very effective venue for students to become introduced to state government." Other guest speakers included VPAP Executive Director Chris Piper and Bill Leighty, former Chief of Staff to Governors Warner and Kaine. The Virginia Government Simulation started as a small-scale operation with big aspirations, but there is no doubt that this program will continue to expand. Looking ahead, “we want to include a lobbying arm and judicial branch,” Wintersieck said. The Institute, in collaboration with Dr. Rackaway, will also work to include more higher education institutions and introduce the Senate as a crucial component of the program. As VGS allows students to honor historic traditions first-hand, it also helps them lay new foundations for the future Learn more here: https://idep.vcu.edu/va-government-simulation/ Jackson Mallory is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Political Science, with a minor in Spanish. He is a former intern at David Bailey Associates. VCU student participants meet in the House chamber. V
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