What I learned

I learned several key things from our simulation of the United States Senate. Before we conducted this simulation I had no idea the amount of power the minority party in the Senate still holds. The Minority Party can with just 41 votes hold up all legislation unless something can be done to sway the minority party to support it. In addition, I never knew how much power the whips in both parties have. They effectively control their respective caucuses and are responsible for generating vote counts. This is a role I always thought fell to the Majority/Minority Leaders. The most disappointing conclusion I reached after our simulation of the Senate was how often Senators vote based on whether it is good politics, rather than the merits of the bill. They care more about reelection and fundraising than proper governance. That is chief and worst conclusion.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/02/01/why-the-house-gop-immigration-plan-is-more-political-sweet-spot-than-wasteland/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/02/01/why-the-house-gop-immigration-plan-is-more-political-sweet-spot-than-wasteland/
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/congressional/Yes_Nancy_Pelosi_Congress_has_a_revolving_door.html