Today’s Vote in the Classroom-Climate Change

The Today’s Vote in the Classroom program is a legislative simulation based on the Today’s Vote
program that is delivered onsite at the Kennedy Institute. Today’s Vote in the Classroom asks
students to:
• Take on the role of a lawmaker
• Work together to discuss a bill recently considered by the U.S. Senate
• Conduct a Senate debate that presents arguments in support of or against the
legislation
• Cast their vote on the bill
The program encourages students to think about representation in a democracy and examine
important legislative issues within the structure of a Senate debate. The use of role play and
Senate rules of decorum set the stage for deliberation. The companion bill-building activity will help introduce students to the legislative topic.