Purpose

Princeton Model Congress strives to encourage lifelong responsible citizenship through studying public issues, writing legislation, and debating public policy in the nation's capital. Established twenty-three years ago, Princeton Model Congress promotes these goals by providing high school students with the unique opportunity to participate in simulated legislative sessions modeled after the United States Congress. For four days, students become the nation's elected leaders, discussing foreign and domestic policy questions and drafting legislation to address contemporary issues. Delegates learn to express their own views on the challenges currently facing our nation. Princeton Model Congress is designed to help the youth of today become the responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

Preparation

Preparation prior to the conference is essential to ensure productive discussion and debate in Washington. We focus on two areas in particular: individual policy research and the study of parliamentary procedure.

Conference Organization

Princeton Model Congress is designed to help participants develop expertise in a specific legislative area by requiring prior research and active debate on bills and resolutions. The conference is organized into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch is represented by three independently functioning Congresses, comprising of its own House of Representatives, Senate, and individual committees. The executive branch consists of a model Cabinet led by an elected President. The judicial branch is represented by a model Supreme Court. In addition, student reporters in the Princeton Model Congress Press Corps report on legislative activity, general governmental developments, and national news.

Committees contain approximately twenty students and specialize in a general legislative area. This creates a forum for small groups of students to work closely together on a focused range of well-researched issues.

House and Senate assemblies are each composed of eight committees, of roughly twenty students each. These general bodies debate and vote on legislation passed by the student committees. For increased efficiency, bills need only be passed by one main assembly before being forwarded to the President for executive review. Bills signed by the President become Model Congress "law."

In recognition of participation and achievement, committee chairs will present gavel awards upon students' committee and full session performances. Honorable mention certificates and certificates of participation are also awarded. In addition, awards will be presented to the three most outstanding delegations.

The 2006 Princeton Model Congress conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, situated in the very centre of Washington.  Many major attractions, such as the Smithsonian museums, the National Art Gallery, the National Mall and Ford's Theater, are easily accessible within walking distance.

Web Registration

The Online Registration Wizard is the first step in registering for the conference. It puts you on our contact list and lets us know your school is interested.

The following is a tentative schedule for the 2006 Princeton Model Congress:

Important Dates

To register for the 2006 Princeton Model Congress, the following materials must reach PMC by the dates below:

October 4: Confirmation

• Delegation Confirmation Form (mail)
• Delegation Fee (mail)

October 11: Delegate Registration

• Delegate Registration Forms (mail)
• Delegate Fees (mail)
• Special Programs Applications (mail)

October 18: Finalize Assignments

Program Costs

Conference Fees
The tentative fees for the 2005 Princeton Model Congress are:

• $110 per delegation bringing 15 or fewer students
• $160 per delegation bringing 16-20 students
• $210 per delegation bringing 21-25 students
• $260 per delegation bringing 26-30 students

There is no fee for advisors.

Charges for students are $80 per participant.

Hotel Costs
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill.

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Ave NW
Washington DC 20001

(202) 737-1234
(202) 719-8457 (FAX)

Room prices, provided to PMC at a special rate, are:

$144.00 for Single and Double

$164.00 for Triple and Quad

All students must be accompanied by an adult faculty advisor. No school may bring more than 30 students. Student assignments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.