Overview of HMC Programs
> Guide to Congress 2012
HMC staff and delegates are organized into three programs: the House of Representatives, the Senate, and Special Programs. These three programs are each directed by the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, and the Director of Special Programs, respectively. The House and Senate are each comprised of 12 committees. At Harvard Model Congress, congressional delegates participate in four committee sessions where they will draft legislation during informal caucuses, and discuss, amend, and vote on bills during formal debate. Committee sessions allow students to experience both the thrill and occasional disappointment of creating laws. Each committee is coordinated by three Harvard undergraduates—a Chair and two Vice Chairs. Bills that pass in an individual committee are put on the Full Session docket. During Full House Session and the Full Senate Session, the two chambers must collectively pass bills from their respective dockets in order for the bills to reach the president’s desk for his signature or veto.
While delegates to the Senate and House have a direct hand in drafting legislation and moving it to the president’s desk, delegates participating in one of HMC’s many Special Programs play an equally important role in the governing process. Delegates in our Special Programs committees play a number of roles, whether it is passing down legal judgments as a member of the Supreme or District Courts, briefing the president on how to approach global terrorism as an advisor on the National Security Council, influencing a senator’s vote as a lobbyist, or uncovering hidden congressional news as a member of the media. Delegates in Special Program committees will have a wide variety of avenues to affect change in the legislative process and will learn how to balance their own prerogatives with the legislative agenda. Together, the congressional and Special Programs committees provide a comprehensive and engaging simulation of the function and processes of American government.
After much success at HMC 2011, this year, delegates again will be responsible for anticipating the long-term implications of their legislation and actions. Through the implementation of “Conference Time,” each passing day will signify a time lapse of three months. In this way, the conference will simulate the passage of a whole year over the course of the weekend. With the help of HMC Media, delegates will have to follow the development of events throughout the year that passes during “Conference Time.” By consulting printed pamphlets and the HMC Media blog, delegates will stay apprised of the events and votes taking place in other committees. We are very excited to continue this aspect of the program and hope that you will join us in celebrating this latest step in HMC innovation.
The information included on this page is merely an introduction. Please use the committee webpages to better acquaint yourself with the 35 HMC committees offered at this year’s conference. Each of the committee pages includes links to important briefing materials that will be crucial to your pre-conference preparation. Please also take the time to read the Guide to Congress 2012 or the guide for your committee. The more preparation you put into your role, the more engaging and interesting you will find the conference. So, good luck with your preparations, and please do not hesitate to get in touch with us should you have any questions or concerns.
We cannot wait to host you in February!