Policymaking Simulations

Policymaking Simulations put you in your elected officials’ shoes by simulating the process they go through in making policy decisions – getting briefed, hearing arguments, coming to decisions – using an online instrument called a “policymaking simulation.” VOP has worked with the Program for Public Consultation to develop simulations on the following issues. Give one a try!

CREATING A FEDERAL BUDGET FOR FY2020

  • Setting Discretionary Spending Levels
  • Making Changes to Existing Tax Rates
  • New Taxes

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM

  • Options for reducing the shortfall
  • Raising benefits for some populations
  • Changing the way that cost of living adjustments are made

ADDRESSING THE MEDICARE SHORTFALL

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

  • Introduction to International Trade
  • Unemployment Benefits
  • Labor & Environmental Standards
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance
  • Job Training Programs
  • US Tariffs on China
  • Steel & Aluminum Tariffs
  • World Trade Organization

IMMIGRATION

SENTENCING REFORM

HEALTH CARE

GOVERNMENT REFORM

  • Campaign Finance Reform
    • Encouraging Small Donors
    • Constitutional Amendment Limiting Campaign Contributions (Citizens United)
    • Restricting Direct Fundraising by Members of Congress
    • Increasing Disclosure of Political Donations
    • Public Funding of Presidential Campaigns

FEDERAL POVERTY PROGRAMS

NUCLEAR WEAPONS POLICY

  • Arms Control Treaties with Russia
  • New START Treaty
  • INF Treaty
  • Minimum Retaliatory Capability
  • First Use of Nuclear Weapons
  • Land-Based Missiles
  • Nuclear Testing
  • Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons

NET NEUTRALITY

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE REFORM