University of Washington - Tyee Yearbook (Seattle, WA)

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Model Congress 101 . . . Southern Senators . . . played roles to hilt 14 Senate floor . . . friendly persuasion

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ISTOP ■ U6LY B -WAR Parents ' Weekend. May 14-16, 1965. got off to a sunny start with Governor ' s Day. Signs of a changing world were visible as protest marchers carried plac- ards proclaiming war on poverty, not on people, and a rude make-shift band disnipted the well-planned efforts of the Naval ROTC band. Governor Daniel J. Evans was on hand to review the var- ious ROTC units as they went through their paces and received awards. Spec- tators were treated to the first Gover- nor ' s Day appearance of a new special battalion unit. Parents were provided the opportunity of touring the campus by bus. The de- partments of Architecture, Fisheries, Political Science and Medical Engineer- ing held open house for the touring parents. A discussion of Student Free- dom: A Changing Viewpoint, started the round of events on Saturday. At noon President Charles E. Odegaard spoke to a sell-out luncheon of parents, students and faculty. For those who tired of discussion, there were crew races, a tennis tournament and a football scrimmage to provide vis- ual excitement. Another eye catcher. Aqua Fantasies, was presented by Silver Fish and Husky Swim Club, and the tra- ditional Songfest was held in Mcany Auditorium. On Stage, University of Washington, provided parents with a glimpse of campus groups and selecti ons from the best productions of the year.

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Introduction to Practical Politics ST Al Pick . . . one of the many participants Gary Little . . . the organizer Minjcl Congress 1965 was an unprccc- JcniL ' d experiment in the political edu- cation of University students. In a seri- ous and realistic manner. Gary l.iltle. chairman of the steering committee and Speaker of the House of Representatives, led a hard core of some 250 imitation politicians in taking advantage of an op- portunity to gain a better understanding of the national legislative process. During tiic four-day session. May 17-20. delegates in the senate were to carry out the voting record and political beliefs of ihc senator the represented. House Representatives would reflect ideas of an assigned district and party. Before the Model Congress was over, there were contlicts between the opinions of indivi- dual students and those of the politicians they represented. In other instances, senators, such as those from Mississippi, played their roles to the hilt. In spite of any role-playing inconsisten- cies, the Model Congress passed as many important laws as an actual Congress couki in a six-month session. Floor tights, lilibusters and compromise paved the way in creating an excitement which rivaled that of the Mock Political Con- ention the year before. A complete awareness of actual bills before Congress was necessary as bills such as those on economic aid to Ap- palachia. Medicare and voting rights were debated on and passed. Others, after due consideration, failed. The steering comniiilcc. which organized and made arrangements for the Model Congress, was chielU responsible for the success of the event in which about 1500 students participated. Ihc idea, which had been given impetus by ASUW President Mike Stansbury, support by the political science department and leadership by Gary Little, resulted in the expression of opinions by interested stu- dents and experience in practical politics. Doug Robinson . . . majority leader of the Senate. 15