Two weeks ago, the annual Princeton Model Congress (PMC) concluded, leaving hundreds of students buzzing with ideas, connections, memories, and plans for the future.
Picture this: a hotel filled with students from across the country (and even a few international participants), all dressed in crisp business formal attire, debating, collaborating, and stepping into roles as senators, representatives, Supreme Court justices, and cabinet members. For a weekend, we weren’t just students; we were lawmakers, problem-solvers, and visionaries working to shape the future—albeit in a simulated Congress.

Image Credit: Ava Greenwald
Here the Cabinet Committe is in active session coming up with executive orders
What exactly is PMC, you might ask? It’s more than just a simulation of the U.S. government; it’s a dynamic experience that brings together ambitious students to draft bills, debate policies, and immerse themselves in the legislative process. But beyond the debates and legislation, PMC is about the people and the energy that transforms the event into something unforgettable.
To understand what makes PMC such a transformative experience, let’s first look at how it works.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)What is Princeton Model Congress?
Princeton Model Congress (PMC) is the oldest Model Congress in America. It is a simulation of the U.S. government, featuring roles such as senators, House of Representatives members, Supreme Court justices, cabinet members, and even a president. Upon applying, students select which “committee” they would like to join. Each congressman—or rather, “delegate,” as they’re referred to at PMC—must introduce a bill they hope to pass into law.
The process begins with a structured debate where delegates take a stance, speaking either in support of or opposition to the bill. There is also the option to propose amendments—specific changes to the bill that require their own debates. Finally, the committee votes on whether the bill will pass; a majority vote is required. After passing in smaller committees, successful bills move to “full sessions,” where several committees combine, and delegates have another opportunity to advocate for their legislation.
Another way to participate is through acceptance into a special committee. Students can apply and be chosen for unique roles such as running for PMC president, which involves giving a speech before all participants and running a campaign. Cabinet members take over specific departments, passing executive orders and tackling simulated national crises. Supreme Court justices review landmark cases, decide the constitutionality of various issues, and receive bills passed through full committee sessions.

Image Credit: Ava Greenwald
A student from my delegation who was selected to run for President
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The Experience
Aside from the conference essentially being a competition, each committee has three awards: “Best Delegate” and two honorable mentions. The event serves as an incredible way to gain knowledge, work on public speaking and debate skills, and form lasting bonds with students from across the country. Everyone stays in the same hotel, which is really exciting.
In the morning, there’s a buzz of energy as everyone is dressed in formal business attire, and at night, it’s funny to see everyone transform back into the “regular teenagers” that we are. The PMC dress code really helps students get into the mindset of their “character,” making the simulation feel all the more real.
You step into this experience and take part in something truly electrifying. On an average school day, it’s easy to feel lost or as if you’re just going through the motions of things that might seem arbitrary. Subjects like math and English can become repetitive, but leaving school to participate in an event that challenges you to bring all your skills together in a completely different environment is incredibly stimulating.
It fuels you with a sense of urgency to rise to the level of other students and become an active participant in the process. However, there’s no single way to excel at PMC. You don’t have to be "book smart" to succeed; there are all types of students who each use different methods to convey their ideas, which is enlightening to witness. It’s exciting to dress up, walk into a session, and feel important.
This year, I was in the Cabinet Committee as the Secretary of Education. It was so cool to feel the responsibility of managing something as impactful as the American education system. I felt a genuine urgency to advocate for my position, and for four days, I truly stepped into the role.

Image Credit: Ava Greenwald
Me (author) in Session reading over an executive order passed in PMC
The sessions, while serious, are also incredibly fun. When passing legislation, the bills—though drafted professionally—often cover controversial or exciting topics. A personal favorite this year was the "Communist Manifesto" bill, which was amended to propose that all companies making over $100 million in market shares be taken over by the government.
It was crazy, ridiculous, and so much fun to debate. Both years I’ve attended PMC, students attempted to impeach the president, which was an amusing spectacle to watch.
On Saturday night, PMC also hosts a “Delegate Dance,” which is an informal party for all the students. It’s so much fun, with people showing up in themes representing their delegations—some transforming their PMC outfits into "Men in Black" costumes, pirates with ties tied around their heads, or matching onesies. It’s a great way to let loose and remind ourselves that we’re young and having fun, even while engaging in something intellectual and meaningful.
The Benefits of PMC

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PMC gives you the opportunity to step out of everything you may have known before. Every year is a unique experience that cannot be replicated. The bills, the people, and the conversations are distinct to each year, each delegation, and each committee, making the event truly special. PMC forms a community of thinkers, legislation drafters, collaborators, and the next generation of leaders in U.S. politics and beyond.
You can’t fully grasp the feeling of a PMC session until you experience it firsthand. The benefits are extraordinary. Not only will you enhance your public speaking, debate, writing, and research skills, but you’ll also learn to open your mind and see things from multiple perspectives.
You’ll debate ideas you never thought you’d consider and hear from students advocating for change in their individual communities. Ultimately, you’ll leave with a stronger sense of connection and collaboration, coming together with peers in a shared mission to make a difference.