Every Tuesday evening, tucked away on the second floor of University Hall, a group of University of Illinois Springfield students gathers to debate, deliberate, and develop leadership skills through Model Illinois Government (MIG).
Part classroom, part simulation, and part community, MIG gives students a hands-on look at how the Illinois General Assembly operates: from parliamentary procedure to bipartisan cooperation. The organization splits members into two parties, Republican and Democrat, roughly mirroring the actual balance in the state legislature. Students then debate real legislative topics, learning the rules of formal debate and political negotiation along the way.
“Basically, we come together and role-play the Illinois government,” said Samuel Moore, a first-year MBA student. “We simulate the House and Senate chambers. The goal is to really get students and young members of Illinois society into what it’s like to be a politician: to lead, to represent constituents, and to make decisions that affect others.”
While some members see MIG as a first step toward a future in public service, others join simply to improve their communication and critical thinking skills. Meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order, complete with caucuses, structured debate, and final votes, giving students a realistic experience of how government functions.
“Especially now, in the political climate, I think it’s really good for young people to get involved and to speak their mind,” said Ko’u Hopkins, a junior majoring in Global Studies and serving as the Democrats’ majority leader for the evening. “Here, it’s really safe. People can share, explore, and even hear new sides of a story.”
Hopkins said one of MIG’s most rewarding aspects is its structure, which rotates roles so members must sometimes argue positions they may not personally hold.
“We look past political parties,” Hopkins said. “We see each other and support one another.”
Beyond the UIS campus, Model Illinois Government culminates each spring when student delegations from universities across the state gather at the Illinois State Capitol to participate in a full-scale legislative simulation. UIS’s chapter is already preparing for the 2026 statewide conference, where members will represent their campus on the House and Senate floors.
Students interested in joining or learning more about Model Illinois Government can visit the organization’s UIS webpage for details on meetings and upcoming events.
