EIU Department of Political Science

Government Simulations at EIU

The EIU Political Science Department supports three government simulation teams, which are excellent ways to apply your skills and grow your professional network--Model Illinois Government, Moot Court, and Model United Nations. Students can also earn academic credit for participating in Model Illinois Government and Moot Court.

Model Illinois Government: Students prepare for a simulation that takes place each March in Springfield, using the same facilities of our state government officials. Students play key state policy-making roles such as State Representatives, State Senators and Executive Branch leaders, or students take on roles as lobbyists and journalists. Interested students are urged to contact Dr. Jeffrey Ashley at jsashley@eiu.edu.

Moot Court: Students work as teams of attorneys preparing to make arguments at the appellate court level, with these arguments requiring not only intellectual and verbal dexterity but also knowledge of actual federal and state level court opinions. Eastern participates as a member of the American Collegiate Moot Court Association. Students participate in fall competitions and the spring Model Illinois Government Moot Court competition. Interested students are urged to contact Dr. Karen Swenson at kbswenson@eiu.edu. 

Model United Nations: Students take on the role of global and diplomatic leaders in a range of Model UN simulations. Sometimes teams of students represent different countries, or in some cases, individual world leaders. Students typically participate in one simulation each semester. Interested students should contact Dr. Paul Danyi at pddanyi@eiu.edu.