The Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism at Virginia Commonwealth University proudly presents the Virginia Government Simulation.
Established in 2024, the VGS provides undergraduate students from across the commonwealth the opportunity to live the life of a lawmaker during a three-day simulation each fall.
Students play the role of Virginia legislators, are expected to research their partisanship and positions, elect party leadership, propose laws, review and amend offered bills, debate, engage in floor action, and send passed legislation on to an internally-elected Governor.
The VGS provides a unique opportunity to meet students from across the state, as well as from different backgrounds and majors. Learning about the role that government plays in our everyday lives is essential to understanding governmental structures and provides knowledge on how to engage with government at the local and state levels. The simulation experience for many students is a transformative one, where they developed skills of communication, compromise, argument based on evidence, logical fallacies and how to discuss the problems that state and local governments face.
Who Can Participate?
Students from any university, college, or community college in Virginia are eligible to participate in VGS. For more information, please contact Dr. Amanda Wintersieck, Director of IDEP, at wintersieal@vcu.edu.
What is VGS?
The VGS offers undergraduates a unique opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand. Participants will take on the roles of Virginia legislators, engaging in activities such as researching positions, electing party leadership, proposing legislation, debating bills, and more. This immersive three-day event aims to foster skills in communication, negotiation, and critical thinking, essential for future civic engagement.
Why Participate?
VGS provides a platform for students to network with peers statewide, gain insights into governmental operations, and explore potential careers in public service. Don't miss this chance to make a difference and prepare for a future in leadership!
VGS in the Media
2026 Student Leadership
Governor
James Madison University
Caden VanVanlkenburg
James Madison University, Class of 2027, Computer Science with a minor in legal studies
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Hello! My name is Caden VanValkenburg, and I'm honored to be the second governor of the Virginia Government Simulation. I've previously served as Speaker of the House in the second session of the simulation, and I feel that my experience will let me bring a strong guiding hand to help with the third session, and allows me to help connect to the needs of the delegates themselves, something which is my greatest priority for the simulation.
Outside of the simulation, I am a student at James Madison University, where I am a member of the archery club, the DND club, and sit as a senator in the Student Government Association, which I represent on JMU's Core Curriculum Committee, which is working to revise our Gen Ed system for the future students. After I graduate, I plan to go to law school to study Intellectual Property law, which I hope to practice in the future.
As for the future, who knows? It's been a long held dream of mine to one day run for office.
Attorney General
Virginia Commonwealth University
Jackson Mallory
Virginia Commonwealth University, Class of 2027, Political science and criminal justice with a minor in homeland security and emergency preparedness
Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia
Welcome! My name is Jackson Mallory, a veteran of VGS since 2024, and I am so incredibly proud to serve as the first-ever elected Attorney General. I look forward to cultivating amazing legislation, while improving upon student access to roles within the simulation. In addition to my role as Attorney General, I also handle research and general coordination for VGS under the Director, Dr. Amanda Wintersieck.
In my capacity as a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, I currently sit as a senator for my university’s Student Government Simulation, where I perform liaison work with Residential Life & Housing. In my free time, I love to cook, travel, and play video games. As of late, I have visited Cuba and Qatar, with plans to see El Salvador next. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career abroad. Fiji would be nice.