What You'll Experience
Welcome, Senator.
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is designed to bring the history of the United States Senate alive – using technology to engage and inspire like never before. The Institute features a full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber, interactive exhibits, and a reproduction of Senator Kennedy’s Washington, DC, office.
Facilitated In-Person and Virtual Programs for 2022
The Kennedy Institute is offering live virtual programs, facilitated by Institute staff as well as in-person scheduled group visits to the Institute for 2022. Schedule a group visit here.
Real Life Civics
Number of participants: 10-60 participants
Virtual program (1 hour)
Designed for adults, but accessible for all ages, the Kennedy Institute’s Real Life Civics programs serve as a great starting point for those who want to understand today’s political complexities better but don’t know where to begin. Schedule your group to participate in one or more of these accessible, engaging, and interactive sessions of live, online presentations and guided discussions about the fundamental structures, functions, and values of the United States Government.
Sessions include:
The Three Branches This session reviews the overall structure of the federal government.
Checks and Balances This session explores the relationships between the different branches of government and the balance of powers.
Traditions and Norms The values and expectations for those who serve in government are compellingly articulated in our presentation.
Each Real Life Civics session draws on examples from our current politics and provides ample time for participants to ask questions and engage in discussion.
Today’s Vote
Number of participants: 10-60 participants (virtual) or 10-100 participants (in-person) In-person visit or virtual program (1 hour) Participate in a simulated U.S. Senate session and a live floor debate on an actual piece of legislation pending before the Senate. Learn more about the issue from multiple perspectives, share your own ideas, and then cast your votes.
Groups can choose from the following one-hour program:
The Electoral College Learn more about the history, function, and importance of the Electoral College and why there’s a movement to end and replace it.
The Green New Deal Unpack the plan to reshape the national economy to better protect our planet from climate change.
Voting Rights Consider national legislative solutions to issues around voter access and election integrity.
