Rutgers Model Congress 2025

We are very excited to see you at RMC 2025 this spring.

I am beyond excited to announce the theme for RMC 2025, Democracy in the Age of Influence. In Federalist Paper No. 10, James Madison acknowledged the inevitable development of interest groups, or groups of people looking to influence public policy on the basis of their  specialized interest or concern. Though concerned that such factions might act without regard for justice nor the public good, he also understood that the right of citizens to band together to influence the government is essential to healthy political life.

Today the term “interest group” includes a wide variety of entities endeavoring to mobilize citizens both during and outside of elections and influence politicians and government officials who can then create legislation on behalf of their constituents’ interests. 

However, the vast majority of Americans today – both Democrats and Republicans alike – argue that special interest groups have far too much power in Congress and do not actually speak for the common good. From fears of factionalism, where groups that are more socially, financially, or institutionally resourced may capture disproportionate amounts of political attention at the expense of the majority’s needs, to growing concerns about the practice of lobbying (the formal business of interest groups), specialized groups have become increasingly controversial in the eyes of the American public. 

The topics selected for RMC 2025 aim to challenge students to answer the question: How should legislators act when they are asked to balance the will of voters who elected them, with the voices who may be the loudest or most politically powerful? We will encourage students to examine interest groups through history, from the student movements of the 1960s to the industry of professional advocacy that emerged over the last few decades.

I hope that the tireless effort of the RMC staff shines through in all the committee experiences of those in attendance. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any feedback or questions at info@idia.net. 

We can’t wait to see you all there.

Sincerely,

Rosey Connelly
Executive Director
RMC 2025

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