How does the FLAG Crisis System Work?
Once delegates register for conference (latest by July 7, 2025), they are assigned roles and committees based on their preferences. Delegates are encouraged but not required to conduct basic research on their committees and roles prior to the first committee session.
Summary
Committee sessions begin once a quorum (a minimum number of delegates) is present. The first crisis will then ensue simultaneously for each committee. Once delegates are briefed on the issue at hand, they may choose how to debate the topic following typical Model UN procedure (Robert’s Rules).
After debate, delegates may propose bills, with a minimum of 2 sponsors for each bill. If a bill receives a majority vote, it is enacted into law and the crisis staff will account for that bill in the overarching crisis storyline. Each session will generally follow this format, differing based on delegate responses, the number of bills passed, the speed at which bills are passed, and a multitude of other factors.
The following sections provide more detail on the Rules of Procedure, Committee Sessions, and the Crisis Story.
What are the rules of procedure?
FLAG abides by the rules of procedure typically used by most Model UN Conferences: “Robert’s Rules.”
The link above contains a PDF with relevant rules. Debate begins when a quorum is met, and once a suitable number of delegates is met, delegates will motion to open debate. Delegates motion for debate using one of the four procedural motions. Delegates prompt these routes by announcing “motion for” and then state the option they wish to choose.
1. Moderated Caucus – A moderated caucus is a mixture of both formal and informal debate. When a motion for a moderated caucus is passed, the Chair calls upon delegates as they raise their placards to address the committee for a specific amount of time.
2. Unmoderated Caucus – An unmoderated caucus is a temporary recess. Rules of procedure are suspended during caucusing. During this time delegates meet informally with each other and the committee staff to discuss draft resolutions, crisis responses, and other issues.
3. Speaker’s List (i.e. formal debate) – This option is relatively underutilized compared to calls for caucuses. The Chairperson will ask all of those delegates who would like to make a speech and to be on the speakers list to raise their placards. The Chairperson will then choose delegates to be placed on the speakers list. The Chairperson has the discretion to require all delegates to speak, although this option is also utilized infrequently.
4. Working Papers and Draft Resolutions – Once delegates have conducted enough debate to satisfy the chair, delegations may motion for a working paper session to draft resolutions. In addition, delegates may present amendments to these documents, which are changes to draft resolutions. The chair maintains discretion as to whether bills may be drafted during unmoderated caucuses or whether a motion to draft resolutions is required to do so.
What do I do in a committee session?
Whatever you want. Just kidding, but not really.
In a committee session you play the role of a federal legislator. That means you debate the topic at hand and write/propose bills which you feel effectively address the issue. You also may write and exchange notes with fellow delegates in the same committee, and in special circumstances, with delegates in other committees as well. We welcome creativity and especially reward innovative ways to solve problems.
Delegates are able to communicate with the crisis staff through their laptops or through written notes addressed “to crisis.” Delegates have the option to treat crisis staff as a fictional character, a source of advice, or another creative manner. While we do value having fun and enjoy seeing outlandish proposals, we encourage delegates to moderate themselves and stay within reason. At any time, delegates are welcome to ask staff if a proposal is within the scope of the conference.
What is my role sheet and what does it mean?
Each delegate is provided a role sheet prior to the start of the conference. The role sheet contains the following information:
Committee Information including committee name, abbreviation, committee topic(s), committee background guide.
Role Description including description of the delegate’s role, party information, background information and historical context on the role, key responsibilities and duties during the conference, constituency information, district information, etc.
Committee-Specific Guidelines including rules of procedure for the specific committee, committee-specific policies or procedures, special rules or format unique to the committee.
The role sheet also plays a significant role in requiring delegates to maintain specific ideologies or viewpoints on particular policy matters. Delegates will be required to adhere to these roles to a reasonable degree, during debate and also when crafting legislation. Delegates who conform to the role to a high degree receive bonuses or information which may aid them in their daily activities. Not conforming to a role carries penalties, and if a delegate ignores a role, then they may face graver consequences at the discretion of staff.
What is the crisis story like?
The FLAG staff has been dedicated to providing an immersive and realistic portrayal of U.S. Congressional politics. Balanced with this directive is our emphasis on having an enjoyable experience for all delegates. While we won’t spoil the crisis events and general plot line, be assured that FLAG draws from past historical events as well as current events in deciding crisis updates and the issues to be discussed. Delegates are always welcome to consult with the chair and staff on the progression of events and how they may fit into or contribute in an appropriate manner.