Virtual Congress is a US Government Simulation hosted on the online communication platform Discord. It was founded on December 12, 2019 by Congressmen CollinMatthew and Don. Virtual Congress consists of a bicameral Congress, a Supreme Court and a White House. Additionally, an Administrative Branch exists to oversee the server and perform admin duties.

Differences between Virtual Congress and Reality

The Supreme Court is smaller, having consisted of 3 members until a Constitutional Amendment was ratified on December 27, 2019, which expanded it to 5 Justices.

The White House is also vastly reduced in size, with a leadership, cabinet and staff around 10 to 15, which includes the President and Vice President. Several cabinet positions are often combined, not only because of the lack of available persons, but also to limit clutter and improve efficiency.

Then, the Administrative, also known as Server Staff , which functions as a fourth branch of Government. It mainly exists on the account of the fact that this is a simulation hosted on a platform that requires following their Terms of Service. In addition to that, the Administrative enforces general rules of decorum and civility.

Beyond that, the biggest differences lie in the Administration of Elections. One term in an office as well as one session of Congress lasts only a month, unlike in the real world, in which a term of office lasts 2 years for Congresspersons and 4 years for Presidents, and a session of Congress amounts to one year. This change was made to make Virtual Congress more engaging as well as acknowledging that the stakes are much lower, so retaining members for such long periods would be very difficult.

Furthermore, the lowest position one can have in Virtual Congress is Congressperson, a role one is given after registering, although one may also choose to be a citizen. This is the only political position in the game one does not be elected, nominated or appointed for.