With recent events causing many citizens to feel alienated from the concept of government and bureaucracy, Cal High’s new club, the Republic of Argenslavi, aims to show the complexities of running a country to students interested in government.

The club’s purpose is to simulate a country in an effort to educate students about the workings of government as well as to give students the opportunity to be creative in solving modern issues.

Every meeting functions like an actual hearing of a legislature, with a gavel, agenda, and simulated problems for the members of the club to discuss. 

One of the most interesting concepts of the Republic is the simulations that are presented as “national” issues for club members to address. 

At a meeting last month, the Republic discussed an outbreak of Argenpox, a made up disease that has afflicted the entire population. 

The Ministry of Information provides a list of students to members of the club who “cure” their peers with a wristband and a selfie. The club is designed to simulate functions of real governments and involve multiple club ministries to promote interaction between club members and those of similar interests outside the club.

The topic simulation system was created and is managed by club president and King of the Republic of Argenslavi Christopher Forsyth, a senior who co-founded the club with senior Adriano Vivieros.

“We’ve always been fascinated by micro nations and geopolitics, and also wanted to see what students would come up with,” said Vivieros.

Rather than base their bureaucracy on existing political systems like other politic-based clubs, the Republic of Argenslavi opted to create its own constitution and laws. The Constitution’s creation is still ongoing and all modern issues, from equal rights to personal freedoms, are still being considered. 

“We wanted to simulate a real government, educate about what it’s really like in government, and have fun,” said Forsyth, explaining why he started the Republic.

The process of debating policies and issues is, for many, the highlight of the club, as heated debates centered on modern social issues are few and far between in academic classes.

“The most fun part of the club is definitely writing the constitution,” said junior Ahmad Aboutaam, who is the republic’s tertiary Director of Parchment.

His title illustrates another reason the club is so attractive to reason the club is so attractive to so many students. The formality and ornate language can be very humorous when coupled with the spirit and personality of the club. 

“I really like the environment of the club, its half business half entertainment,” said junior Kai Choate. 

For instance, the title “tertiary Director of Parchment” means Ahmad is the third person in charge of making sure the club has enough paper. 

The creativity in making so many roles and ministries not only includes as many people as possible, but it also creates a funny Shakespearean discourse that makes meetings that much more fun.

Anyone looking for serious political discussion, a representation of government and bureaucracy, or just a good time should look no further than Cal’s very own constitutional monarchy the Republic of Argenslavi.