A Two-Day Seminar: Can You Balance the Federal Budget?
A Two Day Seminar in Fiscal Policy Political Economy and Public Leadership (November 4th-5th)
Congress faces an uncomfortable challenge: Americans want lower taxes, generous public programs, and a sustainable federal budget—but those goals cannot all be achieved without difficult tradeoffs.
This interactive seminar puts you in the policymaker’s seat. You will examine why federal deficits persist, debate competing views of government’s proper role, and work with other participants to construct and negotiate a federal budget. Along the way, you will practice communicating across political differences and meet policy experts working on today’s most consequential fiscal challenges.
No prior budget expertise is required. The seminar is designed for students interested in economics, political science, public policy, law, government, journalism, or civic leadership.
Participants will:
- Build and defend a federal budget under realistic constraints
- Negotiate policy compromises with students who hold different priorities
- Examine how political incentives shape taxes, spending, deficits, and debt
- Debate competing perspectives with guest speakers
- Develop practical skills in policy analysis, persuasion, and civil discourse
Key details:
Dates: November 4th to 5th, 2026 (Wednesday-Thursday)
(Day 1 from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM, with an optional reception until 6:00 PM; Day 2 from 8:00 AM to noon)
Location: Beth Moor Lounge, Longmire Building
Who: FSU undergraduates (and graduate students, if space allows); no budget background needed
Included: A $200 stipend for students who complete both days, plus meals both days and required readings
Commitment: Participants must complete short assigned readings before the seminar
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October 28th, 2026
Seminar Schedule
Day 1
8:45–9:30 | Breakfast and Introductions
Join us for breakfast beginning at 8:45am. Please be seated no later than 9:15am for introductions.
9:30–11:00 | Why Is Balancing the Budget So Difficult?
Discuss short, preassigned readings on fiscal policy, political incentives, constitutional government, and the proper role of government. Consider why democracies repeatedly spend beyond their means—and what those choices mean for future generations.
11:00–12:00 | Communicating Across Political Differences
Work with a small group to translate a complex policy idea into an engaging piece of media. Practice finding common ground, understanding competing perspectives, and making a persuasive case without shutting down debate.
12:00–1:30 | Lunch Debate with Policy Experts
Hear two experts debate federal spending, fiscal priorities, and America’s long-term economic challenges. Romina Boccia of the Cato Institute and Elena Patel of the Brookings Institution will be joined in a moderated discussion on how Congress should address the federal budget challenge.
1:30–2:00 | Break and Ask an Expert
Mingle with other students, chat with a Cato University representative about student programming and policy career opportunities, or ask one of our experts about their career trajectory and get advice on your personal goals or discuss policy ideas out loud.
2:00–4:30 | The Federal Budget Challenge
Join a team and build your own federal budget. Decide which programs to protect, reform, reduce, or expand—and determine how to pay for your priorities while meeting realistic fiscal targets.
4:30–6:00 | Reception (Optional)
Continue the conversation with fellow students, faculty, and guest speakers.
Day 2
8:00–9:00 | Breakfast and Discussion
Reflect and compare on what teams learned from the first round of budget decisions and prepare for negotiations.
9:00–11:30 | Budget Negotiations
Present and defend your team’s proposal, negotiate with other groups, and attempt to produce a compromise package that can command broader support. Put your budget up for a final vote! Which team’s budget can garner the most support?
11:30–12:00 | Final Debrief
Discuss which choices proved most difficult, what made compromise possible, and what the exercise reveals about real-world fiscal policymaking.