Describes a simulation game designed to aid students in understanding the United States political pattern through a mock presidential nominating convention. Includes purpose, setting, time allotment, roles, game plan, and several speeches. (CK)

Provides a simulation of the United States Constitutional Convention. The simulation involves students in re-creating the conflicts between the colonies, seeking compromise, and comparing the outcome of the simulation with the actual Constitution. (JDH)

Presents a simulation which examines the complexities of governmental machinery and the government's decision-making process. As the first in the American Foreign Policy Simulations series, this exercise in negotiation and compromise seeks to explore the potency of official roles in contrast to belief systems in foreign policymaking. (GEA)

Describes a semester long simulation of Supreme Court procedures. Recommends this activity for generating an understanding of the decision making process and the impact of the Justices' personal values and attitudes upon Supreme Court decisions. Notes that the course engages students in the learning process while encouraging the acquisition of…

Methods for preparing and conducting a simulation game that teaches the practical aspects of lobbying to high school students are provided. A prerequisite to the game is that students have learned the theoretical concepts of lobbying. "Lobbying" can be played in three class sessions if materials are distributed and roles assigned before the first…

In this lesson plan, students are assigned a member of the California Assembly to research and a political faction to represent. Students examine representative bills voted on by the California Assembly to determine if their member's voting record coincides with the views of their political faction. Ultimately, students must decide whether, and…

Describes an undergraduate class simulation project used to engage student interest in and knowledge of both "The Federalist Papers" and anti-federalist writings. Discusses the importance of simulation in the classroom and provides information concerning implementation of this technique. Notes that the simulation provides experience in…

Describes an activity for use as an introduction to a U.S. government course. Involves placing the students in a you-be-the-judge situation through the consideration of a Supreme Court case. Requires essay writing, small group work, and reporting to the class. Points out that these exercises provide structure for the course. (KO)

This lesson plan imagines the student as part of a delegation to a special meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-sponsored Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council being held in Brussels, Belgium, where the topic of discussion is a proposal by several NATO members to invite independent republics of the former Soviet Union to become…

In this lesson plan, students role play members of the Cabinet of the President of the United States. Cabinet members must define and defend their highest priority programs for the coming fiscal year. Students must identify a pressing current issue before their particular Cabinet department and prepare an action plan, with possible alternative…

In this lesson plan, the city of Malibu (CA) is at the mercy of the weather phenomenon El Nino. The press secretary for the Mayor of Malibu recognizes an opportunity to turn this potential natural disaster into a re-election campaign. A task force will be assembled to protect the lives and property of the community. Students role play members of…

This guide for high school political science teachers focuses on political decision making. The program emphasizes experiential learning through utilizing community and state resources and implementing field study and internships for students. The document is presented in eight sections. The introduction includes a values survey and suggestions…