US Government Simulation 2.0
Works with any US Government or American National Government Textbook
Students take on roles within diverse teams such as the White House, Senate Democrats, Eagle News Team, defense and security positions, and interest groups. They work to pass bills, run campaigns, set foreign policy, conduct budget negotiations, regulate AI, and challenge or defend policies in federal court. Roles are assigned automatically through a signup survey, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience. Throughout the simulation, students receive prompts, feedback, and incentives to navigate intricate political scenarios inspired by real U.S. historical events.
Length of Simulation & Class Time
The Statecraft Gov 2.0 U.S. Government Simulation is organized into four periods, similar to quarters in a sports game. Each period covers different topics such as national security, environmental policy, federal budget, and AI regulation. Each period can last from one day to several weeks, depending on your preferences, but we recommend a 1-2 week timeframe per period for optimal engagement.
Period Structure:
- Period 0: A tutorial week to familiarize students with their roles, profiles, and basic abilities. This low-stakes introduction prepares them for the main simulation and gives them a small points boost heading into Period 1.
- Periods 1-4: Each period begins with a briefing based on the students’ roles, providing key information and grading incentives. These briefings help connect students and facilitate collaboration and problem-solving within the U.S. political system. Instructors have access to all period briefings in the instructor dashboard.
Suggested Base Knowledge
No prior knowledge is required, but starting the simulation after covering the basics of the course (e.g., “What is Congress?”, “What is the Executive Branch?”, and “What is the Bill of Rights?”) enhances the learning experience, making the simulation an ideal supplement to U.S. Government textbooks.
Ideal Timing
Instructors can use the simulation throughout the school year. Many use it mid-semester to reinforce concepts before final exams or as a final debriefing presentation and essay assignment.
Class Assignments
- Role Research Assignment: Students research and submit their top 5 role choices, explaining their interest and responsibilities.
- Weekly Memos: Reflection prompts based on their weekly experiences in the simulation.
- Debrief Presentation: A team presentation highlighting key concepts and experiences. Recommended to spend 30-60 minutes of class time on this after the simulation concludes.
- Debrief Paper: A paper accompanying the presentation, providing a deeper analysis of their simulation experience.
Student Engagement Tracking
Instructors can monitor student engagement through multiple outlets:
- Weekly Emails: Summaries of simulation play and student performance.
- Instructor Dashboard: A Student Events tab lists every student action, providing a detailed overview.
- Student Dashboards: Instructors can log in to view student messages and interactions.
Grading Criteria
Customize these grading criteria to fit your classroom needs:
- 5% – Simulation Performance: Based on achieving in-game goals, such as reelection or policy success.
- 5% – Role Research Assignment: Students research and justify their top 5 roles.
- 10% – Simulation Participation: Weekly memos connecting course materials to the simulation.
- 15%-25% – Debrief Presentation: Teams present their experiences and insights, fostering class discussions.
- 10%-25% – Debrief Paper: A written analysis accompanying the debrief presentation.
Why Use Statecraft Gov 2.0?
Statecraft Gov 2.0 is a comprehensive, engaging, and educational tool for U.S. Government courses. It covers over 50 topics, including essential concepts like how a bill becomes a law, the role of interest groups, media relations, checks and balances, and AI regulation. This simulation not only enhances understanding but also promotes active learning and critical thinking.
Length of Simulation & Class Time
The Statecraft Gov 2.0 U.S. Government Simulation is organized into five periods, providing a structured yet flexible learning experience. Each period covers different topics such as national security, environmental policy, federal budget, AI regulation, and more. Each period can last from one day to several weeks, depending on your preferences, but we recommend a 1-2 week timeframe per period for optimal engagement.
Period Structure:
- Period 0: A tutorial week to familiarize students with their roles, profiles, and basic abilities. This low-stakes introduction prepares them for the main simulation and gives them a small points boost heading into Period 1.
- Periods 1-4: Each period begins with a briefing based on the students’ roles, providing key information and grading incentives. These briefings help connect students and facilitate collaboration and problem-solving within the U.S. political system. Instructors have access to all period briefings in the instructor dashboard.
Topics Covered Include:
- How a Bill Becomes a Law: Students navigate the legislative process, experiencing the intricacies of passing or blocking bills.
- Role of Interest Groups: Explore the influence of interest groups in shaping policy and legislation.
- Relationship Between Media and Government: Understand the dynamic between media outlets and political entities.
- Institutional Checks and Balances: Experience the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances in action.
- Constitutional Powers of the President vs. Congress: Delve into the constitutional roles and conflicts between the executive and legislative branches.
- Role of Political Parties and Ideology: Examine the impact of political parties and ideological divides on governance.
- Civil Liberties vs. National Security: Balance the tension between protecting civil liberties and ensuring national security.
- Civil-Military Relations: Investigate the interaction between civilian leadership and military institutions.
- Judicial Process: Engage with the judicial system, including lawsuits and court rulings on key issues.
- Federalism: Explore the distribution of power between federal and state governments.
- AI Regulation: Understand the emerging issues surrounding artificial intelligence and its regulation.
- Energy Policies: Analyze the development and implementation of energy policies, including renewable energy and fossil fuels.
- Federal Budget: Learn about the federal budget process, including budget negotiations and fiscal policy.
Suggested Base Knowledge
No prior knowledge is required, but starting the simulation after covering the basics of the course (e.g., “What is Congress?”, “What is the Executive Branch?”, and “What is the Bill of Rights?”) enhances the learning experience, making the simulation an ideal supplement to U.S. Government textbooks.
Ideal Timing
Instructors can use the simulation throughout the school year. Many use it mid-semester to reinforce concepts before final exams or as a final debriefing presentation and essay assignment.
Class Assignments
- Role Research Assignment: Students research and submit their top 5 role choices, explaining their interest and responsibilities.
- Weekly Memos: Reflection prompts based on their weekly experiences in the simulation.
- Debrief Presentation: A team presentation highlighting key concepts and experiences. Recommended to spend 30-60 minutes of class time on this after the simulation concludes.
- Debrief Paper: A paper accompanying the presentation, providing a deeper analysis of their simulation experience.
Student Engagement Tracking
Instructors can monitor student engagement through multiple outlets:
- Weekly Emails: Summaries of simulation play and student performance.
- Instructor Dashboard: A Student Events tab lists every student action, providing a detailed overview.
- Student Dashboards: Instructors can log in to view student messages and interactions.
Grading Criteria
Customize these grading criteria to fit your classroom needs:
- 5% – Simulation Performance: Based on achieving in-game goals, such as reelection or policy success.
- 5% – Role Research Assignment: Students research and justify their top 5 roles.
- 10% – Simulation Participation: Weekly memos connecting course materials to the simulation.
- 15%-25% – Debrief Presentation: Teams present their experiences and insights, fostering class discussions.
- 10%-25% – Debrief Paper: A written analysis accompanying the debrief presentation.
Why Use Statecraft Gov 2.0?
Statecraft Gov 2.0 is a comprehensive, engaging, and educational tool for U.S. Government courses. It covers over 50 topics, including essential concepts like how a bill becomes a law, the role of interest groups, media relations, checks and balances, AI regulation, national security, environmental policy, energy policies, and federal budget processes. This simulation not only enhances understanding but also promotes active learning and critical thinking.
US Government Syllabus Example – Example of how Statecraft is incorporated into a US Gov class
Instructor Manual – Manual for instructors to get started and setup their simulation
US Debriefing Assignments – 360 degree american political system presentation assignment.
Tying Concepts to Class Guide – These lecture outlines cover topics that are commonly included in international relations and global politics courses. They provide suggestions for how the instructor can use examples from students’ experiences in Statecraft to illuminate key concepts and theories
The Ultimate Active Learning Tool for Engagement & Academic Honesty
Each simulation really is unique. The students just don’t follow one pattern every semester. Plus, a lot of them take the initiative and they call meetings and they stand up in front of class. They do stuff without me forcing them to do it. It’s probably the best part. That’s the best surprise when students take the initiative on their own.
Demonstrate Course Concepts
Students become part of the U.S. Political System so they experience first-hand how U.S. Government works. In order to succeed in the simulation, they’ll have to apply course-related knowledge.
Engage Students
Game-like play sucks students into the simulation where they must take ownership of their learning experience. They’re empowered to excel to their own personal limits and shine. Engagement enhances the knowledge acquisition process and makes it fun!
Save Time
The simulation is easy to set up and runs itself. You have a new tool to draw connections to course concepts and spark dynamic conversations. All-unique simulation scenarios every semester promote academic honesty. Instructor tools do tasks like grading for you.
effective, fun & helpful
Executive and Legislative:
White House Team: President, top White House advisers, focused on reelection and achieving Republican policy goals.
House Democrats: House Speaker and leaders of the Democratic majority in the House, focused on maintaining control and achieving Democratic policy goals.
Senate Democrats: Senate Majority Leader and leaders of the Democratic majority in the Senate, focused on maintaining control and achieving Democratic policy goals.
Congressional Republicans: Senate Minority Leader and leaders of the Republican minority in both the House and Senate, focused on taking control of Congress and supporting the president's reelection.
Media Members:
Eagle News: Executive Editor, a conservative-leaning media outlet focused on winning journalism awards, ratings battles, and publishing high-impact stories.
Global News Network (GNN): Executive Editor, a progressive-leaning media outlet with similar goals to Eagle News but aligned with progressive values.
Interest Groups:
Defense & Security Positions:
Defense Positions: Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, CIA Director, and Joint Chiefs of Staff, responsible for national defense strategy, intelligence gathering, and military operations.
Students have specific goals that correspond to their assigned roles, and they accumulate points by achieving these goals each week. Some goals are competitive, while others require collaboration. This dynamic compels students to strategize with their peers, balancing personal agendas with broader team objectives. Just like in real life, every student, regardless of their role, has the potential to significantly influence the outcome of the simulation through their strategic decisions and actions.
"STUDENTS MAKE CONNECTIONS TO THEIR OWN LIVES"
ROLE spotlight: president of the aclu
One student will be assigned the role of President of the Red Interest Group, which advocates for defense contractors, the fossil fuel industry, and other conservative causes. In this role, students will work to sway public opinion, influence Congressional votes on major bills, and shape executive actions. The President of the Red Interest Group has the ability to lobby Congress, organize public demonstrations, and work with the media to generate favorable coverage. Their goals include increasing the group’s influence and supporting Republican policy objectives.
Tour the President of the ACLU Student Interface:
Political Influence
- I have the ability to endorse or condemn candidates and their decisions.
- I can either help or hurt their ability to be reelected.
- I need to do this in order to influence certain bills passing or failing that match my position goals.
Position Goals
- As President of the Red Interest Group, I can view my position goals here to see how I can gain Simulation Points (SP).
- This period, I gain points if the bill supporting fossil fuel subsidies becomes law
Simulation Events
- I can see all of the Red Interest Group events plus events caused by other students' actions.
- The simulation events are curated for my position.
This is the President of the ACLU Student view; depending on the student’s role the action options they see will vary.
Abilities
- Experience Points (XPs) are my ability points that I earn from accomplishing goals.
- I'll spend my XPs to perform actions such as hiring lobbyists, organizing rallies, and mobilizing the public.
Legal
- I can file lawsuits to challenge regulations that negatively impact our interests.
- Winning lawsuits can increase my influence and give me access to more elite attorneys.
- Should I appeal a case from District Court to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court? The higher the case goes, the more Sim Points (SP) I can gain.
Media
- I can give stories to the media that may influence public opinion and put political pressure on Congress to take actions that match my goals.
- I can draw attention to the success of the Red Interest Group and increase our influence.
Time-Saving Instructor Tools
Student Assignments
Statecraft automatically assigns students to roles based on a brief assessment designed for optimum role fit and student collaboration during the initial signup process.
Automated Student Prompting, Feedback & Calculations
Professors report an average of 13% time savings by using simulation tools that automatically prompt students, issue feedback, and guide outcomes.
Automated Grading
The Statecraft system tracks all choices and outcomes and automatically reports final grades to the instructor in an excel exportable format for your convenience.
how it works
Easy Set-up & Launch
- Launch the simulation the second half of your semester
- Run through an easy 3-minute configuration to set the number of students and get the code for students to use to activate their simulation
- When students sign up with the code they’ll pay for the simulation
- You can have a minimum of 5 students per simulation with a maximum of 40; for larger classes you can run multiple simulations simultaneously
- Students take a brief assessment and the system assigns them a role that aligns with their personality and interests
- Each role has personal goals to advance one's virtual "career" as well as organizational and/or national objectives
Playing the Simulation
- Everything is prompted by the system; it tallies points for performance and participation and calculates grades for you at the end of the simulation
- The simulation runs live 24-7 so students can play anytime without you needing to schedule class time or a computer lab.
- You’ll play for five weeks with turns or “periods” every week
- Period 0: students learn about their position abilities and goals, current simulation events and how they gain simulation points
- Period 1 and 2: they gain new abilities and goals as they see the impact of their Period 1 choices and must make major decisions with important consequences
- Periods 3 and 4: students deal with the repercussions of their decisions and continue working towards their position goals
- The goal is to maximize points and complete their goals before the end of the 4th period when the simulation concludes
The Instructor's Role
- Watch as the students collaborate and compete with one another to be successful and gain the most points
- Act as an executive consultant to help guide students and answer factual and strategic questions
- Statecraft help desk will assist students with any technical questions or troubleshooting
- Use the simulation events as learning opportunities to draw connection to course concepts
- If needed you can use your master account to make executive decisions, such as vetoing a bill
Ending the Simulation & Grading
- The simulation culminates in a final election where all the student's choices, strategy and alliances play out with ultimate results
- There are currently over 100 outcomes possible for the simulation! Every class experience is completely unique
- The system will offer instructors students' final points to be considered in their course grade
- Students can still receive a good grade for participating fully in the simulation even if they technically “fail” at their role’s goals
- Instructor tools include paper assignments and class debriefing questions that are recommended after the conclusion of the simulation
- In the debriefing students are grouped and present their version of “what happened” so the class and the instructor gain insight into all perspectives
- Instructors often count the debrief exercise towards the final grade and report it to be a valuable and revealing class activity
If you’re looking for even more detailed information, see the Resources page for the instructor manual, sample syllabus and other helpful documentation.
Let's do this! Experience Statecraft for Yourself
Book your personal demo today! We’ll answer your questions, show you how these cool features work and help you set up your first U.S. Government Simulation.
Course concepts covered
The Statecraft Gov 2.0 Simulation program immerses students in the practical workings of the U.S. Government, covering the full spectrum of the American Government curriculum. By engaging in this simulation, students experience course concepts in action, enhancing their understanding and retention. This hands-on approach makes the simulation an excellent supplement to introductory U.S. Government textbooks, leading to higher engagement and more dynamic classroom discussions. Instructors find that the simulation fosters productive lessons and enriches student conversations, making it a highly effective teaching tool for U.S. Government courses.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Role of Interest Groups
Relationship Between Media and Government
Institutional Checks and Balances
Constitutional Powers of the
President vs. Congress
Role of Political Parties and Ideology
Civil Liberties vs. National Security
Civil-Military Relations
Judicial Process
Federalism
Reasons the U.S. Government Simulation is so effective:
- An innovative way to teach concepts beyond traditional lectures
- Concepts become personal and experienced by students
- Students are engaged and participating both inside and outside of class
- Engagement enhances the knowledge acquisition process
- Students take ownership of their experience and are empowered to shine
- Teaches career skills like leadership, teamwork, negotiation and strategic thinking that help them become more employable
- Students must apply course knowledge and do context-based problem solving to succeed
- Working in teams on common goals fosters student collaboration and relationship building even in large lecture classes
Results you’ll experience:
- Heightened student engagement & greater attendance
- Quality student questions and requests for strategy consultation
- Students are able to discuss course concepts intelligently and develop strong opinions that spark interesting class conversations
- More camaraderie among the students, social connections, sense of community
- Students will form study groups and you’ll hear students speaking about topics such as the checks and balances of the bill of rights outside the classroom
- Your class popularity will increase due to previous student recommendations
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