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Gaming Political Science

General American Politics

The Game of Politics©

American government simulations use role playing to make American politics come alive. These national government classroom or online simulations create an active learning experience, and are appropriate for political science or government classes, continuing education courses, civic education conferences, community organizations or elder hostel.

Articles, Books, and Conference Papers

Ambrosio, Thomas. 2004. “Bringing Ethnic Conflict into the Classroom: A Student-Centered Simulation of Multiethnic Politics.” PS: Political Science and Politics 37(2): 285-9. Abstract

Asal, Victor, and Nakissa Jahabani, Donnett Lee, and Jiacheng Ren. 2018. "Mini-Games for Teaching Political Science Methodology." PS: Political Science and Politics 51(4): 838-841. Abstract

Bernstein, Jeffrey L. 2008. “Cultivating Civic Competence: Simulations and Skill-Building in an Introductory Government Class.” Journal of Political Science Education 4(1): 1-20. Abstract

Cammaroano, Joseph and Linda L. Fowler. 1997. “Enhancing Citizenship through Active Learning: Simulations on the Policy Process.” In Education for Citizenship: Ideas and Innovations in Political Learning, 101-120, ed. Grant Reeher and Joseph Cammarano. Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.

Cupitt, Richard, Mark Daniels and Stephen Willhite. 1980. “Articles of Confederation Simulation: Testing a Learning Technique for Introductory American Politics Students.” Teaching Political Science 8(1): 101-110. Abstract

Grant, J. Tobin. 2004. Playing Politics. W.W. Norton. Abstract

Grummel, John A. 2003. “Using Simulation to Teach Decision-Making within the Policy Process.” PS: Political Science and Politics 36(4): 787-9. Abstract

Gunn, Brian C. 1989. “Reconstruction through Role Playing.” OAH Magazine of History 4(1): 71-73. Abstract

Holtzman, Richard. 2019. "Mapping Policy Issues: A Simple, Active-Learning Exercise for Critical Thinking." PS: Political Science and Politics 52(4): 754-756. Abstract

Kahn, Melvin A. and Kathleen M. Perez. 2009. “The Game of Politics Simulation: An Exploratory Study.” Journal of Political Science Education 5(4): 332-349. Abstract      

Kannar, Michael D. 2004. “Show Me the Money: How to Teach the Effect of Domestic Politics on National Security.” PS: Political Science and Politics 37(1): 105-10. Abstract

Lanver, Michael. 1997. Playing Politics: The Nightmare Continues. New York: Oxford University Press.

Larson, Stephanie Greco. 2004. “’We the People:’ Diversifying Role Playing in Undergraduate American Politics Courses.” PS: Political Science and Politics 37(2): 303-6. Abstract

Lyle-Gonga, Marsha Cavelle, and Matthew T. Kenney. 2013. "Revitalized American National Government Course." Paper presented at the APSA Teaching and Learning Conference, Long Beach, CA, February 8-10. Contact  Contact

Mayer, Igor S. 2009. “The Gaming of Policy and the Politics of Gaming: A Review.” 40(6): 825-862. Abstract

Pautz, Michelle C. 2011. "Challenging the Constitution: Convening a Mock Constitutional Convention for American Government Students." PS: Political Science and Politics 44(3): 648-651. Abstract

Petitte, Ronald D. 2012. "Teaching a Select Triad in Politics & Government." Paper presented at the APSA Teaching and Learning Conference, Washington, DC, February 17-19. Contact

Strachan, J. Cherie. 2006. “An Argument for Teaching Deliberative Collective Action Skills in the Political Science Classroom.” PS: Political Science and Politics 39(4): 911-6. Abstract

Tseng, Margaret. 2012. "Civic Engagement and the Millenial Generation." Paper presented at the APSA Teaching and Learning Conference, Washington, DC, February 17-19. Contact

Woessner, Matthew. 2015. “Teaching with SimCity: Using Sophisticated Gaming Simulations to Teach Concepts in Introductory American Government.” 48(2): 358-63.