Student Orientation
This process map of The Civics Game outlines the steps a student takes while moving through the game.
Beginning as a Student, they advance toward leadership roles such as Council Member or Mayor. It explains how choices, activities, and achievements unlock new opportunities. Use this as a guide to understand what lies ahead and how each action shapes the overall experience.
The Civics Game Process Map
Account Creation
Roles
- Student (default role)
Steps
Before the game starts, students need to create their accounts:
- At the start of the semester, they can register on their own and begin playing right away.
- After this period ends, new registrations must be reviewed and approved by the teacher before those students can join the game.
Phase 1: Citizenship
Roles
- Citizen
- Journalist
Student → Citizen
A Citizen is a Student who has completed the required onboarding activities and ELPS 101.
A Student completes the following to be promoted to Citizen:
- Complete profile setup
- Make 1 public activity post
- Complete Course 1: ELPS 101 – Democracy and the American Electoral Process
Next, each Citizen chooses between the Party Member or Journalist path:
Citizen → Journalist
A Journalist is a Citizen who volunteers for the role and is appointed by the teacher to provide news coverage and moderate class discussions.
A Citizen who becomes a Journalist carries out the following responsibilities:
- Create and manage content for News and Campaign pages
- Moderate debates and interviews
- Publish articles in The Civic Newsroom
Phase 2: Party
Roles
- Party Organizer
- Candidate
- Party Nominee
Citizen → Party Organizer
A Party Organizer is a Citizen elected to lead party activities and define party direction.
A Citizen completes the following and wins the internal Party Election to become a Party Organizer:
- Publish at least two articles promoting party values, candidates, or achievements
- Complete Course 2: ELPS 201 – Navigating the Path to Candidacy
- Create a party poll to engage members or set direction
- Publish a Party Platform Proposal
- Win the internal party leadership election
Citizen → Candidate
A Candidate is a Citizen who has declared a run for office and begun the campaign process.
A Citizen completes the following to become a Candidate:
- Join a political party
- Complete Course 2: ELPS 201 – Navigating the Path to Candidacy
- Submit a Candidate Petition
- Earn three likes on the petition post
Candidate → Party Nominee
A Party Nominee is a Candidate who wins the Party Primary Election to represent the party in the General Election.
A Candidate completes the following to become a Party Nominee:
- Submit a Candidate Petition
- Earn three likes on the petition post
- Win the Party Primary Election
Phase 3: Electoral Power
Roles
- Council Member
- Mayor
Party Nominee → Council Member
A Council Member is an elected student leader who helps propose, debate, and vote on class ordinances.
A Party Nominee completes the following to become a Council Member:
- Post or upload a legislative proposal or policy paper
- Make three posts or replies addressing citizen questions or concerns
- Participate in a General Debate for Council candidates
- Win the General Election
Party Nominee → Mayor
A Mayor is the elected executive leader of the class government responsible for guiding citywide decisions.
A Party Nominee completes the following to become Mayor:
- Post or upload a legislative proposal or policy paper
- Make three posts or replies addressing citizen questions or concerns
- Participate in a General Debate for Mayoral candidates
- Win the General Election