Teacher Orientation
This process map of The Civics Game outlines the steps students take as they move through the simulation.
Beginning as Students, they advance toward leadership roles such as Council Member or Mayor. It explains how their choices, activities, and achievements unlock new opportunities. Use this as a guide to understand what lies ahead for your class and how each stage shapes the overall learning 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