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.
For tools to track student progress and manage gameplay, visit the Teacher Dashboard.
The Civics Game: Game Flow
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.
A Note About Teacher Approval:
- Most achievements and role upgrades are awarded automatically as students complete tasks.
- Any step that requires teacher approval or manual assignment is marked with [TA] below.
Phase 1: Citizenship
Roles
- Citizen
- Journalist [TA]
Student → Citizen
A Citizen is a Student who has completed the required onboarding activities and EPLS 101.
A Student completes the following to be promoted to Citizen:
Next, each Citizen chooses between the Party Member or Journalist path:
Citizen → Journalist [TA]
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
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:
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:
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:
Phase 3: Electoral Power
Roles
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:
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: