How a Bill Becomes a Law Board Game

Now that you understand the legislative process it is time to have some fun with it! For this project you will be creating a board game that shows the different steps in the law making process. The purpose of this assignment is for you to demonstrate your knowledge of the legislative branch and to increase your understanding of how Congress works.

You may choose to work in groups if you like; however your group may not exceed 3 people. To reward your hard work, you will have the opportunity to exchange games with different groups and give their game a try.

Game Criteria:

Your game should accurately show the law making process. As we have learned, there are many obstacles a bill faces when becoming a law and your game should show these obstacles. You may set up your board game however you like, but it must represent the bill making process in both the House and the Senate. Below are the game requirements and grading rubric:

Game Requirements:

  • Must have a game board
  • Board must accurately describe the different steps in the bill making process
  • Must include elements from both the House and Senate
  • Descriptive set of rules present
  • Game title given
  • Games should have multiple components (to make the game more interesting)

Ex. Use of cards, backwards/forward components, go back to start, etc.

  • Use of color and illustrations
  • Directions and rules are easy to understand
  • Supply any dice, game pieces needed, or any other components necessary
  • Additional game pieces are kept in a plastic baggie for organization

Do Nots:

 This is not a flashcard game or a trivia game. The game’s structure should reflect how a bill becomes a law.

 Do not forget to play and practice your game to get out all the kinks

 Do not make your game too easy to win – it is very difficult for a Bill to Become a law, therefore it should be difficult to win your game.

Terms to Consider Using:

Calendar
Filibuster
Rules Committee
Cloture
Debate
Veto
Override
Recommend to the Floor

Standing Committee

Conference Committee

Public Opinion

Grading Rubric:

You must show the following in your game

___The bill is created out of an idea from a lawmaker, citizen, or special interest group.

___The bill is introduced by a lawmaker.

___The bill is sent to the appropriate standing committee.

___Action is taken to the bill in standing committee.

___The bill is debated by the House and Senate.

___Shows the role of Speaker of the House and Steering Committee

___The Bill is voted on by the House/Senate. The bill fails or is passed.

___The bill is sent to the other house.
___Differing versions of the bill are worked out in the Conference Committee.

___Both houses must approve the conference bill.

___The president signs or vetoes the bill.

___Override of a veto requires 2/3rd of both houses.

___The bill becomes LAW.

Subtotal: ______2 points per item (26 points)

______Color, creativity, and organization (5 points)
______Images illustrating the process (5 points)

______Directions and Rules (10 points)

______Title present (4)

Total: ______(50 points)

How a Bill Becomes a Law: Project Timeline

  • Monday 12/7
  • Introduction to project and quick brainstorming of ideas. Any questions about the project will be answered during this time.
  • Tuesday 12/8
  • Continue to brainstorm and begin to sketch out your game board on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Develop any cards and/or game pieces that will be a part of your game.
  • Wednesday 12/9
  • The rough draft version of your game board will be due tomorrow during class. This includes the rules and procedures page.
  • Thursday 12/10
  • Rough Draft will be reviewed for points, and students will continue work on their projects. This would be a great day for a practice run on your game.
  • Friday 12/11
  • Groups should begin their final version of the game board and rules/procedures. DO NOT FALL BEHIND!!!!
  • Monday 12/14
  • Continue the final version of your game. Pay attention to the details as you go along. These will make a big difference in your grade.
  • Tuesday 12/15
  • Final Day for any changes to the game boards. This should be a day where you can play your own game, make some last minute changes, etc… It should not be a stressful day.
  • Wednesday 12/16
  • Game is due!!!!
  • Thursday 12/17
  • Peer Review of 2 games.
  • Friday 12/18
  • Peer Review of 2 additional games.