AP Government

Unit 3 (Chapter 8-9)Extra Credit

eLECTION Computer Simulation

  1. Introduction
  2. In order to better understand the election process, you will be participating in a computer-based simulation called “eLECTIONS”: Your Adventure in Politics”. The simulation mirrors a presidential election process from nomination through election. Your goal is take on the role of a Republican or Democratic potential nominee. You must do well in the primaries to earn the party nomination and then seek to defeat the nominee from the opposing party to earn a seat as the next president of the United States! Good luck!
  1. Directions
  2. Got to the following website: .
  3. After you go to this website, click on the “Play the game!” located under simulation logo.
  4. A new window will pop up with the sponsors of the simulation. In the middle of the screen is a button that says “Play eLECTIONS”. Click on that button.
  5. On the next screen, you must enter your state (OH) and your school name (LebanonHigh School). After you do that, hit the continue button.
  6. On the next screen, you will see a list of schools with “Lebanon” in their name. Click on “LebanonHigh School” (it should be the third one down). Then, hit the “Play eLECTIONS” button.
  7. A warning box concerning “Information Bar” may pop up on the screen. Just click “OK”.
  8. The next screen is the introduction to the game. A pop-up with George Washington’s picture and some introductory information will pop up. This box will pop up throughout the simulation to help you play the game effectively. Always read what he has to say! Also, always click “OK”. Go ahead and click “OK” this time as well.
  9. After the pop-up disappears, go to the bottom of the screen and click on “How to Play eLECTIONS”. Read over this information. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT…..it will help you get a good result (and grade) on the simulation. When you are done, go back to the game.
  10. After reading this information, click on “Play a New Game”.
  11. On the next screen, enter your full name (First and Last Name). Then, click on “Create a New Game”.
  12. On the next screen, select “1 player”. Then, select “Next”.
  13. The next screen gives you the option of playing as a Democrat or Republican and whether you would like a 3rd Party Candidate to be involved in the simulation. Make both of these choices and then click “Next”.
  14. You now need to pick five issues that you would like to focus on. Click on five of those issues and then hit the “Next” button.
  15. The next screen gives you pre-established positions. The positions are based on the current party platform stances. You may maintain some or all of these positions. If you want to switch your stance, click on the position statement. When you are complete, click in the box that says “I certify that these are my positions on the issues”. Then, click “Next”.
  16. The next screen allows you to pick three of the five issues that you deem to be the most important to you. After you click on the three key issues, click on “Next”.
  17. The next screen is VERY IMPORTANT. You should take your time studying this map as well as studying each state’s randomly assigned positions. Each state has the following information: color of state based on its current support and strength of support for the republican or democratic party, number of electoral votes (remember you need 270 to win), the state’s current party support percentages, and the current stance of a majority of voters in the state on all ten issues. With the current issue stance, you can see an indicator of whether the state agrees or disagrees with you and your opponent on your five issues as well as your three key issues. THIS INFORMATION IS ALL IMPORTANT AS IT WILL ACT AS A GUIDE FOR MANY OF YOUR CAMPAIGN DECISIONS! It is recommended to take some notes and keep track of this information. Also on this page, you will see “Advanced Strategy”. Click on this for a few tips to game play. When you are done, click on “Back to Game”. Then, click on “Done”
  18. You are now ready to play! The game will guide you through a variety of events and activities on your path to the White House (hopefully)! The game plays out like a simulated board game. Follow the process closely and make good decisions as you play the game.
  19. Be consistent in your policy stances! Raise money wisely and spend aggressively! Deal with situations and think like a candidate! Make good decisions with your campaign travel!
  1. Help
  2. You can always click on the “Tips and Help” at the bottom of the screen for game-play help.
  3. Also, the tab on the side of the screen titled “LEARN MORE” has information on the entire presidential election process. This information offers both historical and factual information about the process. This information is provided by some of the game sponsors (i.e. the History Channel, C-Span, CNN Student News, etc.) and is really good stuff. Access this before or during the game for assistance.
  4. A reminder…any time you use the help information, always remember to click back to the game.
  5. At the end of the game, you will be shown an election night map that will tally up the results and show you how you did in the presidential election! When that is calculated, MAKE SURE TO “VIEW REPORT CARD”! You will need to print this out or copy down the information to a separate paper and turn it in for proof of play and classwork credit.
  1. Saving Game
  2. Many of you will be unable to complete this game during the allotted time. . When you have to stop the game, you will be able to resume at the point that you left off your play. This would prevent you from having to start over! Make sure that you choose the “Resume Saved Game” option on the first screen to continue with your game.
  1. Game Play
  2. As part of the random assignment of state issue positions, it is possible that you can play poorly and still win or play well and still lose. Your report card though will measure how well you responded to each step and if you made good decisions.
  1. What to Submit: Graded Classwork
  2. “Report Card”