Simulation Game: Federal Elections – 90 Minutes

1. Preparation:

Materials Needed:

• Worksheets: Print enough copies of the worksheets related to the election process for all students. Include voting ballots, party platforms, and election results sheets.
• Role Cards: Utilize the worksheet "Rollenkarten" from to-teach for creating role cards. These can be easily accessed and customized here: Rollenkarten Worksheet.
• Digital Tools: Prepare a digital projector or screen to display information relevant to the simulation, such as election timelines or party manifestos.
• Tables/Seats: Arrange the classroom to facilitate group work and discussions. Ensure there are tables for each political party and a central area for the election committee.
• Additional Resources: Have name tags, pens, and paper available for students to take notes and record decisions.

Roles and Groups:

• Political Parties: Divide the class into groups, each representing a different political party. Provide them with role cards detailing their party's platform, key issues, and candidate profiles.
• Election Committee: Assign a few students the roles of election officials responsible for managing the voting process and counting votes.
• Media and Citizens: Some students can take on the role of journalists or citizens, questioning candidates and reporting on the election.

Classroom Setup and Planning:

• Room Arrangement: Set up the classroom to resemble a parliamentary setting, with a central area for speeches and debate.
• Timeline: Plan the simulation to fit within the 90-minute timeframe. Allocate time for preparation, party presentations, debates, voting, and reflection.
• Scenario Introduction: Present a scenario to the students where they are about to conduct federal elections in a fictional country. Explain that they will simulate the entire process from campaigning to voting.

2. Conducting the Simulation:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Introduction (10 minutes): Begin by introducing the simulation, outlining the objectives, and explaining the importance of elections. Present the fictional scenario and distribute role cards.
2. Preparation Phase (15 minutes): Allow each political party to review their platform and prepare a brief speech. Provide time for the election committee to set up voting stations.
3. Campaigning and Debates (20 minutes): Each party presents their platform and answers questions from the media and citizens. Encourage lively debate on key issues.
4. Voting Process (15 minutes): Guide the election committee in conducting the voting process. Ensure all students participate as voters, casting their ballots.
5. Counting and Results (10 minutes): The election committee counts the votes and announces the results. Display the outcome using the digital projector.
6. Discussion (20 minutes): Facilitate a class discussion about the election process, the results, and the experience of participating in the simulation.

Guidance for Teachers:

• Role Facilitation: Encourage students to immerse themselves in their roles, emphasizing collaboration and critical thinking.
• Steering the Process: Keep the simulation on track by monitoring time and ensuring all activities are completed within the allotted timeframe.
• Discussion Points: Highlight key topics for discussion, such as the impact of media on elections, the role of debates, and voter influence.

3. Reflection and Follow-Up:

Evaluation:

• Class Discussion: Conduct a feedback session where students share their thoughts on the simulation. Discuss what went well and what could be improved.
• Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from students on their roles and experiences, noting any challenges they faced.

Reflection Activities:

• Personal Reflection: Ask students to write a brief reflection on their role and the election results, considering what they learned about the electoral process.
• Group Discussion: Organize a discussion where students compare their experiences and hypothesize how real-world elections might differ.

Further Engagement:

• Research Tasks: Assign students to research real-world elections, comparing them to the simulation.
• Creative Projects: Encourage students to create campaign materials or news articles based on their party's performance in the simulation.
• Extension Activities: Offer opportunities for students to explore more about political systems, voting rights, and civic engagement through additional readings or projects.

Scenario: Federal Election Simulation

Introduction:

Welcome to the Federal Election Simulation, where you, as students, will experience the intricacies of democratic elections in a fictional country, "Democratica." In Democratica, the federal elections are approaching, and various political parties are gearing up to win the majority vote. Your task is to participate in the election process, from campaigning to casting votes, and ultimately reflecting on the outcomes.

Roles and Groups:

Political Parties:

1. Green Future Party: Advocates for environmental protection, sustainability, and educational reform. Their goal is to enact strict climate policies and promote renewable energy.
2. Economic Progress Alliance: Focused on economic growth, innovation, and digital infrastructure. They aim to implement tax reductions for businesses and support startups.
3. Social Justice League: Prioritizes social security, education, and healthcare. Their objective is to increase social benefits and invest in schools and hospitals.
4. Culture & Heritage Party: Emphasizes internal security, cultural promotion, and regional economy. They seek to strengthen the police force, support local businesses, and preserve cultural traditions.

Election Committee:

A group of students will act as election officials, responsible for managing the voting process, ensuring fairness, and counting votes accurately.

Media and Citizens:

Some students will play the role of journalists or citizens, questioning candidates, reporting on party platforms, and expressing public concerns.

Task for Students:

• Political Parties: Prepare a campaign strategy, present your platform, and engage in debates to persuade voters.
• Election Committee: Conduct a fair and efficient voting process, ensuring all students participate as voters.
• Media and Citizens: Critically analyze party presentations, pose challenging questions, and report on the election proceedings.

Simulation Procedure and Rules:

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin with a brief introduction to the simulation, emphasizing the importance of elections and democratic participation.
• Distribute role cards detailing each party’s platform and objectives.

Preparation Phase (15 minutes):

• Political parties review their platforms and prepare a brief speech highlighting their key policies and goals.
• The election committee sets up voting stations and explains the voting process.

Campaigning and Debates (20 minutes):

• Each party presents their platform to the class, followed by a question-and-answer session with the media and citizens.
• Encourage respectful and lively debates on key issues, fostering critical thinking and collaboration.

Voting Process (15 minutes):

• Guide the election committee in conducting the voting process, ensuring confidentiality and fairness.
• All students participate as voters, casting their ballots for their preferred party.

Counting and Results (10 minutes):

• The election committee counts the votes and announces the results.
• Display the outcome using a digital projector to visualize the election results.

Discussion (20 minutes):

• Facilitate a class discussion about the election process, the results, and the experience of participating in the simulation.
• Highlight potential discussion topics, such as the role of media in shaping public opinion, the importance of debates, and voter influence.

Optional Discussion Topics and Conflict Points:

• The impact of media coverage on public perception and election outcomes.
• The challenges of reaching consensus and making compromises in a political environment.
• The influence of campaign strategies on voter decisions.

Reflection and Follow-Up:

Evaluation:

• Conduct a feedback session where students share their thoughts on the simulation, discussing strengths and areas for improvement.

Reflection Activities:

• Personal Reflection: Students write a brief reflection on their role and the election results, considering what they learned about the electoral process.
• Group Discussion: Organize a discussion where students compare their experiences and hypothesize how real-world elections might differ.

Further Engagement:

• Research Tasks: Assign students to research real-world elections, comparing them to the simulation experience.
• Creative Projects: Encourage students to create campaign materials or news articles based on their party's performance in the simulation.
• Extension Activities: Offer opportunities for students to explore more about political systems, voting rights, and civic engagement through additional readings or projects.

This scenario provides a comprehensive framework for conducting a federal election simulation, enabling students to immerse themselves in the democratic process and gain valuable insights into political dynamics.