Bring ‘Party Favors’ To Your Classroom With BRI’s New Game!

How does the relationship between representation, negotiation, and competing interests shape the legislative process in a democratic system?

That question guides players through a new game offered by the Bill of Rights Institute, “Party Favors.”  The wordplay communication game is part of BRI’s Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment curriculum. It challenges teams of “delegates” to interpret constituent and private interests to keep both sides happy.

Players must negotiate with each other while competing to draft the most effective bills for their team. Failure to do so will result in being voted out of office. Party Favors also has players discuss several other topics, including analyzing the role of elected representatives in interpreting and advocating for constituent interests, demonstrating an understanding of how special interests can influence the legislative process, and assessing the role of compromise in governing effectively.

BRI field-tested Party Favors with teachers in Florida, Michigan, and at last year’s Sphere Summit in Washington, D.C. Teachers felt engaged while trying the game, which they believe would translate to their students’ experience during gameplay.

“This game was my favorite of the three we played,” one teacher said.

Students will use the game to act as “delegates” and interpret the dynamics between party representatives and their constituents. So visit the Party Favors page on the BRI website for more information on how to play and to download a special “print-and-play” game version.