This New BRI Game Won’t Leave You ‘Fed Up’!

When exploring the dynamic between The Federalists, who drafted the Constitution as the highest law of the land, and the Anti-Federalists who wanted to ensure that the people had an individual Bill of Rights, it can help to deal your students a hand.

That is the intent behind the Bill of Rights Institute’s new “Fed Up” card game, which is part of our new Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment curriculum. The game draws attention to the similarities and differences between Feds and Anti-Feds, and how that might have contributed to a better final outcome for the country.

During gameplay, teams will apply their perspective to terms found on the playing cards, as well as rank the terms used in the game and discuss their differences and examines the similarities between Fed Up and America’s founding documents.

BRI recently field-tested Fed Up with teachers in Florida, Michigan, and at last year’s Sphere Summit in Washington, D.C. Teachers shared that trying the game made them feel various emotions – including anxiousness, excitement, being challenged, and thoughtfulness.

“Great game! I feel this will help the students remember and retain, and it’s a good way to introduce federalists and antifederalists,” said one teacher. Another teacher said they enjoyed playing Fed Up and could use it throughout the school year.

“The game would be fun to play at beginning of an executive branch unit,” said another teacher. “It will get students thinking about how that branch works.”

BRI offers a PowerPoint presentation is available that explains the rules of play. So visit the Fed Up page on our website and start playing now!