Robert Moses Game Teacher Guide

Resources Needed 

• Role Cards, Public Works Cards, Resource Cards (Ballot, Influence, Public Trust), Power Tracker, Robert Moses Essay, Timer 

Game Setup 

• Assign roles (1 Visionary Leader, 1-2 Council Members, 1-2 Watchdogs, rest as Citizens) 
• Shuffle and distribute Resource Cards (Ballot, Influence, Public Trust). 3 cards per student.  
• Visionary Leader holds Public Works Cards deck.  
• Use Power Tracker (Leader Control ↔ Citizen Power) on board or handout 

Game Phases 

Community Phase (7–10 min): 

• Leader reads project summary (not dilemmas) 
• Council debates impact; Citizens react; Watchdogs may investigate (coin flip + Public Trust card) 
• Facilitate discussion on inclusion, process, and voices 

Governance Phase (5–7 min): 

• Players use 1 resource card each to support or challenge power 
• Leader may confiscate Ballots, suppress dissent, block investigations 
• Council and Watchdogs use resources to resist or expose harm 
• Citizens may protest or raise awareness 
• Update Power Tracker accordingly 

Change Phase (5 min): 

• Players decide whether to challenge the Leader’s power 
• Requires 3+ players including 1 Watchdog or Council Member, and 3 resource cards (min. 2 types) 
• Success shifts power toward Citizens; failure strengthens Leader 
• Reveal hidden project info if challenge succeeds 

Game End & Debrief 

• Power Tracker 0–1: Leader dominates, limited citizen voice 
• Power Tracker 2–3: Power balance with some resistance 
• Power Tracker 4–5: Citizens and Watchdogs successfully challenge power 
• Discuss outcomes: power distribution, leadership, civic responsibility