Having Fun At A Political Party: Ideology, Legislation, and Party Politics in The American System

The creation of policy and law in America is often called “the sausage making” of politics. It’s difficult to understand, it has huge impact on people's lives, and is “better left unseen.” This seminar is about not only allowing students to see those processes, but to simulate them in the classroom. Students will take on the roles of legislators and lobbyists, selecting legislation from local government, researching various sides of it, and attempting to get the piece they choose to sponsor passed.

What do the people we elect actually do? In this seminar, students will determine their own political ideologies and conduct legislative battle for their priorities in a quarter long political simulation with feedback from local activists.

*Students will take the WI State Civics Exam

Final Product/Project:

• Option 1: Write a reflection on the process of developing and passing a law, including advocacy, negotiation, amendments, etc.

• Option 2: Actively participate in the process of developing and passing a law. Participating in the process of government.

• Option3: Student designed, staff approved with the option to add additional standards.

EMPOWER Skills:

• Working Together

• Exploring Perspective

IMPACT Experiences:

• Speakers like State Rep. Jonathan Brostoff, lobbyists, and other MKE government leaders

• Field Trip to City Hall to, “Watch them make the sausage.”

Academic Pathways:

• US History and Civics

• Communications

• Global Citizenship