Just in time for #ConstitutionDay my Government classes finished up our Constitutional Convention simulation games! Both of my classes broke with history and made some very different constitutions!
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The game was played over four sessions, based on a modified version of the @ReactingTTPast ConCon game. You can see the overview of the first session, where they debated the House of Representatives, in this short thread:
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The second session was all about the Senate. The two issues up for debate was 1) the method of election, and 2) the manner of representation for the upper house.
Historically, this was election by the state legislatures and equal representation for each state.
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1st Block was the closest to the historical Constitution as the various factions compromised. The state legislatures still got the power to elect the Senate, but to limit state power, the state governors would in turn be elected by Congress!
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3rd Block went the other way to limit state power. They agreed to have the lower house elect the upper house, with the compromise being that the states selected the nominees for election.
Both blocks agreed on equal representation to offset proportional rep in the House.
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Our third session focused on the presidency, with three key issues: length of term, eligibility for re-election, and method of election.
The real convention settled on 4 years, re-eligible (later limited by the 22nd Amendment), and the electoral college.
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1st Block's nationalist factions swept this session, because the several key members of the opposition (the "confederalists") were missing that day. They went with a 6 year term, re-eligibility, and direct election by the people (no electoral colleges here!).
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3rd Block's confederalists put up a stronger fight. They settled for a 5 year term and re-eligibility for reelection, but put in a two-term limit from the start. Their president is elected by the Congress; still no electoral colleges!
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The last session was most difficult because it focused on slavery. The two big issues were importation and how enslaved peoples count for representation and direct taxation.
Historically importation was protected for 20 years and representation saw the 3/5ths Compromise.
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1st Block's constitution was nearly derailed by the issue of importation! They compromised with a protection for 7 years and total ban after 15.
Representation and direct taxation were fixed at 1/2, overall win for the northern states.
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3rd Block instead was stuck on the other issue. They agreed to immediately ban importation (some students opting not to follow their delegate roles). Southern states had an advantage on representation, though, with full representation but only a rate of 2/3rds for taxes.
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Both conventions passed their respective complete constitutions. By the end of the game, they all had a much deeper appreciation for the creation of the American government. All-in-all, I cannot recommend this method of teaching the Convention enough!
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As an additional note, each block also saw a duel happen! Alexander Hamilton and Elbridge Gerry clashed over the presidency debates, w/ Gerry insulting Hamilton's honor. They faced off in the hallway with Nerf guns following (approximated) dueling rules.
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In 1st Block, Hamilton won the duel and Gerry won in 3rd. The loser lost their vote on the next issue and couldn't debate for the rest of the session. The cheering from each faction made the duel the favorite of many.
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Naturally, feel free to ask me any questions or leave your own experiences w/ similar games in class!
Everyone have a wonderful #ConstitutionDay!
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