6. Participation in Simulations of Democratic Structures and Processes
Several programs exist that allow students to take on roles that simulate
democratic processes and procedures. They exist in formal curricular models
such as We the People and Equal Justice Under Law, and through extracurricular
activities such as Boys and Girls State, YMCA Youth and Government
and Model United Nations programs. Often students must research current
events and persuade their peers to vote with them. Other programs model city
or national governments, court proceedings or the United Nations. In many
of these simulations, students also provide leadership for the proceedings.
Indicators
- Students practice democratic roles and processes in a safe way.
- Students learn important civic content and skills.
Evidence
- Research on We the People demonstrates the power of simulating government processes. Alumni are significantly more engaged in civic and political life than their peers.
- Research about CityWorks, a classroom-based simulation, shows that students who participated were more committed to participatory citizenship, more interested in service and had a greater sense of political efficacy than peers who did not participate in CityWorks.
- Research demonstrates clear relationships between adult civic and political engagement and participation in the YMCA Model Legislature.