Race to Ratify

Race to Ratify is a dynamic educational game that plunges players into post-revolutionary America to shape the fate of the U.S. Constitution. Developed by iCivics, this app transforms historical debates into an interactive journey where you campaign for or against ratification across the 13 states. By merging strategy, storytelling, and civic education, it turns 18th-century political drama into a modern-day quest for influence—proving history is anything but static.

What Scenarios Is Race to Ratify Suitable For?

- Classrooms: Teachers use it to spark discussions about constitutional foundations.

- History Enthusiasts: Dive into the Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist clash with hands-on roleplay.

- Casual Gamers: Strategy lovers enjoy balancing persuasion tactics and resource management.

- Civic Learners: Anyone exploring democratic processes and the art of compromise.

What Experience Can You Gain?

- Critical Analysis: Weigh arguments from diverse perspectives—wealthy elites, farmers, free Black communities, and more.

- Historical Nuance: Discover how regional differences and socio-economic divides shaped the Constitution.

- Persuasion Skills: Craft pamphlets (the "social media" of 1787) to sway public opinion.

- Systemic Thinking: Grasp the trade-offs between centralized government power and individual freedoms.

The Practical Value of Race to Ratify

Beyond entertainment, the app fosters civic literacy by dissecting core concepts like federalism, checks and balances, and the Bill of Rights. It highlights democracy’s messiness, showing how collaboration and conflict birthed a lasting governing framework. Teachers especially value its alignment with curricula, offering lesson plans and "Impact Points" to track student progress.

Remarks on Race to Ratify

- Platform: Available on web browsers and iOS/Android devices.

- Audience: Tailored for ages 12+ but engaging for adults.

- Cost: Free (iCivics is a nonprofit).

- Learning Depth: Goes beyond dates and names to explore ideological tensions that still resonate today.