Civics Arcade

Civics Arcade

Five short games about how American government works and how its history fits together, plus one just for fun. They run in any web browser, on a laptop, a Chromebook, a phone or the classroom projector.

Today's lesson: checks, balances and 270.

Pass the Bill

You're a freshman member of the House. Get your bill through committee, both chambers, a possible filibuster and the President's desk.

Lawmaking5–8 minTeacher edits
Introduce a bill →

Checks & Balances Showdown

One branch makes a move. Pick the branch and the power that checks it, from the veto to judicial review.

Three branchesClassic or LightningTeacher edits
Play a card →

Amendment Detective

Read a real-life situation and name the constitutional amendment that applies before the clock runs out.

Bill of Rights & beyondStudy modeTeacher edits
Open the case file →

Road to 270

Run a presidential campaign for a made-up party. Spend visits and ad money across the states, then watch election night unfold.

Electoral College3 difficulty levelsClassroom mode
Start the campaign →

Which Came First?

Two moments in American history. Tap the earlier one and build a timeline as your streak grows.

1607 to todayClass roundTeacher edits
Pick a date →

Capitol Whack

Whack-a-mole on the Capitol steps. Gavel the crooked politicians before they get re-elected, and leave the interns alone.

Just for fun60 secondsMade-up characters
Gavel in →

For teachers

Make it yours

Pass the Bill, Checks & Balances, Amendment Detective and Which Came First each have a Teacher button on the start screen. Paste in your own bills, scenarios or events and the game uses them on that device.

Student privacy

No accounts, no names and no tracking. Nothing a student does leaves their browser. High scores and teacher packs stay on the device that played.

Playing in class

Put a game on the projector and let the class call out answers, or have students play on their own devices. Every game works with a mouse, touch or keyboard.

Sharing

Each game is a single file. Upload the folder to Google Classroom or your school's site, or open the files straight from a computer. No install needed.