Lobbyists in Action: Policy Change Simulation
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Lobbyists in Action: Policy Change Simulation

Grade 12Social Studies10 days
In this project, 12th-grade students simulate the experience of interest groups navigating the political landscape to effect policy change. Students will research a policy area, develop a problem statement, and propose a policy solution. They will identify key governmental institutions to lobby and develop effective lobbying strategies, while also anticipating and mitigating potential challenges and addressing ethical considerations. The project culminates in a risk assessment and mitigation plan, fostering critical thinking and proactive problem-solving.
Policy ChangeLobbyingInterest GroupsPolitical SimulationPolicy SolutionsGovernment InstitutionsAdvocacy Strategies
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as interest groups, strategically navigate the political landscape to effect meaningful policy change, while addressing ethical considerations and overcoming potential challenges?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can individuals and groups influence policy change?
  • What are the key institutions and processes involved in policymaking?
  • What strategies are most effective for lobbying and advocacy?
  • How do interest groups navigate challenges and obstacles in the political landscape?
  • How does public opinion impact policy outcomes?
  • What are the ethical considerations involved in lobbying and advocacy?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to analyze and describe a policy area and the problem an interest group is seeking to influence.
  • Students will be able to formulate a policy solution and explain its impact on the policy problem.
  • Students will be able to identify and justify the governmental institutions to lobby.
  • Students will be able to develop and defend effective lobbying strategies.
  • Students will be able to anticipate and explain potential challenges faced by interest groups.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the ethical considerations involved in lobbying and advocacy.
  • Students will be able to apply strategic navigation of the political landscape to effect meaningful policy change.
  • Students will be able to understand the impact of public opinion on policy outcomes.
  • Students will be able to understand the key institutions and processes involved in policymaking.
  • Students will be able to understand the strategies that are most effective for lobbying and advocacy.
  • Students will be able to understand how interest groups navigate challenges and obstacles in the political landscape

Teacher-Provided Standards

A
Primary
A description of the policy area and problem the interest group is seeking to influence.Reason: Directly addresses the task of describing a policy area and the problem the interest group is seeking to influence.
B
Primary
A description of the policy solution that the interest group would like to see enacted and an explanation of how this solution solves the policy problem.Reason: Directly addresses the task of describing a policy solution and explaining how it solves the policy problem.
C
Primary
An identification of the specific institutions of government the interest group is going to lobby and an explanation of why these institutions are the most important to lobby on this issue.Reason: Directly addresses the task of identifying and explaining which governmental institutions to lobby.
D
Primary
A description of the specific strategies the interest group is going to use to influence the policy problem and an explanation of why these strategies are the most effective in this context.Reason: Directly addresses the task of describing and explaining effective lobbying strategies.
E
Primary
A description of at least TWO challenges the interest group is likely to encounter (e.g., shifts in public opinion, party polarization on the issue, Constitutional challenges, challenges related to media coverage and exposure) and anReason: Directly addresses the task of describing potential challenges faced by interest groups.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Policy Challenge

Present students with a 'Policy Challenge' – a complex, real-world policy problem with no easy solutions. Students brainstorm initial ideas and approaches, laying the groundwork for deeper investigation and lobbying strategies.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Problem Area Identifier

Students will identify a specific policy area they are passionate about and thoroughly research the existing problems within that area. They will then draft a detailed problem statement that clearly articulates the issue, its impact, and why it needs to be addressed.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a policy area of interest (e.g., education, healthcare, environment).
2. Conduct thorough research on the chosen policy area, focusing on existing problems and issues.
3. Draft a problem statement that includes the following: A clear description of the problem, The impact of the problem on individuals and society, and Why the problem needs to be addressed.
4. Revise and refine the problem statement based on feedback from peers and the teacher.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched and clearly written problem statement that outlines the policy area and the problem the interest group aims to influence.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsA. A description of the policy area and problem the interest group is seeking to influence.
Activity 2

Solution Architect

Building upon the problem statement, students will develop a detailed policy solution that directly addresses the identified problem. They will explain how the proposed solution works, its intended outcomes, and how it will effectively solve the policy problem. Students should consider potential unintended consequences and address them proactively.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm potential solutions to the identified policy problem.
2. Research and analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of each potential solution.
3. Develop a detailed policy solution that includes specific actions, responsible parties, and timelines.
4. Explain how the proposed solution will solve the policy problem and address potential unintended consequences.
5. Revise and refine the policy solution based on feedback.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive policy solution document that includes a detailed description of the solution, its intended outcomes, and a clear explanation of how it solves the policy problem.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsB. A description of the policy solution that the interest group would like to see enacted and an explanation of how this solution solves the policy problem.
Activity 3

Government Target ID

Students will identify the specific governmental institutions (e.g., legislative committees, executive agencies, judicial bodies) that are most relevant to their policy solution. They will research the roles and responsibilities of these institutions and explain why lobbying them is crucial for enacting their proposed policy change. This includes understanding the political landscape and key decision-makers within these institutions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the different branches and levels of government (federal, state, local) and their roles in policymaking.
2. Identify the specific governmental institutions that have jurisdiction over the chosen policy area.
3. Analyze the roles and responsibilities of these institutions and the key decision-makers within them.
4. Explain why lobbying these specific institutions is crucial for enacting the proposed policy change.
5. Develop a lobbying plan that outlines the target institutions and the rationale for their selection.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA strategic lobbying plan that identifies the key governmental institutions to target and provides a rationale for their selection based on their influence over the policy issue.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsC. An identification of the specific institutions of government the interest group is going to lobby and an explanation of why these institutions are the most important to lobby on this issue.
Activity 4

Influence Tactics Strategist

Students will explore various lobbying and advocacy strategies (e.g., direct lobbying, grassroots campaigns, media outreach, coalition building) and select the most effective strategies for influencing their chosen policy issue. They will justify their choices by explaining why these strategies are best suited to the context, considering factors such as public opinion, political climate, and the nature of the policy problem.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research various lobbying and advocacy strategies (e.g., direct lobbying, grassroots campaigns, media outreach).
2. Evaluate the pros and cons of each strategy in the context of the chosen policy issue.
3. Select the most effective strategies based on factors such as public opinion, political climate, and available resources.
4. Develop a detailed plan for implementing the chosen strategies, including specific tactics and timelines.
5. Justify the selection of these strategies by explaining why they are the most effective in the given context.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed lobbying strategy document that outlines the specific strategies the interest group will use, along with a rationale for their effectiveness in the given context.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsD. A description of the specific strategies the interest group is going to use to influence the policy problem and an explanation of why these strategies are the most effective in this context.
Activity 5

Challenge Forecaster

Students will anticipate potential challenges that their interest group might face in their lobbying efforts. This includes analyzing potential shifts in public opinion, party polarization, constitutional challenges, and media scrutiny. They will develop strategies to mitigate these challenges and adapt their approach accordingly. This activity encourages critical thinking and proactive problem-solving.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm potential challenges that the interest group might face (e.g., shifts in public opinion, party polarization).
2. Research and analyze the likelihood and impact of each potential challenge.
3. Develop strategies to mitigate these challenges and adapt the lobbying approach accordingly.
4. Create a risk assessment and mitigation plan that outlines the identified challenges and the corresponding strategies.
5. Present the risk assessment and mitigation plan to the class for feedback and discussion.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA risk assessment and mitigation plan that identifies at least two potential challenges and outlines strategies to address them effectively.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsE. A description of at least TWO challenges the interest group is likely to encounter (e.g., shifts in public opinion, party polarization on the issue, Constitutional challenges, challenges related to media coverage and exposure) and an
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Policy Change Simulation Rubric

Category 1

Problem Identification

Focuses on the clarity, depth, and justification of the problem being addressed.
Criterion 1

Problem Definition

Clarity and thoroughness of the problem description, including its impact and the necessity for addressing it.

Exemplary
4 Points

The problem statement is exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and insightful, providing a deep understanding of the issue, its broad impact, and the urgent need for action. Demonstrates sophisticated research and analysis.

Proficient
3 Points

The problem statement is clear, well-researched, and thoroughly explains the issue, its impact on individuals and society, and the reasons for addressing it.

Developing
2 Points

The problem statement shows an emerging understanding of the issue, but lacks depth in explaining its impact or the reasons for addressing it. Research is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

The problem statement is unclear, incomplete, and lacks sufficient research. It fails to adequately explain the issue, its impact, or the reasons for addressing it.

Category 2

Policy Solution

Focuses on the quality and practicality of the proposed solution to the identified problem.
Criterion 1

Policy Solution Design

Feasibility, effectiveness, and clarity of the proposed policy solution, including consideration of unintended consequences.

Exemplary
4 Points

The policy solution is exceptionally well-developed, feasible, and highly effective in addressing the problem, with innovative consideration of potential unintended consequences and proactive mitigation strategies. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of policy implications.

Proficient
3 Points

The policy solution is well-developed, feasible, and effective in addressing the problem, with clear consideration of potential unintended consequences.

Developing
2 Points

The policy solution shows emerging feasibility and effectiveness, but lacks detail or consideration of unintended consequences.

Beginning
1 Points

The policy solution is unclear, infeasible, and lacks a clear connection to the problem. There is no consideration of potential unintended consequences.

Category 3

Governmental Institutions

Focuses on the strategic identification and justification of the governmental institutions targeted for lobbying efforts.
Criterion 1

Institutional Targeting

Strategic selection and justification of governmental institutions for lobbying, based on their influence over the policy issue.

Exemplary
4 Points

The lobbying plan demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the political landscape and strategically selects governmental institutions with exceptional justification. Shows leadership in analyzing institutional influence and decision-making processes.

Proficient
3 Points

The lobbying plan identifies and justifies key governmental institutions to target, based on their influence over the policy issue. The rationale is clear and well-supported.

Developing
2 Points

The lobbying plan identifies relevant governmental institutions, but the justification for their selection is weak or incomplete.

Beginning
1 Points

The lobbying plan fails to identify appropriate governmental institutions or provide a rationale for their selection.

Category 4

Lobbying Strategies

Focuses on the strategic selection and justification of lobbying strategies.
Criterion 1

Lobbying Strategy

Effectiveness and justification of the chosen lobbying strategies, considering public opinion, political climate, and available resources.

Exemplary
4 Points

The lobbying strategies are exceptionally well-chosen and justified, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of public opinion, the political climate, and resource constraints. The plan showcases innovative and highly effective tactics.

Proficient
3 Points

The lobbying strategies are effective and well-justified, considering public opinion, the political climate, and available resources.

Developing
2 Points

The lobbying strategies show emerging effectiveness, but the justification is weak or fails to consider key factors such as public opinion or political climate.

Beginning
1 Points

The lobbying strategies are ineffective or poorly justified, with little consideration of the context or available resources.

Category 5

Challenge Anticipation

Focuses on the ability to anticipate and mitigate potential challenges to the lobbying effort.
Criterion 1

Risk Mitigation

Thoroughness and effectiveness of the risk assessment and mitigation plan, including strategies to address potential challenges.

Exemplary
4 Points

The risk assessment and mitigation plan is exceptionally thorough, insightful, and proactive in identifying and addressing potential challenges. Demonstrates sophisticated foresight and innovative mitigation strategies. Shows leadership in anticipating and overcoming obstacles.

Proficient
3 Points

The risk assessment and mitigation plan thoroughly identifies potential challenges and outlines effective strategies to address them.

Developing
2 Points

The risk assessment and mitigation plan identifies some potential challenges, but the mitigation strategies are weak or incomplete.

Beginning
1 Points

The risk assessment and mitigation plan is incomplete and fails to adequately identify or address potential challenges.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflecting on the entire policy change simulation, what was the most surprising or unexpected challenge your interest group encountered, and how did you adapt your strategies in response?

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Question 2

To what extent do you think your group's lobbying strategies would be effective in a real-world scenario, and what adjustments might be necessary?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which of the following aspects of the policy change simulation did you find the most challenging to address?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Formulating a policy solution
Identifying key governmental institutions to lobby
Developing effective lobbying strategies
Anticipating and mitigating potential challenges
Working as a group
Question 4

How has this simulation changed your understanding of the role and influence of interest groups in shaping policy outcomes?

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Question 5

What ethical considerations did your group face during the simulation, and how did you navigate these dilemmas while advocating for your policy solution?

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