Most students are unaware of campaign finance and special interest groups affect the operation and outcome of an election. This simulation will raise student awareness which will lead to critical comparisons of the campaign funding process. The activity also involves some minimal role playing by students. Initially, no discussion of campaign finance should take place and the activity should be characterized as a lesson on political negotiation.
Voters are all committed to getting the bill passed.
Candidates are left to decide whether they are for or against the bill. The voting record is what the candidate agreed to at the end of the voter meeting and is maintained throughout each round by the voter. Direct Democracy Voters meet individually for no more than five minutes with each candidate, so convincing the candidate quickly is important. At the end of the meeting the voter has the candidate sign off on the voting record. Some voters may end up meeting with a few candidates, other voters may meet with all of them, but that is a legitimate part of the dynamic.