Revolutionary Mindset Role Play
Introduction
This simulation involves several role plays that will take you through scenarios from the American Revolution to the formation of the American Constitution and Bill of Rights. You will volunteer for your role and perform as that character throughout the various games and role plays.
Role Play Scenarios
Scenario 1 - Declaring Independence
As Sons of Liberty and gentrymen, you will discuss and debate how to respond to the British government’s enforcement of regulations and taxation that you feel is unjust. Prepare to list your grievances and fight for independence!
Roles for this Scenario:
Read:
Scenario 2 - Fighting for Freedom
”Remember officers and soldiers that you are free men, fighting for the blessings of liberty,” said George Washington, and one of his officers Anthony Wayne said, “Issue the orders, sir, and I shall storm hell!” Who will stand and fight for freedom?
Scenarios - The Legacy of Revolution
The year is 1786. The Revolution is over — but peace has not brought prosperity.
Veterans return home to debts. Farmers face eviction. The government can’t raise money, and state courts are seizing land. In western Massachusetts, whispers of rebellion are turning into action. The nation you just fought to build is on the edge of collapse.
You will take on the role of real historical figures — rebels, lawmakers, merchants, generals, and framers — navigating a nation on the brink. Will you crush the uprising, lead the charge, or push for a new vision of government?
Every decision you make will shape America’s future.
For this scenario you will play the role of your Founding Father parts that you’ve been assigned
Read:
Forging a New Nation (1776-1787)
Legacy of Revolution – Constituent Profiles (1770s–1780s)
Historical News Excerpts (1775–1787)
AoC 2 Deliberations in Congress
AoC 3 Ratifications and Amendments
Scenario 3 - 1786 – Crisis in the States (Debt and Disorder)
Scenario 4 - 1786 – The Perilous Foreign Affairs (The Mississippi Dilemma)
Scenario 4 - Constitutional Convention
It’s 1787. The revolution is over — but the republic is failing.
The Articles of Confederation gave each state its freedom. No king. No strong national government. But now, trade is breaking down. States are fighting over borders and taxes. Rebellions are erupting. Congress can’t even pay its soldiers.
You are delegates to a national convention. The mission: Decide the future of America.
Will you defend the Articles with key reforms? Or scrap the system entirely and design a new Constitution?
The stakes are high. A weak union risks collapse. A strong government risks tyranny.
The balance between liberty and order is in your hands.
Roles
NATIONALISTS
James Madison (Virginia)
George Washington (Virginia)
Alexander Hamilton (New York)
Charles Pinckney (South Carolina)
Gouverneur Morris (Pennsylvania)
Rufus King (Massachussetts)
Nathaniel Gorham (Massachussetts)
MODERATE NATIONALISTS
John Rutledge (South Carolina)
John Dickinson (Delaware)
Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania)
Oliver Ellsworth (Connecticut)
Hugh Williamson (North Carolina)
John Langdon (New Hampshire)
CONFEDERALISTS
John Lansing, Jr. (New York)
Luther Martin (Maryland)
William Paterson (New Jersey)
Robert Yates (New York)
John Francis Mercer (Maryland)
William Few (Georgia)
MODERATE CONFEDERALISTS
Roger Sherman (Connecticut)
George Mason (Virginia)
Elbridge Gerry (Massachussetts)
Edmund Randolph (Virginia)
Gunning Bedford (Delaware)
William Samuel Johnson (Connecticut)