Do I Have a Right?

Do I Have a Right? is a free iCivics game for the web as well as iOS and Android that focuses on constitutional rights. It melds simulation mechanics with turn-based strategy and, for a free game, balances visual design, player motivation, and compelling story extremely well. Its recent refresh has made a world of difference, bringing improved graphics, English voice-overs, Spanish options, a glossary, a case analyzer, and more. In the game, students run a law firm specializing in protecting its clients' rights. Players choose whether to focus on only the Bill of Rights, or a larger slate of constitutional amendments (the Bill of Rights plus the 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments). Set up your avatar, choose a starting law partner, and cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony!

For seven in-game days that increase in difficulty, clients walk into the law firm and players determine first whether the client's scenario is protected by the U.S. Constitution and, if so, the lawyer who can defend the case. Players choose from characters like Chuck Freepress, who can help defend freedom of expression, or Sally Fourth, who specializes in illegal government searches. Narrative elements like these serve as fun mnemonic devices that connect characters with the content. Incorrect matches are called out, so students can learn which amendment would have been a better match. As each day passes and players tackle more cases, hired lawyers learn about more rights, which they can then fight to protect. Players can also hire more lawyers, advertise their law firm, and add more seating and other pleasing features to the office to entertain potential clients.

Full Disclosure: iCivics and Common Sense Education share a funder; however, that relationship does not impact Common Sense Education's editorial independence and this learning rating.

Do I Have a Right? might not be the perfect tool to introduce or dig deep into the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, but it is the right tool to help learners understand how these protections apply to true-to-life circumstances (not to mention what the amendments are by number). The game is to the U.S. Constitution's amendments what Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? was to geography -- neither is a comprehensive skill-builder that covers everything in its topic, but nor does it try to be.

The time-based element in the game helps students think on their feet and memorize the amendment numbers and contents. While this could be panic-inducing for some students, it's easy to pause by just clicking off of the browser window. Any students who are stuck can refer to the Glossary, Rights Review, Team Review, or Case Analyzer, and take their time reviewing amendments and other civics-based knowledge.

While it would be helpful for players to already be familiar with the constitutional amendments and how rights work, all players will come away from the game being able to pinpoint which amendment covers which right (within the amendments the game covers), as well as knowing what kinds of complaints aren't covered by the Constitution.