Have two classes working separately. As a class decide which law/rule making body to study. More learning if the two classes take different bodies. Divide each class into four groups. Three groups each decide on the name of their party and select a candidate (drawing lots, etc) to stand for election.
With the help of the group the candidate prepares a manifesto with one, perhaps two proposal (s) for change. The manifesto, just a single sheet of paper with a couple of paragraphs, should state the problem and the suggested solution.
The fourth group to be a lobby that will choose an issue appropriate to the law/rule-making body being studied, and give itself a name. Members of the group to go to each political party and try to persuade to include its issue in the manifesto or get the party to reflect it in some way in its platform.
The candidate presents to the second class his/her proposal in two minutes. Then vote.
Have ballot box and voting slips and use a corner of the classroom for the ‘booth’.
Classroom discussion
When the vote is taken, stress how important it is to vote. If you don’t vote you can’t complain. Some countries such as Australia make it mandatory to vote. Should we do that? The level of voting, which is voluntary in this country, is around 40% for District/County elections.
How can we get more to vote? Do it on-line? change the day to Sunday?