Enjoy Learning the Constitution with Constitution Quest Game

By Douglas V. Gibbs

Three and a half years ago, when Constitution Radio premiered on KCAA 1050 AM, Constitution Quest Game was there as one of the advertisers.  The longtime sponsor of my efforts regarding educating the public about the United States Constitution has been there assisting me in all of my efforts, purchasing and offering my book, "25 Myths of the Unite States Constitution" along with their game, and working with me at various events and conferences.

We first met at the Murrieta Fireman's Bar-b-que, and we have been friends, and brothers in arms regarding educating the public about the Constitution, ever since.

The designers of the Constitution Quest Game are Temecula school teachers David Barret and Pam Barret, and their son, Joel Barret.  The game was created only a year prior to the beginning of my AM Radio opportunity.  In 2010, with the intention of increasing Constitutional Literacy in America, the game was launched, providing an opportunity to all who are willing to play the chance to learn the Constitution with family and friends in an easy, and effective way, no matter the age, or previous constitutional aptitude.

The makers of Constitution Quest Game had the opportunity to have the game mass-produced by a large game distributor, but instead do the work themselves in order to ensure the game is proudly made in the USA.

Constitution Quest employs proven learning strategies in every aspect of the game, while also keeping the game fun for the players.  The game tackles each of the branches of the United States Government, as well as various founding principles, through questions on game cards that are colorful, and constitutionally accurate.  The players answer the questions to build points, but also can do well through a combination of luck and game piece movement - which means even the top Constitutionally educated member of the group of players can be beaten.  The rules are also set up so that the game can be played by individuals, or teams, opening the opportunity for any size group to enjoy playing the game, even enabling large groups to set up massive tournaments.

Game play was an important aspect in designing the game, to the Barrets, and so the game includes thoughtful consideration of the included questions and potential answers on the game cards (with questions and possible answers designed to ensure divorcing players from common misconceptions regarding the Constitution), as well as various strategies that may be employed, and an element of chance that accompanies the dice and the cards that one may draw.

What struck me as being the most incredible part of the game is the level of quality put into all components of the game,  and the incredible artwork used to design the game.  Even the rule book reveals the quality the Barret's desired the game to have.  The colors are dominated by red, white and blue, with a golden addition that reminds us of the parchment the Constitution was originally written upon.  The game board is so beautiful, I have joked with friends that I plan to buy a second copy of the game so that I can put the game board in a frame and put it on the wall.  The game board is also organized in a fashion that makes game play easy to understand, while providing a beautiful visual path through the various parts of the U.S. Government.

In the end, after playing, the focus of the Barret's intentions remain in place throughout the game, taking the player through a journey of learning the Constitution, and learning about the patriots who placed their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on the line for the creation of this wonderful bastion of liberty we call The United States of America.

www.constitutionquest.com

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary