The Building Blocks of American Government
The Goldilocks Problem of Government
Too many blocks = tyranny. Zero blocks = anarchy. The Framers wanted just right. They built the Constitution as a carefully balanced Jenga tower, spreading blocks across three branches, between national and state governments, and reserving some for the people themselves.
But here is the twist: that tower has been changing ever since 1788. Through court rulings, constitutional amendments, wars, economic crises, and executive orders, the stack keeps shifting.
The Goldilocks Spectrum
Way too many blocks for government
Balanced, accountable, effective
No blocks, no order
What You Will Do
Work through six sections. Each one earns you XP. Finish everything and Roger will personally celebrate your civic genius.
Tabs: Block Map → Power Timeline → Quiz → Today → Build Your Stack → Reflect
Earn 300 XP to unlock the win screen. Track your streak. Try not to let Roger down.
The Constitutional Block Tower
Each block represents a type of governmental power. Click any block to learn what it does and who holds it. Red = Federal power. Teal = State power. Gold = Peoples rights. Gray = Removed / challenged.
📅 How the Tower Changed
The power balance has never stayed still. Click any event to see how it shifted the blocks.
Quiz Complete!
Power Meter: Where Are We Now?
Based on recent executive actions, court decisions, and policy shifts, rate how much each dimension of federal power has grown or shrunk under the second Trump presidency. Drag the sliders and defend your choices below.
These are starting values based on public reporting. Adjust them to reflect your own analysis.
Consider These Actions
The Big Structural Question
What happens to the Jenga tower if you remove these blocks? Think about what breaks first.
Make Your Claim
The Democracy Tower
Click a block to remove it. Watch the tower react. When you think democratic government would no longer function, hit the red button and explain your reasoning.
Democracy Has Left the Building
Hit this button when you believe the government has crossed the line and can no longer function as a democracy.
Reflection 1: Founding Wisdom
Madison designed the Constitution to prevent a dangerous concentration of power. Thinking about Federalist No. 51, McCulloch v. Maryland, or the 14th Amendment: Has Madison's system held up? What would he think if he saw the tower today?
Reflection 2: Your Constitutional Verdict
Are we closer to tyranny, anarchy, or a well-balanced tower right now? Use at least TWO specific examples (cases, amendments, policies, or current events) to support your verdict.
