We the People (boardgame)

We the People is a historical strategy board game designed by Mark Herman and published by Avalon Hill in 1994. The game simulates the political and ideological struggle within the newly formed United States of America from 1787 to 1789, focusing on the ratification of the United States Constitution.

Players take on the roles of either the Federalists, who advocate for ratification, or the Anti-Federalists, who oppose it. The game map depicts the thirteen original states, each possessing varying levels of support for either faction. Players utilize event cards, political debates, and influence markers to sway public opinion and secure the necessary number of state ratifications to achieve victory.

Gameplay revolves around managing resources, strategically deploying leaders, and playing event cards that reflect historical events, personalities, and debates surrounding the Constitution. The game incorporates elements of card-driven game design and area control, offering players opportunities to shape the nascent American political landscape.

We the People is known for its historical accuracy, complex gameplay, and depiction of the complex political maneuvering that led to the establishment of the United States government. It is considered a classic in the genre of historical board games and is often praised for its ability to immerse players in the historical context of the ratification debates.