Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Branches of Power is one of those rare educational games that doesn't feel like eating vegetables—it's actually kind of fun. It won't compete with commercial games for pure entertainment, but for what it is (a civics learning tool), it's solid.

The game puts you in charge of all three branches and forces you to navigate the messy reality of checks and balances. Try to pass a law as Congress? The President might veto. Executive order? Courts could strike it down. It's democracy in action, compressed into 30 minutes.

Teachers like it because students engage with the material differently than they would with a textbook. Parents should know it requires some baseline knowledge—if your kid doesn't know what the legislative branch does, they'll struggle. But with a little support, it's a genuinely useful way to understand how government works.

It's not going to blow anyone's mind with innovation or entertainment value, but it does its job well. If your kid needs to learn civics, this beats flashcards.

Age Fit

Best for middle and high schoolers (ages 11-17) who are learning about U.S. government. Younger kids won't have the background knowledge, and adults won't find it engaging unless they're teaching civics.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

A civics game that teaches government structure through gameplay. No inappropriate content, models democratic processes and cooperation between branches. Pacing is structured around a 30-minute time limit, which keeps sessions focused without being chaotic.

Imaginative

62

The game simulates lawmaking and government processes, which requires strategic thinking about checks and balances. However, it's more educational simulation than creative sandbox—players work within established government structures rather than building or expressing original ideas. It's clever but not particularly imaginative.

Safe

95

An iCivics educational game with no monetization concerns, no ads, no social features, and no inappropriate content. It's a straightforward civics learning tool. The only challenge is complexity—kids need basic government knowledge to succeed—but that's a learning curve, not a safety issue.

Enriching

82

Directly teaches how the three branches of government interact through checks and balances. Common Sense Education notes kids learn most about the legislative branch. Students apply civics knowledge in a practical way rather than just memorizing facts. Real skill-building in understanding democratic systems, though the entertainment factor is modest—it's educational first, fun second.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actually makes civics engaging—kids apply knowledge instead of just memorizing facts
Shows how checks and balances work in practice, not just theory
30-minute time limit keeps sessions focused and classroom-friendly
Students genuinely enjoyed it according to teacher reviews—beats another quiz or essay
Free, no ads, no monetization nonsense—just pure educational content

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What to Watch For

Kids need baseline government knowledge or they'll be lost—this isn't a tutorial, it's an application game
Works best with adult or peer support the first time through
The legislative branch gets the most attention; executive and judicial are less developed
It's educational first, entertaining second—don't expect Fortnite-level engagement

Conversation Starters

"Which branch do you think has the most power? Why?"
"What happened when you tried to pass a law? Did another branch stop you?"
"If you could change one thing about how our government works, what would it be?"
"Why do you think the founders wanted the branches to be able to check each other?"

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