Founding Fathers

Jolly Roger Games · Board game · 2010
3–5 · best 4 90 min Weight 2.8/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy
8.3 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love politics and early‑American history, you’ll enjoy the mix of voting and card abilities.

Highlights
  • Smooth hand management
  • Fast, tense voting
  • Engaging historical theme
Keep in mind
  • Steep rule learning curve
  • Text‑heavy rulebook
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Founding Fathers, from the designers of 1960: The Making of the President, drops you into the American Constitutional Convention. For 3‑5 players, each game represents the drafting of the United States Constitution, broken into rounds where a single article is debated – either Federalist vs. Anti‑Federalist or Big‑State vs. Small‑State. Every player holds three delegate cards that stand for their states and grant a special ability. You may activate that ability, vote for or against the current article, or try to claim tokens linked to the four issue types. At round's end the article either passes or flips to its opposite side, and points are awarded. You earn renown by siding with the majority and by owning tokens that match the articles finally written into the constitution. The game blends hand management, open drafting, set collection and voting inside a tidy historical simulation (weight 2.75). Decisions are swift, yet the timing of when to use a special power or hold a card can swing the whole document. Perfect for fans of politics, early‑American history, and influence mechanics that aren’t overly complex. Components are straightforward – delegate cards, theme tokens and an article board – and a full play runs about 90 minutes.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
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Game details

Families

Country: USA Digital Implementations: Yucata Holidays: 4th of July
Publisher Jolly Roger Games
Designer Christian Leonhard, Jason Matthews
Artist Josh Cappel
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can join?
3 to 5 players.
How long does a game take?
About 90 minutes.
What is the complexity level?
Weight 2.75 – easy rules but strategic depth.
What components are included?
Delegate cards, theme tokens, article board, and a rulebook.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of politics, early‑American history, and voting/hand‑management mechanics.
Is there a digital version?
Yes, it’s available on the Yucata platform.
Do I need prior knowledge of US history?
Not required, the game provides context, but history buffs will get extra flavor.