This activity is designed to provide participants with background on hydroelectric development facts and issues. Through simulation of the Raker Act Debate, which actually took place around the turn of the century, participants will have the opportunity to re-decide whether or not to dam the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to provide water and power to the City of San Francisco. The simulation is intended to stimulate each participant to delve deeply into the facts of the issue and develop articulate and persuasive ways of presenting the information. Although this particular simulation is based on an historic event, the arguments are still raging in Alaska, California, Maine, Utah, Wyoming, and other states. Ultimately, as with the Raker Act, the final decision hinges on the perception of greatest public benefit.
    Each participant should receive the background packet on the Raker Act. Adequate time should be allowed to read this background material before the activity begins. Attached are pages describing the viewpoints of the six special interest groups involved in the Raker Act Debate. The participants should be divided into six groups of equal parts to represent each position and given the appropriate information card. The person who initiates the activity is the presider.
    One member of each group should read the card to the group. Be sure that everyone in the group understands what the card says. The group should discuss and develop reasons why their position is the best. Review information from the background packet to support your view.
    Another member of the group should be selected as a liaison to the other groups with similar positions with whom you fell you can make alliance. Political decisions are often made through compromises between groups with complementary interests. The liaison will meet with other groups to find common ground and strategize on how they can work together to get as much of their position approved as possible. You may want these negotiations to remain secret.
    Once coalitions have been finalized, the group needs to decide on the three main arguments why the Raker Act should be decided in their favor, or their coalition's favor. A main spokesperson and an assistant spokes person should be selected from each group to prepare a 2 minute presentation using the three arguments. The group will need to select two spokespersons. Props are available for developing characters, to assume the roles of fictional representatives or the real people. Props are available for developing characters.