The New York Time developed an amazing webapp that allows you to make policy decisions to attempt to close the Federal budget deficit. It’s too easy to say that congress isn’t doing their job, or the President is wrong, etc. Instead, this is your chance to sit in the chair and make the decisions. What is missing is the backlash that comes with cutting programs, may be an audio boo could be used.
This also reminds me a lot of Sim City. Simulation software can be a great tool to engage audiences in discussion. Rather than talk about issues, actually simulate it and create discussion and engagement.