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Quote:
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Originally posted by Kramerman
Also, many good solutions have been proposed, such as by Timeline, but the "citizenry" cannot arbitrarily chose the solution to this problem on this thread. The solution should be voted on like normal legislation by the governing body (I dunno if that includes the citizenry, I haven't been active in the game until just a few days ago)
Kman
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Kman (and anyone else curious),
we are the "governing body". I will now explain how I understand our government to function. If someone knows better, please correct me.
1) The citizens on the member list form the "legislature" which passes laws into existence through voting on polls. Anyone can create such a poll and polling rules/guidelines are stated in the Code of Laws (COL).
2.1) Regular laws, policies, and other decisions can be reached by a simple majority or a 'most votes wins' result. As it is, our Code of Laws (popularly known as the Constitution) isn't clear on the exact polling result requirements to pass such laws, policies, and other decisions. Those laws, policies, and other decisions have substance (and are carried out) but are not added to the Code of Laws.
2.2) Amendments to the Code of Law, which is our "ultimate" "permanent" document, must be passed with a 2/3 vote.
2.3) It is generally accepted that 2/3 (or 50%) refers to 2/3 (or 50%) of total votes cast, not the total number of available voters. However, this is not explicitly stated either.
3) The "Government" at present consists of the citizenry (which I have taken the liberty of calling the Legislature since they all vote on polls) along with the Administration (executive team of President, VP, and ministers who are elected by the citizenry). However, most people mean the Administration (executive team) when they refer to the Government. The Administration (executive team) actually plays the game and has the responsibility for making those decisions. They can (and often do)poll the citizenry for feedback and direction in decision-making, but the COL states that they are not required to follow such polls (though they usually do follow the public will).
4) Any one may propose "bills" through discussion threads and then create polls to pass those bills into law. So far, the ministers usually take the initiative but this does not mean others cannot do so.
5) The possibility of having unofficial aides for governmental positions exist, but have no official power at present. Currently, AFAIK, no one has made use of these 'aides'.
6) There is no current Judicial system as consensus on some significant issues has yet to be reached. There is however, great public support to create one.
7) There has been talk of creating a Senate as well, however, this has not met with consensus nor sufficient public support. A non-serious Senate does exist, but I believe this is simply for flavour. (Personal opinion: I do not believe a "Senate" is necessary since we already have a Legislature, formed of all our active citizenry, that votes on laws).
8) Parties are an "unofficial" creation (in the sense that they are not in the COL) but have significant sway in the game.
9) Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the War Academy, Culture Club, Thinkers Guild, etc... are also "unofficial" creations, much like Parties. The government is not required to heed their advice, but frequently does.
Edit: I have been here since the beginning of the civ 3 demo game and have kept fairly up to date with most things, however, it is entirely possible I could have left some significant things out.
