There has been some confusion at the beginning of prior DemoGames regarding how the initial set of rules is to be ratified. Some argue that the constitution of the prior game is still in effect until the new one is ratified, and demand the usually high standards to ratify an amendment, often 66% of the vote, or 50% of the vote with at least 66% of the census voting. Others say that just a majority is required. Also there are differences in what constitutes completion of the initial rule set. One the one hand some say that as soon as the first article is ratified, all the others are amendments. Others might say that it's all new until creation day.
I propose the following process:
Presuming the rules contain a rule about amending the rules (more circular logic) then ratification of the final article puts the amendment rules into effect.
This proposed rule may be modified as the result of discussion prior to going to a vote, and must be approved by a majority of those voting, prior to opening the citizens registry.
I propose the following process:
- Set and advertize a date for officially starting the constitutional convention.
- Some time after that date (3 days for example) open the citizens registry, at a specified date and time. This allows people who care about their place in the registry to stay up and be ready to create their entry.
- For each ratification poll, the census is the average of the number of entries in the citizens registry at the time the ratification poll is created, and the number of votes in each previously completed ratification poll, rounded up.
- At least 60% of the census current at the beginning of a ratification poll must vote in order for the results of the poll to be valid
- An article is ratified if a majority of decisive votes are cast for the yes option (more yes votes than no votes)
- All ratification polls are of the form "shall this article be ratified?", yes/no/abstain
- Abstain counts toward the census quorum, but not towards the determination of a majority.
- Ratification polls must be open for at least 3 days.
- Completion of the rules is signified by ratification of an article stating that the rules take effect upon its ratification. (yes that is circular logic)
Presuming the rules contain a rule about amending the rules (more circular logic) then ratification of the final article puts the amendment rules into effect.
This proposed rule may be modified as the result of discussion prior to going to a vote, and must be approved by a majority of those voting, prior to opening the citizens registry.