Constitutional Convention

[FortyJ]

I hereby officially convene a meeting of all Fanatikese citizens to discuss, draft and document a new version of our Constitution for use throughout this Multi-Site Democracy Game. There is no provision in our existing laws that stipulates how such changes should take place, so I'm winging it here folks.

Over the past few days, I have taken it upon myself to draft a new version of our constitution and I hope to have a near-final draft available for everyone to peruse within a day or two.

My intentions are not only to clarify the rules of the game, but also spell out with some detail (not too much, mind you) the rights and responsibilities of all citizens and officials, respectively. The MP aspect and the timing of each turn really don't allow for the bureaucracy of the SP Demogame, but there still should be some structure provided as to the scope of each office, and so on.

I'm therefore posting this thread at this time in hopes of receiving some feedback on this issue and perhaps some ideas for additions, deletions or modifications to our existing Constitution.

References:

Current Fanatikou Constitution

 

[Octavian X]

To be completely honest, for this DG, I think running a loose operation may be the best course of action. Our current constituion currently defines each leader's responsibilities with enough detail that everything still works.

Before you do start writing up an entirely new document, our current constitution does allow for us to staple on a Code of Laws and Standards. If your goal is to further define responsibilites, this would be to route to take.

I simply wish to avoid the complexities of the SPDG. Our time tables simply don't allow for more bureaucratic procedure than we already have. We need to have the flexibility to make quick decisions a completely unpredictable timeframe.

 

[FortyJ]

Precisely why I'm trying to do this. I am concerned that too much flexibility will result in a devolution of our game into group play, rather than preserving the principles of the democratic system of play.

Any document would need to have great flexibility built in for the DP due to the time constraints placed on us. However, there should be a guideline for who can play, when they can play, and what needs to be done each time we play the save game, among other things.

And as far as adding on a Code of Laws or Code of Standards to our Constitution.... I get the creeps just thinking about that. I think we can incorporate it all into one document without too much trouble.

 

[Gingerbread Man]

I think that the only change should be "the designated player plays the turn according to instructions submitted by popular vote of the citizenry"

 

[Zukatah]

The most important thing we must preserve is flexibility and it takes time for the polls to be representative of the public opinion. What I suggest is that our leaders act smartly in the best interest of our glorious nation. Of course public consultation on important issues like diplomacy and the placement of a city is a must but I don't believe we should put too much rigidity in our rules. I'm confident that our leaders will act in our best interest and they're wise enough to know what to do when the situation arises.

In short: we need flexibility and the ability to act quickly which too much bureaucracy doesn't allow. Time is one of the biggest factors here so we should't put too much restrictions.

 

[Octavian X]

Article J. Elected officials must plan and act according to the will of the people.

I think this says all that we need to ensure that democratic processes will stay in place. All leaders must oblige to the democratic process to determine the will of the people.

 

[Zukatah]

Thank you for reminding me, I read the constitution but I didn't remember about that article !

 

[Hygro]

Well we can't be democratic until at least philosophy, no?

And what's this code of laws? We should design one when we primitives learn the appropiate ideas

 

[naervod]

I am not ever in favor of a Code of Laws. In my opinion, we should just stick with our current Consitution as it works and has been working fine.

 

[Goonie]

40J, being one who came up with the skeleton of this constitution, I would LOVE to see what you are proposing. have you written any of it yet? I hate to give my support to something without seeing it.