Political Science Primer?

[jkillips16]

I'm going through a lot of the War Academy, and am impressed by the information in there (and, frankly, the quality of the writing). What I don't see is a primer on governments - when to use which ones, what to shoot for, how to develop your Civ when you're in a particular government to get the most out of it, etc. Something like that would prove helpful. Is there one out there I'm missing?

 

[TimBentley]

There is one comparing fascism and communism, but that is perhaps the least helpful comparison. This article is interesting; it made me realize feudalism isn't as bad as it's often made out to be. You can probably find dozens of government threads in strategy & tips and general discussion without much effort.

 

[drakdan]

Everyone but Alpha-Killer II says that Republic is the way to go. Monarchy if you're doing an Always War. Communism, if you have a huge empire, might be worth the switch (but why not just win by domination or move your palace?). Fascism is only worthwhile if you have a tiny amount of cities and a huge army (never). Democracy is not worth the anarchy period for what amounts to a tiny decrease in corruption. Feudalism is for 100k culture attempts, and maybe a few other select conditions.
Scenario governments are cool though, and don't necessarily follow these rules. Also Civ Assist II will help you compare your pre/post-switch stats.

 

[AutomatedTeller]

Well, democracy is more than just a small amount of corruption decrease.

You get faster workers (same as industrious civs), and you get lower unit cost than republic, though no free units at all.

I do agree, though, it's rarely worth the anarchy and starvation (despotism penalties apply in anarchy, as well) - unless you can get 4 turn research while switching, of course.

 

[Desertsnow]

I still swear by democracy (though I realize that this may change when I get to higher levels). I don't get 4 turn research all the time, at least immediately, and I can recoup any setbacks with a superbly prospering economy. It may well be that it is only my style of play that makes it worthwhile. If so, I don't know what I'm doing right (or wrong?) for this.

 

[AutomatedTeller]

being religious makes being a democracy much more appealing.

The main reason people don't like the switch is that if you are going through rapid expansion, a mid middle age or early industrial age switch almost definitely means a 7-9 turn anarchy. It's usually only useful in space ship games where you aren't interested in a lot more war. If you are religious, it makes a lot of sense, cause you can drop out easily.

 

[Desertsnow]

I tend to play mostly religious civs anyway.

 

[Marsden]

I like facsism for a warmongering type game that I have a lot of territory, the superfast workers are cool, and the slaves get the bonus. But, I've only really did it once so I'm not advocating to use it often, just on certain occasions. I usually go republic and stay.

 

[Virtual Alex]

Honestly I think the whole government game would be alot more fun if the penatly for switching wasn't so brutal. There are many times I ponder making a quick switch to wage a small war, but it just isn't feasable. It seems I am better off staying in democracy/republic with 100% luxury for 20 turns than I am spending 12+ switching to communism/fashism and back. There should be a wonder or soemthing that lets you switch governments in half the time, or instantly. Otherwise you just need to plan your win condition and get into the best government for it.

I love communism because of it's 2x draft rate. You can make such a huge defensive army in 1 turn it's absurd. I know they are all just crapy 2 hp units, but if you do it in the infantry/cavalry age, then a stack of 6/10 defenders can hold of a TON of cavalry no problem, they are also great for fortifying mountains and hills in enemy territory, and just marching around in huge stacks in general. When the AI keeps giving me guff, and I get to pissed to put up with it I make only 1 government switch. From Republic to communism, then I draft everything and destroy the world. ALL BECAUSE OF GHANDI!