Who's up for some Democracy? - Citizen discussion on change of government style.

[Shaitan]

Should we change our government to democracy? The advantages are worker speed and decreased corruption. The disadvantages are a period of anarchy (probably 3 or 4) and somewhat higher war weariness.

We've pretty much determined that we are not going to be a warmongering society, ever. We have Universal Suffrage. As our current war shows, we can end wars very quickly (especially with our rail system in place!). War weariness is not a very great concern.

Anarchy should not be much of a problem. Once the industrial wonders are complete there is a lull without wonder construction until UN construction begins. A few turns without construction won't matter as long as we plan for it.

Decreased corruption means more money for science (space ship victory), CAP (culture victory), or bribes (UN victory).

Double speed workers mean we get our infrastructure completed twice as fast. This coupled with reduced corruption means we'll recover whatever production is lost in anarchy very quickly. We'll be able to retire workers to population centers twice as quickly and we'll be able to retire twice as many of them.

 

[Bill_in_PDX]

Democracy is vital for us as we approach the modern age. With sufficient luxuries, the US wonder, and a drive for Cure for Cancer, we can ensure our technology and happiness dominance.

 

[Cyc]

I believe we should switch as soon as possible. This would probably be when the small wonder is completed and if or when we take Corinth.

 

[eyrei]

While switching to democracy could be risky, especially if another widespread war broke out where we lost some of our trading partners and some of our luxuries, I think the benefits warrant this risk. However, if it is to be done, it should be done before the end of the industrial age before the next wonder race begins.

 

[Padma]

Democracy is definitely where we want to be!

In my mind the pros significantly outweigh the cons. We can definitely survive a few turns of anarchy, if we prepare a bit ahead of time. We should switch as soon as practical.

 

[Eklektikos]

I support a switch to Democracy once our war against Greece is over. I'd suggest that we ensure we have an intimidating military force prior to doing so, to discourage opportunistic sneak attacks during the period of anarchy.

 

[Shaitan]

I propose that we poll for citizen approval for a government switch to Democracy when (A) we have completed all current wonder construction and (B) we have made peace with Greece.

Options will be Yes/No/Abstain. Poll to run 48 hours.

We seem to have universal support in the discussion thread, let's make it official.

Comments? If there are no objections, I'll post the poll tomorrow. Results would then be effective on the Sunday chat turn.

 

[Bill_in_PDX]

Post that poll!

 

[donsig]

The poll sounds good but you might want to distinguish between the generic term wonder and the specific term great wonder. I only mention this because the pentagon will be available soon.

BTW, I think we must wait until the war is over before w echange governments.!

 

[Cyc]

I'll second or third or whatever your proposal.

 

[Shaitan]

So, you say you want a revolution?