NationStates Jolt Archive

Tell me what you think. Perhaps there are some fun options I left out? Maybe I was a bit wordy? The bottom line is I think this issue needs to be addressed, especially since the guys who go with dictatorship miss out on so many political issues.

I didn't add any stats because, well, the FAQ said it was pointless.
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NAME
To Heir is Human

DESCRIPTION
With elections outlawed, the subjects of @@NAME@@ are a tad curious about just how you intend to choose a successor.

VALIDITY
Not valid for nations who have elections.

OPTIONS
[option] “Nobody lives forever,” your eldest child remarks over a game of billiards. “If we want to ensure national stability after you abdicate or--heaven forbid--pass on, we should establish a system of primogeniture. Or primofemiture. Whichever works, right? Our bloodline will stretch for generations on end as a symbol of national unity.”
[effect] a hereditary monarch rules the nation

[option] Spiritual leader @@RANDOMNAME@@ barges into the room with a flourish. "NOBODY expects the head of state to die! But God has provided for @@NAME@@ with a state religion that can select a successor through prayer, inspiration, and ruthless beaurecracy. And an almost fanatical devotion to the country!
[effect] the executive government is a church puppet

[option] “Nonsense!” scolds Professor @@RANDOMNAME@@, rapping his ruler on your child’s knuckles and slamming the door on the church leader. “You rule because you are the wisest and most intelligent. Naturally, after your term expires, the next head of state shall be determined by a series of examinations, so only the most educated will rule us. In fact, let us choose every government official by national examination! In @@NAME@@, knowledge truly WILL be power!”
[effect] test-taking child prodigies have seized every government position

[option] The philosopher @@RANDOMNAME@@ stands outside your palace gates in an unwashed chiton, screaming, “The responsibility of leadership falls upon us all as citizens, so we must all be prepared to serve! All government positions should be chosen by lot! After a term ends, we’ll randomly choose more leaders! We are a nation of equals, and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link!”
[effect] citizens are randomly summoned for “Leadership Duty”

[option] “What’s all this talk about ‘heirs’ and ‘succession’?!” General @@RANDOMNAME@@ demands. “Whadda they mean by ‘terms’, like you intend to retire or somethin? Nah, we need to remind these peasant scum where their place is! Purge anyone who so much as suggests you might not live forever! Come what may, I'm sure everything will turn out for the best.” Secret Police Chief @@RANDOMNAME@@ appears from the shadows, agreeing quietly, “Yes, don’t worry about succession. These things have a way of working themselves out.”
[effect] the nation falls into civil war each time its autocratic ruler dies

[option] After voicing their opinions, each person begins arguing with the others. More people join in. Before long, throngs form outside your gates to speak their minds. Your hallways fill with advisers, family members, and servants, all with their own “helpful” suggestions to the point that you can’t hear yourself think. Perhaps the time has come to give elections a try after all?
[effect] the government is transitioning to a democracy

It is excellent.

What about the [stats] part. Thats what an issue does to a nation's civil rights, econome, crime rate, e.t.c...

What about the [stats] part. Thats what an issue does to a nation's civil rights, econome, crime rate, e.t.c...

Right, and I wasn't sure about which ones to put up. I had some ideas from the example of the first issue, which they give on the nationstates site, but other than that...

Then I found the bit at the end of the Issue FAQ here:

You don't actually need to put [stats] in, that's something that the issue editors will pore over anyway. And there's many variables that are secret too, so there's not much point in this.

Technically, it should be "there're many variables"... regardless, it convinced me to not worry about it.

After voicing their opinions, each person begins arguing with the others. More people join in. Before long, throngs form outside your gates to speak their minds. Your hallways fill with advisers, family members, and servants, each with their own “helpful” suggestions to the point that you can’t hear yourself think. Perhaps the time has come to give elections a try after all?


;)

You get so annoyed by your heirs that you decide to screw everything up for them when you die.

LOL...Good work. Pity I'll never see it in my nation's Parliament, but that's why we have puppets.

APPROVE IT MODS!

Heh, love the title. This is actually a really interesting issue. I especially like the last option. Good luck.

For the second option, say something like "A child prodigy has seized the reins of the government" .

You get so annoyed by your heirs that you decide to screw everything up for them when you die.

I think that's along the lines of Option 4; just not mentioning it.

For the second option, say something like "A child prodigy has seized the reins of the government" .

I like that... maybe something about all the government positions being seized by test-taking child prodigies, since it's not just the executive that's being influenced.

The idea for option 2 was from an hyped-up version of the Chinese government examination system.

3 is from an idea in Greece (I believe) along the lines of jury duty, so I may mention that the philosopher is wearing an unwashed toga or something.

3 is from an idea in Greece (I believe) along the lines of jury duty, so I may mention that the philosopher is wearing an unwashed toga or something.
Back in Ancient Athens, the entire government was selected by lottery. Other positions (including military leaders) were voted on.
If you're going the Athenian 'absolute democracy' way, better make it a chiton - togas are Roman.

Back in Ancient Athens, the entire government was selected by lottery. Other positions (including military leaders) were voted on.
If you're going the Athenian 'absolute democracy' way, better make it a chiton - togas are Roman.
Is it not called "direct democracy"?

Looking back over this, I'm concerned that any Theocracy nation will have to dismiss this issue. What does everyone think of this new option?:

[option] Spiritual leader @@RANDOMNAME@@ barges into the room with a flourish. "NOBODY expects the head of state to die! But God has provided for @@NAME@@ with a state religion that can select a successor through prayer, inspiration, and ruthless beaurecracy. And an almost fanatical devotion to the country!
[effect] the executive government is a church puppet

I'm adding it to the original post as an edit; it would be the second option.

I plan to submit this Sunday night, by the way, so if anyone has any more suggestions...?

Great issue...it will surely set the standards for everybody.

Is it not called "direct democracy"?
Back then, it was just referred to as democracy. Mainly because it was the only democratic government in the world at the time, so there was no need to qualify it.

By today's standards, it is far more absolute than the Republic-model, and far more direct, so either term should work. But some people get antsy if you refer to absolute democracy (other than when talking about a nation where everyone votes on absolutely everything), so your suggestion might be better.

Back then, it was just referred to as democracy. Mainly because it was the only democratic government in the world at the time, so there was no need to qualify it.

By today's standards, it is far more absolute than the Republic-model, and far more direct, so either term should work. But some people get antsy if you refer to absolute democracy (other than when talking about a nation where everyone votes on absolutely everything), so your suggestion might be better.
well, It does not really matter, I just think this issue should be submitted.