The Senate

[notyoueither]

Do we need one?

What would it do?

How many senators should there be if a senator could chuck wood?

[Moral Hazard]

We should elect 100 senators just like the U.S. We could have two senators from each country. It would be really fun. Why did you start this thread? Trying to keep all of Panag's senate coments in one place?

[ThePlagueRat]

And what about the polling then?

[huntergatherer]

I don't think we need a senate. It just adds another layer, making the game even more complex. IMO, the demo game will function like the classic Greek democracy, where every citizen gets a direct vote, so representation (in the form of a senate) is not needed.

[notyoueither]

I wanna be a senator. Don't wanna be a minister. I'd have to do something if I were a minister. As a senator I could be lazy and complain and get drunk on general principle. Of course, I can do that as Joius Blowius citizen too, but I'd rather do it as a senator.

It might also be good for there to be a 'chamber of sober second thought' from time to time.

[Jon Shafer]

Originally posted by notyoueither
I wanna be a senator. Don't wanna be a minister. I'd have to do something if I were a minister. As a senator I could be lazy and complain and get drunk on general principle. Of course, I can do that as Joius Blowius citizen too, but I'd rather do it as a senator.

Boy, sounds like a useful addition.

[notyoueither]

Just ask a Canadian. We're experts at useless Senates.

[notyoueither]

Look at the bright side Trip. If people can be senators, then maybe they don't feel any great need to run for higher offices, like yours.

[Jon Shafer]

I don't care about that though. I'd actually rather have some competition even. I just feel adding more offices and posts whenever ANYTHING arises is a waste, and will only clutter the game up past recognition and beyond the point where it's able to function as designed.

[Moral Hazard]

I'll nominate you and myself as senators and any one else who cares to join. Our responsibilities will include starting polls, spamming the boards, Impeaching ministers, and living off the govt. ***.

Sounds like a plan.

[notyoueither]

Trip,

You may have a point. However, a senate with 5 members would not be too many. Also, being a senator does not have to preclude being a minister if the empire is in peril.

[notyoueither]

I second those nominations.

[Jon Shafer]

Originally posted by notyoueither
You may have a point. However, a senate with 5 members would not be too many. Also, being a senator does not have to preclude being a minister if the empire is in peril.

Yes, but it seems like offices are growing out of the ground now. Next thing you know, you'll have people running an election to have some say in running each individual unit in the game. It's just the more we add, the more that OTHERS will want to add as well... it's a chain-reaction.

Besides, so far the only people who I've heard support it are people who want to be IN it. I have to admit that I don't mind being in charge of this whole thing, but I really want to make this game good, and do what's right for the community, not elevate my own power. Do you really think having a Senate would improve the game that much?

[notyoueither]

Well. The response to this Demo game is quite impressive. Over 100 citizens and growing.

Many will want to lurk, as citizens. Some will want to be a bit more active, without making the commitment required of being a minister. Frankly, I lack the time even if I wanted to do the politicing.

I think that a little variety can spice things up. And besides, what's the harm if ThePlaugeRat starts a poll to name himself the dog catcher?

The Senate doesn't have to be anything that interferes with the day to day functioning of the executive branch. But it might be good to have some experienced players 'warming up' in the bull pen of the senate. In other words, more experienced people stay interested for longer. The community is larger. It attracts more people, and so on.

[ThePlagueRat]

Well, i'd rather be the Cat Catcher. No such intentions, though...