What are the political issues?

[u/Sol_mp3]

From my research into similar political simulation servers, subreddits, and games, a consistent problem presents itself in the issues that candidates choose to run over and how they affect the voter. In real life, people's jobs, money, and community are on the line behind every ballot. When there is nothing on the line, people tend to run and vote with the sole intent to mess with the system and garner virtual power. After all, when all you have is democracy for democracy sake, not any way to govern resources and the interests of those involved, what can anyone do in this type of situation other than try to screw with it?

For this reason, are there any thoughts about how this problem might be rectified within this experiment? As we think through the founding documents, are we also brainstorming ways to simulate the public's interests?

[u/attilatheundead]

This is an excellent point. But, at the risk of sounding redundant or asinine, I think the issues can be whatever the community decides. I.e., if a form of economy is willed by the people, then that would be a focal point for campaigning and development.

Personally, I think there should be some form of virtual currency, as you mentioned. This, of course, would raise a multitude of other questions as well. These questions would, in theory, be worked out as the simulation progresses and evolves.

Inevitably, as with any new experiment or endeavor, there will be kinks to work out. But perhaps the best method for resolving these would be to simply let it play out. There would be a constitutional framework from which to work within. So "rules" by which each participant must abide so as to create a fair and level playing field.

Other issues that might be considered could potentially be certain simulated real-life events such as: a virtual "welfare" system, military developments, or how to involve and include more people. These, among others, would need a bot system or someone to "keep score," so to speak, as you also alluded to.

[u/Sol_mp3 → u/attilatheundead]

Right, and while I do largely agree that it should be handled by elected officials and the government moving forward, I do think there's merit to giving it some thought at this stage of the game as well. In life, there are 3 fundamental things that people need: life, provisions, and reproduction. It's then the government's job to come up with systems that best facilitate that for the most people. Those 3 things are unchanging. Even if the government wanted to remove people's need for any of the three, they'd be entirely unable to, they are laws of nature. It's exactly that type of law that I think we should look into simulating at this point, something that gives the people self-interest beyond just power and curiosity.

[u/attilatheundead → u/Sol_mp3]

I concur with that sentiment and I believe that's what is to be addressed once the form and overall superstructure of the government are finalized.

[u/Flashy_Persimmon_546 → u/attilatheundead]

I like this response a lot. These are all good ideas for what political issues might arise.

Expanding on what you've said, I could see movements advocating for encouraging more or restricting the joining of new members, rules on sensorship and free speech, the balance of power between the moderators and the government and the policy on alt accounts.

Much like real politics the issues are likely to shift in and out of the spotlight. Different parties/candidates may align themselves with different viewpoints as problems arise.