The Point Of Government
Last week, we discussed possible reasons why people living in a society might allow a governing system to rule over them. This week, we’ll be answering two very important questions.
Question #1 What’s the point of a government/political structure?
I started answering this question a few weeks ago in my blog about Creating Fictional Societies using the method of Cause and Effect:
Systems Of Government
The smallest of villages can turn into the largest cities with time and the consequences of cause and effect—or can they?
Why would the people in these communities decide to work together and share land or resources? Why wouldn’t they just fight over them? What’s to stop people from taking whatever they want from their community without doing their fair share of work?
Any functioning society needs a way to keep law and order within its community—otherwise known as a system of governance.
Governing systems are supposed to maintain law and order within a society. People don’t always agree with each other (shocking! I know), so someone needs to settle disputes, make judgments, and create or enforce rules and laws.
Types Of Government
There are many different types and systems of government. Here are a few:
Meritocracy – People are chosen for government based on merit/skill.
Democracy – People are chosen based on the choices of the majority.
Aristocracy – The wealthy and elite nobles are in power.
Theocracy – Religious leaders are in power and acting on the behalf of who/whatever their religion serves.
Monarchy – A single ruler is the head of the government.
Oligarchy – A small group of wealthy individuals or families is in charge.
Anarchy – No one is in charge. Everyone is expected to govern themselves.
There are plenty of other forms of government, so I suggest that you do some research! Once you figure out the type of government you want your society to have, you can move on to the next part of the process.
So far I’ve looked at the government as a system. What about the individuals who make up a governing system? Who is in charge?
The price of power
Let’s answer the second important question.
Question #2 How does/could someone receive the “power” to govern others?
It’s not like everyone in a society woke up one day, looked at a random person, and said, “Hey you! Wanna tell all of us what to do?”
There are many ways for the average (or not-so-average) citizen to find themselves in a position of authority. In today’s blog, I’ll cover the top five ways to become a leader.
Who put you in charge? #1 The People
If you’re great at making friends, you may just find yourself in charge…of everything.
If you’re intelligent, charming, and charismatic, you may draw people in. People may turn to you for advice, or ask you to be in charge of plans, events, or entire societies.
When the majority—the citizens—are in charge of choosing who they want to govern them, they’ll naturally choose people who they think will act in their interests, has similar values to them, or who they simply like as a person. And on the flip side, they’ll demote anyone who they don’t like or doesn’t agree with their values and beliefs.
Who Put You In Charge? #2 An Army
Making a lot of friends is one thing, but making a lot of friends who happen to have weapons is even better if you’re looking to take charge of a society.
Armies can be bought with money, but they’re more useful (and trustworthy) if you’ve managed to earn their loyalty.
Either way, sometimes all it takes to receive power is to have a bunch of people with pointy sticks follow you around. Who knew?
Who Put You In Charge? #3 Diplomacy
Being put in charge by diplomatic means is a two-edged and very sharp sword.
Diplomacy could be as simple and peaceful as marrying into power or being friends with the right people, or it can be as dangerous and violent as threats or assassinations.
Coming into power with the help of others means you may have an obligation to act in their best interests and choose their side should they ask it of you—or risk losing their support, your power, and possibly even your life.
When it comes to diplomacy it’s easier to become the puppet than to become the one pulling the strings.
Who Put You In Charge? #4 Religion
If there’s a community and the majority of them follow the same religion, then it makes sense that they’d choose someone that follows their religion—or perhaps the original person who created the religion (if they’re alive).
This arrangement could give rise to a peaceful society just trying to live moral lives, or a full-blown dangerous cult.
The choice is yours!
Who Put You In Charge? #5 Tradition
Tradition is power. After all, if the system’s not broken, why fix it?
Ascension to power in the name of tradition is a scenario we’re all familiar with thanks to monarchies, but anyone who governs a society—not just monarchs—can take advantage of “the way things have always been” and give themselves power in the name of tradition.
The Downfalls Of Having Power
In the next couple weeks we’ll be discussing the consequences that arise from being put in charge by certain means, and reasons why citizens in the average society might actually allow a despotic government to stay in power.
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Before You Go…
What is your favorite type of government to write about?
Let me know down in the comments!
