Stranded on an Island

[Scar Face]

Alright, not sure if this really goes here. To be honest I've never even looked at this forum before, when was it made?

Anyways, a few days ago in Civics (For those that don't know thats basically Politics) we were given a project: You are on a boat with 4000 other people, it sinks and you all swim to safety. You are on a secluded island with virtually no hope of ever being rescued.

We could create any Government, we didn't have to worry about the implausibilities of its actual formation, however we did have to worry about how its going to continue, revolts etc. Most people in my class unrealistically gave forth a Democracy, equality and all that. However, my group and one other gave a different outlook on things.

We argued that a Democracy was not feasible in such primitive circumstances that we were now in. The other group formed a Dictatorship-a Roman Dictatorship, not a modern one-after a few years power was eventually given more and more to the people. My group however decided that law was all important, we formed a Government where 100 men controlled the laws of the Island, and for almost every infringement of the law the penalty was Death, think Code of Hammurabi.

To the point: Why have I told you all this, and shown you what my class did? Well, personally the form of Government my group made is the polar opposite of my real ideology, and yes I was in fact the primary law maker as well. I decided what we were. My theory is that in primitive circumstances, in dire situations like the one set before you, most people will immediately switch over to a more Authoritative form of Government. Which is both interesting and frightening.

Thoughts?

[Mythos]

My theory is that in primitive circumstances, in dire situations like the one set before you, most people will immediately switch over to a more Authoritative form of Government. Which is both interesting and frightening.

Not much of surprise there. People look to a leader figure when facing the unknown.

[Giorgos]

Napoleon, Hitler etc. Whenever the s... hits the fan the people look to a strong hand for guidance that can decide quickly and efficiently without having to go through the red tape and indecisiveness normally associated with democracy.

[Chlodwig I.]

Strong leader doesn't mean no democracy
whats needed is just something like checks and balances
So make strong Governeur but place a Parliament/Senate/ elder council whatever next to him who gurantees that the Strong leader doesn't abuse his power.

with 4000 People on an Island you don't need political Parties and Programms
every one knows each other
society and controll through society is much stronger in small communities

[Kiljan Arslan]

btw would there happen to be this machine that rips peolpe in half on the island and would the fat guy never happen to lose weight? Oh and would there be these other peolpe there who are working against us at every turn and are in fact sent their by the goverment?

[Woad-Warrier]

I'd create an Absolute Monarchy, with myself as the King.

[Paggers]

I'd create an Absolute Monarchy, with myself as the King.

No surprise there Woad. (Beat me to it.)

[Woad-Warrier]

No surprise there Woad. (Beat me to it.)

I would also have 5 wives.

[Princeps]

Those who call for authority have the overwhelming burden of evidence that it is required.

Assuming that there is a need for a system of authority, I would advocate direct democracy or a represenative system, or a mix.

I would also have 5 wives.

Hot wives.

[Woad-Warrier]

Hot wives.

One for each day of the week.

[Dayman]

I would create a monarchy as well, with a cabinet of picked men to carry out things and to consult with.

[Paggers]

One for each day of the week.

What, having weekends off you part-timer.

[Woad-Warrier]

What, having weekends off you part-timer.

I need time to rest

[Ummagumma]

Thoughts?

I did a similar thing a few years ago, while we were also studying the 'democracy' that developed on Pitcairn Island.
Though, my main thought is that I hope I am never on a boat with you and your friends. If it were to have an accident, I could see a very bloody power struggle develop. Don't worry, we would keep you alive in a nice sturdy cage or pit, and use you as an example of why death penalties are wrong.

[Scar Face]

I did a similar thing a few years ago, while we were also studying the 'democracy' that developed on Pitcairn Island.
Though, my main thought is that I hope I am never on a boat with you and your friends. If it were to have an accident, I could see a very bloody power struggle develop. Don't worry, we would keep you alive in a nice sturdy cage or pit, and use you as an example of why death penalties are wrong.

Well, I am against death penalty as well. The reason it was enforced on the island was practicality. We don't have the resources or material to create and then man a Jail, if you are a cancer in a very fragile society such as the Island scenario, you must be removed.

[Idwayreth]

Those who call for authority have the overwhelming burden of evidence that it is required.

that's nice, if you have a roof over your head, a warm bed and are not ****ing starving to death.

for all the technological and societal advancements that human beings have gone through, we're still creatures of instinct and when you take away basic comforts like a full stomach and a warm place to sleep in then that becomes as clear as day.

If i was a betting man and you put two stone age societies next to each other with limited resources, one society being an authoritarian system while the other a democracy, i'd put all my money on the belief that the authoritarian society will win out in the end and either absorb or wipe out the other one.

[Hookah Smoking Caterpiller]

true democracy

[MaximiIian]

Thoughts?

Authoritarian government might be best for a short period of time. Gradually expand to having a small cabinet, which expands to an advisory council that becomes a parliament, one representative per 100.

Keep the leadership a hereditary monarchy, of course. To ensure continuity and rule of law, so forth and such. The authority figure would, of course, preside over the parliament, so there wouldn't be any worrying over a PM figure.

One for each day of the week.

But there's seven days of the week.
So, you'd need 7 wives.

Plus, spares. In case one of them gets preggers.

[Woad-Warrier]

But there's seven days of the week.
So, you'd need 7 wives.

Plus, spares. In case one of them gets preggers.

I need the two days to rest though

[Scar Face]

Please stay on topic everyone.