Polity Atlas

How each model solves the same problems

Instead of “democracy versus anarchism”, compare the concrete ways collective problems get solved.

Question✕✕✕
How are decisions made?Assembly of male citizens voted on laws and policy; a Council of 500 chosen by lot prepared its agenda; most offices were filled by lot, generals by election.Popular assemblySortition / citizens' assemblyTerm limits and rotation of officeUnknownA 28-member General Council (half elected by parish, half by national list) elects the head of government; the co-princes sanction laws with countersignature.
How are conflicts resolved?Large citizen juries selected by lot judged cases; ostracism could send a prominent citizen away for ten years without trial.UnknownA four-member Constitutional Tribunal appointed by the co-princes and the General Council; ordinary courts.
How are public goods funded?Pay for Assembly, Council and jury service came from public funds; wealthy citizens also financed festivals and warships through liturgies.UnknownHealth, education and infrastructure funded by indirect, corporate and personal taxes; parishes run local services.
How is AI used?No documented AI role.UnknownNo specific role for AI.
What are the main risks?Narrow citizen body; swings of opinion and demagoguery in the Assembly; dependence on empire and war; conquest by Macedon.UnknownClash between the episcopal co-prince and legislation such as abortion; exclusion of non-citizens; dependence on France, Spain and the EU.

This illustrates differences in design; it is not a universal claim about outcomes. Each cell links to mechanisms and the claims behind them.