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?The Juntas Generales and Diputaciones Forales of each territory set and collect taxes; a Joint Commission with the State agrees changes and the quota method unanimously.Grand Council of 50 chiefs chosen by clan mothers; questions pass between groups of nations, each seeking unanimity, with the Onondaga Firekeepers confirming or resolving disagreement.A stratified random sample of 523 voters deliberated in moderated groups and plenaries and answered questionnaires before and after; no decisions were taken.Sortition / citizens' assembly
How are conflicts resolved?A Junta Arbitral settles disputes over taxpayer residence and collection; Spanish courts and the EU Court of Justice review tax measures.The Confederacy describes the Grand Council as resolving disputes among the nations and planning for the welfare of all the people.Balanced briefing materials, trained neutral moderators and competing experts structured disagreement.
How are public goods funded?Health, education, police and infrastructure funded by Basque taxes; the quota pays for State services such as defence and foreign affairs.UnknownPrivately funded; produced published results, media coverage and a peer-reviewed study.
How is AI used?No specific role for AI.No documented AI role.No AI role.
What are the main risks?Disputes over quota valuation and solidarity; EU state-aid challenges; dependence on political bargaining in Madrid.Operates alongside US and Canadian governments, which limits its practical jurisdiction; its rule of unanimity within and between blocs requires broad agreement.CLM-0117CLM-0118Self-selection into attendance; artificial setting; analysis by the method's designers; no institutional uptake.

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