Polity Lab · Configuration

Direct democracyMembers vote on decisions themselves, typically in assemblies or referendums.Delegative (liquid) democracyMembers vote directly or delegate their vote, revocably, to someone they trust.CouncilA standing council of elected or appointed members takes most decisions.SortitionDecision bodies are selected by lot from the membership, often stratified.RepresentativeMembers elect representatives who decide for fixed terms.

YesMembers can delegate decisions to others or to sub-bodies.NoEvery decision is taken by the full body.

NoneAI systems play no part in public decisions.AdvisoryAI summarises, analyses or drafts; humans decide.AdministrativeAI executes routine administrative decisions within human-set rules.AutonomousAI takes binding decisions without case-by-case human approval.

NoneNo dedicated review of AI decisions.Human review on requestAffected people can ask a human to review an AI decision.Independent auditAn independent body audits models, data and decision logs.Human in the loopA human approves each consequential AI output before it takes effect.

MarketGoods are allocated mainly through prices and exchange.MixedMarkets plus collective provision of some goods.CommonsKey resources are held and governed in common by their users.

NoneContributions to shared resources are not monitored.Social normsInformal monitoring and reputation.Formal rules & graduated sanctionsAgreed monitoring with graduated sanctions.

None definedNo designated procedure.Host-state courtsDisputes go to the courts of the surrounding state.ArbitrationParties submit to agreed private arbitrators.AI-assisted arbitrationAn AI system proposes or issues rulings.Community mediationPeers mediate toward agreement.Polycentric lawSeveral competing or overlapping legal providers.

NoneDecisions are final.Internal appealA second body inside the polity reviews decisions.Independent appealAn external or structurally independent body reviews decisions.

NoneMembers cannot leave freely.ConditionalExit allowed after notice, settlement or other conditions.UnconditionalMembers may leave at any time.

NoneNo regular levy.Voluntary contributionsMembers choose whether and how much to pay.FlatA single rate for all.ProgressiveRates rise with income or wealth.Land value taxLevy on the unimproved value of land.Harberger taxOwners self-assess value, pay tax on it and must sell at that price.

PrivateIndividuals own land and assets.CollectiveThe polity owns key assets.MixedBoth private and collective holdings.Community land trustLand held in trust; buildings sold with resale limits.Partial common ownershipPossession subject to a Harberger-style self-assessed tax.

StandaloneNo formal links with other polities.ConfederationLoose alliance; members keep most powers.FederationPowers split between a centre and member units.NetworkNon-territorial links via shared protocols and agreements.

Simple majorityMore than half of votes cast.SupermajorityTypically two thirds or more.UnanimityEvery member must agree.External authorityA founder, host state or other outside body controls amendments.

YesSome rights cannot be removed by ordinary majorities.NoAll rules can be changed by the amendment rule alone.