User guide
A New Person's Guide to SimDem
What is SimDem?
SimDem is a simulated democracy where participants engage in a fully functioning political and legal system. It features an elected government, political parties, a judiciary, and an economy—allowing users to experience governance, lawmaking, and politics firsthand. Whether you want to become a senator, a lawyer, or even the president, SimDem provides a dynamic space for political roleplay and decision-making.
How SimDem Works
SimDem operates through three main branches of government, each playing a critical role in maintaining the community's structure and stability.
The Legislative Branch: The Senate
The Senate is responsible for creating, amending, and removing laws. Every two weeks, citizens vote for senators who represent their interests and propose bills. Bills require a majority vote to pass and become law.
Key roles in the Senate:
- Senators: Elected officials who propose and vote on bills.
- Senate Speaker: Elected by the Senate, responsible for organizing discussions and scheduling votes.
Types of bills:
- New laws (introducing new regulations or rules).
- Amendments (modifying existing laws).
- Repeals (removing outdated or harmful laws).
Further Reading: Part 1 of the Constitution
The Executive Branch: The President and Vice President
The Executive Branch enforces laws and manages government affairs.
- President:
- Represents the SimDem community.
- Has the power to declare war, negotiate treaties, and oversee government operations.
- Can be impeached if citizens feel they are unfit for office.
- Vice President:
- Appointed by the President.
- Assists in governance and takes over if the President steps down.
- Acts as Senate Speaker if the Speaker is unavailable.
Presidential elections are held every two weeks, with candidates usually representing political parties, though independents can run as well.
Further Reading: Part 2 of the Constitution & Executive Act 2023
The Judiciary Branch: Courts and Legal System
The Judiciary ensures laws are applied correctly and fairly. It consists of two main courts:
- Inferior Courts: Handle minor disputes and cases.
- Supreme Court: The highest authority, responsible for major legal decisions and constitutional matters.
The Judiciary does not create laws—that’s the job of the Senate—but it interprets and applies them.
How to Be a Part of SimDem
Becoming a Citizen
To fully participate in SimDem, you must become a citizen. This typically involves:
- Joining the official SimDem community (Discord, forum, or website).
- Familiarizing yourself with the rules and systems.
- Applying for citizenship (this may require filling out a simple form or passing a short introduction process).
Getting a Job
SimDem offers various job opportunities depending on your interests:
- Politics: Run for Senate or campaign for a presidential candidate.
- Law: Become a lawyer, judge, or legal advisor (requires passing the Bar Exam).
- Media: Write news articles, host political debates, or start a newspaper.
- Business: Engage in the SimDem economy by starting a company or trading goods and services.
The Bar Exam
If you want to work in SimDem’s legal system, you must pass the Bar Exam, which tests your understanding of SimDem law and judicial procedures. Successfully passing allows you to:
- Become a lawyer and represent clients in court.
- Work as a judge in either the Inferior or Supreme Court.
The Basics of Our Legal System
SimDem’s legal system functions similarly to real-world democracies, following principles such as:
- Due process: Everyone has the right to a fair trial.
- Checks and balances: No single branch has absolute power.
- Precedent-based rulings: Courts refer to past decisions when making judgments.
Laws are enforced by courts, and if a law is deemed unconstitutional, it can be challenged and overturned by the Supreme Court.
Each case has 3 groups, the defendant, plaintiff (or prosecutor if its a criminal case) and the judge. To be the defendant's attorney you can either become a public defender (be appointed to the defendant) or approach them yourself. To be the plaintiff's attorney, you will need to approach them yourself or if its a criminal trial, the plaintiff is the state of SimDemocracy and you can join the Department of Justice (DoJ) as an attorney for the state (or state attorney).
Entering Politics
Every 2 weeks (since the last election), we have elections for the President and Senate (separately). 24 hours before the elections begin, a Call for Candidates (CFC) will be posted in #official-announcements and the reddit. Follow the steps there to declare your candidacy. As a voter make sure to read the instructions on the top of the form. Don't worry your email wont be collected[1]
Final Thoughts
SimDem is a complex and immersive political simulation where you can shape the future of the community. Whether you want to govern, debate laws, or engage in legal battles, there’s a place for you in SimDem.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how SimDem works, it’s time to get involved!
