Democracy

The colonization of Mars may go along with advancements in social structures and leadership. While some kind of direct democracy is possible for a small colony, a representative democracy is likely to be the most wanted kind of government in a growing colony with several hundred settlers.

Direct Democracy

All settlers are involved in the governing process, e.g. can vote for every central decision.

With Elections

Just like on Earth the government of a martian society can be elected by the colonists.

Without Elections

Representative democracy can work without elections as well. Modelled on the ancient Athenian democracy the Martian people could chose to select the government members by lottery, which can be regarded as a more democratic principle. Unlike the Athenian democracy, the parliament on Mars would include every adult member of the Martian community in the selection process, including women. This would put government duty on the same footing as jury duty on Earth.

External Links

• Athenian democracy in Wikipedia