Writing Fictional Governments
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1. Base it on the real world
Yes, you can create your own government in fiction, but it'll still be super helpful to draw inspiration from the real world. Here are examples of governments :
• Republic - authority is based on the citizens' votes, officials are elected based on free elections.
• Democracy - the whole population or selected groups have authority.
• Theocracy - authority is given to priests who rule in the name of God, or by officials regarded as divinely guided.
• Monarchy - authority is given to a single person, usually a king or queen, and the title is hereditary.
• Plutocracy - authority is given to the wealthy or high-class people, who usually rule from behind the scenes.
• Dictatorship - authority is snatched by a person or a group, and they end up ruling the country forcefully.
• Anarchy - the absence of law and order, usually caused resulting from a failure of government.
2. The state of government
It's crucial to show your readers the state of your government, as it will say a lot about your story's mood and also the professionalism of your government. Is it peaceful, or are there constant protestors or rebels? How do the citizens see their government? Are crime rates higher or lower during this government's ruling period? Even trivial things like these will make your government more realistic.
3. What the leader of the government can or cannot do
Another important point to tackle is the limitations of your government's power. Let's say, your fantasy government is a monarchy, and the king holds full power - being able to command anyone and implement any new laws.
But even as a king, there must be limitations binding his hands - something that he can't do despite his title. Here's where you can be creative.
Maybe he can't make decisions without the approval of at least half of his ministers? Or maybe there's a book of law that holds rules and laws that even the king has no power to break.
4. Its role for the plot and MCs
Your story's government isn't just there - it also needs to either move the plot forward or delay it. Consider the government's role to your plot and main characters. Does it help your main characters move forward, or hinder them from reaching their goals?
5. Its most valued quality
In every government, there's a certain quality that they will value most and promise to their citizens. They might even put it in every single of their mottos to reassure everyone. Maybe it's security? Order? Peace? Bliss? Loyalty?
In such a huge government, I assure you, it's practically impossible for every single member to be good people. There will be chaos. There will be corruption, betrayals, or even spies. To make your government realistic, add chaos. Show prime ministers commiting corruption for their own good, advisors manipulating their king, etc.
This tip isn't as important as the rest of the points, but I'd like to address this anyway. Consider the time period while deciding a government. For example, medieval times might resonate with monarchy or theocracy more, and modern times may prefer republic or democracy.
