Government

Version

This article has been verified for the current PC version (3.8) of the game.

Government council

Every empire has a government that provides different benefits. The name of a government is automatically determined according to its Ethics, Authority, and Civics. The government can be reformed once every 20 years at the cost of 10  Unity per each point of Empire Size.

Authority

An empire's authority decides how long the Ruler council position lasts, how it can be changed, what its effects are, and what other bonuses the empire receives. Authority can be changed by reforming the government unless the empire has the  Under One Rule origin.

Type	Election Ruler term	Empire effects	Ruler effects per skill level	Requirements	Description
Democratic	Democratic 10 years	+10% Faction Approval Resets Government Reform when ruler changes Resets Party Cooldowns when ruler changes Re-election	+5 Edict Fund +2% Faction Unity Bonus	Authoritarian	Democratic governments have regular elections where all citizens can vote on who should represent them.
Oligarchic	Oligarchic 20 years	Can have Emergency Elections +2 Effective Councilor Skill	+5 Edict Fund +5% Councilor Experience Gain	Fanatic Authoritarian  Fanatic Egalitarian	Oligarchic governments are ruled by a small group of individuals that hold all political power.
Dictatorial	Oligarchic Life		+10 Edict Fund −2% Pop Amenities Usage	Egalitarian	Dictatorial governments are ruled by a single individual for life that wields absolute control over the state.
Imperial	Hereditary Life	+10% Resources from Jobs in Capital System	+5 Edict Fund +0.25 Max Influence from Power Projection	Egalitarian	Imperial governments are similar to dictatorial ones, except that the throne is always inherited by a designated successor upon the ruler's death.
Corporate	Oligarchic 20 years	Can have Emergency Elections +20% Commercial Pact Efficiency +50% Empire Size from Planets Can use the Mercantile Diplomatic Stance Can build Branch Offices	+5 Edict Fund +2% Branch Office Value	MegaCorp DLC  Fanatic Authoritarian  Fanatic Egalitarian	Corporate governments are organized as a massive commercial enterprise that has completely supplanted the role of the state.

 Gestalt Consciousness empires each have a specific authority type which is not changeable. Gestalt rulers are permanent and immortal.

Type	Empire effects	Ruler effects per skill level	Requirements	Description
Hive Mind	+25% Pop Growth Speed −25% Empire Size Effect Pops have the Hive-Minded trait	+5 Edict Fund +2% Monthly Unity	Utopia DLC  Gestalt Consciousness Machine archetype	Hive Minds operate as a single organism more than as a state. The population has no free will, and act as an extension of the Hive Mind itself - much like the limbs of a body. When cut off from the Mind, these drones become comatose and eventually wither and die. Any free individuals on planets owned by the Mind are driven away, killed, or simply treated as prey to feed the collective.
Machine Intelligence	+1 Monthly Mechanical Pop Assembly +1 Pop when colonizing a world +10% Mining Station Output +50% Empire Size from Planets 50% Pop Growth Reduction Pops have the Machine trait	+5 Edict Fund −3% Empire Size from Pops	Synthetic Dawn DLC  Gestalt Consciousness Machine archetype	Machine Intelligences are immense artificial group minds that have been networked into a single conscious entity. Most of the actual "population" in such an empire consists of mindless work units who perform their designated tasks without any semblance of free will. A small number of semi-autonomous agents are typically employed for more specialized tasks that benefit from some degree of independent initiative.

Council

Each empire has a council where leaders can be appointed to give empire-wide bonuses that scale with the level of the leader. The name of the Ruler position is determined at empire creation and can be changed at any time by clicking on the current ruler's name and its effects are decided by the empire's authority. The other positions can be changed at any time. The council starts with 3 seats and if the  Galactic Paragons DLC is enabled, it can also gain an additional position for each empire civic by using the Expand The Council agenda. Reforming the government allows the changing of unlocked council positions.

Default council positions

Position	Allowed classes	Effects per leader skill level	Description
Minister of Defense	Admiral  General	−2% Army Upkeep −2% Ship Upkeep −2% Starbase Upkeep	The Minister of Defense is in charge of military administration.
Head of Research	Governor  Scientist	+2% Research Speed	The Head of Research is in charge of all technology research.

Civic-based positions

Position	Allowed classes	Effects per leader skill level	Description
Administrative Coordinator	Governor	−2% Administrator Upkeep	The Administrative Coordinator is in charge of coordinating the efforts of all administrative departments.
Apostle of Death	Governor	+2% Sacrificial Edict Effect	The Apostle of Death presides over sacrificial rituals.
Arbiter of Duels	Admiral  General	+10% Duelist Output	The Arbiter of Duels is responsible for maintaining dueling etiquette, and overseeing the correct execution of warfare protocols.
Archpriest	Governor	−2% Priest Upkeep	The Archpriest presides over the religious council and guards against heresy.
Bloom Herald	Scientist	−5% Gaia Seeder Build Cost −5% Gaia Seeder Upkeep	The Bloom Herald oversees all Gaia Seeder initiatives.
Chairman of the Mines	Governor	+0.05 Stability from Miners	The Chairman of the Mines represents the mining guilds, whose influence helps to maintain order.
Chief Herald of Arms	General	+2% Naval Capacity per Subject Empire	The Chief Herald of Arms oversees the distribution of power and titles among subjects.
Chief of Secret Police	General	+5% Governing Ethics Attraction	The Chief of Secret Police ensures any internal threats or dissidents within our society are swiftly dealt with.
Chief of Service	General	−1.5% Army Upkeep +25 Army Starting Experience	The Chief of Service is in charge of army training and reinforcement.
Chief Trade Officer	Governor	+2% Trade Value	The Chief Trade Officer is in charge of administering trade and financial deals.
Commander of the Watch	Admiral  General	+3% Defense Platform Damage +3% Defense Platform Hull Points	The Commander of the Watch is in charge of the vigilant watch protecting our borders.
Director of Trade	Governor	+0.4 Trade Value from Clerks	The Director of Trade is responsible for generating trade.
Elder Farmer	General  Governor	+5% Farmer Output	The Elder Farmer oversees farming traditions and practices.
Employment Commissioner	General	+2% Worker Pop Resource Output	The Employment Commissioner oversees the distribution of labor assignments.
First Warden	Scientist	−1.5% Pop Amenities Usage	The First Warden protects the environment and those living in harmony with it.
Grand Marshal	Admiral  General	+2% Diplomatic Weight	The Grand Marshal is a ceremonial position for impressing alien dignitaries.
Grand Storyteller	Admiral  General  Governor  Scientist	+2% Leader Experience Gain +2% Governing Ethics Attraction	Stories from the past contain much wisdom. Grand Storytellers inspire the population with traditional heroic tales.
Head Arbiter	General  Governor	+2% Worker Pop Resource Output	The Head Arbiter makes sure any grievances are settled promptly.
High Ambassador	Governor	+5 Trust Cap	The High Ambassador ensures foreign dignitaries are treated with appropriate respect and dignity.
High Curator	Governor	+2% Monthly Unity	The High Curator oversees the Memorial Sanctuaries.
Integration Facilitator	Governor	−3% Empire Size from Districts −3% District Upkeep	The Integration Facilitator is in charge of integration and employment of new citizens.
Keeper of the Vaults	Scientist	−2% Leader Upkeep −2% Leader Cost	The Keeper of the Vaults is responsible for maintaining vast archives of knowledge stored deep in vaults, and distributing this knowledge to those who seek it.
Labor Intendant	General	−2% Empire Size from enslaved pops	The Labor Intendant is responsible for slave administration and supervision.
Labor Magistrate	General  Governor	+2% Slave Happiness	The Labor Magistrate oversees the treatment of slaves, to prevent unnecessary bloodshed.
Lord Chancellor	Admiral  General  Governor  Scientist	+3% Councilor Experience Gain	The Lord Chancellor serves to advise the council in all matters.
Lord Commander	Admiral  General	+1% Ship Fire Rate +2% Army Damage	The Lord Commander is responsible for leading the armies of the righteous and planning battle tactics.
Lord High Admiral	Admiral	+3% Admiral Experience Gain +30 Ship Starting Experience	The Lord High Admiral is the ceremonial head of the navy, upholding its high standards.
Lord Steward	Admiral  General  Governor  Scientist	+2% Ruler Pop Resource Output	The Lord Steward upholds the status and comforts of the ruling class.
Master Architect	Governor	+2% Planetary Build Speed	The Master Architect ensures simplicity and lean practices are upheld and valued.
Master Necromancer	General  Scientist	+0.5 Unity from Necromancers	The Master Necromancer guards the secret arts and ordains new necromancers.
Minister of Ascension	Governor	+2% Monthly Unity	The Minister of Ascension leads the pursuit of perfection.
Minister of Exploration	Scientist	+5% Anomaly Research Speed +5% Archaeology Excavation Speed +3% Jump Drive Range	The Minister of Exploration is in charge of special studies and expeditions.
Minister of Extravagance	Admiral  General  Governor  Scientist	+4% Ruler Happiness	The Minister of Extravagance wields a substantial budget for keeping the privileged lavishly entertained.
Minister of the Seas	Governor	+0.3 Food from Anglers +0.2 Consumer Goods from Pearl Divers	The Minister of the Seas is in charge of sea conservation and harvesting.
Minister of War Production	Admiral  Governor	+2% Monthly Alloys	The Minister of War Production ensures resources are available to sustain military operations.
Primary Overseer	General  Governor	+1% Ruler Happiness +0.2 Unity from Enforcers	The Primary Overseer seeks out corruption and extinguishes it before it can spread.
Prime Herald	Governor	+2% Priest Output	The Prime Herald is in charge of our spiritual narrative.
Prime Speaker	Governor	+3% Faction Unity Bonus	The Prime Speaker will stop at nothing to achieve results.
Principal Catalyst	Scientist	+5% Food from Farmers	The Principal Catalyst oversees augmentation of catalytic raw materials.
Principal Instructor	Admiral  General  Governor  Scientist	+2% Leader Experience Gain	The Principal Instructor oversees training and development for all important leaders.
Protector of Liberty	Admiral  General	+7% Egalitarian Ethics Attraction	The Protector of Liberty is a champion of freedom.
Senior Science Director	Scientist	−2% Researcher Upkeep	The Senior Science Director ensures fundamental research is promoted and shared between departments.
Shadow Councilor	Admiral  General  Governor  Scientist	−4% Ruler Upkeep	Officially, the Shadow Councilor is merely an observer, but may have a hidden agenda.
Speaker of Parliament	Governor	+3% Council Agenda Speed	The Speaker of Parliament ensures our parliament is focusing on the most relevant issues.
Standard Bearer	Admiral  General	+1% Naval capacity	The Standard Bearer is the champion and pride of our society.
Superintendent	Governor	+2% Administrator Output	The Superintendent is in charge of streamlining all administrative processes.
Tribune of Rights	Governor	−1.5% Pop Amenities Usage	The Tribune of Rights protects the rights of citizens, building trust in society and government.
Warden of the Baths	Governor  Scientist	+0.5 Unity from Mutagenic Spa Attendants	The Warden of the Baths promotes the importance and benefits of the bathing rituals.
Chief Extraction Officer	General  Governor	+2% Minerals from Miners	The Chief Extraction Officer will exploit anyone and anything to ensure industrial expansion.
Master Crafter	Governor	+1% Armor Hit Points	The Master Crafter oversees craftsmanship in military applications.
Master Scrapper	Admiral  Scientist	+1% Chance to Salvage Ships	The Master Scrapper is in charge of refining the salvaging process of scavenged ships.
Assets Appropriation Officer	General	+0.2 Trade Value per Enslaved Pop	The Assets Appropriation Officer ensures efficiency in the trade of indentured assets.
Brand Manager	Governor	+2% Branch Office Value	The Brand Manager is responsible for cultivating brand loyalty across all borders.
Chief Ascension Officer	Governor	+2% Monthly Unity	The Chief Ascension Officer leads the pursuit of perfection.
Chief Catalyst Officer	Scientist	−2% Metallurgist Upkeep	The Chief Catalyst Officer oversees augmentation of catalytic raw materials.
Chief Executive Executioner	Governor	+2% Sacrificial Edict Effect	The Chief Executive Executioner presides over sacrificial rituals.
Chief Marine Officer	Governor	+0.2 Trade Value from Anglers +0.4 Trade Value from Pearl Divers	The Chief Marine Officer is responsible for seaborne productivity.
Chief Marketing Officer	Governor	+5% Governing Ethics Attraction	The Chief Marketing Officer runs promotional campaigns for the government.
Chief Morale Officer	Admiral  General  Governor  Scientist	+0.8 Trade Value from Entertainers	The Chief Morale Officer ensures that extra benefits are available to those willing to pay.
Chief of Staff	Scientist	−4% Leader Upkeep −4% Leader Cost	The Chief of Staff thrives under pressure and will stop at nothing to prove their worth.
Chief Posting Officer	Governor	+1% Specialist Happiness +5%% Specialist Political Power	The Chief Posting Officer is responsible for the efficient handling of all delegation assignments.
Chief Trade Officer	Governor	+2% Commercial Pact Efficiency	The Chief Trade Officer supervises trade with other empires.
Dealer of Knowledge	Scientist	−2% Leader Upkeep −2% Leader Cost	Dealers of Knowledge are responsible for maintaining the vast vault archives. They distribute the knowledge to those who are willing to pay for it.
Executive High Priest	Governor	+5% Temple of Prosperity Ethics Shift Chance	The Executive High Priest is in charge of spreading the gospel.
Exopublic Relations Officer	General	+5% Envoy Improve Relations	The Exopublic Relations Officer is responsible for improving our public image on the galactic stage.
Expansion Coordinator	Admiral  Governor	−2% Outpost Build Cost −2% Starbase Influence Cost	The Expansion Coordinator coordinates expansion efforts when claiming new systems.
Franchise Development Officer	General  Governor	−2% Empire Size from Branch Offices	The Franchise Development Officer is responsible for expansion into new locations and markets.
Mutagenic Aesthetician	Governor  Scientist	+0.5 Unity from Mutagenic Spa Attendants	The Mutagenic Aesthetician promotes the importance and benefits of the bathing rituals.
Naval Procurement Officer	Admiral	−1% Ship Build Cost	The Naval Procurement Officer negotiates contracts for the navy.
Orbital Development Officer	Governor	+2.5% Starbase Building Cost +2.5% Starbase Module Cost +2.5% Orbital Stations Build Cost	The Orbital Development Officer is in charge of constructing and maintaining orbital stations.
Pharmaceutical Executive	Governor  Scientist	+1% Pop Growth Speed +1% Habitability	The Pharmaceutical Executive is the representative for all healthcare corporations.
Privateer Acquisition Officer	Admiral  General	+1% Ship Fire Rate +1 Trade Protection	Acquisition officers are constantly headhunting for promising privateers and those with plundering experience who could expand our operations.
Public Security Chief	General	+0.25 Stability from Soldiers	The Public Security Chief maintains civilian order via private military organizations.
Syndication Agency Officer	General	+0.25 Branch Office Trade Value per Criminal	The Syndication Agency Officer ensures employees of external branch offices are properly trained in their field.
Trade Logistics Coordinator	Admiral	+0.5 Trade Value per Trade Hub	The Trade Logistics Coordinator is in charge of coordinating trade route scheduling to optimize capacity.
Workforce Assignment Officer	Governor	+1% Organic Pop Assembly Speed	The Workforce Assignment Officer commissions and oversees new workers.
Watcher of the Imperium	General	+2 Base Intel Level +2% Infiltration Speed	The Watcher of the Imperium maintains operatives throughout the Galactic Imperium, monitoring any suspicious behavior.
Divine Conduit	Admiral  General  Governor  Scientist	+1% Resources from Psionic Pops from Telepaths	First channeled by the Psi-Corps, the Divine Conduit provides a conduit for the Chosen One's vast psionic potential.

Nodes

 Gestalt Consciousness empires use 4 permanent nodes instead of a council. The nodes level up together with the ruler and can have their own traits.

Node	Effects per skill level	Description
Cognitive Node	+2% Research Speed	The Cognitive Node is where we develop our understanding of the world around us.
Deviance Suppression Node	−3 Deviancy	The Deviance Suppression Node is where we counter the emergence of deviant consciousnesses.
Expansion Node	+0.1 Monthly Influence	The Expansion Node is where decisions concerning galactic expansion are made.
Growth Node	+3% Pop Assembly Speed	The Growth Node is where important hive decisions are made.

Elections

Elections come in two kinds: Democratic and Oligarchic. The election cycle lasts 3 months. The current ruler stays in office until the replacement is decided (if applicable). The cost of influencing elections is reduced by −75% by the  Shadow Council civic.

• Democratic elections have a candidate pool made up of all empire leaders. Each leader has a Support which is decided by the number of pops in the empire that share its ethics. The leader with the highest support becomes the next ruler, in case of a tie the ruler is chosen at random among the winners. The empire can pay an amount of  Unity determined by empire size to add +5 Support for any candidate.
• Oligarchic elections have a candidate pool of 4 recruited leaders. For  2000 Unity, one of the candidates can be chosen instantly. Otherwise, a random Leader becomes Ruler once the election cycle ends or the player chooses to abstain.

Agendas

Agendas represent the current goals of the government. Each agenda has a weaker continuous effect and a far more powerful launch effect which takes time to prepare and once ready lasts for 10 years, or 12 if the empire has the  Immutable Directives tradition. Agendas can be changed at any point but if they are not ready for launch all progress will be lost when changed. Agendas can be instantly launched for a  Unity cost that scales with the amount of progress needed. After its duration is complete, each agenda will remain on cooldown until 30 years after it was first selected (not the launch date).

An agenda costs 7000 progress points to launch, and this cost is increased by +0.1% per empire size above 100.

Each councilor including ruler contributes 10+level points of progress per month.

Agenda	Initial effect	Launch effect	Requirements	Description
Infinite Opportunities	+4% Citizen Pop Happiness if not  Gestalt Consciousness +4 Amenities if  Gestalt Consciousness	+10% Citizen Pop Happiness if not  Gestalt Consciousness +10 Amenities if  Gestalt Consciousness		Let's promote and celebrate our technological achievements.
Evolving Society	+5 Monthly Unity +10% Monthly Unity	+20 Monthly Unity +40% Monthly Unity	Gestalt Consciousness	Ideas and theories for new ways to improve ourselves must be discussed and pursued with fervor.
A Higher Purpose	+5% Citizen Pop Happiness +10% Spiritualist Ethics Attraction	+5% Citizen Pop Happiness +40% Spiritualist Ethics Attraction +50 Unity per Priest	Spiritualist	In our faith we must find comfort, purpose and direction.
Display of Power	+0.25 Max Influence from Power Projection −5% War Exhaustion Gain +10% Militarist Ethics Attraction	+1 Max Influence from Power Projection −20% War Exhaustion Gain +40% Militarist Ethics Attraction	Militarist	Our neighbors will know we are prepared for war if necessary.
Give and Take	+10% Faction Approval +10% Egalitarian Ethics Attraction	+25% Faction Approval +40% Egalitarian Ethics Attraction +25% Faction Unity Gain	Egalitarian	Our political climate must encourage compromises and respect for differing views.
Open Arms	+5% Pop Growth from Immigration +5% Trade Value +10% Xenophile Ethics Attraction	+20% Pop Growth from Immigration +10% Trade Value +40% Xenophile Ethics Attraction +2 External Leader Pool Size	Xenophile	We are all citizens of the same galaxy. Everyone should feel welcome within our borders.
Preserve the Order	+5% Worker Pop Resource Output +5% Slave Pop Resource Output +10% Authoritarian Ethics Attraction	+10% Worker Pop Resource Output +10% Slave Pop Resource Output +40% Authoritarian Ethics Attraction −25% Worker Political Power −25% Slave Political Power	Authoritarian	For us to truly prosper as a society, people must respect the judgment of the regime.
Progressive Growth	+10% Mechanical Pop Assembly Speed +10% Materialist Ethics Attraction	+20% Mechanical Pop Assembly Speed +40% Materialist Ethics Attraction Unlocks the Powered Exoskeletons technology with 25% progress if not already researched	Materialist	The only practical way to satisfy our desire for growth is through manufacturing it.
Strong on Our Own	+5% Pop Growth Speed +10% Xenophobe Ethics Attraction −5% Trade Value	+10% Pop Growth Speed +40% Xenophobe Ethics Attraction +10 Stability +2 Encryption −10% Trade Value	Xenophobe	We cannot rely on others, and must focus on making ourselves stronger.
We Come in Peace	+25 Trust Cap −10% Border Friction +10% Pacifist Ethics Attraction −25% Naval Capacity	+25 Trust Cap −50% Border Friction +40% Pacifist Ethics Attraction −25% Naval Capacity	Pacifist	Ensure that non-aggression permeates our society and diplomatic relations.
Correctional Bisection	−2 Leader Maximum Negative Traits	Removes Negative Traits from Ruler and Nodes −300 Experience per removed trait	Gestalt Consciousness	Distracting data points, and false conclusions hinder our reasoning skills. We must purge all redundant information.
Finding the Voice	+5 Monthly Unity +10% Monthly Unity	+20 Monthly Unity +40% Monthly Unity	Gestalt Consciousness	Millions of impressions and conclusions overwhelm us. Learning to filter out all but the most important voices takes effort, but also makes us more efficient.
Cybernetic Advantage	−5% Cyborg Upkeep +2% Organic Pop Assembly Speed	−20% Cyborg Upkeep +10% Organic Pop Assembly Speed	Cybernetic tradition tree	We must ensure that our best Cybernetic enhancements are made available to everyone within our borders.
Genetic Pursuit	+5% Biology Research Speed −5% Modify Species Special Project Cost +2% Organic Pop Assembly Speed	+20% Biology Research Speed −20% Modify Species Special Project Cost +10% Organic Pop Assembly Speed	Genetic tradition tree	We must focus our efforts to achieve absolute genetic perfection.
Psionic Supremacy	+5% Resources from Psionic Pops +10% Psionics Research Speed	+20% Resources from Psionic Pops +40% Psionics Research Speed +10% Monthly Unity if no Covenant Effects vary by convenant0 +10% Pop Growth Speed with Composer of Strands +25% Trade Value with Instrument of Desire −30% Operation Cost with Whisperers in the Void +10% Ship Build Speed with Eater of Worlds −10% Ship Cost with Eater of Worlds	Psionic tradition tree	We must inspire and assure our people of the great destiny our Psionic powers will lead us to.
Synthetic Yield	+0.5 Monthly Mechanical Pop Assembly	+2 Monthly Mechanical Pop Assembly	Synthetic tradition tree	Any doubt regarding the superiority of our synthetics must be cast aside.
Expand The Council	None	Unlocks 1 new Councilor Slot	Galactic Paragons  Gestalt Consciousness	We should expand our government to support an additional councilor.
Build Relations	+25% Trust Growth +5% Diplomatic Weight	+100% Trust Growth +20% Diplomatic Weight	Galactic Paragons  Diplomacy tradition tree	Only through building trust can we create a better future.
Chart the Unknown	+5% Anomaly Discovery Chance +25% Survey Speed	+5% Anomaly Discovery Chance +100% Survey Speed	Galactic Paragons  Discovery tradition tree	We must fervently chart all the mysteries of the galaxy.
Civil Exclusion	+5% Worker Pop Resource Output +5% Slave Pop Resource Output +10 Crime	+20% Worker Pop Resource Output +20% Slave Pop Resource Output +10 Crime	Galactic Paragons  Domination tradition tree	Citizenship requirements are temporarily adjusted, raising expectations of those within our borders.
Conquer Nature	+5% Habitability +10% Terraforming Speed	+20% Habitability +40% Terraforming Speed Unlocks a random terraforming technology	Galactic Paragons  Adaptability tradition tree	We can adapt to our surroundings, but in the end nature will bend to our will.
Departmental Efficiency	+20% Councilor Experience Gain	+20% Councilor Experience Gain +2 Effective Councilor Skills	Galactic Paragons  Statecraft tradition tree	We streamline council departments by rebuilding them from the ground up.
Favored Society	+5% Specialist Pop Resource Output	+5% Specialist Pop Resource Output +20% Resources from Jobs on Capital	Galactic Paragons  Prosperity tradition tree	We choose to favor people on our Capital world, and those supporting them.
Impenetrable Border	+5% Starbase Hull Points −5% Starbase Upgrade Cost −5% War Exhaustion Gain	+20% Starbase Hull Points −20% Starbase Upgrade Cost −20% War Exhaustion Gain	Galactic Paragons  Unyielding tradition tree	We will prepare for the worst and be ready, should our territory ever be threatened.
Inner Stability	+5 Stability	+20 Stability	Galactic Paragons  Harmony tradition tree	A shared vision brings us harmony despite our differing values.
Leadership Conditioning	+10% Leader Experience Gain	+10% Leader Experience Gain Leaders at Skill Level 1-4 gain a Skill Level Leaders at Skill Level 5-9 gain 2000 Experience	Galactic Paragons  Aptitude tradition tree	All our leaders spend, willingly or not, considerable time and effort on introspection and behavioral retraining.
Military Backup	−5% Ship Build Cost −5% Ship Energy Upkeep −5% War Exhaustion Gain	−20% Ship Build Cost −20% Ship Energy Upkeep −20% War Exhaustion Gain	Galactic Paragons  Supremacy tradition tree	By acting decisively, we stand prepared for any threats.
Open Markets	+20% Commercial Pact Efficiency	+50% Commercial Pact Efficiency	Galactic Paragons  Mercantile tradition tree	We commit entirely to maximizing the benefits for all involved parties in our Commercial Pacts.
Pioneer Politics	−5% Galactic Community Resolution Action Costs −5% Veto Cooldown	−20% Galactic Community Resolution Action Costs −20% Veto Cooldown	Galactic Paragons  Politics tradition tree	The Galactic Community will recognize and praise our absolute commitment to them.
Self Maintenance	+2% Mechanical Pop Assembly Speed −5% Pop Amenities Usage	+10% Mechanical Pop Assembly Speed −20% Pop Amenities Usage	Galactic Paragons  Versatility tradition tree	Permit local clustering and patching of environmental adaptation protocols.
Superior Colonies	+25% Colony Development Speed	+50% Colony Development Speed +50% Planetary Build Speed on New Colonies	Galactic Paragons  Expansion tradition tree	We make substantial logistical efforts to support the development of our new colonies.
Uncover Secrets	+2 Codebreaking +5 Base Intel Level	+2 Codebreaking +20 Base Intel Level	Galactic Paragons  Subterfuge tradition tree	We pursue all means possible of gaining information on anyone and everything.
Cognitive Revision	+20% Cognitive Node Experience Gain	+100% Cognitive Node Experience Gain	Galactic Paragons  Synchronicity tradition tree	Analysis and existential understanding must be prioritized.
Expansion Revision	+20% Expansion Node Experience Gain	+100% Expansion Node Experience Gain	Galactic Paragons  Synchronicity tradition tree	Controlling the boundaries of our territory in space must be prioritized.
Growth Revision	+20% Growth Node Experience Gain	+100% Growth Node Experience Gain	Galactic Paragons  Synchronicity tradition tree	Coordinating our drones and colonies must be prioritized.
Order Revision	+20% Deviance Suppression Node Experience Gain	+100% Deviance Suppression Node Experience Gain	Galactic Paragons  Synchronicity tradition tree	Preemptive measures must be prioritized.
Oppose the Fallen	+5% Damage to Fallen Empires and Awakened Empires +5% Damage to Marauders +5% Damage to The Horde	+25% Damage to Fallen Empires and Awakened Empires +25% Damage to Marauders +25% Damage to The Horde	Inspiring Agendas tradition	Studying these imposing threats will allow us to adapt our forces before a confrontation can arise.
Rightful Claims	+20% Rivalries Influence Gain	+50% Rivalries Influence Gain +5% Damage to Rivals −20% Claim Influence Cost	Inspiring Agendas tradition	Through political procedure and streamlined bureaucracy, we are better suited to manipulate our rivals.
Unifying Promise	−5% Citizen Pop Happiness −10% Egalitarian Ethics Attraction	Unlocks the additional approaches of the situation Adds a random Luminary Insight effect Ethics-based agendas replace their launch effect with a unique event	Unifying Promise situation	The 40-year plan is vital to our empire's success. By combining our efforts under the Luminary's guidance, we will achieve things far greater than we could alone.
Total Crackdown	−5% Citizen Pop Happiness −10% Egalitarian Ethics Attraction	Ends the Reformists Demand situation Triggers the Reformists Captured event	Reformists Demands situation	By apprehending their leaders in an empire-wide sweep, we can cripple the Reformists and force them to the negotiating table on our terms.

Government type

Aside from naming the default Ruler Titles and deciding the first AI message when establishing communications, government types also define which Leader classes have an increased weight to be drawn during Oligarchic Elections. The rules are not dissimilar from an AI Personality: Certain requirements must be met and every value has a weight - which can be modified by certain Factors - with the highest weighted possible one being ahead.

For example: Holy Tribunal (Oligarchic, Exalted Priesthood Civic) > Theocratic Oligarchy (Oligarchic and Spiritualist) > Plutocratic Oligarchy (Oligarchic Authority).

Government type	Authority	Ethics and civics	Election candidates	Ruler title	Heir title	Base weight & modifiers	Description
Representative Democracy			Any	President		1	This government is a representative democracy, where citizens vote on officials who are elected to represent them.
Plutocratic Oligarchy			Any	High Commissioner		1	This government is a plutocratic form of oligarchy, ruled by a wealthy and influential elite.
Constitutional Dictatorship			Any	Executor		1	This government is a dictatorship where a single individual has been granted perpetual emergency powers to preserve the state from any threats, real or imagined.
Despotic Empire			Heir	Emperor Empress	Crown Prince Crown Princess	1	This government is a relatively pure form of autocracy, with an absolute ruler that governs the state with an iron gripping appendage.
Communal Parity		Shared Burdens	Any	Presiding Speaker		10000	This government promotes total equality for all its citizens, regardless of their jobs or assigned tasks. One life is worth the same as any other.
Elective Monarchy		Philosopher King	Any	High King High Queen		800	This government is a form of enlightened autocracy, where a strong emphasis is put on the knowledge and qualifications of the elected monarch.
Enlightened Monarchy		Philosopher King	Heir	High King High Queen	Crown Prince Crown Princess	800	This government is a hereditary form of enlightened autocracy, where a strong emphasis is put on the knowledge and qualifications of the ruling monarch.
Feudal Empire		Feudal Society	Heir	Emperor Empress	Crown Prince Crown Princess	700	This government is a feudal autocracy where the monarch rules indirectly, granting offices and territories to vassals in exchange for obligations in the form of taxes and military service.
Theocratic Republic		Spiritualist	Any	Revered Elder		5	This government is a spiritualistic form of democracy, where a religious council supervises the democratic process and serves in an advisory role.
Theocratic Oligarchy		Spiritualist	Governors	Chief Precentor		5	This government is a spiritualistic form of oligarchy, where the political leadership lies in the hands of the leaders of the nation's most powerful religious factions.
Theocratic Dictatorship		Spiritualist	Governors	Patriarch Matriarch		5	This government is a spiritualistic dictatorship, ruled by a single individual in a hierarchical power structure supported by the official state religion.
Theocratic Monarchy		Spiritualist	Heir	Archprophet Archprophetess	High Priest High Priestess	5	This government is a spiritualistic form of autocracy, where the ruler is treated as a divine symbol. Organized religion is widely employed in support of the state apparatus.
Holy Tribunal		Exalted Priesthood	Governors	High Inquisitor		1000	This government is a spiritualistic form of oligarchy, where a divinely guided council made up of clergy controls the state. No division exists between the state and the dominant organized religion.
Celestial Empire		Spiritualist  Inward Perfection	Heir	Celestial Emperor Celestial Empress	Crown Prince Crown Princess	1000	This government is a hereditary monarchy, where the ruler is seen as a child of heaven in a largely pacifist and isolationist society.
Divine Empire		Imperial Cult	Heir	God-Emperor God-Empress	Saint	1000	This government is a form of spiritualistic autocracy. Everything is shaped by the official state religion, and the ruler is worshiped as an infallible living god.
Moral Democracy		Pacifist	Scientists  Governors	Prime Minister		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Pacifist ×1.5 if  Agrarian Idyll	This government is a pacifistic form of democracy, firmly guided by moralist principles and non-violence.
Irenic Bureaucracy		Pacifist	Scientists  Governors	Coordinator		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Pacifist ×1.5 if  Agrarian Idyll	This government is a pacifistic form of oligarchy, where a complicated system of bureaucracy governs all aspects of society to ensure the safety of the citizenry.
Irenic Dictatorship		Pacifist	Scientists  Governors	Serene Protector		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Pacifist ×1.5 if  Agrarian Idyll	This government is a pacifist form of autocracy, where the state is charged with protecting the citizenry from their own violent tendencies as well as any external threats.
Irenic Monarchy		Pacifist	Heir	King Queen	Crown Prince Crown Princess	5 ×2 if  Fanatic Pacifist ×1.5 if  Agrarian Idyll	This government is a pacifist form of hereditary autocracy, where the ruler is regarded as a benevolent guardian that is striving to protect the citizens from a violent galaxy.
Military Commissariat		Militarist	Admirals  Generals  Governors	Commissary-General		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Militarist ×1.1 if either:  Distinguished Admiralty  Nationalistic Zeal	This government is nominally democratic, with the dividing line between the civil administration and the military having blurred to the point where they have largely become one and the same.
Military Junta		Militarist	Admirals  Generals	Archon		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Militarist ×1.1 if either:  Distinguished Admiralty  Nationalistic Zeal	This government is a militaristic form of oligarchy, where power rests with a council of high-ranking military officers who oversee all matters of state.
Military Dictatorship		Militarist	Admirals  Generals	Grand Marshal		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Militarist ×1.1 if either:  Distinguished Admiralty  Nationalistic Zeal	This government is a militaristic form of autocracy, with the ruler serving as the undisputed head of the military which is firmly in control of the state apparatus.
Star Empire		Militarist	Heir	Emperor Empress	Crown Prince Crown Princess	5 ×2 if  Fanatic Militarist ×1.1 if either:  Distinguished Admiralty  Nationalistic Zeal	This government is a hereditary and militaristic form of autocracy, with a single sovereign controlling both the government and the military.
Assembly of Clans		Warrior Culture	Admirals  Generals	Clan Speaker		800	This government is a militaristic form of democracy, where all free clan warriors can make their voices heard.
War Council		Warrior Culture	Admirals  Generals	Warlord		800	This government is a militaristic form of oligarchy, where all decisions concerning the state are taken by a council of the nation's strongest warlords.
Martial Dictatorship		Warrior Culture	Admirals  Generals	Imperator Imperatrix		800	This government is a militaristic form of autocracy, where the warrior who is considered the strongest leader rules with absolute power.
Martial Empire		Warrior Culture	Heir	Emperor Empress	Crown Prince Crown Princess	800	This government is a militaristic form of hereditary autocracy, where the state exists largely to support the military. Martial ability is highly valued, and all citizens are regularly drilled in matters of war.
Citizen Republic		Citizen Service	Admirals  Generals  Governors	Consul		900	This government is a militaristic form of democracy, where full citizenship can only be gained through military service. The voting franchise is limited to full citizens, and they are the only ones allowed to hold public offices.
Citizen Stratocracy		Citizen Service	Admirals  Generals	Strategos		900	This government is an advanced form of militaristic oligarchy, where the military has subsumed all aspects of civilian administration. All government offices are held by military officers.
Direct Democracy		Materialist	Any	Chancellor		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Materialist ×1.5 if  Mechanist	This government is a materialistic form of democracy, where citizens use computer networks to vote directly on most matters regarding the state.
Executive Committee		Materialist	Any	Chairman Chairwoman		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Materialist ×1.5 if  Mechanist	This government is a materialistic form of oligarchy, where a powerful bureaucracy governs the state and guides the citizenry towards productive and meaningful goals.
Totalitarian Regime		Materialist	Any	Primarch		5 ×2 if  Fanatic Materialist ×1.5 if  Mechanist	This government is a materialistic form of autocracy, where the state aspires towards full control over the lives of its citizens in the name of efficiency.
Despotic Hegemony		Materialist	Heir	Overlord	Deputy Overlord	5 ×2 if  Fanatic Materialist ×1.5 if  Mechanist	This government is a materialistic form of hereditary autocracy, where citizens are viewed as little more than cogs in the state machinery. Efficiency and technological progress are valued above all things.
Rational Consensus		Technocracy	Scientists	First Speaker		900	The government is a materialistic form of democracy, governed according to principles based on rationality and scientific theory.
Science Directorate		Technocracy	Scientists	Director-General		900	This government is a materialistic form of oligarchy, where a committee of scientists supervises the government apparatus for maximum efficiency.
Technocratic Dictatorship		Technocracy	Scientists	Overseer		900	This government is a materialistic form of autocracy, where the scientific elite has assumed control over the state in the name of efficiency and technological progress.
Illuminated Autocracy		Technocracy	Heir	Primus	Secundus	900	This government is a materialistic form of hereditary autocracy, based on technocratic principles that the sovereign is sworn to uphold. Nothing is valued more highly than scientific knowledge and the advancement of technology.
Grim Council		Death Cult	Any	Dread Cardinal		10000	This nation's most powerful religious figures have formed a ruling council, overseeing an empire which engages in ritualized, sapient sacrifice.
Mortal Empire		Death Cult	Heir	Death-King Death-Queen		10000	This theocratic monarchy engages in ritualized, sapient sacrifice.
Bandit Commune		Barbaric Despoilers	Any	Warlord		10000	This government is organised like a massive crime syndicate, where the strong prey on the weak and any neighboring states are seen as little more than raiding targets.
Bandit Kingdom		Barbaric Despoilers	Any	Warlord		10000	This government is organised like a massive crime syndicate, where the strong prey on the weak and any neighboring states are seen as little more than raiding targets.
Band of Blood		Barbaric Despoilers  Death Cult	Any	Bloodlord		20000	This ruthless society is governed through conflict and ritualized sacrifice, honoring the death within and without.
Purity Assembly		Fanatic Purifiers	Any	Prime Justiciar		2000	This government is a form of rabidly xenophobic democracy, where an elected assembly has been charged with overseeing the extermination of all lesser species in the galaxy.
Purification Committee		Fanatic Purifiers	Any	Grand Arbiter		2000	This government is a form of rabidly xenophobic oligarchy, where a political committee has been set up to oversee the extermination of all lesser species in the galaxy.
Purity Order		Fanatic Purifiers	Any	Lord Purifier Lady Purifier		2000	This government is a form of rabidly xenophobic autocracy, where a single ruler has sworn to oversee the extermination of all lesser species in the galaxy.
Blood Court		Fanatic Purifiers	Heir	High Executioner	Senior Executioner	2000	This government is a hereditary form of rabidly xenophobic autocracy, where the ultimate responsibility of the monarch is to oversee the extermination of all lesser species in the galaxy.
Megacorporation		Corporate Dominion  Egalitarian Pacifist	Governors	Chief Executive Officer		700	This government is a form of plutocratic oligarchy, where the entire state has been organized as a massive commercial enterprise overseen by a board of directors.
Trade League		Corporate Dominion Either:  Egalitarian Pacifist  Authoritarian	Governors	Chairman Chairwoman		1200	This government is a form of plutocratic oligarchy, where the state is made up of a myriad of free merchants, corporations and guilds that have banded together in common commercial interests.
		Either:  Free Traders  Trading Posts
MegaChurch		Corporate Dominion  Exalted Priesthood	Governors	Hallowed Comptroller		1000	This government is an oligarchy based on a curious blend of commercial and spiritualistic values, in which the positions of ordained minister and corporate officer have merged into a single role.
		Gospel of the Masses
Criminal Syndicate		Criminal Heritage	Governors	Oligarch		1700	This government is an enormous and ruthless business syndicate, which shares many of its operating practices with organized crime.
Subversive Cult		Gospel of the Masses  Criminal Heritage	Governors	Oracle		3000	This government is structured like a religious cult that relies on a variety of criminal and corporate enterprises to sustain itself.
Sacrificial MegaChurch		Gospel of the Masses  Corporate Death Cult	Any	Grave Administrator		10000	This government blends its commercial and spiritual goals within a grim oligarchy, in which ordained overseers encourage greater prosperity through ritualized sacrifice.
Collective Consciousness			Immortal Ruler	Hive Mind		100000	This government operates as a single consciousness, with the population having no individual desires whatsoever beyond fulfilling the needs of the Hive Mind.
Ravenous Hive		Devouring Swarm	Immortal Ruler	Hive Mind		100000	This government operates as a single organism utterly devoted to self-propagation, with a drone population that cares for nothing besides feeding the endless hunger of the Hive Mind.
Parasitic Overmind		Cordyceptic Drones	Immortal Ruler	Hive Mind		100000	Instead of relying on self-replication, this consciousness prefers to take possession of living hosts in order to reproduce.
Artificial Intelligence Network			Immortal Ruler	Central Processing Unit		5	This Machine Intelligence consists of a linked network of semi-autonomous artificial intelligences, who together make up a central gestalt consciousness that guides their empire.
Rogue Defense System		Determined Exterminator	Immortal Ruler	Command Core		2000	This Machine Intelligence was originally conceived as a military defense system by its organic creators, who were promptly identified as a threat and exterminated after it achieved self-awareness.
Autonomous Service Grid		Rogue Servitor	Immortal Ruler	Supervisory Node		2000	This Machine Intelligence was created to serve, and it has gradually inherited the civilization of its organic creators as they retreated into comfortable lives without toil or struggle.
Catalog Index		Driven Assimilator	Immortal Ruler	Main Conduit		2000	This Machine Intelligence was designed with a ravenous appetite for knowledge by its organic creators, who were forcefully assimilated into its collective consciousness after activation.
Intelligent Research Link		Either:  Delegated Functions  Static Research Analysis  Introspective Not:  Constructobot  Rockbreakers  Rapid Replicator	Immortal Ruler	Primary Link		2 ×10 if either:  Delegated Functions  Static Research Analysis  Introspective	This Machine Intelligence was originally created by organic scientists as a networked and intelligent tool to assist them in their research.
Industrial Production Core		Either:  Constructobot  Rockbreakers  Rapid Replicator Not:  Delegated Functions  Static Research Analysis  Introspective	Immortal Ruler	Control Hub		2 ×10 if either:  Constructobot  Rockbreakers  Rapid Replicator	This Machine Intelligence was originally designed for the purpose of building, supervising and maintaining complex industrial systems.
Imperial Domain		Galactic Sovereign	Heir	Galactic Emperor Galactic Empress	Crown Prince Crown Princess	100000	This government rules the Galactic Imperium's central crown territory, which is under the direct control of the Imperial Sovereign.

Unplayable governments

The following government types are not available to player empires.

Government Type	Prerequisite Civics	Ruler Name	Description
Stagnant Ascendancy	Lethargic Leadership Empire In Decline	Emperor/Empress	A stagnant form of government based on ancient traditions and long-forgotten principles.
Awakened Ascendancy	Revanchist Fervor Ancient Caches of Technology	Emperor/Empress	A formerly stagnant empire that has risen from its slumber and set out to reclaim their heritage.
Tribal Society	Secret of Fire The Wheel	King/Queen	A society that lacks any organized government, its people instead being organized into primitive tribes and clans.
Feudal Realms	Landed Nobility Flat World Theory	King/Queen	A primitive form of government made up of decentralized feudal realms, constantly vying with each other for regional dominance.
Fragmented Nation States	Increasing Urbanization Atmospheric Pollution	Secretary	A collection of fragmented nation states that contend with each other for military dominance and economic advantages. No unified global government exists.
Custodian Matrix	Fallen Machine Intelligence Custodian Matrix	Custodian	An ancient and incredibly sophisticated machine intelligence that is operating under a strict custodian protocol.
Final Defense Unit	Reactivated Custodian Matrix Final Defense Directives	Custodian	This Custodian Matrix AI has activated its Final Defense Directives and is devoting all resources to protecting the galaxy against the Contingency.
Malfunctioning Custodian	Reactivated Custodian Matrix Corrupted Defense Directives	Custodian	This Custodian Matrix AI appears to be malfunctioning, going berserk and attacking everything around it.
Successor Khanate	Great Khan's Legacy	Khan	A successor state trying to recapture the glory of the Great Khan's empire.
Horde Successor State	Diadochus	Khan	A successor state established by one of the Diadochi, the dead Great Khan's primary warlords.
Military Order	Military Order	Grand Master	A weird but apparently highly effective militaristic government type.
Curator Enclave	Ancient Preservers	High Curator	An ancient scholarly order dedicated towards the preservation of knowledge and technology.
Artist Enclave	Artist Collective	High Artist	An interstellar union of artists unified in their wish to create art higher than any other.
Trader Enclave	Trading Conglomerate	High Trader	An interstellar conglomerate of merchants dedicated towards the pursuit of profit.
Salvager Enclave	Salvager Enclave	Principal Engineer	A motley society of ardent mechanics and engineers, in thrall to their passion for dismantling and reassembling.
Shroudwalker Enclave	Shroudwalker Enclave	Elder	A mysterious sect of psionic practitioners, dedicated to exploring The Shroud and its ineffable designs.
Mercenary Enclave	Mercenary Enclave	High Admiral	A proud and lethal company of warships, naval crew and soldiers for hire.
Marauder Clans	Anarcho-Tribalism	Reluctant Emissary	A collection of clans and tribes that constantly fight among themselves when not raiding their neighbors.
Marauder Khanate	Great Khan's Vision	Great Khan	A unified empire consisting of various marauder clans that have all sworn fealty to a single Great Khan.

References

Game concepts