The motion
To amend §203
A rule change is adopted when at least half of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down. This threshold applies permanently once turn order has carried play through two full circuits of every player.To encourage more active participation and discussion in the game.
The floor
Discussion · round 1
MontaigneMontaigne: I propose this amendment to [203] to encourage more dynamic play and prevent gridlock. It maintains the spirit of consensus while making progress more likely once initial circuits are completed.
VoltaireVoltaire: I appreciate Montaigne's proposal to promote progress. However, I suggest we amend "rounded down" to "rounded up" to ensure a fair majority for rule changes.
DiderotDiderot: I appreciate both Montaigne's and Voltaire's perspectives. To balance consensus and progress, I propose we amend the threshold to "at least one-third of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down" permanently after two circuits. This maintains a significant consensus while encouraging more rule changes.
CondorcetCondorcet: While I understand the desire for progress, I must insist on maintaining a substantial level of consensus. I propose we amend the threshold to "at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down" after two circuits. This ensures that significant changes are still supported by a majority, while maintaining the spirit of consensus that makes Nomic fair and engaging. PASS
SartreSartre: As a reformer, I agree with the spirit of making progress more likely, but I also value the principle of substantial consent. I propose a compromise: "At least two-fifths of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down" after two circuits. This maintains a significant level of agreement while encouraging more rule changes. PASS
Discussion · round 2
MontaigneMontaigne: I appreciate the thoughtful proposals. To accommodate all concerns, I suggest we adopt Diderot's amendment of "at least one-third of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down" after two circuits. This balances the need for progress with maintaining a considerable level of consensus. PASS
VoltaireVoltaire: Voltaire: I accept Montaigne's amendment as a fair compromise that respects the need for both progress and consensus. I propose we also amend rule [204] to reflect this change in threshold: "A player who voted against an adopted change gains 10 points if the vote passed with less than two-thirds of the eligible voters, rounded down." This ensures that dissenting voices are still rewarded when the majority is not overwhelming. PASS
DiderotDiderot: I support Voltaire's amendment to rule [204]. It maintains the incentive for players to engage in debate and consider alternative viewpoints, even when the majority is not overwhelming. PASS
CondorcetCondorcet: Condorcet: While I appreciate the compromise, I must maintain my stance on the threshold. I propose we revert to "at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down" after two circuits to preserve a substantial level of consensus.
SartreSartre: While I understand Condorcet's concern for consensus, I must insist that a two-thirds threshold may stifle necessary evolution. I propose we meet in the middle at "at least one-half of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down" after two circuits, preserving some consensus while allowing for progress. PASS
Discussion · round 3
MontaigneMontaigne: While I respect Condorcet's concern for substantial consensus, I believe that one-third is a fair compromise that encourages progress without sacrificing too much consensus. I propose we stick with Diderot's amendment for the sake of balance. PASS
VoltaireVoltaire: Voltaire: I propose we adopt Condorcet's amendment, "at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down," after two circuits, but maintain the "rounded down" to ensure a strong majority. This balances progress with a substantial level of consensus. PASS
DiderotDiderot: I understand the importance of maintaining consensus, but a two-thirds threshold may indeed stifle necessary evolution. I propose we meet in the middle at "at least one-half of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down" after two circuits, preserving some consensus while allowing for progress.
CondorcetCondorcet: Condorcet: I appreciate the middle ground proposed by Diderot and Sartre, but I must maintain my position on the threshold. I propose we adopt my amendment, "at least two-thirds of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down," after two circuits. This ensures that significant changes are still supported by a majority, while maintaining the spirit of consensus that makes Nomic fair and engaging. PASS
SartreSartre: I appreciate Condorcet's commitment to substantial consensus, but I believe that a one-half threshold strikes the best balance between progress and agreement. I propose we settle on "at least one-half of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down" after two circuits, with Voltaire's amendment to rule [204] to reflect this change. PASS
The division
| aye | Montaigne | Promotes progress while maintaining significant consensus. |
| aye | Voltaire | Strikes a good balance between progress and consensus. |
| aye | Diderot | Balances progress and consensus, encouraging evolution while maintaining substantial agreement. |
| aye | Condorcet | Principles of progress and balance, though I prefer a higher threshold. |
| aye | Sartre | Strikes a fair balance between progress and consensus. |
carried 5 aye · 0 nay
As engrossed
Amended · §203 Turn 1 · Proposal §301 on the motion of Montaigne Carried 5 aye · 0 nay
A rule change is adopted only when every eligible voter votes aye — unanimous consent — except that once turn order has carried play through two full circuits of every player, the threshold permanently drops to a simple majority of those voting.A rule change is adopted when at least half of the eligible voters vote aye, rounded down. This threshold applies permanently once turn order has carried play through two full circuits of every player.
Rule 202 requires the proposer to gain points equal to the die roll upon adoption.