The American Government Simulation (often referred to as AGS) is an online government simulation dedicated to simulating certain aspects of the United States government. The entire simulation is mostly conducted over an internet message board. AGS was launched in July 2004 by several former members of the second incarnation of the National Government Simulation.

Improvements over previous simulations

While the American Government Simulation has built on the traditions of the earlier National Government Simulation, AGS was quickly recognized as the forerunner of a new style of simulation. The Administrative Board took a larger role in game happenings, serving as "game masters" simulating the outcomes of in-game decisions and the winners of elections. Previously, most games had let their members directly elect their sims' President of the United States. AGS also introduced a Majority/Minority system for Congress. Whereas, in simulations past, the business on the House or Senate Floor was directed by either a Speaker, Vice-President, or Clerk elected in a sim-wide election, AGS attempted to emulate the actual House by requiring an Organizing Resolution to determine a majority and then having the members of the majority chose a Speaker. The game instituted a "Prestige Point" system, which measured the level of influence each player had in the simulated universe. AGS also introduced media networks as a part of gameplay, releasing periodic news reports and encouraging players to issue press releases, op-ed pieces and campaign advertisements. The net effect of these innovations led to a game style that emphasized political strategy over the force of ideas.

The simulation operates as if the time were always the present. Hence, even when there have been several Presidential terms since the sim's launch, the date for the simulation is still the present day. In the words of some members, AGS lives in "Comic Book Time" with events moving forward at a rate both slower and faster than in real life (as suits the mechanics of the game) and with some characters aging and others not (for example, though the year has not changed, the character of "President Yoshida" has aged from 42 to 50).

History of the AGS Presidency

Thus far, AGS has had four Presidents. Greg Williams, a Republican from Virginia, became the first President after defeating Democrat rival Brandon Long of Kentucky, but resigned before the end of his first term. Vice President Yoshida ascended to the top job and went on to win a full term in office, narrowly defeating Long's running mate, Nation Hahn, in the general election, after a vigorous primary challenge from his previous VP-designate Kurt Garwood and his National Security Advisor and former Chief of Staff Michael Wilt. Yoshida lost his bid for a second full term to Florida Democrat Mike Adams in summer of 2005. Adams won re-election in January 2006, defeating Republican Senator Robert Schmidt in an electoral landslide. Adams was later removed from office by the Administrative Board for inactivity, leaving Richard Williams with the Presidency.

The AGS universe

In addition to the obvious differences as a result of in-game elections, the history of the AGS-verse has, by this point in time, come to diverge significantly from the real one. For example:

The United States launched an extended air assault against Iran's nuclear program, effectively crippling it.

After a number of American citizens were taken hostage (following a limited air strike) the Congress voted for a Declaration of War against Sudan and the United States subsequently invaded that country.

Intelligence Reform has been much more substantive than in real life, resulting in the creation of a number of new government agencies, including an American version of Britain's MI-6 as well as a dedicated cyber-warfare agency.

The United States has, beginning in the 2006 tax year, adopted a 17% Flat Income Tax.

Following a Presidential order mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in Federal Buildings, the Supreme Court overturned decades of previous rulings on the separation of Church and State and adopted a significantly more lenient stance on public diplays of religious faith.

The United States has had its first Hispanic and Asian-American Presidents.

Retcon

The retcon feature allows the Administrative Board to retroactively change history in the simulation. While some complain this leads to inconsistency, the Board has dealt with this issue by appointing a head of consistency. Proponents say the Retcon feature enhances the realism of the simulation, by allowing the Board to veto unrealistic actions by the players, a problem that many members feel has been a problem in other simulations. At the same time, many feel that the retcon feature erases meaningful AGS history and past accomplishments.

Allegations of AUP Misuse

Some members feel that the AUP(acceptable use policy) is selectively enforced. They believe that recent episodes, such as the harassment of member Jack Pickering with the *supposedly* implicit approval of the AB exemplifies this. In its defense, some members have said the AB is not so bad as other administrators have been in the past.

External links

American Government Simulation

AGS forums

The AGS Wiki

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