Lawgivers II

Lawgivers II is a turn-based political and geopolitical simulation. You can begin a political career as an activist or start as a party leader, then pursue victory through personal interests, party influence or national prestige.

The world

The game features a hand-crafted map of well-known countries, their regional and state subdivisions, and cities. Some playable nations also have electoral districts. Map filters show information such as population density, foreign relations, GDP growth, military spending, media outreach and election outcomes; you can also project the map onto a 2D view.

Elections

Each playable nation begins with its own political system and rules. You can experiment with strategies for winning elections and policies to avoid national bankruptcy. Lawmakers may propose changing the electoral system to proportional, majoritarian or mixed, and you can edit constituencies, including to gerrymander them. Debates let you discuss matters affecting citizens.

Parliament and laws

Work with your lawmakers in parliament or congress to approve or abolish laws. You can elect a speaker, create custom committees, request a secret vote on a bill or move to impeach the president. Lawmakers have their own views on laws and governing, as well as personal histories, so securing their trust can matter during difficult times.

Bills can be personalized and approved article by article. Constitutional amendments let you shape how the country’s most important institutions work, and you choose whether a bill becomes part of the constitution or is passed as an ordinary law.

Government and influence

In presidential and semi-presidential republics, you can run for the highest office; in parliamentary republics, you can become prime minister. Form a government alone or in a coalition, and try to survive motions of no confidence. You can bypass parliament when necessary, but doing so has consequences.

Organizations and lobbies can wield significant influence. You can seek their support by hiring a representative, or pursue clean politics and serve the country.

Trade and conflict

As head of government, you visit other countries to forge strategic alliances and secure resources. Nations trade goods and capabilities including know-how, raw materials and exotic fruits. You can promote your ideology in nearby regions or press the red button, with political consequences and sanctions. War is possible but strongly discouraged, as its repercussions for the economy can be catastrophic.

Multiplayer and mods

In multiplayer, you can join friends in a coalition to form the government or stay in opposition until you have a chance to take power. Steamworks support lets modders use a text editor to add countries, laws, events, parameters, resources, ideologies and other content. Lawmaker appearances are customizable too, with the option to draw and import portraits.