Form Of Colonial Government

Often, the form of government that a society utilizes is determined by a variety of factors that are complex and difficult to control. However, as we look towards the formation of extraterrestrial colonies, we have the chance to discuss the governance of these colonies in a way that could shape the future of humanity. There are a variety of options for the governing of such a society, and each must be considered as we discuss the form of government to adopt in such colonies. With several factors that make Terran interference in colonial governance difficult, we are presented with a unique chance to use a method of government proposed by Hannah Arendt: small council government. Small councils are funded on the idea of open debate and discussion …show more content…
Arendt discusses two primary realms, the public and the private (Arendt, The Human Condition). The private realm is where necessities, family, and labor usually fall. If the colony is self-sufficient, this will mean that necessities will be taken care of and that labor, which will be directed towards either colony maintenance or towards scientific research, will be guaranteed for each member of the colony. Of course, whether one feels that their familiar needs are met is for the individual to decide. However, once the private realm has been fulfilled, one is then able to enter the public realm and participate in politics. A Martian colony would occupy a unique place in human history. It would be uniquely isolated from other civilizations. The colonists themselves would be comprised of highly educated individuals and would more than likely include people from very diverse backgrounds and cultural heritages. Essentially, the Mars colony would be a cross section of humanity. Removed from the constant troubles of international politics, relegated to limited communications with Earth, and comprised of highly diverse individuals these colonists would have the opportunity to implement the Arendtian concept of the small council …show more content…
While the colony is isolated from Earth to an extent, flow of Terran news, entertainment, information, and by extension ideas will still be possible. Further, the influx of new individuals as the colony grows and interactions with Terran tourists and businesses will help to diffuse ideas into the society. In the end, while the Martian colonies might be isolated from Earth, there will still be a flow of people, services, and ideas between the two worlds, perhaps even resulting in positive exchanges from Martian to