How do generational ship science fiction stories typically deal with the issue of in - ship governance?
In generational ship science fiction, in - ship governance can be really complex. Some stories depict a system based on meritocracy, where those with the most knowledge or skills in relevant areas like engineering or medicine have a say in decision - making. This is because the survival of the ship and all its inhabitants depends on these aspects. There are also stories where there is a more autocratic form of governance at the start which gradually evolves into a more democratic one as the generations pass and the population becomes more educated and aware of their rights. Another aspect is how they deal with dissent. Some stories show that the governance has strict rules to suppress any form of rebellion as it could endanger the whole ship, while others show a more lenient approach where different opinions are heard and incorporated into the decision - making process.
Well, many generational ship stories handle in - ship governance in different ways. There are those that rely on a council made up of representatives from different sections of the ship, like the agricultural area, the living quarters, and the engineering department. This council then votes on major decisions. In some cases, there are also laws and regulations that have been passed down from the initial generation of the ship's founders. These laws are often strict to ensure the survival of the ship and its inhabitants. However, as time passes and new generations are born with different values, there can be conflicts between the old laws and the new ideas of governance. Some stories explore how these conflicts are resolved, whether through peaceful negotiation or more drastic means.