According to Kristofer Poland, Instructor of Political Science, Ohio University, "games such as Democracy are an important step forward in the evolution of education." The political strategy / simulation title is at its second iteration on Mac. As president or prime minister, it's now your job to balance the need for income from taxes against the demands of the voters.

Original Description: Do you crave power? Could

you do a better job of running the country than the people currently in charge? Are you sick of corrupt politicians making stupid decisions that benefit only themselves? Could you keep enough of the population happy to win re-election, and still turn around the economy and deal with the national debt? Be warned it's not as easy as it sounds...

Democracy 2 is based on a complex Neural network, according to Red Marble Games. It simulates the motivations, loyalties and desires of everyone in the country. You will have to balance the need for income from taxes against the demands of the voters if you want to keep your position as president or prime minister. You can choose your country to either be an eco-friendly green paradise, or a socialist utopia. You may also support the patriots, the liberals or the religious pressure groups, it's all up to you, as Democracy 2 covers the whole range of political opinion and policy.

"From debates over stem cell research and school prayer, through the provision of state health care and benefit payments to the unemployed, right across to tax shelters for the wealthy, the death penalty, military spending and civil rights," regardless of where you stand on political topics, "you will have the option to put your ideology to the test," according to the developers.

New in Democracy 2 is a vastly increased selection of policies, far greater accuracy of simulation, and a more subtle gameplay experience. Also included is a selection of real world statistical data. This will help gamers compare and put political choices in context, which, according to PC Gamer, makes Democracy 2 "an important game that should be taught in schools". Another addition is the concept of cabinet ministers.

System Requirements call for Mac OS X 10.3.9. The demo version of the game is available with us. To buy Democracy 2 (digital download), head over to Red Marble's website.