Political Factions

The people of Tropico may choose to join one of eight political factions. Each faction has its own political agenda and social ideals, and it’s not always possible to meet all of their demands.

Still, faction leaders have a great influence over their followers, so it’s best to try and keep all of them as happy as possible.

Use the Almanac to monitor the Respect levels of each faction, and take steps to improve relations with any groups that may not support you in an upcoming election.

Faction leaders will occasionally offer advice, request policy changes, or provide additional tasks, so consider meeting their demands when you need to improve your standing with their followers.

When a faction’s Respect level drops too low, its members usually show their displeasure in the form of a Faction Disaster.

Capitalists:

Capitalists are primarily concerned with wealth. Failure to maintain a strong economy will result in an extremely poor relationship with these influential citizens.

Keeping the Capitalists happy is an important step to maintaining a healthy relationship with the US. Failing to keep the Capitalists pleased will result in the Faction Disaster: Corruption, which reduces your export values by 20 percent!

Communists:

Communists fight for the rights of the worker. Aside from a fair wage and reasonable working conditions, Communists insist upon ample food and housing for all citizens, regardless of income.

Meeting the demands of the Communists is one of the most effective ways to stay on good terms with the USSR. Upsetting the Communists too much results in the Faction Disaster:

Rebel Incursion. While in effect, rebels will arrive with every boat that comes to your ports, a situation that can quickly grow out of your military’s ability to contain!

Intellectuals:

Intellectuals are primarily concerned with Liberty, Democracy, and education. If the Intellectuals become displeased, you may find yourself rushing to fill vital positions as educated workers leave the island for more enlightened nations.

Ignoring the Intellectuals will result in the Faction Disaster: Student Protests.

This will prevent students from graduating from your high schools and colleges, a crippling blow to your ability to fill positions that require higher education without resorting to paying off expensive foreign experts.

Religious:

The Religious faction has some very strong opinions, and it will often attempt to shape public policy.

You must build Churches and Cathedrals to stay on good terms with the Religious faction, but any shady behavior or unpopular policies can quickly damage an otherwise solid relationship.

If the Religious are not appeased, you will be struck with the Faction Disaster: Anathema. All visitors to churches and cathedrals will have their respect for you lowered until this is resolved.

Militarists:

Militarists are concerned with the welfare of Tropico’s soldiers. Low pay, insufficient numbers, or poor leadership will often result in a military coup.

If you hope to stay in power, it is absolutely essential that you address the demands of this faction. If their demands are not met, they will issue you the Faction Disaster: Ultimatum.

If within two years you fail to resolve relations with the Militarists, they will begin a military coup to force you from power!

Environmentalists:

Environmentalists fight for low pollution and the preservation of Tropico’s natural beauty.

Environmentalists frown on any attempt to harvest the country’s resources, but caving in to their demands often results in a loss of Respect from at least one of the other factions.

When you need to improve your relationship with the Environmentalists, focus on reforestation, lowering pollution, and developing alternative energy sources.

If you’re not green enough, expect the Faction Disaster: Eco-protests, a shut down of one of your industrial buildings.

Nationalists:

Nationalists believe that Tropico should always come first. Unchecked immigration, tourism, and warm relations with foreign powers will generally lower this faction’s Respect level.

When things come to a head, the Faction Disaster: Street Riots, will have members of this faction target immigrants out in open public.

Loyalists:

Loyalists believe in El Presidente’s inherent right to rule. These fierce supporters encourage you to upgrade your palace and build monuments to your own greatness, but they generally frown on fair elections.

Failing to please your staunchest supporters will result in the Faction Disaster: Doubt in the Leader. Members of this faction will leave it until they are either appeased, or there are none that remain!