Government in the Pokémon World

[Greninjaman]

Hi there! In playing the games, one thing that stands out to me, is that there doesn't seem to be much of a government.

Heck, in Gen 1, everyone seems to be in an uproar about a theft, but no one seemed to care about the fact that Team Rocket had taken over Saffron City (and Goldenrod in Gen 2).

Why is it always up to the protagonist to solve problems? In Lilycove before the team is driven out, no one does anything about them. It's in non-Pokemon games too. Everyone's like: Let's team up and conquer this problem", meaning that you the player has to do it them self.

Why is that?

 

[KaylaBaraonda]

In most adaptations, the Pokémon League seems to be the government.

In the actual games, well it's a game for children, there does'nt seem to be any actual government because it's the same way in most nintendo games - you yourself have to defeat enemies and pretty much... "become the government" by being stronger than the NPCs.

 

[FroyoDragon]

Keep in mind that it's a video game, without the most realistic of stories considering all things (like the protaginist's mom being fine with letting her 10 year old child go out into the world full of creatures that can turn him to paste in an instant...), Because they're meant to be fun.

It wouldn't be much fun if the authorities took care of everything before you did, so xP

 

[MegaPod]

Hiya, Greninjaman! Fyi, I’ve given this thread a new title to make it easier for users to understand its topic.

There does seem to be local and global law enforcement in the Pokémon World, with figures such as Nanu and Looker, plus Officer Jenny in the anime and random cop NPCs in the games. I think it’s actually been lampshaded in the Gen VII games that they don’t really take care of the evil organizations for you, because one of the first police officer NPCs I talked to in Ultra Sun mentioned something about how the Alola police force doesn’t really see much action because of how peaceful everything usually is there, though I suppose that still doesn’t explain the incompetence of the government in the other regions. But still, nothing as fun as dealing some vigilante justice to crime bosses with your team of magical creatures!

 

[Greninjaman]

Hiya, Greninjaman! Fyi, I’ve given this thread a new title to make it easier for users to understand its topic.

Thanks for that man. I guess I didn't really think about about the others understanding this.

Yeah, I suppose if you got a team that is super effective against the Pokemon that the evil team uses, then I suppose you're good.

 

[Incinerawr]

If there were an actual government, children wouldn't be allowed to leave home at the age of 11 without supervision of a parent or guardian. Pokemon is founded more on ideals, and morals. The Gym Leaders from Black and White act as mayor of their town, as clearly demonstrated by Clay who answers to Ghetsis holding a hostage and has authority to raise or lower the bridge in his jurisdiction. They represent good, whereas the Teams represent greedy, or oftentimes idealistic criminal heads with mafia ties or secret agendas buried beneath a clean public face.

Add the fact that most adults don't understand the governmental system or politics, kids hate it even more, and would much rather just roam a free, open world dominated by nature and go to places they otherwise can never hope to see in their realistic urban lives.

 

[Almonds]

In Lilycove before the team is driven out, no one does anything about them. It's in non-Pokemon games too. Everyone's like: Let's team up and conquer this problem", meaning that you the player has to do it them self.

Why is that?

Assuming that the 'government' of pokemon is the Pokemon League (with gym leaders taking on the role of mayor and such. Drayden is actually a mayor as an example)...
The PokeNavi TV does mention Steven leading the gym leaders to help civilians evacuate during the weather crisis so I do think the government (or the League) is in charge of protecting civilians when needed, though.

 

[GuitarHero]

I think its one of the more endearing things about the Pokemon world that makes it more fun and enjoyable. A nice change from the real world that is filled with bad news and politics. The Pokemon world, although it does have bad and nefarious occurrences, seems naturally much more innocent than ours (a good thing when you consider you're dealing with small creatures that potentially have the power to level an entire city if so inclined!). It also of course makes perfect sense since the franchise is focused on younger people.

 

[Greninjaman]

I almost made a whole new thread, only to remember that I had this (I know it's an old thread):
IS the League the government? A YouTuber I watch played Pokemon: Rocket Edition and in that game, the league is the government of the region, but how would that work? Would it not make more sense for the government to be separate from the Pokemon League?

Note: Gym Leaders being mayors is fine. I can see that being the case.

 

[KerfishSea]

I don't see the Pokémon League as being the government they have. I'm sure they have a normal form of government but we don't see it because we're playing as a kid..and idk what kid would be worried about politics at the age of our protagonists. Back to the pokemon league I see it more as like...the NFL or NBA sorta thing.

 

[skynerel]

At least in the anime Hearthome City, Castelia City and unnamed city in Kanto have mayors. I don’t remember any mention of it in the games although like others have said some gym leaders are filling in the role in some ways.

 

[Greninjaman]

Yeah. If I recall, Drayden is the mayor of Opilucid (pretty sure I misspelled that) City in Unova and the Gym Leader.