Whether you go with America, India, Sumeria, or anything in between, Civilization VI starts you out with the lowly Chiefdom government. This ineffectual means of governing offers only a single Military and Economic policy slot each, so you’ll want to work through the Civics tree to unlock other forms of government.
Other forms have different policy slots, allowing you to gain bonuses on everything from naval production to extra Great Writer points to bonus Housing for cities with multiple Districts.
Best Government Options
Any government can potentially be useful in the right circumstances, depending on what victory condition you are going for or whether you are currently being aggressive or building up your cities. Governments are also now highly customizable with the policy slots.
Setting government and policy options
Don’t discount switching governments over time, but pay attention to your various boosts: you don’t want to build up an army using a government with tons of Military policy slots, only to then switch just before a war breaks out and find yourself needing those bonuses back.
First and foremost on the various combinations: America combines extremely well with any government option, as that civ automatically earns Legacy bonuses in half the time over every civilization.
For those seeking a religious victory, Spain combos well with a Theocracy, as that civ gets a combat bonus against units of opposing religions. The Arabian civ is another shoe-in for Theocracy with its cheaper Faith purchases.
Fascism can be an excellent government for any civ with its large number of policy slots, but is particularly useful if you need a large military and want to go for a Domination victory with a war-themed civ like Sumeria.
Civilization VI Governments
| Government | Requirement | Legacy Bonus | Base Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
 Autocracy | Political Philosphy | Bonus Wonder Production | +1 Yield Boost In Capital |
 Classical Republic | Political Philosphy | Bonus Great People Points | +1 Amenity In Cities With Districts |
 Oligarchy | Political Philosphy | Bonus Combat Experience | Bonus Strength To Melee Units |
 Monarchy | Divine Right | Bonus Influence Points | Bonus Housing In Cities w/Medieval Walls |
 Theocracy | Reformed Church | Discounted Faith Buys | Faith Units Available And Gain Bonuses |
 Merchant Republic | Exploration | Discounted Gold Buys | Bonus Trade Routes |
 Democracy | Suffrage | Bonuses From District Projects | Great People Cost Less Gold |
 Communism | Class Struggle | Bonus On All Production | Land Units Gain Bonus Defense |
 Fascism | Totalitarianism | Bonus Unit Production | Bonus Strength To All Combat Units |
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