hierarchical

Big Government; The Matrix; [|Republic of Gilead],
 * Potential names:**


 * Systems architecture:**

media type="custom" key="5941433" width="511" height="511" [to edit diagram go to @http://www.diagrammr.com/png?key=daTdU7e4pkx]

The structure of the system is pyramidal: subordinate nodes connected to one node at the next higher level, which in turn is connected to the next higher node along with a subset of nodes at that level. In a perfect hierarchical system, the pyramidal structure ends with a singular node at the top.


 * Behaviour**

Control within this architecture is imposed on lower-level nodes by higher-level ones, with the ultimate control exerted by the singular node at the top.

The 'big picture' is usually only held by higher-level nodes. Lower-level nodes cannot improvise on processes or create new structures unless directed by higher-level nodes. Hence, change only comes from the top down or through destruction of the whole systems architecture.

This architecture can demonstrate highly efficient properties within simple environments which do not change over time. Higher-level nodes can instruct lower-level nodes to carry out routine and repetitive behaviour in order to fulfil the purpose of the structure as efficiently as possible. Lower-level nodes therefore carry out highly specialised and prescribed roles that rarely overlap with those of other nodes. There is limited redundancy in task function and network interconnections.


 * Examples**

Examples of such architectures include: - dictatorships; - Taylorist factories; - the military; - dogmatic ideologies, including fundamentalist religions; - telephone networks; - mechanical devices. - Propaganda **Media** **state and populace** **Obedience** **Education**


 * Futuristic narrative:**