Our idea is that each student will fashion his or her own state as he or she sees fit.  You could also add requirements such as each state must be "democratic"  During the course of the semester each student will have to deal with the everyday issues of rule.  Play can be adjusted so that the player can receive a task once a week or once a day as needed for the assignment.  Also, states can form coalitions and communities with each other or even opt to gain entry in the UN.  We feel this tool is a fun way to demonstrate some of the issues of governing while fostering a type of community participation in the political process.