Rushkoff posits the notion of "cyberia," the virtual reality that we occupy when we enter digital space. One of the most interesting notions about cyberia for this inquiry into Civilization is that "computers do not simplify human issues but expose and even amplify the obvious faults in our systems of logic and social engineering" (6). Looking at Civilization as an amplification of our society's world-view, I believe that this project is showing many such faults.
The U.S. has a healthy ego about its brand of democracy, which the game emulates when it provides the most benefits to the player when their civilization is ruled as a democracy (as opposed to, say, communism. Also note that socialism is not even an option for a government type).