No they don't really. They are only there to stop someone being amazing at everything, it's the RPers prerogative if they wish to use all or not.

Well I dont think they would. You will be the best for exporting science and, probably, liberalism however it wouldnt bring stability. Although with a democracy you have very much got a slight boost to stability, but you open yourself up to A LOT more extremism, in regards to events etc.