Post by K IX on Jan 22, 2005 17:01:10 GMT -5
The Commonwealth of K IX
At a Glance:
Federation Status: UN Member
Type of Government: Democratically elected oligarchy
Political Leader(s):
Main Species: most prominent species is Canis eduritis, population also includes lupines, some vulpines
Personal Freedoms: many, with few limits
Main Industry: automobile manufacturing
Budget Highlights: Education, Healthcare, Environmental initiatives, Tourism
Climate: Subtropical
Humans: some, attain minority status
Military: disbanded due to lack of funding
NBCW: none
Abstract (from the department of tourism)
A view to behold
Consisting of its nine dominions, scenic K IX can be recognised by its sub-tropical archipelago of 15 islands. Mountain ranges gracing its three northernmost islands, and bare cliffs facing outward to the southeast and southwest, the Commonwealth can appear at times like an abandonned fortress in the ocean, devoid of life. However, the outer facade can fool many, for beyond the unforgiving rock walls lies a liberal, forward-thinking paradise; large urban centers complement relatively undisturbed forests, rivers, lakes, and valleys. With strict laws preventing the development of urban sprawl, expect K IX to stay that way.
A system of prosperity
An expansive network of roads is rarely seen within any city, where a large network of walkways, busways, and RT lines become the prefered method of travel for the majority of K IX's citizens. Despite the lack of private vehicles within city limits, an automobile manufacturing industry continues to thrive as municipal governments, dominion transit authorities, and commonwealth-wide travel providers continue to buy their buses and trains domestically. This system, complete with Commonwealth funding, allows all citizens free access, and ensures enormous savings for all visitors.
Fun for everyone
With it's subtropical location, undisturbed rivers, and extensive mountainous regions, K IX is the perfect attraction for everybody. Beaches line a pristine inland sea, with ferries and cruises allowing full access to all of K IX's inner coastline. For those who like to "rough it", K IX's plethora of untouched forests are provided for all to enjoy, and often contain even K IX's own citizens, who have enjoyed being in touch with nature as much as you. For the winter sports enthusiast, the naturally snow-capped mountains provide for unforgettable skiing and snowboarding, with many mountaintop parks also providing cross-country, ski-jumping and ice skating facilites. When an adventure or vacation is just waiting for you, expect to find it in K IX.
The Parliamentary System
The Commonwealth government consists of five houses: the House of the Majority, the House of the Senate, the House of the Minority, the House of Justice, and the House of Sustainability. Each of the five houses have specific responsibilties, with the Majority, Minority, and Senate wielding the most.
The House of the Majority is elected directly using a first-past-the-post system, with constuencies of approximately 200,000, separated within the dominions, and resulting in a house of 275 MPs. The house appoints a Prime Minister - the Prime Minister of the Majority.
The House of the Senate is elected, and consists of 45 members - 5 from every dominion. Every member is appointed to a 5-year term, with 9 Senators' dismissal/reappointment pending each year. Within the Senate, prominent members run among themselves to lead the senate every year, requiring the support from most of the 45 Senators. These appointments get renewed every year; if the incumbent continues to have the support of the majority of the Senate, (s)he may continue in that role.
The House of the Minority contains 45 members with five-year terms, divided by dominion in the same manner as the Senate. The House is run by the appointed Prime Minister of the Minority.
The two Prime Ministers and the Leader of the senate comprise an oligarchy in Commonwealth politics, and are often referred to as the "Triumvirate of power". Together, they appoint members of the remaining branches - Justice and Sustainability.
For any bill to pass, it must attain majority support within the House of Majority and the Senate, and consensus in the House of Minority. After this, it will be scrutinized by the House of Sustainability, and enforced through the House of Justice.
After a bill is introduced to The House of the Majority (first reading), it is debated, and then voted on. The initial vote carries no weight - it will not determine whether the bill is passed or not. Following the first vote, the government has the opportunity to incorporate changes into it and reintroduce the legislation (second reading). This time, the vote occurs immediately.
If the bill cannot reach 60% support, the government may elect to hold a referendum on its contents. Referendums are limited to occuring once per year, and if a referendum fails to attain 60% support, that failed referendum is considered loss of confidence.
If there is no referendum, the government may repeat the process of changing the bill, and reintroduce it again (third reading). The vote following the third reading is final, and failure to attain 60% support is loss of confidence.
On loss of confidence, the government is forcefully dissolved, and a new election is held. Without loss of confidence, though, the Prime Minister of the Majority can call an election at any time, provided (s)he dissolves government within four years.
If, during the second or third reading in The House of the Majority, the bill attains the 60% support required, it is passed. In The House of the Senate, only one reading is conducted on bills, and is followed by debate and a vote requiring 60% support. Failure to pass in the Senate cancels the bill. In the House of the Minority, consensus is required on all bills before they can be passed. However, members of this House must justify their lack of support based on minority rights.
Having passed in the three primary Houses, the Triumvirate is obliged to sign the bill and make it an Act.
The House of Justice runs the court systems and provides funding for police agencys and correctional services, subject to policies written by the Triumvirate. The House of Sustainability monitors the other Houses' actions, as well as those of the Triumvirate. Annually, it produces a report on the financial and environmental sustainability of Acts passed and policies made in the past year, and may express loss of confidence and force an election. Sustainability is responsible for running any election.
History
Originally inhabited by its native Canis sapiens, K IX was "discovered" by humans in the late 19th century. Quickly conquering its 15 islands, the Canis were demoted to second-class citizens, restricted to living outide their cities. The conquering humans named their territory "K".
During the great wars of the twentieth century, as the Canis were drafted into the army, death scenes from the wars changed public opinion on some of the islands. Following the first war, the islands divided up into what was known as the 15 domains.
One domain had full equality, while two others continued enforcing segregation, but the majority used a middle ground. It was in these domains that outspoken Canis eruditis spoke to the millions, gradually winning their support until, one by one, the domains gave them their rights. As the rights were given back, many domains merged together to form 8 dominions. The two remaining domains, however, continued to suppress the rights of the Canis.
Three years after the second great war, the two remaining domains attacked their neighbouring dominions, and in the eight years' war that followed, eventually lost. Following the eight years' war, a remarkable trend was noticed: the majority of those killed in the war were human. This brought about a Canis majority on both sides.
The spoils of war were formed into a ninth dominion, carefully under the watch of the other eight. The Canis eruditis, by far the majority of its population, gradually used their new found voting power to shift the political spectrum to the left. After three years, leaders from each of the niner dominions were encouraged to begin discussions on reuniting the country.
On March 12th, 1960, the Commonwealth of K IX was formed, and established, as its capital, the city of Eruda, with its prominent view of the inland sea. "K" was the name of the original nation, and "IX" was a roman numeral representing the number of its members: the founding dominions. The day March 12th became a national holiday: Commonwealth Day.
In the following 15 years, the armies of the nine dominions disbanded, and formed a much smaller Commonwealth Protection Force, which was eventually disbanded as the Commonwealth was forgotten. On the 25th Anniversary of the Commonwealth, the dominions gave up all autonomy to the commonwealth. However, to this day, they still assume that name. As a newly formed nation-state, K IX began to market itself to the world. This resulted, over the past 15 years, in large immigrations to K IX, inflating its population to 45 million.
At a Glance:
Federation Status: UN Member
Type of Government: Democratically elected oligarchy
Political Leader(s):
- Richard K. Niner, Prime Minister of the Majority
- Sharon D. Echs, Prime Minister of the Minority
- Mark L. Pine, Leader of the Senate
Main Species: most prominent species is Canis eduritis, population also includes lupines, some vulpines
Personal Freedoms: many, with few limits
Main Industry: automobile manufacturing
Budget Highlights: Education, Healthcare, Environmental initiatives, Tourism
Climate: Subtropical
Humans: some, attain minority status
Military: disbanded due to lack of funding
NBCW: none
Abstract (from the department of tourism)
A view to behold
Consisting of its nine dominions, scenic K IX can be recognised by its sub-tropical archipelago of 15 islands. Mountain ranges gracing its three northernmost islands, and bare cliffs facing outward to the southeast and southwest, the Commonwealth can appear at times like an abandonned fortress in the ocean, devoid of life. However, the outer facade can fool many, for beyond the unforgiving rock walls lies a liberal, forward-thinking paradise; large urban centers complement relatively undisturbed forests, rivers, lakes, and valleys. With strict laws preventing the development of urban sprawl, expect K IX to stay that way.
A system of prosperity
An expansive network of roads is rarely seen within any city, where a large network of walkways, busways, and RT lines become the prefered method of travel for the majority of K IX's citizens. Despite the lack of private vehicles within city limits, an automobile manufacturing industry continues to thrive as municipal governments, dominion transit authorities, and commonwealth-wide travel providers continue to buy their buses and trains domestically. This system, complete with Commonwealth funding, allows all citizens free access, and ensures enormous savings for all visitors.
Fun for everyone
With it's subtropical location, undisturbed rivers, and extensive mountainous regions, K IX is the perfect attraction for everybody. Beaches line a pristine inland sea, with ferries and cruises allowing full access to all of K IX's inner coastline. For those who like to "rough it", K IX's plethora of untouched forests are provided for all to enjoy, and often contain even K IX's own citizens, who have enjoyed being in touch with nature as much as you. For the winter sports enthusiast, the naturally snow-capped mountains provide for unforgettable skiing and snowboarding, with many mountaintop parks also providing cross-country, ski-jumping and ice skating facilites. When an adventure or vacation is just waiting for you, expect to find it in K IX.
The Parliamentary System
The Commonwealth government consists of five houses: the House of the Majority, the House of the Senate, the House of the Minority, the House of Justice, and the House of Sustainability. Each of the five houses have specific responsibilties, with the Majority, Minority, and Senate wielding the most.
The House of the Majority is elected directly using a first-past-the-post system, with constuencies of approximately 200,000, separated within the dominions, and resulting in a house of 275 MPs. The house appoints a Prime Minister - the Prime Minister of the Majority.
The House of the Senate is elected, and consists of 45 members - 5 from every dominion. Every member is appointed to a 5-year term, with 9 Senators' dismissal/reappointment pending each year. Within the Senate, prominent members run among themselves to lead the senate every year, requiring the support from most of the 45 Senators. These appointments get renewed every year; if the incumbent continues to have the support of the majority of the Senate, (s)he may continue in that role.
The House of the Minority contains 45 members with five-year terms, divided by dominion in the same manner as the Senate. The House is run by the appointed Prime Minister of the Minority.
The two Prime Ministers and the Leader of the senate comprise an oligarchy in Commonwealth politics, and are often referred to as the "Triumvirate of power". Together, they appoint members of the remaining branches - Justice and Sustainability.
For any bill to pass, it must attain majority support within the House of Majority and the Senate, and consensus in the House of Minority. After this, it will be scrutinized by the House of Sustainability, and enforced through the House of Justice.
After a bill is introduced to The House of the Majority (first reading), it is debated, and then voted on. The initial vote carries no weight - it will not determine whether the bill is passed or not. Following the first vote, the government has the opportunity to incorporate changes into it and reintroduce the legislation (second reading). This time, the vote occurs immediately.
If the bill cannot reach 60% support, the government may elect to hold a referendum on its contents. Referendums are limited to occuring once per year, and if a referendum fails to attain 60% support, that failed referendum is considered loss of confidence.
If there is no referendum, the government may repeat the process of changing the bill, and reintroduce it again (third reading). The vote following the third reading is final, and failure to attain 60% support is loss of confidence.
On loss of confidence, the government is forcefully dissolved, and a new election is held. Without loss of confidence, though, the Prime Minister of the Majority can call an election at any time, provided (s)he dissolves government within four years.
If, during the second or third reading in The House of the Majority, the bill attains the 60% support required, it is passed. In The House of the Senate, only one reading is conducted on bills, and is followed by debate and a vote requiring 60% support. Failure to pass in the Senate cancels the bill. In the House of the Minority, consensus is required on all bills before they can be passed. However, members of this House must justify their lack of support based on minority rights.
Having passed in the three primary Houses, the Triumvirate is obliged to sign the bill and make it an Act.
The House of Justice runs the court systems and provides funding for police agencys and correctional services, subject to policies written by the Triumvirate. The House of Sustainability monitors the other Houses' actions, as well as those of the Triumvirate. Annually, it produces a report on the financial and environmental sustainability of Acts passed and policies made in the past year, and may express loss of confidence and force an election. Sustainability is responsible for running any election.
History
Originally inhabited by its native Canis sapiens, K IX was "discovered" by humans in the late 19th century. Quickly conquering its 15 islands, the Canis were demoted to second-class citizens, restricted to living outide their cities. The conquering humans named their territory "K".
During the great wars of the twentieth century, as the Canis were drafted into the army, death scenes from the wars changed public opinion on some of the islands. Following the first war, the islands divided up into what was known as the 15 domains.
One domain had full equality, while two others continued enforcing segregation, but the majority used a middle ground. It was in these domains that outspoken Canis eruditis spoke to the millions, gradually winning their support until, one by one, the domains gave them their rights. As the rights were given back, many domains merged together to form 8 dominions. The two remaining domains, however, continued to suppress the rights of the Canis.
Three years after the second great war, the two remaining domains attacked their neighbouring dominions, and in the eight years' war that followed, eventually lost. Following the eight years' war, a remarkable trend was noticed: the majority of those killed in the war were human. This brought about a Canis majority on both sides.
The spoils of war were formed into a ninth dominion, carefully under the watch of the other eight. The Canis eruditis, by far the majority of its population, gradually used their new found voting power to shift the political spectrum to the left. After three years, leaders from each of the niner dominions were encouraged to begin discussions on reuniting the country.
On March 12th, 1960, the Commonwealth of K IX was formed, and established, as its capital, the city of Eruda, with its prominent view of the inland sea. "K" was the name of the original nation, and "IX" was a roman numeral representing the number of its members: the founding dominions. The day March 12th became a national holiday: Commonwealth Day.
In the following 15 years, the armies of the nine dominions disbanded, and formed a much smaller Commonwealth Protection Force, which was eventually disbanded as the Commonwealth was forgotten. On the 25th Anniversary of the Commonwealth, the dominions gave up all autonomy to the commonwealth. However, to this day, they still assume that name. As a newly formed nation-state, K IX began to market itself to the world. This resulted, over the past 15 years, in large immigrations to K IX, inflating its population to 45 million.