Name: Union of Sovereign State Republics (USSR)
Color: Dark Gray
Capital: Jefferson City, MO
Government: Democratic Constitutional Republic.
Every state in the union sends 3 Senators to the capital, one every two years - the first is sent by the Governor, the second by popular vote, and the third by the legislature. Senators serve six year terms. The Senate has all the powers of the US Senate.
The lower house is composed of 200 members. The first 100 are apportioned amongst the states by population, and elected in local districts; the apportionment is biased towards less-populated states. The next 100 are elected via nationwide PR. Representatives serve 4-year terms, with half of all seats up for election every 2 years. The House has all the powers of the US House.
The President is head of state, and is elected to a five-year term with no term limits by popular vote. He is commander-in-chief of the armed forces and has full authority on the execution of military power. He also signs all treaties and nominates appointments to the judicial branch. The President can also veto legislation, but be overruled by 2/3 in both Houses. He also can grant pardons and reprieves. In the event of death, resignation, removal, or incapacitation, the Vice President assumes the duties of the President and succeeds(in the case of death, removal, and resignation) him.
The Chancellor is head of government, appointed for however long the Senate remains in favor of him/her. The President can recommend a Chancellor, but generally, he appoints whoever the Senate confirms. The President can veto an appointment, but 2/3 of the Senate can overrule him. The Chancellor is responsible for day to day policy, and providing a unified face to the legislature. The Chancellor appoints all federal officials and can also fire any federal worker.
The Supreme Court is composed of 7 Justices, all appointed by the President. They reign for life unless Congress votes to remove them. The Supreme Court's main power is judicial review, guaranteed by the article describing them in the USSR Constitution.
Economy: First World
The USSR, while ironically looking a bit like a smoke plume, inherited the wealth of Texas and the central USA. The USSR possesses a large chunk of the breadbasket and as such can have a key role in terms of food politics. Vertical farming is a favorite pet project of the USSR, seeking to produce more and more biofuel with less land. The power of Texas attracts many major companies to set up shop in the USSR. The wealth of Illinois and Chicago also stimulates the power of the USSR.
The economy is mostly-capitalist, but tight state regulation - and in some cases control - exists in key industries such as healthcare, security services, insurance, education, banking, transportation, and necessities. Healthcare, banking, and mass transit remain privately-operated but healthcare for all major operations is paid for by the state.
Language: English
Political climate: The events of the Cataclysm have created a very socially liberal populace, but also fairly fiscally centrist and divided in foreign policy matters. Overall, it is a center-libertarian nation.
Legal/Political rights: Universal suffrage for anyone 16 years or older. Standard protections of any first world nation - just and speedy trial, Miranda rights, etc.
Social policies: Marriage is no longer recognised by the state(having been ruled to violate freedom of religion by the SCOTUSSR); civil unions are available to any consenting, loving couple. Marijuana has been legalised, while there is strong support for decriminalisation of several other drugs. Adoption is legal for anyone living a stable lifestyle. There is state-paid healthcare for all emergency operations, and growing support for increasing that to life-improving medicine. The death penalty has been abolished for all but treason, replaced with life imprisonment.
Economic policies: There are state subsidies for small businesses who prove to have a profitable business model. Tax policy involves a standard deduction with a flat tax imposed on all income after that. Smaller sales taxes and land taxes are also imposed by the federal government. Investment taxes are extremely low or non-existent for the poorer members of society, and still relatively low for wealthier members. Most insurance businesses have caps on their profit margins as a percentage, with the government providing insurance in the case of healthcare. Tariffs are low, primarily being used to penalise polluters.
Foreign policy: Non-interventionist. The state seeks to protect the USSR's interests, and this currently takes the form of peacefully acquiring land. Defensive alliances with neighbors are welcomed for the greater good of the USSR and all North America.
Military: Fairly strong. The USSR has inherited its military culture from the USA, and also several facilities. A robust tax base enables a well-funded army.
Major Parties:
Republican Party - Left-wing socially, right-wing on fiscal, interventionist - 22% of voters
Libertarian Party - Left-wing socially, right-wing fiscally, non-interventionist - 20% of voters
Democrat Party - Left-wing on social issues, centrist on fiscal issues, non-interventionist - 17% of
voters
Conservative Party - Right-wing socially and fiscally, interventionist - 14% of voters
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Diplomacy
Defensive Pacts
With Caribbean Sun - Mutual Defense Pact + Protecting Eachother's SoIs
New Califronia Republic - MDP
Trade Agreements
Brazil, Carthage
American Trade Organisation
w/ Caribbean Sun, Klein Venedig, New England, USFCNP, Canada, Carthage, Brazil
Caribbean Trade Organisation
w/ NCR