J.K. Stockholme
Right Opposition
SEATO has agreed to form one delegation of representatives for any reunification convention. New York City shall head the delegation (OOC: I am assuming full authority to negotiate on behalf of SEATO).
Rise of the American Empire
- Thread starter Tani Coyote
- Start date
JamesCaesar
People-Vulture
Duluth backs the Cherokee proposals as well as the Pacifican proposals.
J.K. Stockholme
Right Opposition
Brainstorming Response:
- "America" is old. "America" is provincial. NYC supports fresh ideas on a union-name. If the UCA and SEATO states are merged, we suggest the Continental Federation. We are open to other ideas though as well.
- The nations that have arisen since the plague are those whose interests we must represent. Those boundaries (with modifications where there is consent) should be those of the new federal government. We are okay with states unilaterally devolving parts of themselves so long as they meet some kind of "importance" threshold (perhaps a combo of economic, population, or land area); or if all existing states unanimously agree.
- NYC supports using the Atlantic Federation draft design for the structure of government. A council of member states plus a congress of representatives, half by population and half by state. All positions elected - with the council itself just the duly elected leaders of each sub-state.
- We support allowing states to secede if they reach a clear majority of their total population (not just voting population) in a fair referendum with a question wording agreed upon by other states in the union.
NYC basically agrees with everything suggested by the Cherokee except:
- We oppose tests for candidates in an election. NYC worries that the power to vet candidates could be corrupted, as such a body could unilaterally invalidate anybody who fails a test.
- Gun regulation should be a state issue. We oppose the second amendment being in the constitution whatsoever; NYC doesn't want to have to legalize gun ownership if we don't want to.
- Prisoners should be allowed the right to vote. They are unable to voice their concerns as a group otherwise.
- "America" is old. "America" is provincial. NYC supports fresh ideas on a union-name. If the UCA and SEATO states are merged, we suggest the Continental Federation. We are open to other ideas though as well.
- The nations that have arisen since the plague are those whose interests we must represent. Those boundaries (with modifications where there is consent) should be those of the new federal government. We are okay with states unilaterally devolving parts of themselves so long as they meet some kind of "importance" threshold (perhaps a combo of economic, population, or land area); or if all existing states unanimously agree.
- NYC supports using the Atlantic Federation draft design for the structure of government. A council of member states plus a congress of representatives, half by population and half by state. All positions elected - with the council itself just the duly elected leaders of each sub-state.
- We support allowing states to secede if they reach a clear majority of their total population (not just voting population) in a fair referendum with a question wording agreed upon by other states in the union.
NYC basically agrees with everything suggested by the Cherokee except:
- We oppose tests for candidates in an election. NYC worries that the power to vet candidates could be corrupted, as such a body could unilaterally invalidate anybody who fails a test.
- Gun regulation should be a state issue. We oppose the second amendment being in the constitution whatsoever; NYC doesn't want to have to legalize gun ownership if we don't want to.
- Prisoners should be allowed the right to vote. They are unable to voice their concerns as a group otherwise.
JohannaK
Heroically Clueless
lurker's comment: Say it with me: Imperial Examination System now!
Gurra09
Emperor
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2008
- Messages
- 1,296
OOC: Hello again, I have been in and out, then in again and then out again in this game but Tani proposed the other day I'd rejoin for this convention phase so here I am. New York City will still head a delegation on behalf of all of SEATO in any negotiations, but I will be around to lead Bermuda/Carolina to the end of this game. Let me begin by telling a story...
A Tale of Two Referendums
In the wake of the annexation of Carolina by Bermuda last fall, the Empire of Carolina Act 2064 was passed in both chambers of parliament as MPs of both the Progressive Labour Party and the One Bermuda Alliance aswell as the independents in the Senate voted in favour of it. The act would do nothing more than change the name of the Empire of Bermuda to the Empire of Carolina and confirm their future admission to the Atlantic Federation, which despite its simplicity had to be considered an amendment to the constitution since every mention of Bermuda would have to be rewritten as Carolina. This meant the bill hadn't technically become law yet because of the current constitution of Bermuda drafted post-independence which requires any amendment to the constitution to not only pass by a 2/3 supermajority in parliament but also by a simple majority of voters in a referendum with a voter turnout of at least 50% of eligible voters.
In Bermuda proper, support was strong for the No campaign with arguments against the amendment based on the premise that the new name would no longer represent their islands. Meanwhile in the more populous Carolina provinces, support for the Yes side was stronger and the government was confident the vote was going to swing their way. However, Carolina republicans in the recently annexed territories ran an abstention campaign, arguing that people should not vote at all as it would only legitimise the Emperor's rule over the former Republic of Carolina. Their tactics worked and while the Yes side won 81% of the votes, only 49% of eligible voters had taken part in the referendum, rendering it invalid.
Following the unexpected defeat, Premier Pamela Swan and the entire Progressive Labour government resigned which ultimately lead to the Emperor calling a new general election to be held in early spring 2065. The two major parties in parliament, PLP and OBA, each ran a solid campaign but they were both confined to the sidelines as a third party had taken advantage of the new political climate in Carolina - the National Liberal Party. The NLP ran on a centrist platform promising constitutional reform acceptable to republicans and Bermudians alike, which attracted voters from both the social democrats and the conservatives and lead to devastating results for the two established parties.
Results of the Bermuda general election, 2065
Party|Seats (House of Assembly)|Seats (Senate)
*
National Liberal Party|71 (+71)|17 (+17)
One Bermuda Alliance|34 (-24)|11 (±0)
Progressive Labour Party|26 (-38)|0 (-17)
Syndicalist Party of Bermuda|7 (+1)|0 (±0)
Non-partisan|0 (±0)|11 (±0)
||
Total |138 (+11)|39 (±0)*The 39 members of the Senate were not directly elected but appointed by the Emperor following the general election. 17 appointed on advice of the Premier, 11 appointed on advice of the Leader of the Opposition and 11 non-partisan members.
This was the first time there were three major parties in the House of Assembly, but the National Liberals had achieved a majority of their own and formed a new government under Premier Cherilyn Williams. When it came to the Senate however, it soon became clear there was no real precedent for handling this parliamentary situation in an elegant manner. Since the Leader of the Opposition, a role which had fallen to the One Bermuda Alliance as the second largest party, decided which Senators were to be appointed on behalf of the opposition, the Progressive Labour Party was left without any representation at all in the upper house.
To fulfill the campaign promise of constitutional reform, Premier Cherilyn Williams initiated tri-partisan negotiations with the opposition since the National Liberals didn't hold a supermajority of their own. The One Bermuda Alliance and the Progressive Labour Party were both reluctant however because while neither party was officially either republican or pro-monarchy, they preferred the status quo - after all the failed Empire of Carolina Act 2064 championed by the two parties had proposed no significant changes to the domestic political process. A compromise was eventually reached which led to the introduction of the Commonwealth Act 2065, proposing the following changes to the Constitution:
A Tale of Two Referendums
In the wake of the annexation of Carolina by Bermuda last fall, the Empire of Carolina Act 2064 was passed in both chambers of parliament as MPs of both the Progressive Labour Party and the One Bermuda Alliance aswell as the independents in the Senate voted in favour of it. The act would do nothing more than change the name of the Empire of Bermuda to the Empire of Carolina and confirm their future admission to the Atlantic Federation, which despite its simplicity had to be considered an amendment to the constitution since every mention of Bermuda would have to be rewritten as Carolina. This meant the bill hadn't technically become law yet because of the current constitution of Bermuda drafted post-independence which requires any amendment to the constitution to not only pass by a 2/3 supermajority in parliament but also by a simple majority of voters in a referendum with a voter turnout of at least 50% of eligible voters.
In Bermuda proper, support was strong for the No campaign with arguments against the amendment based on the premise that the new name would no longer represent their islands. Meanwhile in the more populous Carolina provinces, support for the Yes side was stronger and the government was confident the vote was going to swing their way. However, Carolina republicans in the recently annexed territories ran an abstention campaign, arguing that people should not vote at all as it would only legitimise the Emperor's rule over the former Republic of Carolina. Their tactics worked and while the Yes side won 81% of the votes, only 49% of eligible voters had taken part in the referendum, rendering it invalid.
Following the unexpected defeat, Premier Pamela Swan and the entire Progressive Labour government resigned which ultimately lead to the Emperor calling a new general election to be held in early spring 2065. The two major parties in parliament, PLP and OBA, each ran a solid campaign but they were both confined to the sidelines as a third party had taken advantage of the new political climate in Carolina - the National Liberal Party. The NLP ran on a centrist platform promising constitutional reform acceptable to republicans and Bermudians alike, which attracted voters from both the social democrats and the conservatives and lead to devastating results for the two established parties.
Results of the Bermuda general election, 2065
National Liberal Party|71 (+71)|17 (+17)
One Bermuda Alliance|34 (-24)|11 (±0)
Progressive Labour Party|26 (-38)|0 (-17)
Syndicalist Party of Bermuda|7 (+1)|0 (±0)
Non-partisan|0 (±0)|11 (±0)
||
Total |138 (+11)|39 (±0)
This was the first time there were three major parties in the House of Assembly, but the National Liberals had achieved a majority of their own and formed a new government under Premier Cherilyn Williams. When it came to the Senate however, it soon became clear there was no real precedent for handling this parliamentary situation in an elegant manner. Since the Leader of the Opposition, a role which had fallen to the One Bermuda Alliance as the second largest party, decided which Senators were to be appointed on behalf of the opposition, the Progressive Labour Party was left without any representation at all in the upper house.
To fulfill the campaign promise of constitutional reform, Premier Cherilyn Williams initiated tri-partisan negotiations with the opposition since the National Liberals didn't hold a supermajority of their own. The One Bermuda Alliance and the Progressive Labour Party were both reluctant however because while neither party was officially either republican or pro-monarchy, they preferred the status quo - after all the failed Empire of Carolina Act 2064 championed by the two parties had proposed no significant changes to the domestic political process. A compromise was eventually reached which led to the introduction of the Commonwealth Act 2065, proposing the following changes to the Constitution:
- The official name of the nation is to be the Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina.
- The Senate is to be abolished and its powers transferred to the House of Assembly.
- The Speaker of the House of Assembly is to be given additional powers similar to those of the Governor-Generals in Florida and Alberta, representing the Bermudian monarch in their capacity as head of state of the Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina.
- A devoluted legislature for Bermuda is to be established, with powers similar to those of the provincial legislatures in Carolina, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
- The Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina is a member state of SEATO and the Atlantic Federation, and is to share sovereignty with these institutions on matters defined in relevant treaties.
Gurra09
Emperor
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2008
- Messages
- 1,296
Announcement from His Majesty Emperor Frederick
This year will be a year to celebrate, and a year to go down in history as the nations of North America are coming together negotiating continental peace and brotherhood. 16 years ago, the people of Bermuda elected to elevate us from the position of territorial Governor to the rank of King, and later Emperor. It has been a great honour to serve our nation but a new era is now upon us, and after careful consideration we have decided it is time we abdicate the throne in favour of our son and heir, Crown Prince George. May the Commonwealth prosper under his reign.
His new titles as sovereign of the Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina will be His Majesty George, by the Grace of God, of Bermuda and Carolina and of His other Realms and Territories Emperor, Head of the Commonwealth.
His new titles as sovereign of the Kingdom of Florida will be His Majesty George, by the Grace of God, King of Florida, Head of the Commonwealth.
His new titles as sovereign of the Kingdom of Alberta will be His Majesty George, by the Grace of God, King of Alberta, Head of the Commonwealth.
This year will be a year to celebrate, and a year to go down in history as the nations of North America are coming together negotiating continental peace and brotherhood. 16 years ago, the people of Bermuda elected to elevate us from the position of territorial Governor to the rank of King, and later Emperor. It has been a great honour to serve our nation but a new era is now upon us, and after careful consideration we have decided it is time we abdicate the throne in favour of our son and heir, Crown Prince George. May the Commonwealth prosper under his reign.
His new titles as sovereign of the Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina will be His Majesty George, by the Grace of God, of Bermuda and Carolina and of His other Realms and Territories Emperor, Head of the Commonwealth.
His new titles as sovereign of the Kingdom of Florida will be His Majesty George, by the Grace of God, King of Florida, Head of the Commonwealth.
His new titles as sovereign of the Kingdom of Alberta will be His Majesty George, by the Grace of God, King of Alberta, Head of the Commonwealth.
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,181
All Atlantic Federation states confirm that NYC will be negotiating on behalf of the alliance, though all member states of course retain full ratification power and may add points for discussion if deemed appropriate.
Secession Amendment Passes US Congress
With little opposition, Congress has passed the Secession Amendment with well over two-thirds of the vote in both chambers. It now goes to state governments – in practice, whichever country controls the majority of a former state’s population – for ratification.
The Secession Amendment will also change the USA’s name to the Republic of Virginia, and repeal the 28th Amendment. The end result is the former US Constitution will remain a governing document of Virginia, but the Heirs will abandon their claims beyond their territory, the vestiges of autocracy, and have a more neutral name.
Upon ratification, the bulk of the former USA will be recognized as sovereign states as opposed to territories in rebellion. Analysts say it is roughly comparable to Turkey replacing the Ottoman Empire and abandoning its territorial claims.
Those members of Congress elected in the 2064 races will be given the option of returning home (given the abolition of their constituency) or becoming Virginia residents and being given provisional seats pending the next Congressional races.
Convention Participation
The Washington Heirs (pending rename to Virginia) propose that instead of examinations, there be a requirement that someone must be elected to a state office before being able to be elected to a federal office. In addition, staggered age requirements could be used between various federal offices to encourage gradual accumulation of experience in different branches, similar to the 25, 30, and 35 requirements of the House, Senate, and Presidency of the old Union. These two polices eliminate zero experience candidates without risking the abuse of discretionary power.
Jefferson wishes to participate in the SEATO-UCA unification convention. Delegates have already worked with counterparts from Colorado to come up with a possible compromise on gun control: instead of blanket restrictions/allowances at the federal or state level, why not constitutionally invest gun rights legislation in municipalities and counties? All the state level does is create an arbitrary source of decision-making on what is ultimately a community issue. Reserving gun rights legislation to municipalities and counties (for unincorporated areas) allows each community to make decisions. Cities have interest in cutting crime, while rural areas have an interest in protection from animals and less social disorder arising from urbanization that make gun ownership problematic. Reserving this issue to local governments is a fair shake to urban and rural citizens.
Sparta announces its interest in attending the unification convention. It would argue in favor of a constitutionally-protected, independent judiciary that can review federal cases and laws and overturn ones found in conflict with the Constitution. With a nationwide constituency and lack of direct political power base, an independent court can hope to have widespread public admiration and approval.
Colorado suggests that the new federal government do much to standardize electoral conduct for the sake of preserving democracy.
Its first suggestion would be constitutionally requiring majoritarian or proportional elections; whether multi-member proportional representation or single member instant runoff/score districts, no official should be able to take office without winning the majority of participating voters. It would be up to each state exactly how elections were conducted (e.g. closed or open party lists).
As a second suggestion, it proposes that all political logos, slogans, etc. be constitutionally mandated as being public domain to prevent monetization of the electoral process. In other words, a candidate could not trademark catchphrases and collect royalties on them. Similarly, a political party could not threaten legal action over use of its IPs by rivals. The only political IPs that would be given full legal protection are party names, but only for exact matches, with the IP vested in the Party (i.e. nobody could claim the “Communist Party” if it has already been claimed); logically, each Party can only have one name, and ownership expires if the Party does not make an effort to compete in elections to prevent squatting.
As a third suggestion, Colorado proposes prohibiting private donations to politicians, with the races instead being publicly funded. Politicians would need to meet a threshold for funding, such as votes in the last election. This is to reduce the dependence of politicians on fundraising sources, thus making them truer to whatever ideology they run on. Politicians who do not qualify for funding should receive an exception to the prohibition, but they can only legally raise as much as whatever the race’s funding rate is (e.g. if 2 candidates qualify and they are each given $1,000,000, any other candidate can raise up to $1,000,000). These provisions altogether allow for outsiders to inject new ideas into politics, while incumbents do not have a perverse incentive to marry themselves to funding sources.
In the interest of preventing voter suppression, Colorado floats the idea of making voting compulsory. Failing that, it proposes standardizing Election Days nationwide while making them holidays, while also having a broad, national timetable for early voting and standardized funding for precincts. In the event of no federal requirement for compulsory voting, it feels there should be an option for individual states to impose compulsory voting within their borders.
Secession Amendment Passes US Congress
With little opposition, Congress has passed the Secession Amendment with well over two-thirds of the vote in both chambers. It now goes to state governments – in practice, whichever country controls the majority of a former state’s population – for ratification.
The Secession Amendment will also change the USA’s name to the Republic of Virginia, and repeal the 28th Amendment. The end result is the former US Constitution will remain a governing document of Virginia, but the Heirs will abandon their claims beyond their territory, the vestiges of autocracy, and have a more neutral name.
Upon ratification, the bulk of the former USA will be recognized as sovereign states as opposed to territories in rebellion. Analysts say it is roughly comparable to Turkey replacing the Ottoman Empire and abandoning its territorial claims.
Those members of Congress elected in the 2064 races will be given the option of returning home (given the abolition of their constituency) or becoming Virginia residents and being given provisional seats pending the next Congressional races.
Convention Participation
The Washington Heirs (pending rename to Virginia) propose that instead of examinations, there be a requirement that someone must be elected to a state office before being able to be elected to a federal office. In addition, staggered age requirements could be used between various federal offices to encourage gradual accumulation of experience in different branches, similar to the 25, 30, and 35 requirements of the House, Senate, and Presidency of the old Union. These two polices eliminate zero experience candidates without risking the abuse of discretionary power.
Jefferson wishes to participate in the SEATO-UCA unification convention. Delegates have already worked with counterparts from Colorado to come up with a possible compromise on gun control: instead of blanket restrictions/allowances at the federal or state level, why not constitutionally invest gun rights legislation in municipalities and counties? All the state level does is create an arbitrary source of decision-making on what is ultimately a community issue. Reserving gun rights legislation to municipalities and counties (for unincorporated areas) allows each community to make decisions. Cities have interest in cutting crime, while rural areas have an interest in protection from animals and less social disorder arising from urbanization that make gun ownership problematic. Reserving this issue to local governments is a fair shake to urban and rural citizens.
Sparta announces its interest in attending the unification convention. It would argue in favor of a constitutionally-protected, independent judiciary that can review federal cases and laws and overturn ones found in conflict with the Constitution. With a nationwide constituency and lack of direct political power base, an independent court can hope to have widespread public admiration and approval.
Colorado suggests that the new federal government do much to standardize electoral conduct for the sake of preserving democracy.
Its first suggestion would be constitutionally requiring majoritarian or proportional elections; whether multi-member proportional representation or single member instant runoff/score districts, no official should be able to take office without winning the majority of participating voters. It would be up to each state exactly how elections were conducted (e.g. closed or open party lists).
As a second suggestion, it proposes that all political logos, slogans, etc. be constitutionally mandated as being public domain to prevent monetization of the electoral process. In other words, a candidate could not trademark catchphrases and collect royalties on them. Similarly, a political party could not threaten legal action over use of its IPs by rivals. The only political IPs that would be given full legal protection are party names, but only for exact matches, with the IP vested in the Party (i.e. nobody could claim the “Communist Party” if it has already been claimed); logically, each Party can only have one name, and ownership expires if the Party does not make an effort to compete in elections to prevent squatting.
As a third suggestion, Colorado proposes prohibiting private donations to politicians, with the races instead being publicly funded. Politicians would need to meet a threshold for funding, such as votes in the last election. This is to reduce the dependence of politicians on fundraising sources, thus making them truer to whatever ideology they run on. Politicians who do not qualify for funding should receive an exception to the prohibition, but they can only legally raise as much as whatever the race’s funding rate is (e.g. if 2 candidates qualify and they are each given $1,000,000, any other candidate can raise up to $1,000,000). These provisions altogether allow for outsiders to inject new ideas into politics, while incumbents do not have a perverse incentive to marry themselves to funding sources.
In the interest of preventing voter suppression, Colorado floats the idea of making voting compulsory. Failing that, it proposes standardizing Election Days nationwide while making them holidays, while also having a broad, national timetable for early voting and standardized funding for precincts. In the event of no federal requirement for compulsory voting, it feels there should be an option for individual states to impose compulsory voting within their borders.
Kinich-Ahau
#JustGoomyThings
The Cherokee have no issues with the proposals of Jefferson, Sparta, or Colorado.
We are also suggesting another article:
States have the power to set official languages within their borders, but a statewide referendum is required if a state wishes to set a language that less than 33% of its population speaks as an official language.
We are also suggesting another article:
States have the power to set official languages within their borders, but a statewide referendum is required if a state wishes to set a language that less than 33% of its population speaks as an official language.
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Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,181
With 51 states, 39 must ratify the 29th Amendment to formally dissolve the old Union and recognize the de facto status quo.
The Heirs, with Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania as its state governments, naturally ratify.
Louisiana, where Acting President Grey hails from, has Mississippi and Louisiana ratify.
Colorado, possessing the bulk of the same US state's population, ratifies for Colorado.
Georgia orders ratification by Georgia and Alabama.
Florida orders ratification by Florida.
Texas orders ratification by Texas and New Mexico.
Chicago orders ratification by Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Sparta orders ratification by Alaska, seeking to formalize the status quo.
Jefferson, pressured by its suzerain Sparta, orders ratification by Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Carolina (as approved by Gurra) orders ratification by North and South Carolina.
With 24 of 39 votes, ratification is within reach.
The sovereign states, with their number of ratification votes (having been recognized as having control of state governments), are as follows:
Cherokee - 4
Duluth - 6
American Republic/USA - 4
NYC - 4
Tennessee - 1
Rump States (states that had no election turnout and as a result, their Governors and state legislature remain appointed by the President) - 8
The President has issued a statement an order to ratify will be seen as the controlling power declaring independence under the Amendment, and thus independence will be recognized the moment ratification is complete.
The Heirs, with Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania as its state governments, naturally ratify.
Louisiana, where Acting President Grey hails from, has Mississippi and Louisiana ratify.
Colorado, possessing the bulk of the same US state's population, ratifies for Colorado.
Georgia orders ratification by Georgia and Alabama.
Florida orders ratification by Florida.
Texas orders ratification by Texas and New Mexico.
Chicago orders ratification by Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Sparta orders ratification by Alaska, seeking to formalize the status quo.
Jefferson, pressured by its suzerain Sparta, orders ratification by Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Carolina (as approved by Gurra) orders ratification by North and South Carolina.
With 24 of 39 votes, ratification is within reach.
The sovereign states, with their number of ratification votes (having been recognized as having control of state governments), are as follows:
Cherokee - 4
Duluth - 6
American Republic/USA - 4
NYC - 4
Tennessee - 1
Rump States (states that had no election turnout and as a result, their Governors and state legislature remain appointed by the President) - 8
The President has issued a statement an order to ratify will be seen as the controlling power declaring independence under the Amendment, and thus independence will be recognized the moment ratification is complete.
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gay_Aleks
communism will win.
Pacifica is glad to hear that the Heirs are leaving the past behind, opening the path to a brave bold future...
("Finally." is rumoured to be inserted at the end of the original draft of the message from the First Founder to President Grey, but that was ultimately changed. The press bureau of the First Founder refuses to acknowledge any further details. ~LA Times)
("Finally." is rumoured to be inserted at the end of the original draft of the message from the First Founder to President Grey, but that was ultimately changed. The press bureau of the First Founder refuses to acknowledge any further details. ~LA Times)
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,181
After discussion with the Pacifican government, Ricardo Grey has dismissed the Governors of California, Washington, and Oregon, replacing them with Pacifican agents.
Said agents proceeded to pack the legislatures with local appointees, ensuring Pacifican dominance of the rump governments, and granting Pacifica absolute power over the states' ratification abilities.
Said agents proceeded to pack the legislatures with local appointees, ensuring Pacifican dominance of the rump governments, and granting Pacifica absolute power over the states' ratification abilities.
Kinich-Ahau
#JustGoomyThings
The Cherokee see no reason to block the ratification.
Gurra09
Emperor
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2008
- Messages
- 1,296
18 monts after our initial report in the fall of 2063, the Bermudian Institute of Economic Growth has released the latest Economic Development Index which compares American economies based purely on their EP income from provinces, infrastructure and trade. A nation with an average EP income has an EDI score of 1.00, and the listed nations are divided into three groups: Above Average, Average and Below Average.
Economic Development Index, Spring 2065
|
|
Above Average | (≥1.25x average EP income)
Republic of Louisiana|1.51 (+0.13)
Cherokee Nation|1.45 (-0.07)
New York City|1.35 (+0.11)
Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina|1.33 (+0.09)
Duluth-Superior|1.30 (-0.08)
United States of America|1.26 (+0.14)
|
Average | (<1.25x and >0.75x average EP income)
Navajo Nation|1.11 (+0.22)
American Federation of Syndicates|1.07 (-0.08)
Empire of Chicago|1.05 (-0.02)
Pacifica|1.04 (-0.02)
Republic of Tennessee|1.00 (-0.04)
Confederate States of Georgia|0.98 (-0.04)
Republic of Virginia*|0.92 (-0.05)
Sparta|0.88 (-0.06)
|
Below Average | (≤0.75x average EP income)
Popular Federation of Ontario|0.86 (-0.05)
Republic of Texas|0.83 (-0.12)
Free State of Quebec|0.80 (-0.17)
Kingdom of Alberta|0.77 (-0.09)
Colorado|0.74 (-0.05)
Kingdom of Florida|0.71 (-0.12)
Lenape Commonwealth|0.71 (-0.09)
Jefferson|0.67 (-0.09)
Boston Commune|0.65 (-0.06)*At the time of printing this report, the name Republic of Virginia is not yet official awaiting the ratification of a constitutional amendment. We have chosen to use it to distinguish it from the former American Republic.
Spoiler formula for calculating a nation's EDI score :
|
Above Average | (≥1.25x average EP income)
Republic of Louisiana|1.51 (+0.13)
Cherokee Nation|1.45 (-0.07)
New York City|1.35 (+0.11)
Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina|1.33 (+0.09)
Duluth-Superior|1.30 (-0.08)
United States of America|1.26 (+0.14)
|
Average | (<1.25x and >0.75x average EP income)
Navajo Nation|1.11 (+0.22)
American Federation of Syndicates|1.07 (-0.08)
Empire of Chicago|1.05 (-0.02)
Pacifica|1.04 (-0.02)
Republic of Tennessee|1.00 (-0.04)
Confederate States of Georgia|0.98 (-0.04)
Republic of Virginia*|0.92 (-0.05)
Sparta|0.88 (-0.06)
|
Below Average | (≤0.75x average EP income)
Popular Federation of Ontario|0.86 (-0.05)
Republic of Texas|0.83 (-0.12)
Free State of Quebec|0.80 (-0.17)
Kingdom of Alberta|0.77 (-0.09)
Colorado|0.74 (-0.05)
Kingdom of Florida|0.71 (-0.12)
Lenape Commonwealth|0.71 (-0.09)
Jefferson|0.67 (-0.09)
Boston Commune|0.65 (-0.06)
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,181
Tennessee has deliberated and has ordered its de jure delegation to support the 29th.
The Heirs direct Puerto Rico's rump delegation to support the 29th.
Word has arrived the Pacifica-controlled delegations have been directed to support the 29th (based on conversations with Tolni).
The American Republic's 4 delegations also support the 29th (given the AR's NPC status and the general support of UCA for it I think this is a safe call).
This brings total votes to 37, with 39 needed for ratification.
Rather than wait on NYC or Duluth to give the final votes to push the Amendment over the finish line, President Grey directs the New Hampshire and Vermont rump delegations to ratify.
With 39 states ratified, the 29th Amendment goes into effect. There are six main provisions.
1. The United States of America, informally the Washington Heirs, is now the Republic of Virginia.
2. All state governments of the old Union are henceforth dissolved pending reorganization into old or new states.
3. Pacifica, the Cherokee, Sparta, the American Republic, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Carolina, Chicago, Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, Jefferson, Alberta, the Navajo, Duluth, and New York City are recognized as sovereign states, with Virginia abandoning all claims to their territory, and the President directing that all their delegations in Virginian territory be formally upgraded to embassies, consulates, etc., while likewise declaring the State Department's "field offices" in these countries shall be considered diplomatic missions from now on.
4. The 28th Amendment is repealed, restoring state sovereignty over their internal governments and restricting the Presidency to its original power.
5. The Constitution may be amended through a secondary process: a unification treaty. This will allow any unification treaty to take precedence over the Constitution.
6. The US Constitution remains the governing document of Virginia, with Virginia technically a successor state to the old federal government, but Virginia does not use this to argue for control over the former United States' territory.
The Heirs direct Puerto Rico's rump delegation to support the 29th.
Word has arrived the Pacifica-controlled delegations have been directed to support the 29th (based on conversations with Tolni).
The American Republic's 4 delegations also support the 29th (given the AR's NPC status and the general support of UCA for it I think this is a safe call).
This brings total votes to 37, with 39 needed for ratification.
Rather than wait on NYC or Duluth to give the final votes to push the Amendment over the finish line, President Grey directs the New Hampshire and Vermont rump delegations to ratify.
With 39 states ratified, the 29th Amendment goes into effect. There are six main provisions.
1. The United States of America, informally the Washington Heirs, is now the Republic of Virginia.
2. All state governments of the old Union are henceforth dissolved pending reorganization into old or new states.
3. Pacifica, the Cherokee, Sparta, the American Republic, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Carolina, Chicago, Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, Jefferson, Alberta, the Navajo, Duluth, and New York City are recognized as sovereign states, with Virginia abandoning all claims to their territory, and the President directing that all their delegations in Virginian territory be formally upgraded to embassies, consulates, etc., while likewise declaring the State Department's "field offices" in these countries shall be considered diplomatic missions from now on.
4. The 28th Amendment is repealed, restoring state sovereignty over their internal governments and restricting the Presidency to its original power.
5. The Constitution may be amended through a secondary process: a unification treaty. This will allow any unification treaty to take precedence over the Constitution.
6. The US Constitution remains the governing document of Virginia, with Virginia technically a successor state to the old federal government, but Virginia does not use this to argue for control over the former United States' territory.
Gurra09
Emperor
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2008
- Messages
- 1,296
Hamilton Times
Mass suicide lights up Devonshire
When local residents witnessed a big fire lighting up unexpectedly in a field near their homes in Devonshire two nights ago it didn't take long until they were on their phones to the fire department who quickly responded to the alarm. Under the fire ban currently in place, all public bonfires must be reported to the authorities and subsequently approved and this one had not been. Local police was soon called to the scene after firefighters found numerous dead bodies at what seems to be the site of an Iccanite mass suicide following the fall of the Mandate in Texas. No official charges have been issued due to the fact that all suspects are believed to be dead, and the investigation is expected to be officially closed before the end of the week. It is at this time unknown if any members of the Iccan church remain on Bermuda.
J.K. Stockholme
Right Opposition
CONVENTION
DISCUSSION & VOTING
Hello fellow nations of North America. SEATO and the UCA have been in discussion about reunification of the old United States under a new federal government - proposals have been made for various aspects of this new union.DISCUSSION & VOTING
For the sake of transparency and efficiency, NYC proposes that we use the thread to discuss each convention issue, one at a time, and then vote on a draft agreement on major areas. All nations of North America - UCA, SEATO, socialist, neutral - are welcome to participate as long as they are planning to join the new union.
NYC suggests the following areas of discussion, in the following order:
1. Name
2. Structure of Government
a. Atlantic Federation Design vs. Other Ideas
b. Electoral Rules (who can vote, candidate tests/restrictions, voting process)
c. Names of Things (Chancellor vs. President, Council vs. Senate etc.)
3. Military & Foreign Policiesb. Electoral Rules (who can vote, candidate tests/restrictions, voting process)
c. Names of Things (Chancellor vs. President, Council vs. Senate etc.)
a. Issue of State-Level Armed Forces
b. Issue of State-Level Foreign Policy
c. Federal Armed Forces
4. Federal vs. State Powersb. Issue of State-Level Foreign Policy
c. Federal Armed Forces
a. Regulatory Powers (immigration, trade, environmental protection, gun laws, etc.)
b. Monetary & Fiscal Union (i.e. name of the national currency, state-level regulations on debt and taxation)
c. Bill of Rights
5. Secession Processb. Monetary & Fiscal Union (i.e. name of the national currency, state-level regulations on debt and taxation)
c. Bill of Rights
6. Accession Process
a. Admitting External States
b. Creating States Within the Union
7. Amendment Processb. Creating States Within the Union
8. Membership
a. Final List of Members
b. Agreement on New States (thus far: new states in occupied Texas, partition of Pacifica, union of Bermuda/NYC colonies in the Maritimes)
c. Border Rectification (if any)
b. Agreement on New States (thus far: new states in occupied Texas, partition of Pacifica, union of Bermuda/NYC colonies in the Maritimes)
c. Border Rectification (if any)
We may of course return to a topic that has already been voted on should it be necessary - for example: revise the Structure of Government (issue #1) if the delegates feel discussions on Federal vs. State Power (issue #4) have affected their position on that earlier issue.
Currently Known Participants
These nations (to NYC's knowledge) are engaged in good-faith negotiations to form a new union, and may vote with equal weight on each major area as we go through them. If new states join the discussion with the honest expectation of joining a new union, they may vote as well.
Participants:
- NYC
- Bermuda
- Cherokee
- Duluth-Superior
- American Republic
- Pacifica
- SEATO NPCs (Washington, Chicago, Florida, Louisiana, Los Salvadores, Georgia)
- Other NPCs (Colorado, Sparta, Jefferson)
If I've missed anyone, please make it public.
Issue #1 - Name
NYC agrees with Bermuda (who already began a vote outside the thread) that we move on the first issue straight-away (seeing as there are already several proposals).
Here are the proposed names thus far:
America
North America
Continental _
Columbia
Hesperia
Magellica
Bartolommeo
Vespucci
Usonia
North America
Continental _
Columbia
Hesperia
Magellica
Bartolommeo
Vespucci
Usonia
NYC suggests a ranked ballot, given the number of names. If participants have a different voting method that would be more appropriate, or if nations wish to propose any other names to this list, please do so within the next 24 hours. After 24 hours from now, NYC suggests we begin voting ranked ballots on the name.
How ranked ballots work:
Everyone may rank the options 1 to 9. You can stop ranking after you've run out of preferences (if you only like 3 of the options, and don't care among the others, then only rank 1, 2, and 3). Once all the rankings are in, we look at everyone's 1st preference, and if there is a majority winner, that's the name. If we lack a majority, the ballots with the fewest votes will be eliminated and the voter who's first pick is gone will shift their vote to their second place. We repeat this process until there is a majority of votes for a particular name.
Then we will table this issue and move onto Issue #2: the structure of government.
Also! Feel free to make arguments within this 24 hour period for or against any particular name
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Gurra09
Emperor
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2008
- Messages
- 1,296
A clarification to make is that these name proposals are base names, which can then be used as the basis for an official name. Think "America" in "United States of America". That is what the underscore in one of the listed names represent.
The delegate from the Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina votes for the following names:
#1 Continental _
This name has a universal and inclusive feel to it, referring to the unity of states all over the continent. I admit I did not like it at first due to its generic feel but that is exactly what I have come to appreciate, as it lets us build new "continental" ideals together as a new union.
#2 North America
North America is an obvious name to describe a union of states in the old US, former Canada, Greenland and Atlantic islands as a whole. Therefore it is my #2 choice. If this wins I propose to use it as an adjective, for example "North American Federation" or "Union of North American Nations".
#3 Columbia
Like my #4 choice Hesperia but it feels more connected to America.
#4 Hesperia
This is a neat alternative name for America, I like it. Although its ancient use as a name referring to Italy and Iberia might make it an odd choice.
#5 America
I am fine with just America but it cuts very close to the old "United States of America" which is why I have put it at the bottom of my ranking. I'm thinking we could use it in a similar fashion as proposed by me for the name North America above, to avoid these direct connotations.
None of the other names on the list get my vote and I have no additional proposals.
The delegate from the Commonwealth of Bermuda and Carolina votes for the following names:
#1 Continental _
This name has a universal and inclusive feel to it, referring to the unity of states all over the continent. I admit I did not like it at first due to its generic feel but that is exactly what I have come to appreciate, as it lets us build new "continental" ideals together as a new union.
#2 North America
North America is an obvious name to describe a union of states in the old US, former Canada, Greenland and Atlantic islands as a whole. Therefore it is my #2 choice. If this wins I propose to use it as an adjective, for example "North American Federation" or "Union of North American Nations".
#3 Columbia
Like my #4 choice Hesperia but it feels more connected to America.
#4 Hesperia
This is a neat alternative name for America, I like it. Although its ancient use as a name referring to Italy and Iberia might make it an odd choice.
#5 America
I am fine with just America but it cuts very close to the old "United States of America" which is why I have put it at the bottom of my ranking. I'm thinking we could use it in a similar fashion as proposed by me for the name North America above, to avoid these direct connotations.
None of the other names on the list get my vote and I have no additional proposals.
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JohannaK
Heroically Clueless
Shouldn't the ballot be secret? For the democratic process' sake and all.
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,181
Delegations have sent in votes; no delegation has taken an issue with the name being decided on a one state, one vote basis, but it is likely votes on more serious matters like structure will need an unequal representation system.
Sparta
1) Hesperia
2) North America
3) Continental
4) America
5) Usonia
Florida (caucuses with Carolina)
1) Continental ___
2) North America
3) Columbia
4) Hesperia
5) America
American Republic
1) Hesperia
2) North America
3) America
4) Continental ____
5) Columbia
6) Usonia
7) Bartolommeo
8) Vespucci
9) Magellica
Chicago
1) Write-in: Meiguo
2) Usonia
3) Bartolommeo
4) Hesperia
5) Vespucci
6) Magellica
7) Continental ___
8) America
9) North America
10) Columbia
Virginia
1) Columbia
2) North America
3) America
4) Continental ____
5) Usonia
6) Hesperia
7) Vespucci
8) Magellica
9) Bartolommeo
Georgia
1) Continental ____
2) North America
3) America
4) Columbia
5) Magellica
6) Hesperia
7) Usonia
8) Vespucci
9) Bartolommeo
Louisiana
1) Bartolommeo
2) Columbia
3) Hesperia
4) Continental ____
5) North America
6) America
7) Vespucci
8) Usonia
9) Magellica
Texas
1) America
2) North America
3) Continental ___
4) Columbia
5) Hesperia
6) Usonia
Alberta
1) Columbia
2) Hesperia
3) Continental ____
4) North America
5) America
Colorado
Colorado announces it shall vote with the Navajo.
Jefferson (caucuses with Sparta)
1) Hesperia
2) North America
3) Continental ____
4) America
5) Usonia
6) Columbia
7) Vespucci
Census Consensus
Polling organizations and bureaucrats in convention states have pooled resources to cross-verify populations and have a definitive census of almost of all of the former US and Canada, their work having been expedited due to release of the Washington Heirs’ old records by Virginia. Census takers hope the convention will be able to use population numbers to help decide representation at the delegation and beyond.
(Ontario is on the chart by mistake; ignore)
Looming over the convention is naturally the question of what to do with the approximate 18 million plus people in the occupied Mandate territories.
Sparta
1) Hesperia
2) North America
3) Continental
4) America
5) Usonia
Florida (caucuses with Carolina)
1) Continental ___
2) North America
3) Columbia
4) Hesperia
5) America
American Republic
1) Hesperia
2) North America
3) America
4) Continental ____
5) Columbia
6) Usonia
7) Bartolommeo
8) Vespucci
9) Magellica
Chicago
1) Write-in: Meiguo
2) Usonia
3) Bartolommeo
4) Hesperia
5) Vespucci
6) Magellica
7) Continental ___
8) America
9) North America
10) Columbia
Virginia
1) Columbia
2) North America
3) America
4) Continental ____
5) Usonia
6) Hesperia
7) Vespucci
8) Magellica
9) Bartolommeo
Georgia
1) Continental ____
2) North America
3) America
4) Columbia
5) Magellica
6) Hesperia
7) Usonia
8) Vespucci
9) Bartolommeo
Louisiana
1) Bartolommeo
2) Columbia
3) Hesperia
4) Continental ____
5) North America
6) America
7) Vespucci
8) Usonia
9) Magellica
Texas
1) America
2) North America
3) Continental ___
4) Columbia
5) Hesperia
6) Usonia
Alberta
1) Columbia
2) Hesperia
3) Continental ____
4) North America
5) America
Colorado
Colorado announces it shall vote with the Navajo.
Jefferson (caucuses with Sparta)
1) Hesperia
2) North America
3) Continental ____
4) America
5) Usonia
6) Columbia
7) Vespucci
Census Consensus
Polling organizations and bureaucrats in convention states have pooled resources to cross-verify populations and have a definitive census of almost of all of the former US and Canada, their work having been expedited due to release of the Washington Heirs’ old records by Virginia. Census takers hope the convention will be able to use population numbers to help decide representation at the delegation and beyond.
(Ontario is on the chart by mistake; ignore)
Looming over the convention is naturally the question of what to do with the approximate 18 million plus people in the occupied Mandate territories.
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