Aequinnia
| |
| Flag of Aequinnia | |
| Motto: Libertas Forem | |
| No Map Available Yet | |
| Region | libertarian |
|---|---|
| Capital | New Scotland |
| Official Language(s) | (none) |
| Leader | Thomas Harrogate |
| Population | 48,000,000 (RP) |
| Currency | Aequin Pound |
| NS Sunset XML | |
General Overview
The Federal Republic of Aequinnia (formal title) is a federation of twenty-four states located on large islands in the Delian Ocean. The nation was originally settled by colonists from Aequitum in the mid-eighteenth century. The tropical islands were, at the time, inhabited by native peoples who generally have generally coexisted in peace with the white settlers since their arrival. The three main islands (Ossett, Sheppey and New Man) were covered with tropical forests, which today are mostly farm and grazing land. Rolling hills and sprawling plains characterize the landscape in the countryside. Aequinnia's natural resources include coal and iron deposits, along with offshore oil pockets, and limited levels of diamonds in the larger mountains. The population of the country today is overwhelmingly composed of those descended from the original settlers. A small but substantial minority are the native peoples, and a tiny (but rapidly expanding) group are immigrants from other nations of the world.
The country today is considered a first-world nation with a reliable democratic process. Since the overthrow of colonial rule in 1834, the nation has been a republic which has never been replaced. People are free to express themselves in just about any way they please, as any kind of government action in the area of speech is viewed with great distrust among the populace. Aequinnia faces multiple long-term challenges to its heritage and philosophy. The prospect of a globalized world and mass migrations of immigrants challenge the nation's long-held isolationist and small-government beliefs.
Government
The government of Aequinnia is structured according to a federalist model. The Federal (National) Government is the highest authority in the nation; however its powers are strictly limited by the Constitution. The Federal Government handles and coordinates National Defense policy, including the maintenance of the National Army and oversight of the individual State Militias. The Federal Government also oversees all international diplomatic relations, treaties, maintenace of the national currency, registration of trademarks, collection of import and excise duties, establishment of the postal system, and the protection of citizen's recognized rights. State governments have a high degree of autonomy, and generally can legislate internal matters with a free hand. Local (county and city) governments operate on an even more local level.
The federal level is comprised of three branches: the legislative (Congress), Executive (President) and Judicial (Supreme Court). Laws passed by the Congress can be vetoed by the President, and since the judicial system is independent, and any law passed by the legislative branch has the potential for judicial review. The Legislative branch is further broken down into the Senate, which is appointed by the houses of the respective states, and the House of Delegates, whose members are directly elected from the citizens of their district. The House contains 404 members, and is renewed every 2 years. The Senate consists of 48 members (2 for each state) is renewed in thirds every 2 years. The President is elected by the College of Electors, a group of representatives of each state, every 4 years. The members of the College of Electors are chosen differently in each state---it is up to the state to decide how to delegate them. The 11 justices on the Supreme Court have lifetime appointments, and must be confirmed by the Senate.
Current Office Holders:
President - Thomas Harrogate (since 3 Aug 2001)
Vice President - Alice Croxley (since 3 Aug 2001)
Senate President - Timothy Barnwell
Speaker of the House - Richard Kiegwin
Secretary of State - Lawrence Safford
Secretary of War - Phillip Nes
Attorney General - Edward Birnam
Secretary of the Treasury- Daniel Wendover
Secretary of Citizenship - Sara Brinkley
Secretary of Commerce - Martha Pell
Secretary of the Post - Ronald Sancroft
Secretary of Patents - Fredric Vanaster
Congressional Makeup:
Senate
20 Pilgrim
14 Tory
11 ULF
1 Not Affiliated
House of Delegates:
146 Pilgrim
135 Tory
115 ULF
5 Not Affiliated
3 Elk
1 Nationalist
