Difference between revisions of "Tharra"

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flag= http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tharra.jpg|
 
flag= http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tharra.jpg|
 
region=[[Monarchy]] |
 
region=[[Monarchy]] |
motto= God Save the Emperor!|
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motto= Long Live the Prince!|
 
map= |
 
map= |
 
language= English|
 
language= English|
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population= 5.5 billion|
 
population= 5.5 billion|
 
currency= livre|
 
currency= livre|
leader= HM King Leopold VI|
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leader= HSH Prince Leopold V|
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
=Overview=
 
=Overview=
The '''Feudal Empire of Tharra''' is a massive, safe nation, remarkable for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 5.164 billion are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.
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The '''Sovereign Principality of Tharra''' is a massive, safe nation, remarkable for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 5.164 billion are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.
  
 
It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, moralistic, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Commerce. The average income tax rate is 100%. A powerhouse of a private sector is dominated by the Uranium Mining industry.
 
It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, moralistic, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Commerce. The average income tax rate is 100%. A powerhouse of a private sector is dominated by the Uranium Mining industry.
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=Geography=
 
=Geography=
The Empire is above all vast, and its lands varied.  For convienance it is divided into two regions.  The first and largest of imperial regions is the mainland of Tharra, known simply as "Tharra" by the people themselves.  Outside of this, there also exist the Colonies, which are Tharra's the islands under Tharran control on the sea, as well as several mainland territories accross the sea.
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The Principality is above all vast, and its lands varied.  For convienance it is divided into two regions.  The first and largest of imperial regions is the mainland of Tharra, known simply as "Tharra" by the people themselves.  Outside of this, there also exist the Territories, which are the the islands under Tharran control in the South Sea, as well as several mainland territories accross the sea.
  
Tharra is a large nation, bordered by arctic tundra in the north, and naturally defended by tall, jagged mountains in the west (Imperial Mountains).  Most of the south east is situated on sea coast.  As can be expected the climate patterns are somewhat varied.  However, for the most part, Tharra is of mild climate, with warm summers and cold, wet winters.  The north is known for its freezing winters and cold summers, especially on the areas near the tundra.  The west tends to be dry, due to the influence from the mountains.  Lastly, the south is somewhat warmer, because of the tropical weather brought in by the sea currents.
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Tharra is a large nation, bordered by arctic tundra in the north, and naturally defended by tall, jagged mountains in the west (Serene Mountains).  Most of the south east is situated on sea coast.  As can be expected the climate patterns are somewhat varied.  However, for the most part, Tharra is of mild climate, with warm summers and cold, wet winters.  The north is known for its freezing winters and cold summers, especially on the areas near the tundra.  The west tends to be dry, due to the influence from the mountains.  Lastly, the south is somewhat warmer, because of the tropical weather brought in by the sea currents.
  
The mainland of Tharra is also further subdivided.  Lirra, the capital situated on the south coast, and its surroundings are known as "The Capital Regions" and tend to be made up of soft, green meadows and rolling hills.  The land is heavily developed for industry towards the city, and for agriculture farther away for the city.  It is very rich farmland, and the manors of Tharra's wealthiest nobles and bishops dot the landscape.  Farther out, the land is reffered to as "The Provinces".  The Provinces account for a majority of Tharra.  They are flatter, and covered in thick forrests.  The Provinces have very little industry, and instead the cleared land is dedicated mostly to farming.  Cities are small and scarce, and instead villiages and small towns are more common.  Most nobles and wealthy clergymen own fiefs in this area, and thus peasants and serfs are a common sight, working their lord's lands.  Finally, there is the Frontier.  The Frontier is composed of the borderlands and outlands, and is of a much harsher climate.  The dry foothills of the Imperial Mountains and the freezing tundras of the north being key examples.  Also part of the frontier are the eastern borderlands, which themselves are known for being dry and bare, with only a few major towns.  Many of the poorest nobles hold fiefs in the Frontier, and it can be seen to have ruined castles and manors as well on the flat landscape.
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The mainland of Tharra is also further subdivided.  Lirra, the capital situated on the south coast, and its surroundings are known as "The Capital Regions" and tend to be made up of soft, green meadows and rolling hills.  The land is heavily developed for industry towards the city, and for agriculture farther away for the city.  It is very rich farmland, and the manors of Tharra's wealthiest nobles and bishops dot the landscape.  Farther out, the land is reffered to as "The Provinces".  The Provinces account for a majority of Tharra.  They are flatter, and covered in thick forrests.  The Provinces have very little industry, and instead the cleared land is dedicated mostly to farming.  Cities are small and scarce, and instead villiages and small towns are more common.  Peasants are a common sight, working their lands.  Finally, there is the Frontier.  The Frontier is composed of the borderlands and outlands, and is of a much harsher climate.  The dry foothills of the Imperial Mountains and the freezing tundras of the north being key examples.  Also part of the frontier are the eastern borderlands, which themselves are known for being dry and bare, with only a few major towns.  The flat lands of the frontier are known to be covered in ruins of castles and manors from days of old, some of which are still inhabited by impoverished nobles.
  
The Colonies, on the other hand, are mostly tropical, with warm, wet winters and summers.  Small, effiecient forts and towns cover the islands.  The feudal system was recently introduced there, and peasents can be seen working large farm fiefs granted to noblemen and clergy.  Also, towns in the colonies are centers of industry, with the rich rescorces of the colonies being harvested and refined there.
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The Territories, on the other hand, are mostly tropical, with warm, wet winters and summers.  Small, effiecient forts and towns cover the islands.  Large farms of peasants (both Tharran and of native descent) produce great amounts of revenue and products for national export.  Also, towns in the territories are centers of industry, with rescources being harvested and refined there.
  
Tharra has many exportable natural resources, including petroleum, gold, silver, and other precious metals, minerals (such as iron), and timber.  However, uranium production has greatly aided the Tharran economy, and is the main national export.  Major imports include diamonds and other minerals which are not native to the Empire.  The colonies also contain heavy amounts of gold ore and petroleum products, as well as agricultural products such as coffee.
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Tharra has many exportable natural resources, including petroleum, gold, silver, and other precious metals, minerals (such as iron), and timber.  However, uranium production has greatly aided the Tharran economy, and is the main national export.  Major imports include diamonds and other minerals which are not native to the Principality.  The territories also contain heavy amounts of gold ore and petroleum products, as well as agricultural products such as coffee.
  
 
=Government=
 
=Government=
Tharra is an absolute monarchy.  While government bodies do exist, they only serve for the most part, to act as advisory and administration bodiesHowever, several exceptions to this do exist.
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Tharra is legally a constitutional monarchy.  In practice, however, the Prince weilds a great deal of power, some of which is de facto, and some of which is constitutionalThe Constitution of Tharra was first introduced after the formation of the Principality, and continues to remain in force to this day.
  
At the top of the structure there is the Emperor of Tharra.  The Emperor is, as mentioned, absolute rulerHe has the ability to create laws, in the form of imperial decrees and letters patent.  He can also issue letters of justice, which have the power to automatically rule legally on an issue, and pass any sentance the emperor wishes on a subject, without the possiblity of appeal.
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==The Prince==
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The Sovereign Prince of Tharra is head of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, as well as being Head of StateAccording to the constitution, all government bodies act in his name, with his influence and control upon them varying, according to situation and organ of government.
  
==Privy Council==
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The Prince's powers include the right to declare war and peace, to veto all legislation, to dissolve the National Assembly at will and call for reelections, to appoint the Prime Minister, to appoint all government ministers and officials, to award dignities and honors, to grant pardons and commute sentences, to deport foreigners, to mint coinage, to act as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, to declare a state of emergency, and to act as representitive of the nationThe Prince is also inviolable and legally immune to all forms of prosecution.  In addition to this, no Act of the National Assembly can be passed without his consent, which can be witheld as a veto.  The Prince can also issue legislation, within the framework of State Acts, which must be countersigned by a minister of state.
The Imperial Privy Council is the highest executive body in the empire.  It serves to form imperial policy with the emperor, and advise him on all issues.  The Privy Council is made up of about five leading cardinals, five leading bishops and archbishops, all the princes of the imperial household, all the fifteen secretaries of state, and fifteen appointed Privy CouncillorsThus, at any given time, the Privy Council has about forty five to fifty members.
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However, the Privy Council is in practice too large and unweildly to function as the sole executive body of the empireAs a result, the council has a standing committee to which it delegates its functions too, and only meets about once a month.
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Additionally, the Prince is also head of the princely familyHe also has the express right to appoint bishops and archbishops, by papal bull; an important power as Roman Catholicism is the state relgion, adhered to by a majority of the population.
  
The Council of State is the serves as the acting body of the Privy CouncilIts members include the leading members of the Privy Council, who are entitled to bear the title "Minister of State".  There are about seven ministers that sit upon the council, and their leading member serves as an appointed Prime Minister.  The council forms policy and advises the emperor on all issues, meeting daily.
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==Executive Branch==
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===Cabinet===
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The Cabinet of Ministers is made up of the heads of each minstry of state, appointed by the Prince from amongst the National AssemblyThese men bear the title "Minister of State" and preside over one of the various ministry departmentsThe ministries include War, Interior, Foreign Affairs, State, Commerce, Princely Household, Finance, and Justice.  The cabinet reserves the right to advise the Prince on all decrees (which must be countersigned by one of its members) and to issue status reports on current affairs, acting as an elite advisory body.  Other members of the cabinet include an appointed Prime Minister.  Cabinets may only remain as long as the National Assembly's term, and are automatically dissolved upon the dissolution of the National Assembly.
  
==The Imperial Estates==
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===Council of State===
The Imperial Estates General is both the leading legislative and judicial body of the empire.  However, as Tharra is an absolute monarchy, its legislative powers are sorely limited, and it has had to function more so judicially as the years have passedThe Imperial Estates has four chambers, three of them being legislative houses (called "Estates")There are three Estates, and each represent a legal estate (section) of society.
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The Council of State consists of twelve members, titled as "Councillors of State".  They are charged with advising the Prince, and with reviewing all legislation introduced into the National AssemblyCouncillors are usually appointed on an equal basis of spiritual, military, and civil advisorsIn addition to these members, the Prince chairs the council, and the heir to the crown is allowed a seat as vice chair.  The Prince may also appoint any other members of his family as councillors.
  
The three houses of the Estates can publish special orders of advice when asked by the emperor.  However, they have little other powers, and thus are almost solely an advisory body.  Even their legislative acts, (termed "Orders of the Estates") must be introduced by the emperor, and can be disregarded or vetoed by him at any time (although they are convieniant in that they do not need to be registered by the Imperial Bench to go into effect).
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The Prince must consult the council before declaring war, peace, or a state of emergency.  However, the council does not neccessarily have to agree with the descision, and its convening for advice can be a simple formality.
  
===First Chamber===
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===Ministries of State===
The First Estate has 200 seats, and its deputies are elected every four years by the clergy of the empire, to represent them in matters of state.  The First Chamber retains precendence as the upper house of the Imperial EstatesIts members are reffered to as "Lords Spiritual".
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The ministries of state serve as state departments.  They are purely administrative bodies, and act in accordance with the will of the Prince and the policy charged to them by supriors.  Each ministry administers according to its sphere of influence.  The ministries are headed by ministers appointed by the PrinceMinistries opperate at a local and national level, acting in the Prince's name to carry out the state's policy.
  
===Second Chamber===
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==Legislative Branch==
The Second Estate has 200 seats as well, and its deputies are elected every four years by the nobles of the empire, to represent them in matters of stateThe Second Chamber hold precendence as the middle house of the Imperial EstatesIts members are reffered to as "Lords Temporal".
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===National Assembly===
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The National Assembly of Tharra is the principality's chief legislative body.  It is unicameral and acts as the source of all legislation and state acts.  600 Deputies make up the Assembly.  Of these, two thirds are elected by popular vote in each province, and one third are appointed by the Prince.  Deputies serve a term of no more than six years, without limitNational Assemblies can be dissolved early or at the conclusion of six years by the Prince alone, who must then call for electionsElections are held a month later, with all those above the age of seventeen having sufferage.
  
===Third Chamber===
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Legislation is introduced in the form of bills, which after being reviewed by the Council of State, are reveiwed, discussed, and then voted upon by the AssemblyThose that pass are submitted to the Prince for consent, after which they are either defeated or come into force as Acts of State.
The Third Estate has 200 seats, and its deputies are elected every four years by the commons of the empire to represent them.  The Third Chamber is ranked as the lower house of the Imperial Estates in precedence.  However, by law, on must have a certain annual income (70,000 livres) to voteAs a result, the Third Estate only truly represents the bourgoise and wealthy common folk, with the peasents, serfs, and laborers having no real representation.  
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===Imperial Bench===
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==Judicial Branch==
Aside from the three houses, there is also a fourth chamber of the EstatesThis chamber is called "The Imperial Bench" and serves as the empire's supreme court of appeals and last resort.  The Imperial Bench is made up of thirty six members, including an appointed First President, ten Presidents, and twenty five Justices.  The Bench tries all nobles, serves as a court of appeals, and registers all edicts and laws issued by the emperorIt must register all legislation, as stated, to apply it as it is a legal body and keep legal records.  However, the court can refuse to register legislation, on grounds of not wishing to judicially apply it.  As a result, the emperor can still veto its decision by issuing a Letter of Justice and forcing through the legislation (which he often does).
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===Supreme Court===
 
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The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeals existing in Tharra.  The court also acts as a court of last resort on all disputes that are appealedIt is made up of nine justices, appointed by the Prince for lifeJustices rule on cases by a pure majority, with rulings carrying the force of interpretation of the law.
==Departments of State==
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Each Secretary of State is appointed by the emperor to preside over and head a department of state.  These departments carry out imperial administration.  Each department is headquartered in Lirra, the imperial capital.  However, local branches exist in each parish, to further oversee local government officials and parish administration.  There are about fifteen departments of state, although the emperor has the authority to create a new one at any given time.
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==Local Government==
 
==Local Government==
Tharra is divided into administrative provinces, which are further subdivided into numerous parishesProvinces usually correspond to dioceses as well.  Most fiefs correspond to parishes.
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Local government is divided into provincial and communal spheresProvincial government is headed by Lord Lieutenants, appointed by the Prince for life.  Each Lord Lieutenant acts as an administrator, carrying out the Prince's will.  Communes consist of municipal districts, and are under the authority of a Lord Mayor, elected by the commune for a term of six yearsHe is advised by a communal council, appointed from amongst the residents of the commune's chief city.  Local branches of ministries also operate at communal and provincial levels, and oversee the local government.
 
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Locally, governmental affairs are handled in the provinces by an appointed Lord Lieutenant.  Each province has a Lord Lieutenant, and it is his or her job to carry out the will of the emperor and act as his representive.  He is assisted in leadership by a council known as the Provincial Court.  It is made up of ten to twelve appointed justices.  Provincial courts act as a provincial court of appeals, and apply the lawLocal government is handled by a mayor appointed to carry out the imperial will in each city, and an appointed Baliff, who carries out justice in the parishThe law is carried out in fiefs by the noble who owns the land, although he or she only has juridiction in feudal and civil matters, with treason and criminal matters being under the baliffs control.
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=Demographics=
 
=Demographics=
 
The state religion of Tharra is Roman Catholicism.  96 percent of the population is Catholic.  Tharra itself nationally recognizes Pope Leo XIV of the Holy Vatican See as the true NS pope, and considers all others antipopes and heritics.  The Catholic clergy are given special recognition and status in Tharra.  Minority religions include Protestantism (3 percent) and Islam (0.5 percent).  All minority religions are not given recognition or special status, and are as a rule unofficial.  By law, all subjects are required to attend one catholic mass per month at the nearest church, on pain of a heavy fine.
 
The state religion of Tharra is Roman Catholicism.  96 percent of the population is Catholic.  Tharra itself nationally recognizes Pope Leo XIV of the Holy Vatican See as the true NS pope, and considers all others antipopes and heritics.  The Catholic clergy are given special recognition and status in Tharra.  Minority religions include Protestantism (3 percent) and Islam (0.5 percent).  All minority religions are not given recognition or special status, and are as a rule unofficial.  By law, all subjects are required to attend one catholic mass per month at the nearest church, on pain of a heavy fine.
  
A majority of Tharra's population are of Tharran ethnicity (99 percent).  All ethnic groups are equal before the law of their estate.  Literacy rate is somewhat low, with only 71 percent of the population being able to read and write.  Life expectancy is at an average of 75 years, though it is often much higher for the wealthy and lower for the poor.  Legal adulthood is 17 years, with those maintaining an income of 70,000 livres per annum being able to vote.  Most of the population speaks English (99 percent), though Latin and French are minority languages, given special status under the law.
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A majority of Tharra's population are of Tharran ethnicity (99 percent).  All ethnic groups are granted equal rights under the constitution.  Literacy rate at 96 percent and life expectancy is at an average of 75 years, though it is often much higher for the wealthy and lower for the poor.  Legal adulthood is 17 years, with universal sufferage granted to all adults under the law.  Most of the population speaks English (99 percent), though Latin and French are minority languages, given special status under the constitution.
 
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==Estates==
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Subjects of Tharra are divided legally into one of four Estates.  The three main estates are known as "free" estates.  The fourth estate is rarely spoken of or mentioned, as it has little rights or status.  Each subject is in theory equal before the law of their estate, with each estate having different rights and priviliges under the law.
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===First Estate===
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The First Estate is that of the Roman Catholic Clergy and accounts for 2 percent of the population.  It is divided into high clergy (bishops, abbots, and cardinals) and low clergy (parish priests, vicars, monks, nuns).  High clergy tends to be very wealthy, and low clergy somewhat poor.  Members of the First Estate are allowed to own land, and usually each diocese and abbey has a manoral estate attached to it.  These estates are considered fiefs held from the king by the church.  The bishops and abbots presiding over them are entitled to their revenues, which are usually made up of rents and agricultural shares in production by serfs and peasents.  Members of the first estate are also entitled to a tithe, a tax paid each year by laymen to the church.  Low clergy are only entitled to a small fraction of this, with the rest going to the high clergy.
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Clergy also are allowed many special priviliges.  They are exempt from all taxes, they are allowed a share of the tithe, they may own land and fiefs, they can recieve revenues from fiefs held, they are legally immune to civil justice and can only be tried in religious courts (run by the first estate), and they may possess a coat of arms.
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There are 150 dioceses which act as bishopric sees, and 40 archdioceses, which act as archbishopric sees.  The emperor has the express right to appoint bishops, archbishops, and abbots (granted to him in a golden bull several centuaries ago by the pope).  The clergy are governed by the Imperial Assembly of the Clergy, a congressional body of 450 delegates.  The assembly governs the clergy internally and is presided over by all the cardinals in Tharra.  Each year, the assembly also grants a special "gift" to the emperor of a non taxable sum, predetermined by the body.  The High Court of the First Estate is a special committee of fifteen councillors, selected by the assembly annually by lot.  It serves as a supreme court of appeals for the clergy.  Each diocese sends three deputies, appointed by the bishops, who themselves govern each diocese according to the will of the church and council.  Local justice is handled by small parish courts of three priests appointed by each bishop to try cases both criminal and civil.
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As Roman Catholicism is the state religion, the clergy are extremely powerful.  No marriage is valid without the presence of a Catholic priest as witness (though not necessarily preforming it), and the only way to obtain a marriage liscence is by application to the bishop of the diocese.  The First Estate owns and runs all public hospitals, which each must have a presiding priest to operate under the law.  All educational establishments, both public and private, also must have a presiding priest to operate and are owned legally by the First Estate.  Anyone who wishes to hold public office must also take an oath of loyalty to the emperor and the church.
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===Second Estate===
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The Second Estate is that of the nobility and accounts for 5 percent of the population.  It is divided into military nobility (Nobility of the Sword) and civil nobility (Nobility of the Robe).  The military nobility is for the most part a closed caste, and considers itself several rungs above the civil nobility.  One can be ennobled by letters patent issued by the king, or by holding certain civil offices which carry with them nobility after a set amount of years.  One can also be neutralized as a Tharran noble if they are a member of a foreign nobility and wish to gain Tharran subject status.
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Once ennobled, the noble and all his descendants in the male line are considered nobles.  They also recieve all the precendence and privilige of the Second Estate, to which they are considered members.  Titles of nobility always come with a grant of land called a fief.  The fief is legally possessed by the head of the family to which it is granted, and descends in the male line via male primogeniture, becoming extinct and reverting to the crown when all male descendants of the origional holder of the title have died.  However, titles are held by all descendants in the male line of a noble.  Thus all the descendants of a count in the male line will be counts and countesses, etc.  The ranks of noble (in order of precendence) are Prince or Princess, Count or Countess, Baron or Baroness, Knight or Dame, and Untitled Noble.
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The ''Nobility of the Sword'' is the old nobility, descended from those families granted fiefs by the emperor, those holding certain military ranks, and those ennobled by letters patent for outstanding military service.  They are thus the descendants of the knightly nobility, and consider themselves the "ancient families of Tharra".  It is for the most part a closed caste.  However, all those who preform outstanding military service, or who reach the rank of colonel or higher have the right to apply for letters patent of ennoblement, and are usually ennobled.  The ''Nobility of the Robe'' are those nobles who have gained their ennoblement due to holding high offices in the civil administration.  These offices are often bought and sold by holders, in order to grant nobility to the perspective buyer.  Upon being held for at a minimum of twenty years, one can apply for letters patent of nobility, and be ennobled.  Offices granting the said ennoblement include all members of the Imperial Bench, all members of the Provincial Court, all Lord Lieutenantships, and all mayorships and baliffships.
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In practice, one is not considered a true "noble" unless one's family has been noble for at least four generations.  However, this is just a social convention and carries no legal weight.  Also, nobles are usually quite wealthy, however many provincial nobles (as opposed to court nobles) are impoverished due to debts and unproductive fiefs.  Untitled nobles and those that due not have possession of a fief must rely on pensions and allowances from realitives for income, though many already have a personal fortune of their own.
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All nobles recieve, upon ennoblement, the predicate of "de" to be attached to their surnames.  Nobles are exempt from all taxes (except the tithe), they may pass on their titles and status to their descendants in the male line, they may have a coat of arms, they may own land and fiefs, they may collect the revenues from fiefs (usually rents and feudal dues, along with shares of agricultural production), they may be reserved a seat on the lord's bench in parish churches, they may only be tried by the Imperial Bench, and they may be presented at court to the king (if their family has been noble for at least four generations).  All bishoprics, abbotships, and archbishoprics are also legally reserved for nobles, as are all high positions at court, in the government, and in the military.  Nobles may not legally engage in commerce or manual labor, though they are allowed to invest in commercial endevors, industrially develop their lands, and join the army.
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===Third Estate===
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The Third Estate is made up of all free subjects of Tharra and accounts for 73 percent of the population.  However, this estate is the most varied, and is further socially subdivided.  In practice the third estate is refered to as the Commoners.  They are also the backbone of the economy, as well as the supporters of state revenue, to which the burden of taxation often falls.
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The elite members of the third estate are the bourgoise.  The bourgoise are the wealthy commoners.  Most of them endevor to gain enough wealth to buy a civil position and eventually gain ennoblement.  In practice, very few suceded at this.  Most of the bourgoise have voting rights, and thus are the most represented on the Imperial Estates.  A majority of the bourgoise are merchants and white collar workers.  They are often wealthy, or at least well off.  However, the Third Estate is not exempt from taxation, and as a result, it is the bourgoise who are taxed the most.  However, the bourgoise are also exempt from feudal dues, and as such still very well off.
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The blue collar workers and peasants make up a majority of the Third Estate.  Blue collar workers are forbiddon to form or join unions, and peasants must legally be subject to a noble lord to whose land they work and owe feudal dues, though they do pay somewhat high taxes.  Those of the Third Estate that are not peasents (i.e. blue collar workers) make up a majority of the population of cities.  As they owe no feudal dues, they are often the middle and lower class, and still considered free subjects.  The peasants work the lands of a noble lord, although they are in no way forced too, having the authority to leave at any time.  Peasants must pay rent to the noble whose fief they work, and also give a portion of their agricultural production.  In addition, they must also pay taxes on their annual earnings.
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The Third Estate has no legal privilige, though they still maintain rights as free subjects of the empire, though they may not own land.  They may move wherever they wish, and live wherever they like, taking up any proffession they see fitCommoners must pay taxes, including state taxes and tithes, and if they are peasants, feudal dues.
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Catholic bishops and archbishops are given special tax exemption under the law.  They are also allowed to collect a special tax for the church, called a "tithe"The tithe is collected from all citizens annually, along with all other governmental taxes.
  
===Fourth Estate===
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==Nobility==
The Fourth Estate is made up of the serfs and accounts for 20 percent of the populationSerfs are commonly simply reffered to as such, and not as an estate, as they are not given any right of representationSerfs owe feudal dues to their lord, and are attached to fiefs, the soil they tillThey may not leave their lord's land, and are not allowed freedom of travel.  Unlike peasants, who owe feudal dues and rents, serfs also owe their lives, and thus are attached to the soilThey also must pay taxes, rents, feudal dues, and tithes.
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The Prince alone may grant noble titles and honors, according the constitution, which he does by letters patent.  Nobility follows the continental system, with all legitimate descendants in the male line of a noble bearing the same title as their ennobled ancestorThe noble titles are Count and Countess, Baron and Baroness, and Untitled NobleAs a rule, untitled nobles are much more common, with counts and barons being very rareNobles alone are allowed the predicate of "de" before their surnames, as well as the right to bear a coat of arms, to belong to the College of Nobles, and to be exempt from all taxes (save the tithe)The nobility are granted, upon being ennobled, a property endowment in the form of a majorate.  These majorates are hereditary, being held by the head of the family, and come in the form of land property or financial estate (such as stock or investment).
  
Serfs are under the full authority of their lord.  The noble who owns the fief also legally owns the serfs, and has full power over them, including life or deathAs they are not considered free subjects, serfs are more or less property. However, they are not slaves, as slavery is illegal in Tharra.  Along with the free peasants, the serfs make up the backbone of agrarian labor.
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All hereditary nobles belong to the College of Nobles, which is a nonprofit, corporate body, which records all members of the nobility, and protects their rightsEach family sends a representitivewho serves for life.
  
In recent years, there have been pushes for reform and possible emmancipation of the serfsHowever, the imperial government has stayed firm on the issue and refuses grant them any special rights.  It is worth mentioning, though, that the lord of a fief has the right to free serfs of his own accord, and can excercise it at any time.
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Personal nobility can be granted in the form of knighthood, and does not include a majorate or membership to the collegePersonal nobles also do not have the right to pass on a coat of arms or to bear the predicate of "de".
  
 
=Economy=
 
=Economy=
 
Economically, Tharra is extremely powerful.  Being one of the oldest nations in nationstates, it has managed to develop into something of a superpower.  In fact, the economy is quite frightening, when ranked with all the others accross the globe.
 
Economically, Tharra is extremely powerful.  Being one of the oldest nations in nationstates, it has managed to develop into something of a superpower.  In fact, the economy is quite frightening, when ranked with all the others accross the globe.
  
While agriculture maintains a larger sector than industry, it is only slightly.  The economy is very strong agriculturaly.  This is due to the use of feudalism (or "neo feudalism") as an economic system.  Free peasants and serfs work state lands and the fiefs granted to nobles.  Most of the output is taxed via internal terrifs and then taken and sold nationally, as well as being terrifed and sold internationally by export.  Thus, agricultural products are one of Tharra's major exports.
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While agriculture maintains a larger sector than industry, it is only slightly.  The economy is very strong agriculturaly.  This is due to the use of agricultural corporations as an economic system.  Free peasants work corporate lands.  Most of the output is taxed via internal terrifs and then taken and sold nationally, as well as being terrifed and sold internationally by export.  Thus, agricultural products are one of Tharra's major exports.
  
Industry is also powerful.  Fief holders commonly invest in the industrial development of their lands, as does the state.  Raw materials are thus obtained via investments and agricultural revenue (further aiding the economy).  Wealthy corporations and commoners then invest and develop them, selling them on the nation's free market, and exporting them.  Many natural rescources are also obtained and sold, and Tharra is infamous for its free and capitalistic market (while still paying lip service to feudalism).
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Industry is also powerful.  Nobles commonly invest in the industrial development of their lands, as does the state.  Raw materials are thus obtained via investments and agricultural revenue (further aiding the economy).  Wealthy corporations then invest and develop them, selling them on the nation's free market, and exporting them.  Many natural rescources are also obtained and sold, and Tharra is infamous for its free and capitalistic market.
  
Merchants make a fair living at exporting products, as bourgoise do at investing in them and engaging in corporations that obtain themHowever, terrifs are very high, both internally and externally, though this seems to aide the economy in the long runTharra also has managed to develop seperately, and still maintain feudalism, while also modernising to be able to survive.
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Corporations are granted special tax exemptions and protection under the lawThis allows the economy to prosper, with terrifs evening out profits and giving the government heavy sums of moneyHowever, only nationally based corporations recieve privliges, with foreign bodies not being subject to the same treatment.  This ensures are positive economic budget.
  
 
=Military=
 
=Military=
Tharra invests much in its military.  Defense is something very important to the imperial government.  A career in the military is something advertised by the state, and rewarded well.  Pensions are often granted to successful officers, and the pay of a soldier is not by any means lacking.  Most officer positions, however, are only avalable to nobles.  These positions carry the best pensions with them and the greatest recognition and pay.  The rank of colonel and below are open to commoners, with certain exceptions being made.  Those that reach the said rank will be ennobled by application, and thus many endevor to join the military for that very purpose.  In practice, few commoners are ever really ennobled, however, with nobles achieving all the best positions and the success of the commoners being blocked.
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Tharra invests much in its military.  Defense is something very important to the princely government.  A career in the military is something advertised by the state, and rewarded well.  Pensions are often granted to successful officers, and the pay of a soldier is not by any means lacking.
  
The Grand Army of the Empire is the main unit of the armed forces.  It is charged with external defense and all foreign campaigns.  The Imperial Navy defends the seas and colonies, and also is charged with external defense and foreign campaigns, as well as internal defense.  The National Guard defends the internal land of Tharra, and is often posted at or near the frontier.  Finally, the Imperial Guard serve as the elite troops of the empire, fighting in wars as the vanguard of the Grand Army, and protecting the Emperor, with some of its cohorts serving to guard the palace.
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The Grand Army of the Principality is the main unit of the armed forces.  It is charged with external defense and all foreign campaigns.  The Princely Navy defends the seas and territories, and also is charged with external defense and foreign campaigns, as well as internal defense.  The National Guard defends the internal land of Tharra, and is often posted at or near the frontier.  Finally, the Princely Guard serve as the elite troops of the principality, fighting in wars as the vanguard of the Grand Army, and protecting the Prince, with some of its cohorts serving to guard the palace.
  
The Emperor is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.  In practice, leadership is often administered to by the departements of state for war and the navy.  Leading marshals also have some role in forming military policy.
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The Prince is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.  In practice, leadership is often administered to by the departements of state for war and the navy.  Leading marshals also have some role in forming military policy.
  
 
=Links=
 
=Links=

Revision as of 19:56, 2 January 2006

Tharra
tharra.jpg
Flag of Tharra
Motto: Long Live the Prince!
Region Monarchy
Capital Lirra
Official Language(s) English
Leader HSH Prince Leopold V
Population 5.5 billion
Currency livre 
NS Sunset XML

Overview

The Sovereign Principality of Tharra is a massive, safe nation, remarkable for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 5.164 billion are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, moralistic, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Commerce. The average income tax rate is 100%. A powerhouse of a private sector is dominated by the Uranium Mining industry.

University graduates and new home-owners toil in labour camps to work off their debts, mobile phone masts are being erected all over the country, Tharra's army is full of 2 metre tall super-soldiers, and Pinkerton agents are called in to forcibly break up white collar strikes. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Tharra's national animal is the imperial lion, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the livre.

Geography

The Principality is above all vast, and its lands varied. For convienance it is divided into two regions. The first and largest of imperial regions is the mainland of Tharra, known simply as "Tharra" by the people themselves. Outside of this, there also exist the Territories, which are the the islands under Tharran control in the South Sea, as well as several mainland territories accross the sea.

Tharra is a large nation, bordered by arctic tundra in the north, and naturally defended by tall, jagged mountains in the west (Serene Mountains). Most of the south east is situated on sea coast. As can be expected the climate patterns are somewhat varied. However, for the most part, Tharra is of mild climate, with warm summers and cold, wet winters. The north is known for its freezing winters and cold summers, especially on the areas near the tundra. The west tends to be dry, due to the influence from the mountains. Lastly, the south is somewhat warmer, because of the tropical weather brought in by the sea currents.

The mainland of Tharra is also further subdivided. Lirra, the capital situated on the south coast, and its surroundings are known as "The Capital Regions" and tend to be made up of soft, green meadows and rolling hills. The land is heavily developed for industry towards the city, and for agriculture farther away for the city. It is very rich farmland, and the manors of Tharra's wealthiest nobles and bishops dot the landscape. Farther out, the land is reffered to as "The Provinces". The Provinces account for a majority of Tharra. They are flatter, and covered in thick forrests. The Provinces have very little industry, and instead the cleared land is dedicated mostly to farming. Cities are small and scarce, and instead villiages and small towns are more common. Peasants are a common sight, working their lands. Finally, there is the Frontier. The Frontier is composed of the borderlands and outlands, and is of a much harsher climate. The dry foothills of the Imperial Mountains and the freezing tundras of the north being key examples. Also part of the frontier are the eastern borderlands, which themselves are known for being dry and bare, with only a few major towns. The flat lands of the frontier are known to be covered in ruins of castles and manors from days of old, some of which are still inhabited by impoverished nobles.

The Territories, on the other hand, are mostly tropical, with warm, wet winters and summers. Small, effiecient forts and towns cover the islands. Large farms of peasants (both Tharran and of native descent) produce great amounts of revenue and products for national export. Also, towns in the territories are centers of industry, with rescources being harvested and refined there.

Tharra has many exportable natural resources, including petroleum, gold, silver, and other precious metals, minerals (such as iron), and timber. However, uranium production has greatly aided the Tharran economy, and is the main national export. Major imports include diamonds and other minerals which are not native to the Principality. The territories also contain heavy amounts of gold ore and petroleum products, as well as agricultural products such as coffee.

Government

Tharra is legally a constitutional monarchy. In practice, however, the Prince weilds a great deal of power, some of which is de facto, and some of which is constitutional. The Constitution of Tharra was first introduced after the formation of the Principality, and continues to remain in force to this day.

The Prince

The Sovereign Prince of Tharra is head of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, as well as being Head of State. According to the constitution, all government bodies act in his name, with his influence and control upon them varying, according to situation and organ of government.

The Prince's powers include the right to declare war and peace, to veto all legislation, to dissolve the National Assembly at will and call for reelections, to appoint the Prime Minister, to appoint all government ministers and officials, to award dignities and honors, to grant pardons and commute sentences, to deport foreigners, to mint coinage, to act as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, to declare a state of emergency, and to act as representitive of the nation. The Prince is also inviolable and legally immune to all forms of prosecution. In addition to this, no Act of the National Assembly can be passed without his consent, which can be witheld as a veto. The Prince can also issue legislation, within the framework of State Acts, which must be countersigned by a minister of state.

Additionally, the Prince is also head of the princely family. He also has the express right to appoint bishops and archbishops, by papal bull; an important power as Roman Catholicism is the state relgion, adhered to by a majority of the population.

Executive Branch

Cabinet

The Cabinet of Ministers is made up of the heads of each minstry of state, appointed by the Prince from amongst the National Assembly. These men bear the title "Minister of State" and preside over one of the various ministry departments. The ministries include War, Interior, Foreign Affairs, State, Commerce, Princely Household, Finance, and Justice. The cabinet reserves the right to advise the Prince on all decrees (which must be countersigned by one of its members) and to issue status reports on current affairs, acting as an elite advisory body. Other members of the cabinet include an appointed Prime Minister. Cabinets may only remain as long as the National Assembly's term, and are automatically dissolved upon the dissolution of the National Assembly.

Council of State

The Council of State consists of twelve members, titled as "Councillors of State". They are charged with advising the Prince, and with reviewing all legislation introduced into the National Assembly. Councillors are usually appointed on an equal basis of spiritual, military, and civil advisors. In addition to these members, the Prince chairs the council, and the heir to the crown is allowed a seat as vice chair. The Prince may also appoint any other members of his family as councillors.

The Prince must consult the council before declaring war, peace, or a state of emergency. However, the council does not neccessarily have to agree with the descision, and its convening for advice can be a simple formality.

Ministries of State

The ministries of state serve as state departments. They are purely administrative bodies, and act in accordance with the will of the Prince and the policy charged to them by supriors. Each ministry administers according to its sphere of influence. The ministries are headed by ministers appointed by the Prince. Ministries opperate at a local and national level, acting in the Prince's name to carry out the state's policy.

Legislative Branch

National Assembly

The National Assembly of Tharra is the principality's chief legislative body. It is unicameral and acts as the source of all legislation and state acts. 600 Deputies make up the Assembly. Of these, two thirds are elected by popular vote in each province, and one third are appointed by the Prince. Deputies serve a term of no more than six years, without limit. National Assemblies can be dissolved early or at the conclusion of six years by the Prince alone, who must then call for elections. Elections are held a month later, with all those above the age of seventeen having sufferage.

Legislation is introduced in the form of bills, which after being reviewed by the Council of State, are reveiwed, discussed, and then voted upon by the Assembly. Those that pass are submitted to the Prince for consent, after which they are either defeated or come into force as Acts of State.

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeals existing in Tharra. The court also acts as a court of last resort on all disputes that are appealed. It is made up of nine justices, appointed by the Prince for life. Justices rule on cases by a pure majority, with rulings carrying the force of interpretation of the law.

Local Government

Local government is divided into provincial and communal spheres. Provincial government is headed by Lord Lieutenants, appointed by the Prince for life. Each Lord Lieutenant acts as an administrator, carrying out the Prince's will. Communes consist of municipal districts, and are under the authority of a Lord Mayor, elected by the commune for a term of six years. He is advised by a communal council, appointed from amongst the residents of the commune's chief city. Local branches of ministries also operate at communal and provincial levels, and oversee the local government.

Demographics

The state religion of Tharra is Roman Catholicism. 96 percent of the population is Catholic. Tharra itself nationally recognizes Pope Leo XIV of the Holy Vatican See as the true NS pope, and considers all others antipopes and heritics. The Catholic clergy are given special recognition and status in Tharra. Minority religions include Protestantism (3 percent) and Islam (0.5 percent). All minority religions are not given recognition or special status, and are as a rule unofficial. By law, all subjects are required to attend one catholic mass per month at the nearest church, on pain of a heavy fine.

A majority of Tharra's population are of Tharran ethnicity (99 percent). All ethnic groups are granted equal rights under the constitution. Literacy rate at 96 percent and life expectancy is at an average of 75 years, though it is often much higher for the wealthy and lower for the poor. Legal adulthood is 17 years, with universal sufferage granted to all adults under the law. Most of the population speaks English (99 percent), though Latin and French are minority languages, given special status under the constitution.

Catholic bishops and archbishops are given special tax exemption under the law. They are also allowed to collect a special tax for the church, called a "tithe". The tithe is collected from all citizens annually, along with all other governmental taxes.

Nobility

The Prince alone may grant noble titles and honors, according the constitution, which he does by letters patent. Nobility follows the continental system, with all legitimate descendants in the male line of a noble bearing the same title as their ennobled ancestor. The noble titles are Count and Countess, Baron and Baroness, and Untitled Noble. As a rule, untitled nobles are much more common, with counts and barons being very rare. Nobles alone are allowed the predicate of "de" before their surnames, as well as the right to bear a coat of arms, to belong to the College of Nobles, and to be exempt from all taxes (save the tithe). The nobility are granted, upon being ennobled, a property endowment in the form of a majorate. These majorates are hereditary, being held by the head of the family, and come in the form of land property or financial estate (such as stock or investment).

All hereditary nobles belong to the College of Nobles, which is a nonprofit, corporate body, which records all members of the nobility, and protects their rights. Each family sends a representitive, who serves for life.

Personal nobility can be granted in the form of knighthood, and does not include a majorate or membership to the college. Personal nobles also do not have the right to pass on a coat of arms or to bear the predicate of "de".

Economy

Economically, Tharra is extremely powerful. Being one of the oldest nations in nationstates, it has managed to develop into something of a superpower. In fact, the economy is quite frightening, when ranked with all the others accross the globe.

While agriculture maintains a larger sector than industry, it is only slightly. The economy is very strong agriculturaly. This is due to the use of agricultural corporations as an economic system. Free peasants work corporate lands. Most of the output is taxed via internal terrifs and then taken and sold nationally, as well as being terrifed and sold internationally by export. Thus, agricultural products are one of Tharra's major exports.

Industry is also powerful. Nobles commonly invest in the industrial development of their lands, as does the state. Raw materials are thus obtained via investments and agricultural revenue (further aiding the economy). Wealthy corporations then invest and develop them, selling them on the nation's free market, and exporting them. Many natural rescources are also obtained and sold, and Tharra is infamous for its free and capitalistic market.

Corporations are granted special tax exemptions and protection under the law. This allows the economy to prosper, with terrifs evening out profits and giving the government heavy sums of money. However, only nationally based corporations recieve privliges, with foreign bodies not being subject to the same treatment. This ensures are positive economic budget.

Military

Tharra invests much in its military. Defense is something very important to the princely government. A career in the military is something advertised by the state, and rewarded well. Pensions are often granted to successful officers, and the pay of a soldier is not by any means lacking.

The Grand Army of the Principality is the main unit of the armed forces. It is charged with external defense and all foreign campaigns. The Princely Navy defends the seas and territories, and also is charged with external defense and foreign campaigns, as well as internal defense. The National Guard defends the internal land of Tharra, and is often posted at or near the frontier. Finally, the Princely Guard serve as the elite troops of the principality, fighting in wars as the vanguard of the Grand Army, and protecting the Prince, with some of its cohorts serving to guard the palace.

The Prince is commander-in-chief of the armed forces. In practice, leadership is often administered to by the departements of state for war and the navy. Leading marshals also have some role in forming military policy.

Links

Tharran Monarchy

Order of the Broken Sword