The County of Worksop

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The County of Worksop
wop2.png
Region: Europe
Motto: Equality in all
Map: wopsmallmap.png Worksop in relation to its neighbours. See larger map for more details
Official Language(s): English (Worksopian dialect, Wassup),Swedish,German, Rivonian, others
Capital: Williamsburg
Population: c.500,000,000
Currency: Rytonian pound (ℓ)
Leader: President Benjamin Theodore Bosanquet
Stats: NSEconomy Pipian XML


A social democratic confederal republic. It is recognised for being a standard-bearer of social, political and economic egalitarianism in the region. The County of Worksop was founded in AD 534, as a tiny statelet, which grew over the following centuries to the accession of neighbouring states.

Geographically, the country is located in northern Europe , bounded by Pascifitonia , Lynndor and Lovisa. The island of Sombria, a territory of Sortain, lies off the north-east coast.

It is currently the United Nations Delegate Incumbent for Europe







The country in brief

Facts

Country name: Formally known as the The Commonwealth of the County of Worksop (CCW), it is commonly referred to as The Commonwealth or, more simply, the County of Worksop or Worksop. Until the referendum held in 2005, the country's formal title was the Allied States of the County of Worksop.

Government type: Confederal Republican Commonwealth

Capital of the Nation: Williamsburg

Administrative divisions: 12cantons - Worksop, Rivonian Republic, Floretia, Osberton, Landgraviate of Newcastle, Hodsock, Wallingwells, Rhodesia, Shireoaks, Schwarzwald, Klumberia

Furthermore there are 30 communes which act as de facto sub-cantons. The largest is the Forest Weald which 60,000 members. There is also what is the only totally gay commune, Queens.


Nationality: noun: Worksopian (plural: Worksopians) ; adjective: Worksoper

Ethnicity: Worksopians; large international community: Norwegians, Swedes, Danes, Icelanders, Dutch, Mongolians, North Africans, Arabs, French, Germans, Swiss, Africans, Germans, Szechwan Chinese, Lebanese, Pascifitonians.

Religions: Officially atheist, however many religious groups are tolerated - Protestantism (mainly Lutheran and Reform Church), Roman Catholicism, Russian Orthodox, Taoism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, NeoPagans, Amish, Pennsylvania Dutch

Languages: Official:English (inc. Worksopian dialect, Wassup),Swedish and German; minority languages

National Animals: Squirrel and swan

National Flower: Lavender

National Tree: Oak

National Motto: Equality in all

National Day: 16 September (Concordat Day)

International Vehicle Code: CW

National Telephone Dial Code: +324

Internet Domain: .cw

National Flag and Motto

the_county_of_worksop.jpg

The 12 golden stars represent the 12 cantons that make up the Commmonwealth and the fact that all are equal. The red field symbolises its social democratic politics. The flag was officially adopted when the nation became a Commonwealth in August 2005.


The national motto, Equality in All, has a dual meaning both referring to the equality of the cantons, and of the equality of its people as individuals.


Public Holidays

16 September - Concordat Day

National Anthem

Les Airs de Trompettes, Timbales et Hautbois, by Jean-Baptiste Lully

The national anthem has no words.



History of The Commonwealth

Early days

The town of Worksop (modern day City of Worksop)(popularly known as 'Muddy Worksop')was originally a small market town set in the valley of the River Ryton, traditionally a favoured refuge for travellers, traders and the dispossessed. The town declared independence in c. AD 500 in order to escape the punitive taxation and exploitation by the Nordbrensian aristocracy. Originally a monarchy whose first king was Osgert I, it sruggled to survive as an independent entity and was forced into a vassal status. However, neighbouring nations, with similar grievances, sought unity with what was to become the County of Worksop, and entered into negotiations to establish a political union. The famous Rivonian Treaty in AD 534, saw the Principality of Osberton, the Rivonian Republic, and the Grand Duchy of Floretia establish the Confederacy of the Ryton. Initially a highly centralised state, it became more federal with the accession of the Osbertian princely family, the Savilles, in 784, the Worksopian family, the Maraquettes dying out through non-issue.

Empire

The accession of the first Savillian king, Frederick III, saw a steady build up to the advent of the Worksopian Empire (1312-1753). This period saw vast territorial expansions and the development and settlement of numerous colonies. Wealth flowed in to the country and a new class of patricians and merchants was born. They became increasingly restless with their lack of political power which they argued did not recognise their new wealth. A plot was hatched to seize power in 1588, which saw the reigning monarch, Duncan V (Duncan the Fop), deposed and made to ride naked through the market of Worksop and be eventually drowned in the Ryton. The merchants installed their own monarch, Cecil, of humble birth.


Upheavel and war

Neighbouring countries declared war in 1616, to regain their lost territories. Worksop was unable to withstand the challenge after the instability of recent years. Also, the countryside was increasingly disenchanted with the new taxation regime, which saw them pay increased rates, which many believed was being used to line the pockets of the arriviste social classes. Many countryfolk flocked to the invaders and rose up and deposed the arrivistes who were all but wiped out. Power was seized by the country and towns folk and the empire was formally abolished in 1753.

With the rapid shrinking of the territories of the empire, a period of poverty and upheavel eunsued and the nation was under constant threat from raiders, given the go-ahead by neighbouring states. A halt was put to this by a mulilateral agreement in 1767,and peace ensued. The Floretian arm of the Savilles was installed, with High King Stephen who had limited powers.


Beginnings of modern times

The ensuing century saw the growth in confidence of parliamentarians and a steady prosperity. It was the hey-day of thought and invention. The monarchy, meanwhile, was seen as inept and reactionary. The momentum grew so that in 16 September 1890, a Concordat was signed on Alþingi Hill by all existing cantons of the Worksopian Republic. It formally established the present day concept, constitution, rights, and the title of the Allied States of the County of Worksop


The key provisions were:

1: A written constitution, bill of rights, and articles of confederation

2: Abolition of the monarchy and replacement by a president

3: Adoption of a Confederal Republic inorder to disperse power

4: Inclusion of Allesmansratten (Everyman's right) of access to the land

5: Replacement of principle of land ownership with one of land custodianship

6: Abolition of land sales

7: All citizens are equal

8: Abolition of all segregation

9: Assumption of full adult rights and responsbilities at age 16, including the right to vote and stand for public office

10: Enshrinement of the concept of Tough liberalism in domestic, foreign and defence policy

Modern Times

Traditional African non-hegemony

The adoption of the non-hegemonic state form of government in 1969, common in many parts of pre-Colonial Africa, is a radical departure for the region and is unique in Europe. The principle allows for a fluidity of persons and a porous border that is easy to cross. If Worksopians wish to release themselves of governmental authority, simply moving further outwards from the centres of power decreases the influence of the state. However it is only the official recognition of a situation that has always existed since the state's inception and recognises the limits to any central government's authority. It has been particularly favoured by the communes and the 'Back to Earth' movement, as part of the tradition of the independent spirit. Far from large areas of the country being 'lawless', it has engendered greater cooperation and civility, as well as a genuine sense of independence. It has led to the nick-name of the Vandringnationen or The Wandering Nation.


Constitutional Revision, 1969

The Concordat of 1890 was revised to bring it up to date. Key inclusions were:

1: Lowering the age of sexual consent to 15 years of age, but with marriage remaining at 16

2: Equalisation and legalisation of same-sex marriages

3: Adoption of non-hegmony at national government level

4: The 40% Rule in forest plantation (i.e. 40% of each canton must be forested)


The Commonwealth

A national referendum was held on 24 August 2005, due to popular demand, to decide the name of the country. Many had felt that the old title Allied States did not sufficiently represent the modern day reality of the nation. A massive 87% of the electorate voted to approve the change of the name to the Commonwealth of The County of Worksop with immediate effect. The current flag was also adopted on this date.

Government and Politics

Head of State

Benjamin Bosanquet
http://img.photobucket.com/
Birth-Death
1960-
Office
President of the Commonwealth of the County of Worksop, 2005 -
Predecessor
Maximillian McConnigal 1981 - 2005
Sucessor

Confederal President: Benjamin Bosanquet, Eighth President of the Nation, First President of the Commonwealth.

The President performs a ceremonial role but has real power in defence of the Constitution and is referred to as Defender of the Concordat, as ratified by the Concordat of 1890 (and the 1969 Revision). The official residency of the president is Welbeck Lodge, in the capital, Williamsburg, though there are official lodges in each of the cantonal towns. Presidential elections are held every 7 years, unless parliament impeaches the holder in cases of high crimes and misdemeanours, under its supportive role as Defender of the Concordat. The current president was elected on 25 August 2005, after the death of the seventh president, Maximillian McConnigal, who held office 1981 - 2005. The new president was immediately plunged into a national crisis that effected the whole of Europe within days of his election on 26 August 2005. The short-lived Great Emergency saw a Coalition of the All Talents formed in which the most senior national and cantonal heads met to provide unified leadership and government.

Anyone form the age of 18 can enter as candidate for the presidency and there is no requirement of political party membership.


AWDS_priory25.jpg

The Presidential Palace and grounds

Head of Government

Confederal Prime Minister: Darren Fletcher (SDP)(since 1999)

The Prime Minister is head of goverment and usually head of the governing party or largest party in the coalition. This is not necessarily the case as in the Red-Green Coalition of 1992-1999, which saw the Green Leader, Paul MacDhomniall as Prime Minister despite being the junior party leader. The Prime Minister acts as a chairman of the Collegiate, or cabinet, and has essentially to hold an 'even keel' as all central government decision making is done on a collegiate basis. However, he/she is singularly responsible for any acts of the collegiate.

Vice Prime Minister (VPM)- Mrs Bet Lynch(Green)


Government is divided in to 3 tiers -


  • Confederal Government
  • Cantons
  • Communes


  • Confederation

The Collegiate and executive government

The Collegiate, or cabinet, is comprised of senior member of the national party/parties that win any national election, plus the heads of the cantons (burgers). The communes are represented by a delegation of 3 which is chosen by a Grand Council of the Communes. All decisions pertaining to national goverment are taken or discussed at Collegiate meetings held twice weekly. The collegiate is answerable to parliament, from which it is granted its executive powers.

Legislative government - Congress

Congress is elected by a proportional system every 5 years. It sits in Williamsburg for 45 weeks from 9am - 5 pm on weekdays. There are 150 members, or MP's, which represent each of the cantons depending on the size of their populations. Currently, 6 political parties are represented and there are 20 independent MP's. The communes are represented by delegates (DP's). Congress is unicameral and is semi-circular. Sessions are presided over by the Overseerwho is selected from amongst members. Congress is the sovereign confederal political body in the land, ultimate sovereignty lying with the public. The Collegiate (cabinet) is entrusted with executive powers but is answerable to parliament. All decisions are taken openly, with no secret committees. All proceedings of parliament are broadcast on TV and Radio. Members of the public can attend sessions and watch from the public gallery. On certain occasions, private citizens may address congress and seek to debate in the chamber (Open Sessions) or in the open air on Alþingi Hill.

With the nation's accession to the UN Delegacy on 29 August 2005, the UN Delegacy Council was established to facilitate operations. The Council is elected by Congress. A representative sit in the Collegiate.

HUISTENBOSCH-ROYALPALACE.jpg

Congress Palace


  • Cantons

Cantonal Assemblies and Government

These are small and tend to wield more concentrated power due to the difficulty that the terrain presents in being able to govern. Each canton has its own laws and there are often wide differences between even neighbours. Each assembly is headed by a burger who is required to implement national laws and report issues to the national collegiate.


The Cantons and their dates of accession

Canton Accession

  • Worksop - 534
  • Rivonian Republic - 534
  • Osberton - 534
  • Floretia - 783 (broke away from Rivonian Republic)
  • Landgraviate of Newcastle - 1042
  • Schwarzwald - 1100
  • Hodsock - 1186
  • Wallingwells - 1186
  • Shireoaks - 1399
  • Klumberia - 1413
  • Rhodesia - 1930



  • Communes

Communal Government

Communes exist within cantons and are, to all intents and purposes, sub-cantons. They are the most democratic of the 3 tiers. The annual Grand Council of the Communes meets to elect delegates to the national parliament. Any commune has the right to establish itself as and when wanted but must be officially registered.

Elections

National elections are usually held every 5 years and members are returned by a proportional representation system. There is provision for early elections according to referendum if 51% of the population vote for it. The same is accorded to MP's /DP's. Government is usually a coalition of partners and it is rare for a single party to wield complete power.

Cantonal elections are also held around every 5 years but they always come half way through a term of the national parliament. The Cantons are much more centralised in government, therefore the same ease of requesting early elections via referendum do not always apply, but it depends on the internal laws of each canton.

Communal elections are the least restrained of the three and occur on a more irregular basis. All members have a great input into decision making and they tend to be more active than many members of the public in national/cantonal elections. All communes have their own rules and they are free to pursue their goals as long as they abide by the Concordat and its amendments.



Political Parties

Social Democrats - A governing party, established 1891. A left of centre party. The largest party in terms of membership and votes. Current leader and Prime Minister: Rhisiart Ap Gwilym

Green Party- A growing movement. Increasing influence. Current leader: Paul MacDhomniall

Libertarian Party- Anti-state. Prime influence behind the forest and agrarian communal movement during the 1960's.

Conservative Party- The former governing party from the Concordat of 1890 until 1950. Now a small party, it ranks fourth in terms of votes. Current Leader: Vigdis Flotadottir

Restorationists - Seeks to restore the monarchy. Disputes over which family should retake the throne, though the likely candidate would be the self-styled Fréderick XXVIII of the Guđrunsson dynasty.


Judiciary

The law-making branch of government is divided between into the Confederal Central Courts and Cantonal Courts.

The central court is based in Williamsburg with Circuit Courts in all cantons.

A Justice of Court is selected by the Congress and appointed by the president. He/she holds office for 7 years. Under the Justice are a Conclave of 10 judges (representing each canton), who deliberate on issues that come within their remit.


The circuit courts are based on similar principles but vary according to the local tradition.

As far as possible, justice is served by the cantons while the central court retains a role primarily for resolution of disputes. The state takes on a conciliation role and will only step in if this is useless such as instances where confusion and division at cantonal level are likely.

In accordance with the Tough Liberalism principle, the state favours rehabilitation and counselling. In serious cases (murder, rape, etc), the guilty are imprisoned but are required to undergo redirective therapy to alter the behaviour of those involved. Executions are prohibited.


Current Justice: George Oosterblief JCC


The highest appeals court in the land is the national Congress.

The highest judge in the land is the president, in line with his role as Defender of the Concordat, however this is rarely called upon except in cases where both the central court and Congress have failed to resolve an issue.


Foreign Policy

Worksop seeks to pursue friendly relations and alliances with all willing nations. It is a purposefully non-aggressive country. The propogation of equal rights and egalitarianism is a prime component of its foreign relations.

Citizenship is granted automatically as soon as a person crosses the borders into the confederacy. If a foriegn-born person has a crime alleged against them by a Worksopian or by a foreign state, they are tried in Worksop's judicial system and are never repatriated to their birth-land.


Membership of Alliances and Organisations

Worksop is currently a member of the United Nations, European Union, The Socialist Alliance, Red Cross, European Union For Historical Preservation, Group of Small Powers and the European Economies for Progress. The Commonwealth became the UN delegate on behalf of Europe on 29 August 2005.

International Relations

The Commonwealth has dealings with many nations in Europe in its various capacities, whether as UN Delegate Incumbant, or in its other international roles. It maintains a strictly independent line.

Relations with members of the The Socialist Alliance and similar 'progressive' nations are healthy and it regards these nations as reliable, even though it has been known to have a divergence of views in line with its fierce independence. It has especially had close dealings with New Amargosa, Tharlia, and Monkecia (although it is not in favour of Monkecia's goal of a united socialist nation).

Worksop formally applied to join the Democratic Progressive Union (DPU), but its membership of the Socialist Alliance was deemed as ruling membership of the DPU out. The government, whilst applauding progressive politics, views the DPU with slight suspicion especially over its openness.

There are a small number of right-leaning nations where relations are internationally known to be hostile particularly over the issue of the role of the United Nations. Principly these nations are: Twente, Venice, Rokolev, Capitollium, Hugoland, Daracnia, Wazistan, Serbovia and Azores. An invtitation to thaw relations with these nations was issued by the government in September 2005 based upon appeals to "shared ground" and in the "interests of Europe". The invitation was declined prompting the government to classify relations with these nations as 'dormant'.

Worksop continues to view certain hot-spots within Europe, especially the invasion of Xheng by Kiev, and the aggressive stance of Cidonia and Mendesia as worrying and continues to press for calm.

United Nations

The Commonwealth succeeded the brief tenure of Arthuria-Elizabetia to the position of 'UN Delegate' on 29 August 2005. It embarked on a policy of activism and glasnost in its role, preferring to see itself as a chairperson and a custodian of the collective will of UN member states, and opening up the decision making to member nations and empowering them. Worksop's accession was immediately seized upon by a group of non-UN states (see International Relations above) who argued that they had legtimacy in having influence on internal UN decisions which they had enjoyed under their ally, Nendeln and resented their continued exclusion. They executed a campaign to destabilise the UN and call into question the credentials of Worksop, Arthuria-Elizabetia, and Oltcita over the issue of endorsement swapping. This was repelled and defeated vociferously by Worksop and others. After the initial acrimony, Worksop was successful and the UN continued in its business unhindered.


Worksop's UN Mission Statement, 29 August 2005

1. To include as many UN members in active decision making by seeking their views as part of collective decision making.

2. To broaden the scope of participation and accuracy of the will of UN member nations by increasing membership of opinion-gathering mechanisms.

3. To inform UN members of their rights.

4. To communicate the belief that the delegate is a vessel through which the collective will of UN members can be expressed in its voting, rather than the idea that the delegate is a solely powerful nation with rights to dictate its own will.

5. To continue the exclusion of non-UN members from UN internal affairs.

6. To rigourously defend the interests of the UN and its member states.

7. To ensure that the UN has a full role to play in Europe.

8. To inform non-UN nations and ease the passage of membership of non-nations to the UN.

Defence

Worksop has a small, minimal, but modern armed force which has not exercised in combat since the 18th century. Many of its forces are currently dispatched in UN operations:

The country is divided in to four military districts: Coastal, Central and Mountain, and Eastern near the capital. GCHQ is based near Williamsburg.


The armed forces are divided in to the following:


Main Military

UNDER REVISION


Lesser Military

Landmiesters - Canton - based patrollers

Checkpoint Guards numbering 50, guarding 40 checkpoints and patrolling the border.


Although Worksop is non-aggressive it does possess nuclear warheads.


Worksop is a non-aggressive country and its forces reflect this. However, in accordance with the doctrine of Tough Liberalism as enshrined in the Concordat, the country is prepared to defend itself in times of external aggression as demonstrated in 1984 when there were reports of a land invasion. It has often been popularly referred to as the 'Mouse that roars'. Its defences perform regular manoeuvres, especially for its UN committments. In 2005, Worksop formally sought to purchase new military equipment for national defence and in a limited capacity for its international obligations.


Chief of the United Forces - Commander M.P.W.S.Wilcox,MDWL,DC

Economy

Worksop is an emerging economy in Europe, whose influence is greater than its size.


=== Currency === Rytonian pound (ℓ)


Taxation

Worksop operates a fully progressive taxation system which sees the wealthier contribute more than those of lesser means. The population have repeatedly voiced their support for this system, including those on whom the burden falls more heavily. Tax is worked out by the cantons, not the state, and a proportion of between 60% and 70% of it is transferred to the national Treasury.


Society and People

Censuses are taken every 10 years. However, due to the Non-Hegemonic State, official figures are not accurate due to a constant influx of people from outside the nations borders. Citizenship is granted in law automatically to foreign national as soon as a person physically crosses the borders into the confederacy, if their intent is to remain in situ. All Worksopians are accorded full adult rights at age 16 (though sexual rights are accorded at the age of 12, but this excludes religious or humanist marriage)


Social Structure

The Commonwealth's people and their customs, language and ethncity, are determined by the topology of the country. There are many people who live in towns or villages in remote areas,which are not easily accessible. High ridges, vast expanses of heath, forest and mountain, have allowed the separateness of identity to develop over the centuries that the Commonwealth is renowned for. The advent of modern communications has helped to break down barriers and unite the country, however there are still many areas that have resisted the intrusion of modernity and retain their old customs.

National Health Service

The health service is a typical 'cradle to grave' organisation. Private health care is minimal. The people seem to be supportive of the service. Prescription charges are non-existant as the cost of health care is funded by the progressive taxation system.


Languages

There are several official languages English,Swedish and German amongst them. All children are required to learn 3 European languages from age 5 - usually German, French and Italian. Pupils are required to learn at least two other languages from age 12.

== Education == Elementary School - 5-11; Middle School - 11-13; High School - 13-16; Further Education - 16-18.

Of the total 5-16 year old population, 75% are in state schools; 20% in communal schools (affilated to state schools); 5% home schooling. The trend is expected that home schooling will reach 15-20% by 2012.

There are 30 further education colleges (2005) for anyone over the age of 18. At the university level, there are 5 establishments (2005).


Media

There are 4 national TV stations and 7 independent stations; 4 national radio stations and 26 independent stations; 10 national newspapers, 1 each in the cantons (10), 6 commune newspapers.


Tourism

Worksop is noted for as a tourist hotspot. Especially popular are mountain holidays and hiking in the south.


Transportation

There is a modern transport infrastructure that reduces the need for road transport. The Transalliance Motorway, cuts through the centre of Worksop and links the capital with the central cantons. A monorail (mono) carries passengers as does the Williamsburg City Subway. Railway transport is extensive, efficient and modern and is fully utilised for transporting heavy goods. Transportation is more difficult in the remote mountainous areas of the south where there are often no roads and travel has to be conducted on foot. Established in 1963, a helicopter service is available for citizens in the south and eastern areas and has proved popular and profitable. Access to southern neighbours is via traditional routes through several limestone gorges. Several tunnels were built to ease travel in the 1860's, especially the Newcastle Tunnel and the Schwarzwald Tunnel. There are one major airport (Hugoweg International) and 9 cantonal airports (Schwarzwald doesn't have one as the terrain is too mountainous).


Geography, Geology and Topography

Map of The Commonwealth of the County of Worksop

To be updated.


Climate

Western European and Alpine. The mountains of the north and the south along the southern border can be bitterly cold. The interior is temperate and mild.

Terrain

The country is one of distinct contrasts.

The south is dominated by mountains, foothills, gorges and coniferous forests. It is here that the Schwarzwald Lakes are situated. The foothills are common for Alpine dairy farming.


The centre of the country features the main river, Ryton and is largely undulating and mild. Parts of this region are floodplain, and have been utilised in recent years for rice production.

The east is popularly referred to as the 'The Wastes' or 'Hansel and Gretel Country' as it is primarily thick forests. Here many commune workers live, many cut off from main stream society, as well as the individual farmsteads that have been in the same families for generations. It was areas like this that inspired the artist Caspar David Friedrich.

The north is noted for the Spine Mountains which arch norwards, and vast expanses of heath and bog. It is largely unproductive agriculturally.


Elevation extremes:

Lowest point: Rivonian Depression, -2m below sea-level

Highest point: Gruëtzi Mountain, 1,300m above sea-level

The Cantons

Worksop: A heavily urbanised canton and which has the most ethnic diversity of all. It includes most of the country's industry.

Rivonian Republic: Rural, and located on the rich Ryton river valley. Often referred to as a quintessential idyll.

Floretia: A large canton, 87% forest, largely impassable. The south is broken up into long valleys separated by mountain chains.

Schwarzwald: Mountainous and isolated. The foothills noted for wine growing.

Osberton: A Ryton river canton, similar to the Riverine Republic

Landgraviate of Newcastle: Vast parkland and forests.

Hodsock: Undulating countryside. Many farmsteads.

Wallingwells: The smallest canton, on the north western extremes. Noted for its artesian springs. Cut off from much of rest of the country by thick forests and hills.

Rhodesia: A small canton. Semi-industrial and highly urbanised. Largely surrounded by Shireoaks canton.

Shireoaks: Heaths and isolated villages.

Klumberia: Lakes and foothills


Natural resources

Worksop is blessed with large coal reserves, though in recent years this is being wound down in favour of natural energy sources, especially wind turbines. It is expected that all households and other buildings will be required to have solar panels to generate a proportion of requirements. The river system has been utilised for hydroelectricity. In many of the remoter areas wood burning is still common.