Difference between revisions of "The Mindset"

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| colspan="2" | <small>'''National motto:''' The mind is the greatest weapon of all.</small>
 
| colspan="2" | <small>'''National motto:''' The mind is the greatest weapon of all.</small>
 
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|- align=center valign=top
| colspan="2" | <small>'''National anthem:''' [[Mindsettian National Anthem|Power to Us]]</small>
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| colspan="2" | <small>'''National anthem:''' [[Mindsetti National Anthem|Power to Us]]</small>
 
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| '''Capital'''
 
| '''Capital'''
| [[Mindsettian Territory|Midna Beta]]<br><small>Approximately 14.5ly from Sol.</small>
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| [[Mindsetti Territory|Midna Beta]]<br><small>Approximately 14.5ly from Sol.</small>
 
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| '''Largest&nbsp;city'''
 
| '''Largest&nbsp;city'''
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The '''Awakened Star Empire of The Mindset''' is an interstellar power, and a member of the [[Extra Solar Union of Systems]]. Usually known simply as '''The Mindset''', or inaccurately, as '''Mindset''', The Mindset is composed of five constituent [[Mindsettian Territory|solar systems]]. Three of these systems--Barnard's Star, BD Gliese 229 and HPMS--are often considered semi-autonomous, aligned only with The Mindset through an elected planetary representative to the [[Mindsettian Politics|Mindsettian Senate]]. The other two systems, Midna Beta and Wolf 329, are more heavily defended seats of power, being the capital system and a military outpost respectively. The Mindset also holds claims over a number of other minor territories. See the main article, [[Mindsettian Territories]], for more detail. The Empire, which formerly suferred the tyranical rule of [[Prime Nurik Dancos]], who illegally stole power from his father, [[Prime Pr'Varia Dancos]], is slowly recovering from a decade of mismanagement. It is a highly developed space nation, with a non-heriditary [[Wikipedia:monarchy|monarchy]] and a [[Wikipedia:democracy|democratically]] elected Senate of 480 seats. After the death of [[Prime Pr'Varia Dancos]], the economy briefly slowed, and anarchy began to grip as funds were shunted from many public industries to fund an expansive military upgrade. The current leaders are attempting to recify the disasterous mismanagement of the the previous Prime.
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The '''Eternal Empire of The Mindset''' is an interstellar economic power situated approximately fifteen light-years from Sol, and is the founding member of the [[Extra Solar Union of Systems]]. Usually known simply as '''The Mindset''', or inaccurately as '''Mindset''', The Mindset is composed of a highly educated population approaching seven billion.
  
=National Information=
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The Empire, which in the past has suffered decades of economic mismanagement under the tyrannical rule of [[Prime Nurik Dancos]], is a highly industrially developed space-based nation with a non-hereditary monarchy and a democratically elected Senate of 480 seats. The Mindset is a traditionally libertarian state, with progressive policies in regards to drugs and sex. However, many purist liberals argue that The Mindset is nothing more than a dictatorship hidden behind the guise of free elections.
  
*National Titles
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With a population descended from Scottish emigrants protesting the encroachment of Socialism into their society, The Mindset is an outwardly devoutly anti-Communist and anti-Socialist nation. However, in reality, The Mindset has evolved an economic system approaching that of Communist China during the early 21st century, where the state controls most industry, but actively supported free trade with those corporations not state-owned. A non-hereditary monarch called the Prime, who is not bound in powers by a constitution, controls the government on a national level. An elected Senator oversees local government.
**Traditional Long Form: The Grand, Atheist Star Empire of The Mindset
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**Conventional Long Form: The Infinite Star Empire of The Mindset
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**Traditional Short Form: The Empire
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**Conventional Short Form: The Mindset
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*Population: 4.4 billion, growth of 2.8% per year,
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*Age Structure
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**0-14 years: 18%
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**15-64 years: 66.3%
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**65 years and over: 15.7%
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*Life Expectancy
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**Total Population: 178.27 years
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**Male: 175.84 years
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**Female: 180.83 years
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*Religions: None; organised religion is outlawed
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*Government Type: Constitutional Non-Hereditary Monarchy
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*Capital: Midna Prime, Midna Beta system
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*Executive Branch
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**Chief of State: [[The Trinity (of The Mindset)]]
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**Head of Government: [[The Trinity (of The Mindset)]]
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**Senate: Headed by [[Senator Tybalt Origin]], appointed by majority vote
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**Elections: Senate elected by majority vote
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=Head of State=
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The Mindsetti people are traditionally pacifist, often opposing times of war with mass demonstrations in front of the [[Mindsetti Imperial Palace|Imperial Palace]] in the city of [[M-1]]. For over one thousand years, under the benevolent and enlightened rule of [[Prime Pr'Varia Dancos]], The Mindset did not control any military assets. This time was known as the [[Mindsetti timeline|Golden Age]]. After this age ended, the [[Mindsetti Stellar Navy]] and it’s corresponding [[Mindsetti Ground Corps]] grew in numbers with Mindsetti involvement in [[ESUS]] politics.
The position of Head of State is filled by the current Prime of The Mindset. Traditionally, the Prime is appointed leader of the Empire shortly before the death of the previous Prime. The Prime has ultimate say in the domestic and diplomatic affairs of the nation, and cannot be overruled by the popularly elected Senate. The Senate, comprising of 480 seats, is currently lead by [[Senator Tybalt Origin]], whose controversial pro-religion opinions has often put him at odds with the three Primes he has served. Prime Nurik Dancos had threatened to dissolve the Senate before his death. Senator Tybalt Origin leads the Liberal Party of The Mindset.
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=Language=
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The Mindset's home system of [[Mindsetti territory|Midna Beta]] was consumed by an unexplainable stellar phenomenom in 5068AD. This event has come to be known as [[The Loss]], as it meant over six billion Mindsetti, their homeworld and their star disappeared into thin air in the blink of an eye.
Almost all residents of The Mindset speak English, although many also speak various dialects of Mindsettian which differ markedly from most European-descended languages. Slightly greater than 1% of the population use minority languages in everyday use, primarily on the less developed worlds of the Empire. Almost all minority language speakers also speak fluent English.
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=History=
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==Origin and History of Name==
==The Early Years==
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'''The Mindset''' is derived from a philosophical book published in 2009AD by [[Prime Brett Dorrans]]. It detailed a system of logic upon which the foundation of Mindsetti law remains based upon to this day. Though the book does not survive in complete form, fragments of the original text are stored in the Imperial Palace, and are a popular tourist destination. The Office of the Prime was established in accordance with the laws written in the book; in this way, some have compared it to Plato's ''Republic'' in that it was intended to describe a utopian society. Admittedly, the utopia envisioned by Brett Dorrans has not yet come into power (though scholars have argued that the Golden Age equates to this utopia), but the Office of the Prime bears the duty of achieving headway lest their reign be deemed unsatisfactory.
===The Formation Wars===
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====Prime Brett Dorrans====
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On May 12th, 1987, a very special man was born to a country that he would later call his own. [[Prime Brett Dorrans|Brett Dorrans]] was born into a poor, working class family in Central Scotland. During the 1980's, Scotland underwent a severe economic downturn, and his upbringing reflected this. However, as the nineties progressed into the twenty-first century, his mother underwent a dramatic transformation into a rabid Socialist, campaigning with the Scottish Socialist Party for independence from the United Kingdom, and the formation of a Scottish Socialist Republic. Brett, a hard Capitalist, rejected his mother’s ideals, and formed a small company selling middleware AI applications to major corporations. Twenty years later, he was the richest man in the Western Hemisphere, with a total wealth exceeding $800 billion, as he is universally recognised as the founder of modern sentient AI. Retiring aged forty, he forms his own political party, preaching an independent capitalist Scotland. His is successful in local elections, but is thwarted in 2027 as the Scottish Socialist Party is elected to general office, and secedes from the UK, completely destroying the entire Scottish economy in the process.
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====The System of The Mindset====
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Around this time, he finished his first book, ''The System of The Mindset'', a 1,883 page book detailing the answer to every question ever asked, or could be asked, as seen through his system of logic. He rapidly gained several million followers, totalling over one third the Scottish population, and subsequently breaks away from his country of birth, Scotland, and sets up his nation, The Republic of The Mindset, in 2032. He is immediately declared a traitor and enemy of the Socialist State, as he rapidly claims the majority of the Capitalist, industrialised lowlands of Scotland as his own. He is arrested in 2037 in the Mindsettian city Glasgow by Scottish military police, on the charge of high treason. He is found guilty without trial and sentenced to execution the following day. However, Mindsettian operatives successfully infiltrated the prison he was being kept at, and broke him free barely six hours after his arrest. He orders the execution of every Scottish civilian within a twenty-mile radius as punishment for his imprisonment. The day is remembered as [[Bloody Twenty]], and is an offical public holiday of The Mindset to this day.
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====Gaining Ground====
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By 2045, almost 75% of Scotland is under Mindsettian control, with only the outlying islands and some Northern territories unconquered. On March 2nd 2046, The Republic of The Mindset is officially internationally recognised, and is granted a seat on the UN. The Mindsettian capital is relocated to the small island of Orkney, off the Northern Coast of Scotland, to act as a forward supply base to the Mindsettian Army fighting Scottish rebels in the North. {{Image|http://illspirit.co.uk/scotland.jpg|right|Map of Mindsettian Territory|Map of Mindsettian Territory, circa 2045AD.}}
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====The End of an Era====
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May 13th, 2048 is remembered as the day Scottish militants successfully infiltrated a government building, and suicide bombed Prime Brett Dorrans, aged 61. Around this time, Mindsettian territory in the South is lost to English troops, as Scotland appeals to their old allies for help. With no effective leadership, Mindsettian borders begin to shrink under the approach of English and Scottish troops from opposite ends of the country. In an act of desperation, [[Prime David Smith]] seizes power and offers Scottish forces an unconditional surrender. They accept. After a brief period of Scottish occupation, Prime David Smith is forcefully removed from office by a military coup as General [[Prime Privar Dando I]] forms a new Mindsettian government. He is highly respected as a war hero from the Formation wars.
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====Cease Fire Ends====
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Peace with Scotland is broken on December 25th, 2051 as Prime Privar Dando I leads 520,000 men to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, to take it by force. The siege lasts three months, ending in a Mindsettian victory. Scottish airforce begins selective bombing of Orkney, the Mindsettian capital. Troops pulled back leaving Edinburgh with minimal defences. March 28th sees the Mindset receive allied help from France and Germany. Scottish and English forces begin shore bombardment with Cruise missiles. Several major government buildings are destroyed in the ensuing firefights, resulting in the loss of several hundred thousand civilian lives. The citizens of both nations are outraged. With little navy, The Mindset is unable to mount an effective opposing force to counter the English Navy at sea. May 9th 2051 is recognised as the turning point of the war, as The Mindset captures a downed Scottish scramjet. The radio transponder helps Mindsettian scientists crack the encryption, allowing the locations of Scottish fighters to be learned from listening in. Shortly thereafter, The Mindset unleashes a devastating attack upon the northern territories of Scotland. Using the information gained about fighter locations, secret airbases are identified. Thirteen silos across the Mindsettian landscape open at 12:42PM, May 12th. All thirteen targeted military airbases are taken out with six-kiloton nuclear detonations. The English fleet at sea is also nuked, to the universal condemnation of the world.
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====The Fights Heats Up====
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The Scottish and English forces severely weakened, The Mindset claims several key Scottish naval ports, and commandeers several nuclear submarines. On August 8th, Mindsettian nuclear submarines detonate the Clyde military shipyards near Glasgow, using a DDEM (Deep Driving Earth Mover) bomb. Cracks in the shore begin causing large portions of the city of Glasgow to slip into the sea. It is on this day that the Scottish parliament votes unanimously to use their nuclear arsenal "in any way necessary to protect the lives of Scottish citizens." On August 19th at 5:19pm a 6kT thermonuclear bomb is dropped over the Mindsettian city of Aberdeen. 31,279 civilians die in the initial blast, over 600,000 more from radiation poisoning. Protests outside the Scottish parliament in Dundee take place. Barely 24 hours later, 72 Mindsettian airbases along the Mindset-Scottish land border conduct coordinated raids simultaneously along the entire length of the border. The same night, 532,100 Mindsettian infantry storm through the border patrols, and the entire Mindsettian naval fleet moves south. Infantry begins advancing Mindsettian borders, air support taking out all heavy enemy resistance. The Mindsettian naval fleet begins shore to land missile bombardment of the English capital, in revenge for their aiding of Scotland. On December 25th at 2:11PM a 14MT thermonuclear ICBM is lauched from the MNF Katakana nuclear submarine. It detonates over London, killing over 2 million civilians. South England surrenders to troops from the fleet. Infantry deployed almost two years ago encounters a severe weakness in the Scottish defences, and they manage to navigate around enemy main lines, and capture several major cities deep in enemy territory. The Scottish troops surrounded, they surrender to Mindsettian forces. Prime Privar Dando I has ruled The Republic of The Mindset for ten years at this point. He forfeits his title to his son, [[Prime Privar Dando II]]. In an attempt to demonstrate his diplomatic prowess, the new Prime orders a full-scale assault on the last remaining Scottish cities. Sensing defeat is near, the Scottish Prime Minister, Alfred Spoon, requests an audience with the Mindsettian Prime. It is set for a date the following year, so a temporary peace is drawn.
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====There Are No Rules of War====
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The Scottish Prime Minister and the Mindsettian Prime meet at Mindset House, the only remaining original Mindsettian government building on Orkney. After thirty minutes of discussion between the Prime Minister and the Mindsettian senate, Prime Privar Dando II requests that they speak alone. Approximately fifteen minutes later the Prime Minister is declared dead, and the Scottish enemies leaderless. At this point The Mindset controls territory from the most northern point of Scotland to Glasgow and beyond, as well as a substantial amount of southern England. Rebel forces are quickly crushed over the following decade and the last remaining Scottish territories hastily sign an agreement to hand over administrative control to The Mindset. The war is declared officially over after over forty years of conflict. It is the longest war in modern Scottish history. The Mindset grants independence to England in 2071.
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====Aftermath====
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Four years after being granted independence, England and The Mindset sign a peace treaty, and tensions are dissolved. Trading with England begins again, as the reformed EU readmits England, France and Germany after their breach of EU protocol years before. 2081 marks the year The Mindsettian senate votes to restore the original Scottish governmental powers in what little territory they now hold. Scotland is once again declared independent from The Mindset. A loose alliance of the British Isles is drawn up, comprising the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and The Mindset.
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===The First Golden Years===
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In 2078, The Mindset's annual trading profit reaches $2.2 trillion per fiscal year. The Mindset plans first man on the moon attempt, setting the date for the following year. On April 2nd 2079, the first Mindsettian sets foot on the moon. The team discovers that the USA never truly visited. 2081: The first moon base is established. Mindsettian trading profits reach $3 trillion per fiscal year. The year of 2081 sees the independent Scottish democratic government overthrown and a new monarchy is established, with King Galahad at the helm. The Mindset refuses to recognise his authority, and assumes administrative affairs over Scottish territory.
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===The Royal War===
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====An Angry King====
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Angry at Mindsettian intervention, King Galahad begins launching small skirmishes along the Mindsettian borders. Mindsettian military spending reaches $700 billion per year. Conscription is implemented in case of a future war with King Galahad's forces, and the enlisted total reaches 2.5 million. March 19th 2085 sees the sovereign nation of Omz222 officially declare war upon the forces of King Galahad. They later ally with the forces of [[The Sean Empire]], and their combined air forces begin an intensive bombing campaign against Scottish territories. 2086 sees The Mindset become involved in the war, allying with Omz222 and The Sean Empire. King Galahad begins pre-emptive attacks upon Mindsettian military bases. The Mindset commits 120,000 infantry and 4,300 mechanized units to the war effort.
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====A Weakened King====
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After a decade of skirmishing, 2096 sees King Galahad's forces surrender. The second rebuilding of Scotland begins, with the help of The Mindset. Year 2100 marks the birth of the 100 millionth Mindsettian citizen.
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(unfinished)
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==Territory==
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:''Main article: [[Mindsetti territory]]''
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[[Image:binary.jpg|thumb|right|Midna Beta as seen from Earth]]
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Mindsetti territory is, in general, lightly defended. Most claimed territory is in fact empty space, devoid of value, and so the navy rarely sees reason to actively patrol it. This system changes in times of war, where regular patrols are maintained. The most heavily defended territory is by far the homeworld of Midna IV, where the main shipyards are based. As well as planetary shielding, FTLi, orbital and ground based ion cannons, the planet is protected by a wormhole generator capable of spamming missiles across the entire solar system. Mindsetti territories encompass a roughly spherical cone of space ranging from the surface of [[Midna IV]] out for 100,000AU in all directions. Approximately 80% of the claimed space is defended in times of war, with approximately 1% being classified as "occupied."
  
=Religion=
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The Mindset maintains some extra-solar colony worlds, which are slaved to the capital system by virtue of the Mindsetti hyperopolises of [[M-1]], M-2 and M-3 being unable to produce sufficient food for self-sustenance. Because of this, the majority of land upon colonised planets was considered agricultural in nature, providing basic food supplies for the city populations. These worlds are lightly defended in times of peace, but during times of war the planetary wormhole generators are retrofitted to missile spam (in a similar fashion to the Midna IV ones).
==Law==
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Religion, in all forms, has been outlawed since 2066AD. Those caught practising or preaching within Mindsettian space, regardless of the religion or of nationality, are executed as per orders of the Prime. The Senate in 3114AD briefly overturned the law, after a bylaw was granted by the Prime of that time allowing the Senate a say in national matters. The Senate was overruled in this instance, and was stripped of all but local powers.
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==Opinion==
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==Culture==
The majority of Mindsettian citizens (be they living within Mindsettian space or not) are indifferent to religion. They do not mind those who preach outside Mindsettian space, however, they will readily accept the 60,000CC reward for reporting violators of the law. They do not take kindly to having religion "rammed down their throats." Most Mindsettians identify as either officially Atheist or Humanist.
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===Race and Ethnicity===
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Most Mindsettis are biologically descended from ancient Scottish emigrants, and are essentially human bar a few artificial enhancements. For several hundred years, The Empire has practised a policy of compulsory eugenics and genetic profiling to establish the most desirable bloodlines to ensure the genetic purity of future generations. In contrast to the sensationalist tabloid beliefs about the eugenics program, The Mindset has never discriminated against anyone based upon the colour of their skin, their race, or even their religion. The eugenics program seeks to eliminate genetic diseases through selective breeding, and "merge" all races (caucasian, black, asian and arabic) into the most genetically stable strand of humanity possible. As of 5000AD, this program has been utterly successful.
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===Mindsetti Culture===
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The Mindset is renowned for its education system, which by far receives the most funding than all other government departments. It is due to this emphasis on the importance of education that The Mindset has firmly established itself as a nation of enlightened thought and technological progress.
  
=Politics=
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Those who observe Mindsettis from a more conservative society may consider Mindsetti society to be morally corrupt, where only the strong and smart survive, with drugs and sex being exploited at every street corner. For the most part, they'd be correct. Mindsetti culture lays heavy emphasis upon self-motivation and pursuing dreams without outside help. This cultural phenomenon is perhaps best shown through the complete lack of a subsidised welfare state, and the expectance of citizens to perform civic duties in order to gain free healthcare and education.
The Mindset is comprised of two legislative braches of government, the democratically elected Senate, and the Office of the Prime. The Senate has no powers beyond regional administration, and is not able to influence the decisions or policy of the Prime. The Prime is appointed by the previous Prime shortly before death, and may be any citizen of The Mindset. Legally, upon the assassination of the current Prime, the assassin is immediately granted the title of Prime. This was taken advantage of by Prime Pr'Varia Dancos' son, Nurik, who was angry about the succession of the title not being hereditary.  
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===Religion===
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Religion, in all forms, had been outlawed since 2066AD. Those caught practising or preaching within Mindsetti space, regardless of religion or nationality, are executed as per orders of the Prime, under the charge of "Disrupting the National Intellect." Briefly, in 3114AD, the Senate overturned the law. The Prime declared this to be a direct violation of the rights to a fair, secular education - as guaranteed by The Mindset - and overturned the law, executing all members of the Senate in the process. Shortly thereafter, the Prime formally stripped the Senate of its constitutionally binding powers over his office, and created the reformed Senate, with power only to deal with local issues. It is for this reason that The Mindset is officially atheist. Religion remains illegal to this day, upon pain of death.
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==History==
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:''Main article: [[Mindsetti timeline]]''
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==Politics==
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The Mindset is composed of two separate branches of government, the democratically elected Senate, and the Office of the Prime. The Senate as no powers beyond regional administration, and is not granted authority to influence the decisions of the Prime in matters that do not concern local government. The Prime is appointed for life by the previous Prime shortly before their death. Any Mindsetti citizen is eligible for the office. Legally, upon assassination of the current Prime, the title is passed onto the assassin. This was taken advantage of by [[Prime Pr'Varia Dancos]]'s son, Nurik, who was angry about the succession of the title being non-hereditary. At rare times, the title of the Prime is awarded to more than one person.
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===Composition and Elections===
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With forty Senators for each Mindsetti territory represented within the Senate, plus eighty for each cityship (of which there are three), the Senate presently has 480 members. When it first convened on 6th March 2132, the Senate had 21 members. Senators serve for terms of six years; the terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years: each time there are elections in about three worlds for one of the two seats.  
  
At rare times, the title of the Prime is awarded to more than one person. This is currently the case with The Trinity of The Mindset, a triumvirate of three artificial intelligences who detonated neutronium weapons inside the massive [[Mindsettian Cityships]] orbiting [[Mindsettian Territory|Midna Beta]], killing over 300 million people, including Prime Nurik Dancos.
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Before 2142, state legislatures appointed the Senators (an example of indirect election); since the passage of the Ratification of the Prime's Republic, Senators have been elected directly by voters. Senators are elected by their world as a whole; if both Senate seats are contested in one election year, the elections will be separate and all voters will cast votes for one candidate in each of the two races. Because of the staggered terms, this will only occur when a Senator fails to complete a full six year term due to death or resignation, or when a world joins the Empire, in which case one of the two usually serves a four year time. If a vacancy occurs between elections, generally the governor of the world appoints a replacement to serve as senator until the next biennial election. The Senate has the ability, by a two-thirds vote, to expel one of its members. This right has not yet been exercised, although this is partly because many Senators choose to resign before being expelled.  
  
==Composition and Elections==
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The Senate itself is headed by a Head Senator, the most current of which is [[Senator Tybalt Origin]] of M-1. Election as Senator of M-1, the largest population base in the Empire, is automatic qualification as Head Senator. The Head Senator is responsible for communicating the needs of the Senate to the Prime.
With forty Senators for each Mindsettian world, plus eighty for each cityship (of which there are three), the Senate presently has 480 members. When it first convened on 6th March 2132, the Senate had 21 members. Senators serve for terms of six years; the terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years: each time there are elections in about three worlds for one of the two seats.
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==Economy==
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===General Overview===
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The economy of The Empire is generally highly advanced. It is one of the larger (though by no the means largest) economies currently active in space. However, it has been long plagued by a sizable trade deficit caused by much higher levels of internal trade than external. Exports generally consist of hydrogen, advanced alloys and technology. Imports are generally raw materials, food and technology. The currency is fairly strong, and exports tend to make healthy profits in foreign markets, where Mindsetti technology is seen as "unique" and valuable.
  
Before 2142, state legislatures appointed the Senators (an example of indirect election); since the passage of the Ratification of the Prime's Republic, Senators have been elected directly by voters. Senators are elected by their world as a whole; if both Senate seats are contested in one election year, the elections will be separate and all voters in the state will cast votes for one candidate in each of the two races. Because of the staggered terms, this will only occur when a Senator fails to complete a full six year term due to death or resignation, or when a world joins the Empire, in which case one of the two usually serves a four year term.
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The internal market is not taxed, and is highly diverse. Major corporations help fund the defence of The Empire in pittance for a highly free market economy. The primary contractor for the [[Mindsetti Stellar Navy]] is the MUAND Corporation. Corruption is generally fairly low, though the lack of laws governing the growth of companies results in low levels of successful business start-ups. Three major corporations produce approximately 95% of all products consumed within the Empire.  
  
If a vacancy occurs between elections, generally the governor of the world appoints a replacement to serve as senator until the next biennial election.
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===Energy Resources===
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The Mindset draws much of it's industrial wealth from an abundance of raw materials located in a huge asteroid belt formed by the unpredictable gravity tides of the binary stars of [[Midna Beta]]. In addition to this, The Mindset also employs controlled cold fusion technology to obtain common isotopes as a by-product of generating energy.
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===Industries===
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The '''Directorate of Economic Affairs''', as the name implies, directs trade in the name of the Prime within the Empire. It is a large government organisation that is trusted with seeking out and arresting those who do business that is against the law. It is also tied with the [[Central Bank of The Mindset]], negotiating inflation rates, and attempting to control the value of the [[Commercial Credit]]. In agreement with the Prime, the Directorate has not raised taxes from 0% for over three thousand years.
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==Education==
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===General Overview===
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The Mindsetti education system is renowned for it's hard, compulsory and strict practises, resulting in one of the most highly educated populations. The government devotes approximately 17% of it's GDP  to education each year. Education in The Mindset is compulsory between the ages of 2 and 25. There are no private schools - education is entirely controlled by the government, to the dismay of many libertarian political parties.
  
The Senate has the ability, by a two-thirds vote, to expel one of its members. This right has not yet been exercised, although this is partly because many Senators choose to resign before being expelled.
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All Mindsetti citizens are expected to complete a degree level, or equivalent, course before the age of 30. Failure to do so often results in high-unemployability. Heavy emphasis is based upon self-learning and developing practical skills out with the boundaries of schooling. Those children who show exceptional talent will be allocated greater time with a tutor than those who seem inclined to menial jobs. Laziness is not permitted, and is harshly punished.
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===Pre-School and Primary Education===
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From the ages of 2, students are expected to attend a pre-school education course in basic arithmetic and language skills. Between the ages of 3 and 10, children are obliged to attend a Primary learning facility, progressing through seven grades before graduation. Within this time, students will be expected to grasp complex mathematics such as calculus, be fluent in both English and [[Mindsetti]] and understand the finer points of geography, physics, information technology and more. All levels of education are free, provided the student completes a fixed number of hours of "civic duties" (usually five hours minimum per week), usually amounting to tasks such as cooking meals for the elderly or cleaning public places.
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==Foreign Affairs and Defence==
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===Military===
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The Mindsetti military has a long and proud history, but in recent decades has suffered massive budget cuts as a direct result of the implementation of a pacifist foreign policy. Conversely, since the rise of [[Prime Nurik Dancos]], the military has been reinvigorated with a massive cash injection. There is currently a huge rise in military recruits, mostly from lower income families, and those who failed basic degree level education.
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====Mindsetti Stellar Navy====
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:''Main Article: [[Mindsetti Stellar Navy]]''
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The '''Mindsetti Stellar Navy''' is the backbone of The Mindset's ability to project military power across the vast gulf between star systems. Using the latest technology, and the largest machines ever constructed by the Empire, the navy enjoys considerable military prowess. The feared [[Battleforge class]] heavy battleship is stuff of legend, distorting planetary orbits with it's sheer size.
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====Mindsetti Ground Corps====
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:''Main Article: [[Mindsetti Ground Corps]]''
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Though less impressive than a fleet of massive warships, the '''Mindsetti Ground Corps''' is nonetheless one of the most important military assets controlled by the Empire. The Corps are large enough to populate the entirety of a small nation, and are known for their skills in hand-to-hand combat when all else fails.
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====Mindsetti Special Forces====
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:''Main Article: [[Mindsetti Special Forces]]''
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The Mindsetti Special Forces (colloquially known as the Thors) are used to enforce the whim of the Prime, and as such act as internal security agents for all Mindsetti territories.
  
=Economy=
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===Foreign Policy===
==Overview==
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The Mindset, being the founder and current co-Senior Director of the [[Extra Solar Union of Systems]], plays an important role in promoting the ideals of the ESUS, and upholding it's constitution against corruption. Though sharing no formal alliances outwith it's ESUS binds, The Mindset considers itself "friendly" with many nations, including Klonor, [[Central Facehuggeria]], [[Metallinauts]], [[Jordaxia]] and various others.
The economy of The Empire is generally highly advanced. It is currently one of the larger (though by no the means largest) economies currently active in space. However, it has been long plagued by a sizable trade deficit caused by much higher levels of internal trade than external. Exports generally consist of hydrogen, advanced alloys and technology. Imports are generally raw materials, food and technology. The currency is fairly strong, and exports tend to make healthy profits in foreign markets, where Mindsettian technology is seen as "unique" and valuable.  
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The internal market is not taxed, and is highly diverse. Major corporations help fund the defence of The Empire in pittance for a highly free market economy. The primary contractor for the Mindsettian Navy is the [[MUAND Corporation]]. Corruption is generally fairly low, though the lack of laws governing the growth of companies results in low levels of sucessful business startups. Three major corporations produce approximately 95% of all products consumed within the Empire.
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Though not a member of the United Nations, The Mindset sees itself as part of the universe, with an economy greatly geared towards external trade. The Mindset is not interested in spreading it's ideals to other parts of the unviverse, and is slow to provoke, but is often devastating when angered.  
==Primary Sector==
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Four of the colonised planets of The Empire are primarily farming worlds, serving the massive [[Mindsettian Cityships]] of Midna Beta, which have no means of producing their own food products. Therefore, the Agricultural industry of The Mindset is highly important. Mindsettian Law does not permit exports of food, since it is such an important part of Mindsettian civilisation. Despite the level of importance of the farming worlds, they are very lightly defended, with only a few ships patrolling the space around them.
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The Mindset considers itself at war with any nation aligned with the Shivans, or who are anti-[[ESUS]].
==Secondary Sector==
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===Alliances===
The majority of the secondary sector is internal. Very little secondary products are exported, since the economy of The Mindset is highly internal-orientated. This has resulted in fairly sizable (though controllable) inflation over the centuries, though what is exported makes a healthy profit for the economy as a whole.
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{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"
==Tertiary Sector==
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|-
Highly developed, highly advanced, highly exported.
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|valign="top"|
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'''Allies'''
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* The [[Extra Solar Union of Systems]]
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|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|
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'''Formerly member of'''
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* The [[Galactic Alliance]]
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|}
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==External Links==
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[http://www.esusalliance.co.uk/ The Extra Solar Union of Systems Forum]
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[http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=the_mindset The Mindset on Nationstates]
  
 
[[Category: The Mindset]]
 
 
[[Category: Nations]]
 
[[Category: Nations]]
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[[Category: The Mindset]]

Latest revision as of 00:27, 20 June 2006

The Awakened Star Empire of The Mindset
the_mindset.jpg
National motto: The mind is the greatest weapon of all.
National anthem: Power to Us
Capital Midna Beta
Approximately 14.5ly from Sol.
Largest city M-1, ~2.1 billion.
Official languages None; English is de facto.
Government
Prime
Head Senator
Non-hereditary monarchy, democratically elected Senate.
The Trinity (of The Mindset)
Tybalt Origin
Population
 - 5068AD est.
 - Density
 
Over 4.4 billion.
377/km²
GDP (PPP)
 - 5068AD est.
 - Per capita
 
$175,581,816 million
$39,563
Currency Commercial Credit ()

The Eternal Empire of The Mindset is an interstellar economic power situated approximately fifteen light-years from Sol, and is the founding member of the Extra Solar Union of Systems. Usually known simply as The Mindset, or inaccurately as Mindset, The Mindset is composed of a highly educated population approaching seven billion.

The Empire, which in the past has suffered decades of economic mismanagement under the tyrannical rule of Prime Nurik Dancos, is a highly industrially developed space-based nation with a non-hereditary monarchy and a democratically elected Senate of 480 seats. The Mindset is a traditionally libertarian state, with progressive policies in regards to drugs and sex. However, many purist liberals argue that The Mindset is nothing more than a dictatorship hidden behind the guise of free elections.

With a population descended from Scottish emigrants protesting the encroachment of Socialism into their society, The Mindset is an outwardly devoutly anti-Communist and anti-Socialist nation. However, in reality, The Mindset has evolved an economic system approaching that of Communist China during the early 21st century, where the state controls most industry, but actively supported free trade with those corporations not state-owned. A non-hereditary monarch called the Prime, who is not bound in powers by a constitution, controls the government on a national level. An elected Senator oversees local government.

The Mindsetti people are traditionally pacifist, often opposing times of war with mass demonstrations in front of the Imperial Palace in the city of M-1. For over one thousand years, under the benevolent and enlightened rule of Prime Pr'Varia Dancos, The Mindset did not control any military assets. This time was known as the Golden Age. After this age ended, the Mindsetti Stellar Navy and it’s corresponding Mindsetti Ground Corps grew in numbers with Mindsetti involvement in ESUS politics.

The Mindset's home system of Midna Beta was consumed by an unexplainable stellar phenomenom in 5068AD. This event has come to be known as The Loss, as it meant over six billion Mindsetti, their homeworld and their star disappeared into thin air in the blink of an eye.

Origin and History of Name

The Mindset is derived from a philosophical book published in 2009AD by Prime Brett Dorrans. It detailed a system of logic upon which the foundation of Mindsetti law remains based upon to this day. Though the book does not survive in complete form, fragments of the original text are stored in the Imperial Palace, and are a popular tourist destination. The Office of the Prime was established in accordance with the laws written in the book; in this way, some have compared it to Plato's Republic in that it was intended to describe a utopian society. Admittedly, the utopia envisioned by Brett Dorrans has not yet come into power (though scholars have argued that the Golden Age equates to this utopia), but the Office of the Prime bears the duty of achieving headway lest their reign be deemed unsatisfactory.

Territory

Main article: Mindsetti territory
File:Binary.jpg
Midna Beta as seen from Earth

Mindsetti territory is, in general, lightly defended. Most claimed territory is in fact empty space, devoid of value, and so the navy rarely sees reason to actively patrol it. This system changes in times of war, where regular patrols are maintained. The most heavily defended territory is by far the homeworld of Midna IV, where the main shipyards are based. As well as planetary shielding, FTLi, orbital and ground based ion cannons, the planet is protected by a wormhole generator capable of spamming missiles across the entire solar system. Mindsetti territories encompass a roughly spherical cone of space ranging from the surface of Midna IV out for 100,000AU in all directions. Approximately 80% of the claimed space is defended in times of war, with approximately 1% being classified as "occupied."

The Mindset maintains some extra-solar colony worlds, which are slaved to the capital system by virtue of the Mindsetti hyperopolises of M-1, M-2 and M-3 being unable to produce sufficient food for self-sustenance. Because of this, the majority of land upon colonised planets was considered agricultural in nature, providing basic food supplies for the city populations. These worlds are lightly defended in times of peace, but during times of war the planetary wormhole generators are retrofitted to missile spam (in a similar fashion to the Midna IV ones).

Culture

Race and Ethnicity

Most Mindsettis are biologically descended from ancient Scottish emigrants, and are essentially human bar a few artificial enhancements. For several hundred years, The Empire has practised a policy of compulsory eugenics and genetic profiling to establish the most desirable bloodlines to ensure the genetic purity of future generations. In contrast to the sensationalist tabloid beliefs about the eugenics program, The Mindset has never discriminated against anyone based upon the colour of their skin, their race, or even their religion. The eugenics program seeks to eliminate genetic diseases through selective breeding, and "merge" all races (caucasian, black, asian and arabic) into the most genetically stable strand of humanity possible. As of 5000AD, this program has been utterly successful.

Mindsetti Culture

The Mindset is renowned for its education system, which by far receives the most funding than all other government departments. It is due to this emphasis on the importance of education that The Mindset has firmly established itself as a nation of enlightened thought and technological progress.

Those who observe Mindsettis from a more conservative society may consider Mindsetti society to be morally corrupt, where only the strong and smart survive, with drugs and sex being exploited at every street corner. For the most part, they'd be correct. Mindsetti culture lays heavy emphasis upon self-motivation and pursuing dreams without outside help. This cultural phenomenon is perhaps best shown through the complete lack of a subsidised welfare state, and the expectance of citizens to perform civic duties in order to gain free healthcare and education.

Religion

Religion, in all forms, had been outlawed since 2066AD. Those caught practising or preaching within Mindsetti space, regardless of religion or nationality, are executed as per orders of the Prime, under the charge of "Disrupting the National Intellect." Briefly, in 3114AD, the Senate overturned the law. The Prime declared this to be a direct violation of the rights to a fair, secular education - as guaranteed by The Mindset - and overturned the law, executing all members of the Senate in the process. Shortly thereafter, the Prime formally stripped the Senate of its constitutionally binding powers over his office, and created the reformed Senate, with power only to deal with local issues. It is for this reason that The Mindset is officially atheist. Religion remains illegal to this day, upon pain of death.

History

Main article: Mindsetti timeline

Politics

The Mindset is composed of two separate branches of government, the democratically elected Senate, and the Office of the Prime. The Senate as no powers beyond regional administration, and is not granted authority to influence the decisions of the Prime in matters that do not concern local government. The Prime is appointed for life by the previous Prime shortly before their death. Any Mindsetti citizen is eligible for the office. Legally, upon assassination of the current Prime, the title is passed onto the assassin. This was taken advantage of by Prime Pr'Varia Dancos's son, Nurik, who was angry about the succession of the title being non-hereditary. At rare times, the title of the Prime is awarded to more than one person.

Composition and Elections

With forty Senators for each Mindsetti territory represented within the Senate, plus eighty for each cityship (of which there are three), the Senate presently has 480 members. When it first convened on 6th March 2132, the Senate had 21 members. Senators serve for terms of six years; the terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years: each time there are elections in about three worlds for one of the two seats.

Before 2142, state legislatures appointed the Senators (an example of indirect election); since the passage of the Ratification of the Prime's Republic, Senators have been elected directly by voters. Senators are elected by their world as a whole; if both Senate seats are contested in one election year, the elections will be separate and all voters will cast votes for one candidate in each of the two races. Because of the staggered terms, this will only occur when a Senator fails to complete a full six year term due to death or resignation, or when a world joins the Empire, in which case one of the two usually serves a four year time. If a vacancy occurs between elections, generally the governor of the world appoints a replacement to serve as senator until the next biennial election. The Senate has the ability, by a two-thirds vote, to expel one of its members. This right has not yet been exercised, although this is partly because many Senators choose to resign before being expelled.

The Senate itself is headed by a Head Senator, the most current of which is Senator Tybalt Origin of M-1. Election as Senator of M-1, the largest population base in the Empire, is automatic qualification as Head Senator. The Head Senator is responsible for communicating the needs of the Senate to the Prime.

Economy

General Overview

The economy of The Empire is generally highly advanced. It is one of the larger (though by no the means largest) economies currently active in space. However, it has been long plagued by a sizable trade deficit caused by much higher levels of internal trade than external. Exports generally consist of hydrogen, advanced alloys and technology. Imports are generally raw materials, food and technology. The currency is fairly strong, and exports tend to make healthy profits in foreign markets, where Mindsetti technology is seen as "unique" and valuable.

The internal market is not taxed, and is highly diverse. Major corporations help fund the defence of The Empire in pittance for a highly free market economy. The primary contractor for the Mindsetti Stellar Navy is the MUAND Corporation. Corruption is generally fairly low, though the lack of laws governing the growth of companies results in low levels of successful business start-ups. Three major corporations produce approximately 95% of all products consumed within the Empire.

Energy Resources

The Mindset draws much of it's industrial wealth from an abundance of raw materials located in a huge asteroid belt formed by the unpredictable gravity tides of the binary stars of Midna Beta. In addition to this, The Mindset also employs controlled cold fusion technology to obtain common isotopes as a by-product of generating energy.

Industries

The Directorate of Economic Affairs, as the name implies, directs trade in the name of the Prime within the Empire. It is a large government organisation that is trusted with seeking out and arresting those who do business that is against the law. It is also tied with the Central Bank of The Mindset, negotiating inflation rates, and attempting to control the value of the Commercial Credit. In agreement with the Prime, the Directorate has not raised taxes from 0% for over three thousand years.

Education

General Overview

The Mindsetti education system is renowned for it's hard, compulsory and strict practises, resulting in one of the most highly educated populations. The government devotes approximately 17% of it's GDP to education each year. Education in The Mindset is compulsory between the ages of 2 and 25. There are no private schools - education is entirely controlled by the government, to the dismay of many libertarian political parties.

All Mindsetti citizens are expected to complete a degree level, or equivalent, course before the age of 30. Failure to do so often results in high-unemployability. Heavy emphasis is based upon self-learning and developing practical skills out with the boundaries of schooling. Those children who show exceptional talent will be allocated greater time with a tutor than those who seem inclined to menial jobs. Laziness is not permitted, and is harshly punished.

Pre-School and Primary Education

From the ages of 2, students are expected to attend a pre-school education course in basic arithmetic and language skills. Between the ages of 3 and 10, children are obliged to attend a Primary learning facility, progressing through seven grades before graduation. Within this time, students will be expected to grasp complex mathematics such as calculus, be fluent in both English and Mindsetti and understand the finer points of geography, physics, information technology and more. All levels of education are free, provided the student completes a fixed number of hours of "civic duties" (usually five hours minimum per week), usually amounting to tasks such as cooking meals for the elderly or cleaning public places.

Foreign Affairs and Defence

Military

The Mindsetti military has a long and proud history, but in recent decades has suffered massive budget cuts as a direct result of the implementation of a pacifist foreign policy. Conversely, since the rise of Prime Nurik Dancos, the military has been reinvigorated with a massive cash injection. There is currently a huge rise in military recruits, mostly from lower income families, and those who failed basic degree level education.

Mindsetti Stellar Navy

Main Article: Mindsetti Stellar Navy

The Mindsetti Stellar Navy is the backbone of The Mindset's ability to project military power across the vast gulf between star systems. Using the latest technology, and the largest machines ever constructed by the Empire, the navy enjoys considerable military prowess. The feared Battleforge class heavy battleship is stuff of legend, distorting planetary orbits with it's sheer size.

Mindsetti Ground Corps

Main Article: Mindsetti Ground Corps

Though less impressive than a fleet of massive warships, the Mindsetti Ground Corps is nonetheless one of the most important military assets controlled by the Empire. The Corps are large enough to populate the entirety of a small nation, and are known for their skills in hand-to-hand combat when all else fails.

Mindsetti Special Forces

Main Article: Mindsetti Special Forces

The Mindsetti Special Forces (colloquially known as the Thors) are used to enforce the whim of the Prime, and as such act as internal security agents for all Mindsetti territories.

Foreign Policy

The Mindset, being the founder and current co-Senior Director of the Extra Solar Union of Systems, plays an important role in promoting the ideals of the ESUS, and upholding it's constitution against corruption. Though sharing no formal alliances outwith it's ESUS binds, The Mindset considers itself "friendly" with many nations, including Klonor, Central Facehuggeria, Metallinauts, Jordaxia and various others.

Though not a member of the United Nations, The Mindset sees itself as part of the universe, with an economy greatly geared towards external trade. The Mindset is not interested in spreading it's ideals to other parts of the unviverse, and is slow to provoke, but is often devastating when angered.

The Mindset considers itself at war with any nation aligned with the Shivans, or who are anti-ESUS.

Alliances

Allies

Formerly member of

External Links

The Extra Solar Union of Systems Forum

The Mindset on Nationstates