Difference between revisions of "The Mindset"

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The '''Awakened Star Empire of The Mindset''' is an interstellar economic power situated within fifteen light-years from Sol, and a 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 of over four billion spanning, six systems.
  
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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 Empire, which has recently 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 [[wikipedia:monarchy|monarchy]] and a democratically elected [[Mindsettian Politics|Senate]] of 480 seats. The Mindset is a traditionally libertarian state, with progressive policies in regards to [[wikipedia:drugs|drugs]] and sex. However, many purist [[liberal|liberals]] argue that The Mindset is nothing more than a dictatorship hidden behind the guise of free elections. With a population descended from [[wikipedia:Scotland|Scottish]] emigrants protesting the encroachment of [[Socialism]] into Scottish society, The Mindset is outwardly a devoutly anti-Communist and anti-Socialist nation. However in reality, The Mindset has evolved an economic system approaching that of Communist [[Wikipedia:China|China]] during the early 21st century, where the state controls most industry, but actively supports free trade with those corporations not state-owned. A non-hereditary monarch called the Prime, who is not bound in powers by a constituion, controls the government on a national level. A Senator oversees local government.
  
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=National Information=
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The Mindsettian people are traditionally pacifist, often opposing times of war with mass demonstrations in front of the [[Mindsettian Imperial Palace|Imperial Palace]] in the [[Mindsettian Cityships|cityship]] 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. Since then, the [[Mindsettian Stellar Navy]] and it’s corresponding [[Mindsettian Ground Corps]] have grown in numbers since Mindsettian involvement in [[ESUS]] politics.
  
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*National Titles
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==Territory==
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**Traditional Long Form: The Grand, Atheist Star Empire of The Mindset
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''Main article: [[Mindsettian Territory]]''
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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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{{Image|http://www.illspirit.co.uk/binary.jpg|right|Midna Beta as seen from Earth|Midna Beta as seen from Earth}}
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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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Mindsettian territory is, in general, lightly defended. All but the capital system of [[Midna Beta]] is virtually defenceless bar a local militia force. This is mostly due to the traditionally pacifist nature of both the citizens of The Mindset, and the government.
  
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=Language=
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Mindsettian territories encompass a roughly spherical cone of space ranging from approximately four light-years from Sol, out to twenty light-years. Approximately 0.1% of the claimed space is defended, with approximately 0.0001% being classified as "occupied."
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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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All outlying territories are slaved to the capital system by virtue of the [[Mindsettian Cityships]] being unable to produce sufficient food for self-sustenance. Because of this, the majority of land upon colonised planets is considered agricultural in nature, providing basic food supplies for the cityship populations.
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==The Early Years==
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===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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A breakdown of Mindsettian territory, and their relative populations is as follows:
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<center>
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{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
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!
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!'''Number'''
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!'''Population'''
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|-
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|'''Solar Systems'''
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|1
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|Approx. 3.3 billion
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|-
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|'''Single Planets'''
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|5
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|Approx. 1.0 billion
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|-
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|'''Other Assets'''
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|n/a
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|Approx 400 million
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|}</center>
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===Environmental Issues===
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There are several major environmental issues. Heavy industrialisation and cramped living space upon the densely populated cityships has resulted in water pollution in the form of industrial compounds being leaked into the supply. Reclaimed water processed from waste is often infused with cleaning chemicals such as [[wikipedia:chlorine|chlorine]], which has often been attributed to unhealthy respiratory systems.
  
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=Religion=
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Conversely, the more rural outlying systems often suffer from lack of adequate water supply, pollution of water supplies by animal waste and nitrates. Fortunately, air pollution is not an issue, though extensive [[wikipedia:deforestation|deforestation]] is occurring on HPMS IV due to the jungle terrain preventing industrialisation projects from going ahead.
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==Law==
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==Culture==
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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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===Race and Ethnicity===
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Most Mindsettians 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 [[wikipedia:eugenics|eugenics]] and [[wikipedia:genetic profiling|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 (causation, black, asian and arabic) into the most genetically stable strand of humanity.
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===Mindsettian 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.
  
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==Opinion==
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Those who observe Mindsettians from a more conservative society may consider Mindsettian 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. Mindsettian 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 [[wikipedia:welfare state|welfare state]], and the expectance of citizens to perform civic duties in order to gain free healthcare and education.
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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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===Religion===
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[[Religion]], in all forms, had been outlawed since 2066AD. Those caught practising or preaching within Mindsettian 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, [[wikipedia:Secularism|secular]] education - as guaranteed by the whim of the Prime - and overturned the law, executing all members of the Senate in the process. Shortly thereafter, the Prime formally stripped the Senate of its [[wikipedia:constitutional monarchy|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]].
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==History==
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{{Image|http://illspirit.co.uk/scotland.jpg|right|Map of Mindsettian Territory|Map of Mindsettian Territory, circa 2045AD.}}
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The history of The Mindset is long and diverse, spread across several millennia. In order to aid navigation, the history section has been divided into several subsections for ease of reading. For an overview of leaders throughout history, refer to '''[[List of Mindsettian Heads of State]]'''.
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*'''[[Mindsettian Formation Wars|Formation Wars]]''' (2027-2081) details the drawn out fight for Mindsettian independence from [[Socialism|socialist]] Scotland.
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*'''[[Mindsettian Royal War]]''' (2086-2086) chronicles the rise and fall of a false claim over the throne of [[Mindsettian Scotland]].
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*'''[[Mindsettian Centenary Jubilee|Centenary Jubilee]]''' (2100) deals with the joint birth of the 100 millionth Mindsettian citizen, and the dawn of a new century.
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*'''[[Mindsettian Antarctic Expedition|Antarctic Expedition]]''' (2116-2170) describes the Mindsettian expedition, and subsequent founding of an Antarctic colony.
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*'''[[echo01;]]''' deals with the development of the first conscious Mindsettian [[wikipedia:Artificial Intelligence|AI]].
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*'''[[Mindsettian Mars Expedition|Mars Expedition]]''' (2176) deals with the first Mindsettian trip to Mars.
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*'''[[Mindsettian STL Expedition|STL Expedition]]''' (2254) gives an account of the production, launch and fate of the first Mindsettian interstellar craft.
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*'''The [[Mindsettian Depression]]''' (2371) documents the severe downturn in the Mindsettian economy during the summer of 2371, and the massive changes that resulted.
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*'''[[Prime Pr'Varia Dancos]]''' (3451) is elected as Prime of The Mindset.
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*The Mindset forms the '''[[Extra Solar Union of Systems]]''' (3571).
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*'''[[Prime Nurik Dancos]]''' (4730) forcefully secedes his father as Prime, and implements a new economic model.
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*'''The [[Trinity (of The Mindset)]]''' (5142) explores the demise of [[Prime Nurik Dancos]] at the hands of three sentient AIs.
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*'''[[ESUS Civil War]]''' (Current) deals with the ongoing Mindsettian involvement in the [[ESUS]] civil war.
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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 Mindsettian 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.
  
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=Politics=
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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 neutron weapons inside the massive [[Mindsettian Cityships]] orbiting [[Midna Beta]], killing approximately 300 million people, including [[Prime Nurik Dancos]].
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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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===Composition and Elections===
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{{Image|http://illspirit.co.uk/prvaria.jpg|left|Prime Pr'Varia Dancos|Prime Pr'Varia Dancos}}
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With forty Senators for each Mindsettian 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.  
  
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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.
  
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==Composition and Elections==
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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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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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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 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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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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The Senate itself is headed by a Head Senator, the most current of which is [[Senator Tybalt Origin]] of cityship 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.
  
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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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=Economy=
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===Political Parties===
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==Overview==
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The Senate is currently held by an overwhelming majority by the [[Mindsettian Libertarian Party]] (MLP), with a coalition opposition by the [[Mindsettian Social-Democratic Party]] (MSDP) and the [[National Movement for Democratic Reform Party]] (NDR).
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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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{| border=0 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=2 width=100%
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|-
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! width=10% | Party
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! width=12% | Leader(s)
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! width=65% | Description
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! width=6% | Percentage of Seats
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! width=7% | Seats in the Senate
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|- bgcolor=lavender
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| [[Mindsettian Libertarian Party]]
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| align=center | [[Senator Tybalt Origin]]
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| The '''Mindsettian Libertarian Party''' is responsible for many recent social reforms, including formally recognising non-human sentient species as "people" under Mindsettian law. The MLP styles itself as "Pro-Choice, Pro-Freedom, Pro-Mindset." While retaining little control over national economy, the MLP has exercised adept manipulation of local economies, with conservative spending policies. The MLP favours the current no tax economy of The Mindset, and seeks to eliminate the restrictive Mindsettian stance to religion as long-term goal.
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| align=center | 68.1%
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| align=center | 327
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|- bgcolor=#f0DC82
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| [[Mindsettian Social-Democratic Party]] in coalition with the [[National Movement for Democratic Reform Party]]
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| align=center | [[Senator Francis De Mille]], [[Senator Rupert Cork]]
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| The '''Mindsettian Social-Democratic Party''' and the '''National Movement for Democratic Reform Party''' produced a joint manifesto for the last election campaign, in order to better represent minor parties within the Senate. Leaning left, this coalition is a major voice in the Senate, and is the primary opposition to the MLP. The parties’ joint manifesto describes a politically centrist, [[liberal]] party with the long-term goal of eliminating the Office of the Prime and establishing a full Republic.
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| align=center | 23.3%
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| align=center | 112
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|- bgcolor=#ffe5b4
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| [[Social-Conservative Party]]
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| align=center | [[Senator Howard Baker]]
 +
| The '''Social-Conservative Party''', as the name implies, is a right-leaning party with a strong socially conservative tradition. It supports the restriction of religion, levying tax upon [[wikipedia:pornography|pornography]] and the [[Datasphere]] and increased military spending. Although once a major party, the SCP hasn't been a major threat to the MLP for several dozen elections.
 +
| align=center | 5.4%
 +
| align=center | 26
 +
|- bgcolor=#50c878
 +
| [[Mindsettian Green Party]]
 +
| align=center | [[Senator Charles Brooks]]
 +
| The '''Mindsettian Green Party''' is a fairly generic green party, supporting an anti-war stance, pro-environment legislation, increased civil rights and is in favour of the immediate establishment of a welfare state.
 +
| align=center | 3.1%
 +
| align=center | 15
 +
|- bgcolor=#c3b091
 +
| [[Socialist Reform Now]]
 +
| align=center | [[Max Dimmock]]
 +
| The '''Socialist Reform Now''' Party is a borderline militant socialist party, with extreme left-wing views. It's leader, '''Max Dimmock''', has organised several moderately sized protests against the actions of the Prime. Last election, the SRN failed to hold any seats.
 +
| align=center | 0%
 +
| align=center | 0
 +
|- bgcolor=silver
 +
| Other Parties
 +
| align=center | n/a
 +
| There are many other minor independent and special interest parties in The Mindset, though they are not represented in the Senate by virtue of never taking a seat. Amongst these smaller parties are the Mindsettian Alien Task Force Party, the Return to Sol Party, the Campaign for Religious Freedom Party and the Imperial Union Party.
 +
| align=center | 0%
 +
| align=center | 0
 +
|}
 +
==Economy==
 +
===General Overview===
 +
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.
  
−
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.
+
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 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.  
−
==Primary Sector==
+
−
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.
+
−
==Secondary Sector==
+
−
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.
+
−
==Tertiary Sector==
+
−
Highly developed, highly advanced, highly exported.
+
  
−
+
Recent economic statistics:
−
[[Category: The Mindset]]
+
'''GDP per Capita:''' $39,536.55
−
[[Category: Nations]]
+
'''GDP:''' $175,581,816 million (USD)
 +
'''Consumption:''' $160,129,137 million (USD)
 +
'''Unemployment Rate:''' 2.75% (122,127,500 people)
 +
===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 [[wikipedia:Cold Fusion|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.

Revision as of 02:13, 6 April 2005

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 Awakened Star Empire of The Mindset is an interstellar economic power situated within fifteen light-years from Sol, and a 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 of over four billion spanning, six systems.

The Empire, which has recently 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 Scottish society, The Mindset is outwardly a 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 supports free trade with those corporations not state-owned. A non-hereditary monarch called the Prime, who is not bound in powers by a constituion, controls the government on a national level. A Senator oversees local government.

The Mindsettian people are traditionally pacifist, often opposing times of war with mass demonstrations in front of the Imperial Palace in the cityship 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. Since then, the Mindsettian Stellar Navy and it’s corresponding Mindsettian Ground Corps have grown in numbers since Mindsettian involvement in ESUS politics.

Territory

Main article: Mindsettian Territory

<div" class="plainlinksneverexpand">binary.jpg
Midna Beta as seen from Earth
</div>

Mindsettian territory is, in general, lightly defended. All but the capital system of Midna Beta is virtually defenceless bar a local militia force. This is mostly due to the traditionally pacifist nature of both the citizens of The Mindset, and the government.

Mindsettian territories encompass a roughly spherical cone of space ranging from approximately four light-years from Sol, out to twenty light-years. Approximately 0.1% of the claimed space is defended, with approximately 0.0001% being classified as "occupied."

All outlying territories are slaved to the capital system by virtue of the Mindsettian Cityships being unable to produce sufficient food for self-sustenance. Because of this, the majority of land upon colonised planets is considered agricultural in nature, providing basic food supplies for the cityship populations.

A breakdown of Mindsettian territory, and their relative populations is as follows:

Number Population
Solar Systems 1 Approx. 3.3 billion
Single Planets 5 Approx. 1.0 billion
Other Assets n/a Approx 400 million

Environmental Issues

There are several major environmental issues. Heavy industrialisation and cramped living space upon the densely populated cityships has resulted in water pollution in the form of industrial compounds being leaked into the supply. Reclaimed water processed from waste is often infused with cleaning chemicals such as chlorine, which has often been attributed to unhealthy respiratory systems.

Conversely, the more rural outlying systems often suffer from lack of adequate water supply, pollution of water supplies by animal waste and nitrates. Fortunately, air pollution is not an issue, though extensive deforestation is occurring on HPMS IV due to the jungle terrain preventing industrialisation projects from going ahead.

Culture

Race and Ethnicity

Most Mindsettians 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 (causation, black, asian and arabic) into the most genetically stable strand of humanity.

Mindsettian 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 Mindsettians from a more conservative society may consider Mindsettian 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. Mindsettian 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 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 Mindsettian 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 whim of the Prime - 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.

History

<div" class="plainlinksneverexpand">scotland.jpg
Map of Mindsettian Territory, circa 2045AD.
</div>

The history of The Mindset is long and diverse, spread across several millennia. In order to aid navigation, the history section has been divided into several subsections for ease of reading. For an overview of leaders throughout history, refer to List of Mindsettian Heads of State.

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 Mindsettian 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. This is currently the case with the Trinity (of The Mindset), a triumvirate of three artificial intelligences who detonated neutron weapons inside the massive Mindsettian Cityships orbiting Midna Beta, killing approximately 300 million people, including Prime Nurik Dancos.

Composition and Elections

<div" class="plainlinksneverexpand">prvaria.jpg
Prime Pr'Varia Dancos
</div>

With forty Senators for each Mindsettian 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 cityship 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.


Political Parties

The Senate is currently held by an overwhelming majority by the Mindsettian Libertarian Party (MLP), with a coalition opposition by the Mindsettian Social-Democratic Party (MSDP) and the National Movement for Democratic Reform Party (NDR).

Party Leader(s) Description Percentage of Seats Seats in the Senate
Mindsettian Libertarian Party Senator Tybalt Origin The Mindsettian Libertarian Party is responsible for many recent social reforms, including formally recognising non-human sentient species as "people" under Mindsettian law. The MLP styles itself as "Pro-Choice, Pro-Freedom, Pro-Mindset." While retaining little control over national economy, the MLP has exercised adept manipulation of local economies, with conservative spending policies. The MLP favours the current no tax economy of The Mindset, and seeks to eliminate the restrictive Mindsettian stance to religion as long-term goal. 68.1% 327
Mindsettian Social-Democratic Party in coalition with the National Movement for Democratic Reform Party Senator Francis De Mille, Senator Rupert Cork The Mindsettian Social-Democratic Party and the National Movement for Democratic Reform Party produced a joint manifesto for the last election campaign, in order to better represent minor parties within the Senate. Leaning left, this coalition is a major voice in the Senate, and is the primary opposition to the MLP. The parties’ joint manifesto describes a politically centrist, liberal party with the long-term goal of eliminating the Office of the Prime and establishing a full Republic. 23.3% 112
Social-Conservative Party Senator Howard Baker The Social-Conservative Party, as the name implies, is a right-leaning party with a strong socially conservative tradition. It supports the restriction of religion, levying tax upon pornography and the Datasphere and increased military spending. Although once a major party, the SCP hasn't been a major threat to the MLP for several dozen elections. 5.4% 26
Mindsettian Green Party Senator Charles Brooks The Mindsettian Green Party is a fairly generic green party, supporting an anti-war stance, pro-environment legislation, increased civil rights and is in favour of the immediate establishment of a welfare state. 3.1% 15
Socialist Reform Now Max Dimmock The Socialist Reform Now Party is a borderline militant socialist party, with extreme left-wing views. It's leader, Max Dimmock, has organised several moderately sized protests against the actions of the Prime. Last election, the SRN failed to hold any seats. 0% 0
Other Parties n/a There are many other minor independent and special interest parties in The Mindset, though they are not represented in the Senate by virtue of never taking a seat. Amongst these smaller parties are the Mindsettian Alien Task Force Party, the Return to Sol Party, the Campaign for Religious Freedom Party and the Imperial Union Party. 0% 0

Economy

General Overview

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.

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 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.

Recent economic statistics: GDP per Capita: $39,536.55 GDP: $175,581,816 million (USD) Consumption: $160,129,137 million (USD) Unemployment Rate: 2.75% (122,127,500 people)

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.

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