Republic of Sovereign States

""We, the collected Senate of the Republic of Sovereign States, united under a common purpose to ensure freedom, equality, brotherhood, and unity under the principles of merit, justice, peace, and representation, do establish this Republic for the provision of protection during conflict, assistance when in need, and haven during peace. Let this, the Constitution of the Republic of Sovereign States, bind us to these founding ideals so long as the Republic stands.""

- Preamble of the Constitution of the Republic

The Republic of Sovereign States, also known as the RSS and to its members as simply the Republic, is a federal, unicameral, constitutional democracy officially categorized as a multi-colored alliance that was founded and announced on December 1st, 2009.

The Formation
In the aftermath of internal strife within the Imperial Assault Alliance, Darth Andrew of Werbistan and Acheron of Pentastar Dominion joined forces with the intent of creating an alliance similar to their own values and methods of operation. Taking inspiration the example of the first incarnation of the IAA and combining it with lessons learned since then, they at last created a document that would later become what is now known as the Constitution of the Republic of Sovereign States.

Based on the simple ideals of merit, justice, peace, and representation, the Constitution would serve as the guiding light of the alliance that soon followed in its wake. Not long after the signing of the Constitution, and subsequent acquisition of the protectorate support of Nueva Vida, the Republic of Sovereign States was simultaneously founded and announced on December 1, 2009.

Within three days of the announcement of the Republic, an application arrived at Newport Registration Center in the alliance capital of Coruscant. Jericho Malik of Laukes quickly became the first official member to join the Republic besides the membership of the founders, Acheron and Darth Andrew. This trend would continue, and over the course of the next month nine more nations would join the Republic as full senatorial members. This first generation would go on to field several of the first members to serve the Republic beyond the Senate. In example, individuals such as Ezio Auditore, Soran Aerith and Beryne would go on to serve respective terms as Minister of State, Minister of Defense, and Grand Marshal before the conclusion of the year.

Thus ended the first month of the life of the Republic of Sovereign States. In little over thirty days, the Republic had grown from two Imperial outcasts into a close group of nearly a dozen registered members. Things were looking up for the young alliance, and yet much ahead laid in store for its members, things which would test their nerves and their minds, fully putting their ideals, hopes, and goals to the test.

The Expansion
With the advent of the New Year, the Republic looked to begin expanding its horizons. Wary of rapid over-expansion, but also fearful of losing the perpetual ingame race for recruits, the administration of then-Chancellor Acheron decided to put forth its efforts in recruitment and gradual technological development amongst willing members. In large part due to this surge in productivity (spearheaded by then-Vice Chancellor Darth Andrew), the addition of five more members to the Republic was accomplished before the end of January, and another dozen before the conclusion of February.

With a membership total nearing twenty, and its total nation strength increasing past the 50,000 and then the 100,000 mark, the young Republic seemed like it could do no wrong.

Government and Politics
The governmental system of the Republic of Sovereign States is paradoxically complex in its simplicity. The founding governmental ideal of the Republic is the idea of a constitutional republic, as defined as a state that contains democratic elements, but restricts the popular vote from complete control of government actions via protecting minorities, separation of powers, and establishing a set of undisputed rights for its members.

The Republic is a unicameral state, with supreme legislative (and thus executive) power lying in a single legislative "house", being the Senate of the Republic. Decisions are made within the Senate via democratic consensus, which is attained through broad discussions among informed, equally enfranchised members with varied opinions or ideas. During these discussions, all opinions are considered and possibly acted upon, as determined by general consensus. Being a state which exercises trias politica, or "separation of powers", the Republic divides its powers among three slightly overlapping governing bodies within the political system: the Senate, the Chancellery, and the General Ministry. Both the Chancellery and the General Ministry comprise the de jure (in law) executive branch of the government, with the Chancellor being the highest authority therein. The Senate comprises both the de jure legislative and the de facto (in practice or fact) executive branch of the Republic, possessing the ability to override any action of the Chancellery or General Ministry. The judiciary branch is legally nonexistent in the Republic, as most cases of what appear to be legal occurrence either do not exist, or are quickly sorted out via investigatory cooperation between the General Ministry, Chancellor, and the Senate in ascertaining what is fact and what is not.

The Constitution of the Republic
The Constitution of the Republic of Sovereign States is the supreme set of rules for the government of the Republic. It enumerates and limits the powers and functions of the different branches specified within. In the case of the Republic of Sovereign States, it defines the fundamental political principles, and establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties, of the RSS and its membership. By limiting the government's own reach via innate checks and balances of power, the Constitution of the Republic guarantees certain rights to member nations through the Rights of Sentience, the fundamental civil and political rights of all those with membership in the RSS.

Admission into the Republic
""Article I: Admission into the Republic and Rights of Sentience''


 * A. All nations who are willing to subscribe to membership in the RSS are obligated to uphold, protect, and defend Constitution of the RSS in times of Peace and in times of War.


 * B. Upon meeting the following criteria, nations may be accepted into the RSS:


 * 1. The nation is currently neither a legitimate nor an illegitimate (ghost) member of another alliance or organization.


 * ''2. The nation is currently without prior obligation to any alliance, be it peaceful or belligerent.""

- Article I, Sections A-B, Subsections 1-2 of the Constitution of the Republic

If a prospective nation wishes to join the Republic of Sovereign States as a senator, they must first register at the main forums of the RSS (see sidebar for URL link) and post an application in the Newport Registration forum using the prescribed form.

Following the posting of the application, a review of the information provided by government officials will take place, followed by a full masking as a senator of the Republic. Following the masking, nations are required to change their alliance affiliation to "Republic of Sovereign States" and put "Protected by Nueva Vida" in their nation bio.

IRC and forum activity is highly encouraged by the Chancellor and the General Ministry to ensure the representative nature of the Republic is both functional and preserved.

The Rights of Sentience
""C. Upon meeting the aforementioned criteria, the nation shall then be known as a 'Senator of the Republic' and hold all Powers, Privileges, and Rights such that:


 * 1. Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the General Ministry, nor the Chancellor shall make a Law or order which affects one's Right to freedom of expression and opinion.


 * 2. Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the General Ministry, nor the Chancellor shall make a Law or order which affects one's Right to protection from aggression both outside and within the Republic.


 * 3. Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the General Ministry, nor the Chancellor shall make a Law or order which affects one's Right to equal representation and opportunity within the Republic.


 * 4. Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the General Ministry, nor the Chancellor shall make a Law or order which affects one's Right to due process under Republic Law.


 * 5. Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the General Ministry, nor the Chancellor shall make a Law or order, or enter into any treaty with the intention of the suspension or abolition of the Rights enumerated above.""

- Article I, Section C.1-5 of the Constitution of the Republic

The Rights of Sentience are the cornerstone to the community philosophy of the Republic. Enumerated within are the basic rights and privileges of the members of each willing member of the Republic, designed to enshrine the ability to work and play freely and without fear of unjust retribution. Under no circumstances is the Senate to revoke these rights for any reason. Should any member of the elected government violate the Rights of Sentience, then the Senate possesses grounds in which to impeach them.

The Senate of the Republic
The Senate of the Republic of Sovereign State is the most "powerful" political body in the Republic. Composed of every non-government member of the Republic, the Senate is the main forum for all major discussions regarding the internal or external status of the alliance. Any legislation can be proposed by any senator, and votes may be held following a 48 hour discussion period. All votes (with all legislation requiring a minimum 66%+1 majority vote in favor of) are binding and final, and require a similar vote to revoke legislation. The Chancellor of the Republic may veto any legislation that may come from the Senate, but the Senate may overrule his veto by a two-thirds majority vote.

All members of the Republic are awarded the automatic title of “Senator of the Republic” and are obliged to certain privileges and rights found in the Constitution of the Republic. Any member of the Senate may run for higher office during the designated campaign and election season. Every four months, elections for the office of Chancellor are held, while every two months elections for the General Ministry are held. Impeachment votes may be held for any occupant of either the Chancellery or the General Ministry, provided a 75%+1 majority vote is supplied.

All members of the Senate are also obliged to protect and defend both the Constitution of the Republic and the Republic itself during times of war. According to their individual nation strengths, all senators must serve in the defense of the Republic should the Senate vote in favor of war.

The Chancellery of the Republic
The elected head of state of the alliance and the highest position in the Republic, the Chancellor serves an integral role in the day-to-day administration of the Republic's ministries. Granted supreme executive authority second only to a vote of the Senate, the Chancellor's primary function is to direct the Republic on a proper path to greatness and prosperity both at home and abroad. By working hand-in-hand with the slightly less powerful yet still integral General Ministry and his chosen "deputy", the Vice Chancellor, all areas of the alliance may be addressed as specific needs arise.

Every three months, the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor (chosen as a campaign "running mate" prior to elections) are elected by a simple majority vote of the Senate of the Republic. Should the Chancellor be impeached via a 75%+1 vote of the Senate or incapacitated, the Vice Chancellor shall assume the position of Chancellor pro tempore for the duration of his predecessor's term and shall choose a replacement Vice Chancellor in his own stead.

The General Ministry of the Republic
The General Ministry of the Republic is the third highest governmental body in the Republic. Composed of four members, each with an assigned ministry and chosen deputy, the General Ministry enables the undertaking of specific tasks within specific areas of the Republic's structure.

Appointed and organized by the Chancellor, each minister addresses a key area of concern for the future growth, security, and prosperity of the Republic. The Vice Chancellor addresses internal affairs such as forum moderation and the recruitment and education of new members into the Republic. The Minister of State and his deputy address the subject of foreign relations and affairs. The Minister of Defense and the Grand Marshal both administer the structuring and organization of the Grand Army of the Republic. Finally, the Minister of Commerce and his deputy administer the Republic's economic programs, ensuring proper trades are acquired, aid dispersed, and existing alliance strength maintained and expanded upon.

List of Former and Current General Ministries
 * Former in italics

List of Former and Current Deputy Ministries
 * Former in italics Insert non-formatted text here

Society and Culture
Due to its democratic nature, the "society" of the Republic of Sovereign States is very diverse. Member nations are able to maintain their own opinions and views in accordance with beliefs, customs, and traditions and all that may reside therein. Protected by the Rights of Sentience, members may voice their opinions in matters of state as they wish without fear of retribution. Only in instances of misdemeanors (IE: flaming or trolling), felonies (IE: insubordination), or capital offenses (IE: espionage, roguery, or treason) will the government take into legal account what is said by its membership.

"State" Flag
The official state flag of the Republic of Sovereign States details include the ever present black Bendu symbol, representing the many nations that unite to form the Senate of the Republic. The upper diagonal scarlet line represents the Chancellor, while the lower diagonal line represents the Vice Chancellor, and when both combine, along with the Bendu symbol, to form the horizontal line, it represents the unity of the Republic. The horizontal line on top of the flag represents the common purposes of the Republic's existence (freedom, equality, brotherhood, and unity), while the bottom horizontal line represents the principles (merit, justice, peace, and representation) that guide the Republic. The color white represents the purity of our purpose, while the scarlet represents the sacrifices we must make to safeguard our existence.

"Martial" Flag
The martial flag of the Republic of Sovereign States, though much simpler in design, carries the same symbolic connotations as its peacetime relation. With the Bendu symbol symbolizing the Senate of the Republic (and ultimately the the Republic itself) found at the top left hand corner, the flag is primarily white. The white, as in the the peace time flag, represents the purity of the Republic's intents and actions, blameless in the defense of its members. The scarlet bar at the far right hand side once again symbolizes the sacrifice and devotion of those fighting for the Republic, willing to put their existence on the line so that others may thrive. This "blood-stained banner" is the very epitome of the Republic - simple, clean, direct, yet full of meaning and symbolism.

Seal of the Senate of the Republic
In the seal of the Republic of Sovereign States, the black Bendu symbol represents the many nations that unite to form the Senate of the Republic. The laurel represents the goodwill the Republic offers to foreign powers, while the shield represents the duty of the Senate to safeguard the Constitution. The gold represents the primacy of the Senate, while the scarlet, as with the flag, represents the sacrifices in which those under the Republic's banner are willing to make.