POTATO

History
The Purple Officials' Tactical Alliance Treaty Organization, also known by its acronym, POTATO, is an alliance, formed as of July 1, 2006, consisting of members of the Purple team. The POTATO revolves around the group stockpiling weapons and money, so that, in the event of a crisis, they will have quick and flexible means to retaliate. The POTATO Charter (shown below) provides strict guidelines as to how member nations should act, to lower the chances of error. The founders of this organization are Steven Seagal of Y Galaxy Zero (sponsor of the POTATO Charter) and thekidder of Goatseland (second of the POTATO Charter).

The POTATO Charter
Sponsors: Y Galaxy Zero

Signatories: Goatseland, Namreckastan, Kurdistan, Becistan, Palpitatius



Preamble: This document is the Charter for the Purple Officials’ Tactical Alliance Treaty Organization [POTATO]'', dedicated to the protection of the CyberNation realm from rogue nations/alliances wishing to rid the world of good and stability. The nations partaking in this great organization must be willing to go to war for just causes and must show strong opposition to Revolutionary governments and anarchists, who cause massive disorder throughout the planet Earth. Members must also be willing to pay menial taxes, known as Stockpiling Fees, to create a larger and more stable military for the entire POTATO international association.''



Section I :: The Executive Branch
(a.)  The Emperor – Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head is a permanent seat originally held by the founder of the POTATO. His/her responsibility is to give public announcements on POTATO’s stance on various issues. If he/she decides to leave this position, Darth Tater is automatically appointed as the new Mr. Potato Head and elections for a new Darth Tater will be held; the new Mr. Potato Head will assume the responsibilities of Darth Tater until a new Darth Tater is elected. In the event of a tie for the Darth Tater election, Mr. Potato Head decides who will become the new Darth Tater. Also, Mr. Potato Head is the head of the Boiled Potatoes, but does not have a vote within. The person that occupies this position cannot be impeached.

(b.)  The Prime Minister – Darth Tater

Darth Tater is a seat that is to be held for a two-month term. Whoever holds this position is responsible for declaring wars on behalf of the alliance and for being the head of the Stew, with voting rights within it. This member must, generally, be the tie-breaker of many decisions, which are laid out in this Charter. He/she also has the final say as to whether nuclear weapons are to be launched or not; a very important job. Along with the previous statements, he/she is also the ultimate veto power for amendments to the POTATO Charter, although this member is unable to amend anything to it (Darth Tater is only allowed to approve amendments or veto them). Darth Tater is also responsible, largely, for recruiting members into the POTATO. In order to be eligible for this position, you must have been a member of POTATO for a minimum of three (3) years and must have a nation strength of at least 1000.000. There is no limit to how many times you can run for this position and there is no term limit.

(c.)  Minister of Internal and Foreign Affairs – Minister of Mashing (MOM)

Appointed by Mr. Potato Head, the Minister of Mashing is responsible for coordinating attacks on enemies of the POTATO, whether it be upon independent nations or an alliance altogether. His/her powers include the ability to order the launching of a raid (if a war is declared by Darth Tater) of soldiers, tanks, cruise missiles, and nuclear weapons on the enemy forces in times of; it should be noted that the use of nuclear weapons must first be approved by Darth Tater. He/she is also responsible for controlling the flow of foreign aid given to members in good standing that are in need; in addition to this, the Minister of Mashing is also held accountable for keeping track of the Stockpiling Tax Act (STA), which is to be talked about in Article II. Also, this occupation includes the honor of being head of the Mashed Potatoes, although the Minister of Mashing does not get a vote within it. The Minister of Mashing seat is a permanent position. The person occupying this job is allowed to quit at any time and they may be fired by Mr. Potato Head at any time, as well. By obligation, the person holding this position will be the head of the Stew. To be eligible for this position, the member must have a minimum nation strength of 750.000 and must have been a member of the POTATO for at least two (2) months.

Section II :: The Legislative Branch
(d.)  The Council on Internal Affairs – The Boiled Potatoes

The Boiled Potatoes are members of the POTATO Council on Internal Affairs. There are a total of five (5) Boiled Potatoes. They are elected through the public voting procedure and hold their seat for a three-month term. The Boiled Potatoes’ job is to watch over internal affairs, including financial aid, military aid, general disputes between Spuds, impeachments, et cetera. In doing so, they will be able to write draft amendments to the POTATO Charter, when needed, that will go directly to the Freedom Fries to decide upon. In order to run for this position, your nation must have a minimum nation strength of 500.000 and must have been a member of the POTATO for at least two (2) months. The Mashed Potatoes and the Boiled Potatoes make up The Stew. There is no limit to how many times a person can run for this position and there is no term limit.

(e.)  The Council on Foreign Affairs – The Mashed Potatoes

The Mashed Potatoes are members of the POTATO Council on Foreign Affairs. There are a total of five (5) Mashed Potatoes. They are elected through the public voting procedure and hold their seat for a three-month term. The Mashed Potatoes’ job is to watch over foreign affairs, including war strategies, alliances with other organizations, general disputes between non-member states, et cetera. In doing so, they will be able to write draft amendments to the POTATO Charter, when needed, that will go directly to the Freedom Fries to decide upon. In order to run for this position, your nation must have a minimum nation strength of 500.000 and must have been a member of the POTATO for at least two (2) months. The Boiled Potatoes and the Mashed Potatoes make up The Stew. There is no limit to how many times a person can run for this position and there is no term limit.

(f.)  The Security Council – The Stew

The Stew is the top legislative organization of the POTATO, consisting of both the Mashed Potatoes and the Boiled Potatoes. This group decides whether to declare war on another nation or alliance by looking at the internal and foreign effects of their possible decisions. Their final plan, if passed, does not move on to the Freedom Fries, it moves directly to Darth Tater, and he/she chooses whether POTATO goes to war or not. In the event of a tie, it moves directly to Darth Tater to decide upon. The Stew is also the system responsible for impeachment hearings, which will be explained in Article VIII. If a vote within the Stew goes to a tie, Darth Tater gets the final say and vote in the matter. The Stew only gets together when the question of an alliance-wide war has been brought up or if there are reparation hearings.

Section III :: The Judicial Branch
(g.)  The High Court – The Freedom Fries

The Freedom Fries are members of the POTATO High Court. There are a total of five (5) Freedom Fries who hold their seat permanently, unless they choose to leave their position or if Mr. Potato Head chooses to remove them. Mr. Potato Head appoints the Freedom Fries, but the nominee must have a minimum nation strength of 750.000 and must have been a member of the POTATO for at least two (2) months. The nominee is allowed to decline his/her nomination. The decision then moves to the Stew. If 70% of the Stew disagree with Mr. Potato Head’s decision, they are allowed to choose the Freedom Fry/Fries, by a vote in session (simple majority). If Darth Tater disagrees with the decision made by the Stew, a public election will be held for the seat(s). If there is a tie within the Stew’s voting, Darth Tater gets the final say and chooses whether that nominee will fill the seat or not. The Freedom Fries are the only members that are able to amend the POTATO Charter. If a draft amendment is brought to the Freedom Fries from the Mashed Potatoes or Boiled Potatoes, they are able to rewrite it and edit it in any way they see fit. If all five Freedom Fries vote “YES” on the amendment, it moves to Darth Tater, who is then given one week to choose to veto it or to approve it. He/she is allowed to bring it up to the Stew and any other body, although this product cannot be manipulated in any way. If he/she does not approve of it or veto it within the time given, it is automatically passed and becomes part of the POTATO Charter.

Section IV :: The People
(h.)  All Other Members – Spuds

These are the voters. Their job is to submit to all requirements proposed in this document. Their rights and responsibilities are explained in Article II. They can run for the offices mentioned above (a-g) if they meet the requirements.

Article II :: National Rights and Responsibilities
The POTATO respects each nation’s right to advance at its own pace, in regards to military, technology, and so on. We acknowledge the fact that each nation also has total legitimacy to have its own national religion, currency, ethnicity, and government type. However, as it currently stands, the POTATO strongly stands against any and all forms of Revolutionary governments and anarchy, as they provide large sums of instability to our world and the residents within. Thus, all nations wishing to join the POTATO are unable to have these forms of government for their nation: revolutionary government or anarchy.

In addition to the previous sentiments, there are also certain responsibilities all POTATO members are obligated to. Every 10 days, the Minister of Mashing will message four (4) nations in this group (chosen through the alphabetically organized, by nation name, list of associates), asking for a minimum of $1000. This money will be saved for dire circumstances, in case a member, or members, of this body need(s) financial assistance and/or military assistance. The following ten (10) days in which the financial aid is sent to the Minister of Mashing, the MOM will choose the next four (4) members (following alphabetically) and ask them for their pension, and it will work down the list and repeat. This way, there will be a stockpile of weapons and money at our league’s disposal, in case a war has been declared on us or by us. We will not ask any nations under nation strength 50.000 to contribute, to give them time to become a more advanced society; we will do all that we can, in regards to financial assistance, to help that nation pass the 50 mark as soon as possible. Once they’ve reached 50.000, we will then be able to ask that nation to do their part in the Stockpiling Tax Act; this way, more nations are contributing to the cause. The more nations contributing, the longer it will take for your turn to come around again. This way, the organization will gain larger sums of money and you will be able to keep yours longer.

War must be an option for any nation wishing to join the POTATO. Whether or not that nation endorses the usage of nuclear weapons is entirely up to each individual nation and will not be enforced by the POTATO head officials. However, it is advised to notify Mr. Potato Head if your nation decides to purchase nuclear warheads.

It should also be noted that all nations under oath to the POTATO Charter are not able to be part of any other alliance organizations.

Article III :: Running for a Government Position
To be eligible to run for either Mashed Potato, Boiled Potato, or Darth Tater, it must first be an election time in which the seat you are wishing to seek is up for grabs, and you must meet the nation strength requirement and the POTATO membership time limit requirement stated in Article I.

Article IV :: Voting
In order to maintain a fair voting system, all public votes will follow the electoral-caste system. The electoral-caste system gives nations with higher nation strength a greater vote, to give the more experienced delegates a greater say; this will also give less experienced nations the incentive to work harder to create a more advanced nation, thus, earning them a greater national income.

Below is the number of vote points each nation will get, with respect to their nation strength.

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In order to give credit where it is due, this is based off of the voting system that the Fifth Column Confederation uses to elect members into their Assembly.

Note: vote points are different from votes. Every member has one vote, although the weight of their vote will vary by their nation strength.

Article V :: Elections
Two elections are held in the entire election process, over the span of three days. On day one, all members eligible to run for a position may do so, although they may only choose one. They must sign up for what position they wish to run for: Darth Tater, Mashed Potatoes, or Boiled Potatoes (note: some elections may have only one or two of these positions open, due to their different term lengths). On day two, all members that are able to vote can do so, and it is strongly recommended that they do. Day three works differently depending on what position the member is running for.

(a.)  Darth Tater

On day three, the three runners that received the greatest amount of vote points will be the only nominees for the Darth Tater position. Whoever receives the greatest number of vote pointes becomes the new Darth Tater. In the event of a tie, Mr. Potato Head decides who will be the new Darth Tater.

(b.)  Boiled Potato

On day three, the ten runners that received the greatest amount of vote points will be the only nominees for the Boiled Potato position. The five runners of the second election with the greatest number of vote points will become the new Boiled Potatoes. In the event of a tie, the new Darth Tater will decide who to add into the Boiled Potatoes (for instance, if member A and member B are tied for 5th place, Darth Tater can choose who will be the Boiled Potato; if members A, B, and C are tied for 4th place, Darth Tater chooses two members to become the new Boiled Potatoes: one to take the 4th seat and one to take the 5th).

(c.)  Mashed Potato

On day three, the ten runners that received the greatest amount of vote points will be the only nominees for the Mashed Potato position. The five runners of the second election with the greatest number of vote points will become the new Mashed Potatoes. In the event of a tie, the new Darth Tater will decide who to add into the Mashed Potatoes (for instance, if member A and member B are tied for 5th place, Darth Tater can choose who will be the Mashed Potato; if members A, B, and C are tied for 4th place, Darth Tater chooses two members to become the new Mashed Potatoes: one to take the 4th seat and one to take the 5th).

Article VI :: Military Action
Remember: war is a last resort option. Only declare war on another nation when there are no other means to solve your differences in a civilized manner.

Unless permitted to do so by Darth Tater, do not declare war on any nation in an alliance. If they declare war on you, the executive officials will communicate with the leader(s) of the alliance the enemy is part of and get to the bottom of the situation. You are allowed to retaliate with the use of soldiers, tanks, and cruise missiles. The Minister of Mashing will provide you with assistance as needed if you are a member in good standing (i.e. if you have abided to the STA). Under no circumstances may you declare war on another member of the POTATO; if you have a problem with one of the members, mention it to an executive officer and he/she will try to solve the problem. If you decide to declare war on a member not in an alliance, do not expect us to provide backup unless you have a good reasoning for the attack. If you wish to launch an attack on a non-allied nation, message Darth Tater and ask for permission to attack. Once you have the permission, it is advised that you get in touch of the Minister of Mashing to decide on a war strategy. If you are declared war upon by a nation not in an alliance, you may retaliate with soldiers, tanks, and cruise missiles; again, the Minister of Mashing will provide you with assistance as needed if you are a member in good standing. Do not launch a nuclear strike whatsoever without the consent of Darth Tater. Nuclear strikes are to only be used in extremely dire circumstances (very, very rare) and might make the problem a lot worse.

Failure to comply with these guidelines is grounds for expulsion.

Article VII :: Trade and Foreign Aid
Members of the POTATO are allowed to trade with any nation that they wish to trade with unless that nation happens to be an enemy of the POTATO, are allies with an enemy of the POTATO, or are in an alliance in which POTATO is opposed to. However, it is strongly suggested that members attempt to trade with fellow Spuds.

During wartimes, the Minister of Mashing will provide members (in good standing) that are in need with the means they require to retaliate. However, if the member breaks any of the rules proposed in Article VI, they may not be provided foreign aid and they may be removed from POTATO.

It should also be noted that members in higher standing will be given aid and help before those in lesser standing. However, all members in good standing will be given their dues as soon as possible (members in good standing are members that pay their dues for the Stockpiling Tax Act, help other members of the POTATO when in need, and are active in POTATO).

Article VIII :: Reparations
Reparation hearings are to be held by the Stew if there is a strong question in regards to the stability of a nation-state in the POTATO. Once the testimony of the plaintiff, witnesses, and the defendants are heard, the Stew will vote on the matter. At least half of the body must vote for the member's reparation for it to pass. Darth Tater then decides whether that member is given a suspension, a punishment, or an expulsion from POTATO. If Darth Tater chooses to give the member a punishment, he/she must also decide what kind of punishment to give; if Darth Tater chooses to give the member a suspension, he/she must also decide the length of the suspension. A suspended nation will not recieve any aid from POTATO within their suspension time. If Darth Tater chooses to give the member an expulsion, that member is immediately omitted from POTATO; war may be declared on this nation, as it will be listed as a "threatening rogue nation". All members that have been given a punishment and/or a suspension will be listed "in poor standing" with POTATO until they redeem themselves.

Article IX :: Admission
To be added to the Signatories list, you must first change your team color to purple, if it isn’t that already. You cannot currently be in a war to join POTATO and we advise you to be a POTATO member for at least two weeks before attacking another nation; failure to do so may result in POTATO's neglegence to support you in your efforts, as it will be seem that you are abusing the POTATO Charter. You must then create a username on our public web forums and post this on our “Signup Thread”, filling in your ruler name and your nation name as asked below.

Oath: ''“I, (ruler name) of (nation name), am honored to be a signatory of the POTATO Charter and will do all that I can to uphold the POTATO name. When asked, I will donate what I can. When needed, I will fight alongside my fellow Spuds. I will not take part in any other alliances, to ensure the safety of my greater allies in the POTATO. As I join this magnificent group of the elite, I promise my fellow comrades that I am currently not partking in any war. Until I am buried in a pool of gravy, I will show my POTATO pride. For I am a vegetable, and I am more than gratified to say it!”''

Once you have been accepted into the POTATO, the following must be placed in your nation bio: .:: -(I'M A HOT POTATO)-::.

Article X :: Ratification
Date of Ratification: July 2, 2006.

Current POTATO News
Currently, the POTATO has an interim government system set in place that revolves around strong executive control (two intermim Co-Leaders are currently in power), as there is no legislative or judicial system yet in effect. When further nations continue to join this alliance, the POTATO Charter is set to be put into action, with elections held in a timely manner.