Republic of Sovereign States


 *  "We, the collected Senate of the Republic of Sovereign States, united under a common purpose to assure freedom, equity, and unity over the principles of merit, justice, and representation, do establish this Republic for the provision of protection during conflict, help when in need, and haven during peace."


 * - Preamble of the Constitution of the Republic

The Republic of Sovereign States, also known as the RSS and The Republic, is a federal, unicameral, constitutional democracy.

The Constitution of the Republic
The founding document of the RSS, and the highest law in the Republic, the Constitution exemplifies the goodwill and principles that make the Republic what it is.

The Constitution of the Republic

Admission into 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 Chief of State and the Executive Council to ensure the representative nature of the Republic is both functional and preserved.

The Rights of Sentience

 * "Section 1. All members of the Republic of Sovereign States are entitled to the enumerated rights below:


 * A) Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the Executive Council of the Republic, nor the Office of the Chief of State shall make a law or order which affects one's right to freedom of expression and opinion.


 * B) Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the Executive Council of the Republic, nor the Office of the Chief of State shall make a law or order which affects one's right to protection from aggression both outside and within the Republic.


 * C) Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the Executive Council of the Republic, nor the Office of the Chief of State shall make a law or order which affects one's right to equal representation and opportunity within the Republic.


 * D) Neither the Senate of the Republic, nor the Executive Council of the Republic, nor the Office of the Chief of State shall make a law or order which affects one's right to due process under Republic law."


 * - Article IV 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.

General Overview of the Governmental System of the Republic
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 equally 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 Office of the Chief of State, and the Executive Council. Both the Executive Council and the Chief of State comprise the de jure (in law) executive branch of the government, with the Chief of State 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. 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 Executive Council, Chief of State, and the Senate in ascertaining what is fact and what is not. Further, one could say the relationship between the executive and legislative branches are somewhat semi-presidential in function, given that the "cabinet" of the Chief of State (the Executive Council) is not chosen by the Chief of State, but rather elected by the Senate itself, and is therefore responsible not only to the Chief of State, but the Senate as well. There is also the aspect of "cohabitation", where at any one point following elections, the Chief of State may have to "cohabitate" government office with individuals in the Executive Council who may disagree with him. This forces the existence of a "coalition government", which promotes policy consensus and unified, if compromised, goals for the Republic.

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 Chief of State 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 Chief of State are held, while every two months elections for the Executive Council are held. Impeachment votes may be held for any occupant of either the Office of the Chief of State or the Executive Council, 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 Office Chief of State of the Republic
The elected head of state of the alliance and the highest position in the Republic, the Office of Chief of State 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 Chief of State'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 Executive Council and his chosen "deputy", the Chancellor, all areas of the alliance may be addressed as specific needs arise.

Every four months, the Chief of State is elected by a simple majority vote by the Senate of the Republic. Should the Chief of State be impeached via a 75%+1 vote of the Senate or incapacitated, the Chancellor shall assume the position of Chief of State pro tempore for the duration of his predecessor's term and shall choose a replacement Chancellor in his own stead.

The Executive Council of the Republic
The Executive Council 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 Council enables the undertaking of specific tasks within specific areas of the Republic's structure. Organized by the Chief of State and the Chancellor, each minister addresses a key area of concern for the future growth, security, and prosperity of the Republic. The Minister of State and his deputy address the subject of foreign relations and affairs. Appointed directly by the Chief of State and approved by the Senate, the Minister of Defense and the Grand Marshal both administer the structuring and organization of the Grand Army of the Republic. The Minister of the Interior and his deputy address internal affairs such as forum moderation and the recruitment and education of new members into 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.

Every two months, every member of the Executive Council, with the exception of the Minister of Defense, stand for election within the Senate of the Republic. Candidates are elected via simple majority, and can be impeached at any time by the Senate, provided a 75%+1 majority in favor impeachment. Should impeachment take place, the deputy of the impeached minister shall assume his former superior's rank and responsibilities for the remainder of his term, and shall also appoint a deputy.

History of the Republic
Darth Andrew of Werbistan and Acheron of Pentastar Dominion, both members of the Imperial Assault Alliance, were looking for something different in what they regarded as an alliance. After Darth Andrew resigned from the IAA and joining the United Blue Directorate for the interim, he and Acheron began crafting basic ideas that would eventually form the Republic of Sovereign States. During the final days of the process, Acheron, at the behest of his close personal friend and former colleague Chimaera, emperor of the IAA, approached Hizzy, Lord of Brotherhood of Nueva Vida. After a day of discussions, Nueva Vida agreed to a protectorate agreement that ensured the safety of the Republic. This pact (known as the "Treaty of Coruscant") was announced with the formal declaration of existence of the RSS on December 1, 2009, which is also known as Republic Day.

In the aftermath of a recent swell in Senate activity through a failed constitutional amendment, Chief Acheron realized the need to fill the ranks of the Executive Council with experienced, competent officers to see to the will of the Senate (and health of the Republic). So, on December 26th, 2009 he appointed an old friend and recent recruit, Ezio Auditore, as Minister of State pro tempore, the first ever in the history of the Republic. With Ezio's appointment dawned a new, if small chapter in the expansion of the Republic from backwater affiliation to a legitimate, slowly-growing organization.

Flag
In the flag of the Republic of Sovereign States, the black Bendu symbol represents the many nations that unite to form the Senate of the Republic. The upper diagonal scarlet line represents the Chief of State, while the lower diagonal line represents the 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.

Seal of the Senate
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.