United Federation
---Space, The Final Frontier....---
"...For what reason have we chosen to fight? To protect something? What are we protecting? Our ideals? Ourselves? Our futures? What kind of future do we gain with bloodstained hands? Those who have died obtained no future and those who did the killing, are they happy with the future they obtained in their deep red hands? Was it worth it? I am not proud of what caused the war in the first place. I am not proud of how the war was fought. What I am proud of are the brave young men and women who stood up against their respective governments and said 'enough' and fought for peace. Yes, they called for peace with guns in their hands. Guns that served to further the endless hateful conflict. Yet we all stand here today on the grounds where the Bloody Valentine Civil War began, united as one and as the leading world of a new union because of them. It is because of them I am able to stand here. On this day, the four-year anniversary of those bloody two years, let us go forth back into the unknown this day not as enemies but as a united people. On this day, let us join our fellow space faring allies, look to the stars in wonder, and spread the dream of peace and knowledge as we explore the final frontier." -President Scylla Clyne, 2555.
The United Federation is a young alliance of planets that have agreed to exist semi-autonomously under a single central hybrid government, sharing the ideals of liberty, equality, and rights for all. It is one of the larger known interstellar powers in known space, having encompassed over 3000 light years and having 50 member worlds that have willingly joined the union. The number of member worlds is currently rising with allies of the Federation working to improve relations in order to join her numbers.
Her exploratory, scientific, diplomatic, and defense functions are carried out by her Star Fleet with emphasis on exploration.
The Capital of the United Federation is located on the founding member planet of Gaia in the castle city of Bonta.
History
Initial Founding
The United Federation was initially just called the Federation of Gaia and was founded in 2453 when the last few nations of Gaia joined the international governing body in the Osean Federation known locally as the United Nations of Gaia (Similar to the United Nations of Earth). Looking to the stars for expansion, The newly formed Federation of Gaia begun their star fleet projects, creating pre-warp vessels that slowly helped expand the borders of the planet in its star system. When the first Gaian Warp-Capable ship was created in 2470, a nearby Vulcan ship made first contact with the scientist that created the ship, revealing to the people of Gaia the existence of extra terrestrial life. With the help of their newfound allies, Gaia was soon pushing advances in technology, medicine, agriculture, and other scientific fields. The genetics field, however, would test the world's cultural ideals, morals, and beliefs.
Genetic Revolution
In 2530, a Gaian Human named Doctor Ramo Tephye revealed a genetics engineering project to the people of the Federation which radically changed the political atmosphere of Gaia. The revelation created a boom of genetically engineered people whose talents exceeded that of a naturally born Gaian, but it also reminded Gaians of an event of their past, The Eugenics Wars. This rapid increase of genetically enhanced Gaians combined with the reminder of the Eugenics Wars created major social unrest throughout the Federation and attitudes seen in racially tense situations began to emerge, creating radical Naturalist movements such as Green Gaia which viewed genetically altered Gaians as impure and subhuman. In the mid 2530s, as social tensions grew to an eventual flatline, the genetically altered Gaians, now known as Coordinators, started migrating from naturalist countries/colonies to major Coordinator countries/colonies and neutral countries/colonies that do not tolerate any sort of radical views. Tensions flatlined in early 2540 and even started to go down as tolerance for Coordinators begun to spread due to the example of the neutral nations that contained both Natural and genetically altered Gaians. However, by late 2540s the radical movement Green Gaia had people seeded throughout the governing body of the Federation and in Coordinator controlled colonies a political party strong in both security and politics started to demand more autonomy from the Federation.
Alien Ambassador Relocations
Ambassadors from extraterrestrial species and their staff were encouraged by neutral leaders to withdraw from the Federation amid concerns that the Naturalists were not only aiming for Coordinators, but also species alien to the Gaian sector. The Ambassadors instead moved their embassies into neutral territories such as Bonta and Etria and assigned delegates to the each political bloc of the Federation in order to maintain relations with all sides of the Federation.
Civil War
The Federation Civil War, also known as the Bloody Valentine War, is a conflict that started in 2547 and ended in 2550. It tested the ideals and morality of the Federation, specifically the citizens of Gaia. It was waged between the Federation Alliance of Gaia and the Zodiac Military, ending with the intervention of the now established United Federation. The loss of life and racial discrimination seen during this war was so atrocious that more than two thirds of all military officers from both belligerents were found guilty and sentenced to life or publicly executed by firing squad. Enlisted soldiers found guilty were given 15 to life sentences. It was during this war that the principals of the United Federation were created.
Establishing the United Federation Government
While there was already a centralized governing body for the United Federation, it was not exactly united at first. Countries were more like members of an alliance with varying interests and no real obligations aside from defense. It was expected that a reunited Gaia would not truly come to be until later in the 2550s due to unrest. This includes the space faring aliens who were observing the conflict with interest, hoping for an impressive and good outcome in the moral sense. Countries (and by extension, planets and colonies) would not consider themselves states of a unified government until 2555 at the signing of the Federation Charter. Leading up to the signing, Countries would have been talking about transitioning into member states with obligations and have done so. The charter would state the structure of the central government, the goals of the United Federation, and the primary role of Starfleet.
Government
The Government of the United Federation is a hybrid government that is based on the previous government before the Bloody Valentine War which includes a Monarchy role. A loose description of this government system would be "Constitutional Monarchy," Though it isn't accurate to the definition. Another way to look at the government system is as a semi-presidential state though the system also is not accurate to the definition.
Monarchy
The Monarch represents the unity of the Federation as the Head of State, often working with numerous advisors from the elected government to ensure that they represent the will and good of the people on the Galactic stage to the best of their ability. As such, they are often involved in the diplomatic process. While also described as the head of Judiciary, instead of directly getting involved with the judicial process the Monarch appoints a judge to represent the Royal Court. The Monarchy does not oversee the Legislature but can offer an opinion on matters that are brought up in Legislation. They also do not interfere with the elected Executive, working with them like a Secretary of State instead of their superior. Because the United Federation is structured like a representative republic with a collection of states, colonies, etc, The monarch's role does not oversee to the day-to-day operations of the government.
The Monarch is also expected to have military knowledge and ideally have military experience in order to properly give input on military matters. The Monarch has the right to give the final word on operations but rarely exercises it unless they are looked to for their decision which happens on occasion. Should the Monarch not give their final say, the right is given to the head of the Executive Branch.
The Nobility
While a nobility exists within different member planets including Gaia, their status does not automatically grant them special positions in the federal government. Only an election by the people or a vote in legislation can grant them federal government positions and allow them to properly represent the United Federation. If anything, their status only grants them a title that holds little sway.
Line of Succession
Ideally, the next monarch would be an heir that is confirmed to be able to sit on the throne by Legislation and would remain in the role indefinitely until they abdicate, is voted down in a public no-confidence referendum due to an elder age or because they are grossly incompetent. The no-confidence vote must first be presented to the Legislation and must surpass a margin of 60% of first the elected body and then the total population of the United Federation to avoid excuses and abuse of the system.
To date, there has only been one sitting Monarch, Lady Arthura.
Judiciary
The Judiciary of the United Federation handles the interpretation of the laws laid out by the legislation including the intentions of the laws set forth. The Judiciary does not write the law, they only interpret and enforce the law. Though the general public sees the Judiciary as a place where the truth is found, it is more accurate to describe the process as a fact finding system. Most cases are tried in front of a judge who determines the outcome of a trial. However, depending on the case and the planet member trying the case, a jury might be impaneled to determine the verdict. For large cases, a Federation Grand Jury must be impaneled to determine whether a criminal prosecution is viable enough to continue while a Special Jury is impaneled for judging war crimes. The Judiciary also has a system that decides who oversees Military Court Cases to discourage a separation of Civilian and Military culture. Of course, judges chosen for Military Court Cases study military law in addition to civilian law.
The Two Branches of the Courts
Due to the nature of the United Federation's structure, the Judiciary is split into two main branches, Nation State (or simply state) and Federal.
A Nation State Judiciary would handle local laws set forth by the governing body of a planet member of the Federation. Local laws would typically not override Federal law but it unavoidably happens on occasion. Local laws would typically reflect the cultural values of the planet they belong to.
The structure of the Nation State Judiciary starts from District, local Appeals, sector appeals, regional appeals, to Supreme Court. There would be variations of this structure depending on the planet member.
The Federal Judiciary would handle all Federation and Military laws that apply to all planet members of the United Federation. They usually do not interfere on a local state level unless a case has details pertaining to Federal law. In addition, the Monarchy would appoint a judge to represent them in the highest court a case can be appealed to, the Royal Court. The appointed judge is expected to nominate two or three other judges to advise them on cases that reaches the Royal Court.
The structure of the Federal Judiciary starts from District, local Appeals, sector appeals, regional appeals, Supreme Court, to Royal Court. Unlike the Nation State court system, the Federal Court System does not deviate from this structure.
Federation Law
The Fundamental Principles of the United Federation are written in two documents:
- The Federation Charter states the goals, duties, and rights of planet members of the United Federation. It was Ratified in 2555 when the United Federation became an official government body. The Charter also lays out the requirements of membership in the United Federation and outlines the structure of the governing body including the role of the Monarch.
- The Federation Constitution lists all the universal rights and guarantees given to an individual citizen. These rights and guarantees includes the right to an attorney, the right remain silent, the rights of an artist, and the right of free speech (but is not guaranteed protection from the consequences of that speech, eg being removed from duties, positions, banned from areas, etc. should the speech be reasonably argued as hate or otherwise problematic and contrary to overall beliefs of the post.) It is specifically noted that no one has the right to carry an energy or kinetic gun (or anything similar) without proving that they are responsible enough to carry and are mentally and physically able to use a weapon. This test of responsibility is administered by the Law Enforcement Psychological Surveillance System, YUI.
Additionally, The Federation Judicial Code handles guidelines and regulations of issues tried in court cases.
Executive
The Executive Branch is responsible for the day-to-day operations of government. This branch is headed up by the Prime Minister (Or President, depending on preference of title name by the elected individual. Prime Minister is the default title.) They, along with the Monarch, determines the foreign policy of the United Federation and is the default Commander-in-Chief of the military unless they yield the right or is overruled (rarely) by the Monarch. A better way to describe their role in military affairs is that they are the chairman of the Joint Chiefs with special powers. The Prime Minister is also responsible for managing government budgets, signing bills into law, and oversee a cabinet of Federation Executives that assist in day-to-day operations. The Prime Minister also nominates judges for the Federal Supreme Court.
To date, there have been three leaders that fit the description as Head of Government for the United Federation. Chairman Beaufort during the Bloody Valentine War, President Scylla Clyne, and current President Athena Risu.
Elections, Terms, and Limits
There are no term limits set for the Prime Minister so they can run for office for as long as they want or until the Legislation deems them unfit. However, this doesn't mean a term lasts forever. Every 5 Gaian Years(The Gaian calendar has roughly 6 more days on the calendar than on Earth,) there is a general election to determine who can be the next Prime Minister. The votes cast are directly from the citizens and because of how large the United Federation is, planet members are required to set aside a day to allow for voting.
Voting is a right granted by the Federation and any party or planet attempting to change district lines, regional lines, voting laws, etc. in order to sway a vote can be seen as a violation of this right.
Legislation
The Federation Senate is a unicameral legislative body with elected representatives from each member world. It holds the power to create, amend, and ratify Federation Law. The Senate also holds influence in the Federation Military and policies both domestic and foreign. They have the ability to hold special tribunals and investigations into matters that threaten the Federation as a whole. They also submit proposals for who can run for the Head of Government and determines if the Monarch or Head of Government is fit for duty. Additionally, they determine if the heir to the throne is worthy to wear the crown given to a Head of State.
The Senate Building is located on Gaia in the capital city of Randgriz, Gallia.
Exploration, Defense, Law Enforcement
The United Federation maintains a number of agencies that are involved mainly in Exploration and Defense. Law Enforcement varies between member worlds and their regions but are universally overseen by the government all the same. All defensive measures are overseen by the Monarch and Prime Minister. The most notable of these agencies is the Deep-Space Exploration and Defense Service, Starfleet.
Starfleet
Starfleet was originally founded during the early years of the Federation-Alliance when Gaia started sending warp-capable ships out to expand their borders and political influence. It is a deep-space exploration and defense service maintained now by the United Federation.
Before, Starfleet was a small organization that would only handle scientific and diplomatic endeavors while members of the Federation-Alliance handled their own fleets and contributed a fraction of their military power to a larger combined fleet. That changed after the Bloody Valentine civil war when all fleets were folded into Starfleet and their mandate changed significantly.
The principle functions of Starfleet was the advancement of knowledge about the galaxy, scientific advancement, and more importantly than ever: the united defense of the Federation. Because of their role in deep-space including contact with new cultures and sentient species, Starfleet Officers acted as official representatives of the Federation, playing a significant role in diplomacy. Starfleet also handles most "airforce" related operations during planetary conflicts.
MACO
Military Assault Command Operations was founded after the end of the Bloody Valentine Civil War. It is the unified military organization that handles most ground/planetary operations that Starfleet cannot handle. While separate from Starfleet, MACOs are often asked to serve on-board Starfleet and Maritime Navy ships for training in order to ensure cohesion and keep the three organizations from feeling like strangers to each other. Out of the three, MACOs are the better equipped to deal with ground combat.
Before MACO, members of the Federation-Alliance would maintain their own armies and contribute a fraction of their military power to the Alliance army.
The Federation Maritime Navy is the Federation's Military organization dedicated to ensuring the security and exploration of the oceans of member worlds. Because Starfleet has roots in Naval traditions, both the Maritime Navy and Starfleet get along and work together greatly. The Maritime Navy handles sea operations and will often assist MACO units operating on coastlines. They also have their own brand of air forces to engage in aerial combat and airstrikes. In cases of planetary blockades, the Maritime Navy is expected to work with MACO units in defense of their positions.
Law Enforcement
Due to the vastness of space, Law Enforcement is handled largely by Starfleet Security who is overseen by the Federation Security Council. Formerly, Security was directed by a computerized system called Sibyl but after revelations of criminal bio-engineering and admittance of criminals into the system's intelligence, Sibyl was immediately shut down by a combination of civil unrest and Legislative oversight, and replaced with a system only known as YUI, which only prints out ID numbers of Federation Citizens and, in turn, forces law enforcement to do their own investigative work.
Starfleet Security Officers have access to Law Enforcement ground vehicles, star fighters, and even small starships for the more dangerous or far reaching investigations. The most notable side arm Starfleet Security Officers use is the MWPSB-Dominator which is linked to YUI and determines what level of force is allowed, translating those calculations into how paralyzing or lethal a shot from the weapon should be.