Knowz
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Please mark Sri Lanka as part of the United States of Oceanesia, moving the label next to the Maldives up and to the right a bit so it can used as a common label for both Sri Lanka and the Maldives (perhaps making the label a little larger). Thank you.
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[quote]
[b]Constitution ratified by 4 more states[/b]
Following the submission by Congress for ratification by the states of the proposed Constitution, New Zealand was the first to ratify the document. Now 4 more states have followed: the Maldives, Timor-Leste, Bali, and the South Torres Strait Islands.
The ratification of the constitution by these states, all happening today in special legislative sessions of each state’s respective legislative assembly or state convention, has brought the constitution much more closer to establishment, although there is still a few more states to go before it can be established properly.
[/quote]
[quote]
[b]Tourism infrastructure under development[/b]
Congress has initiated a program to develop tourism infrastructures across the country, mainly concentrating on places which were previously popular tourism locations such as the Maldives and Bali.
Congress is expected to reveal a detailed program plan include projected expenditure and budget soon.
[/quote] -
[quote]
[b][Private][/b]
[i]Message from the interim Governor of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed to the President of the USO Congress:[/i]
As a neighbouring state has fallen into anarchy the part of the Maldives Militia, acting as a peacekeeping forced, was dispatched to Sri Lanka immediately, as a measure of goodwill a people we have much in common with historically. The peacekeeping force will operate hospitals, act as a policing service, and distribute food and other aid across the island, as well keep the inter-communal peace between Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, etc on the island. The peacekeeping and aid force was dispatched as follows:
[i]Reply from USO Congress President Ishara Iskandar:[/i]
The move has been approved by the USO Congress – considering that fact that my background is part Sri Lankan, I will be personally visiting the island soon as Congress decides its future status – for now it will be integrated into the USO as a federal territory, and a referendum will be held to decide SL’s future.
[/quote]
[quote]
[b]Sri Lanka integrated into the USO[/b]
Following the falling into anarchy of the state which existed on the island, USO peacekeeping troops were sent from the Maldives to distribute aid and provide basic services and security.
A referendum is expected in future to decide Sri Lanka’s final status. USO Congress President Iskandar, who is of part Sri Lankan background, has indicated that he will personally visit the island before the referendum.
[/quote] -
[quote]
[b]Constitution submitted to the states for ratification[/b]
Following intense debate throughout the week, a final vote by secret ballot resulted in a 6-4 vote in Congress to submit the constitution as drafted by the federal convention, without alteration, to the states for ratification.
It will require, as provided within the Temporary Provisions section of the Constitution, the ratification of three-fourths of the states to be established.
Not surprisingly perhaps, the most developed of the USO's states, New Zealand, a strong backer of the bill of rights included in the drafted constitution, ratified the document immediately, becoming the first state to do so, just hours following its submission by Congress for ratification by the states. The NZ House of Representatives, the single chamber of the Parliament of the New Zealand, voted by a 78% majority to ratify the Constitution.
News/updates of the other states ratifying the constitution will be provided throughout the ratification process...
[/quote] -
[Private; classified]
The interim government of the United States of Oceanesia, the USO Congress, was fully absorbed in its present tasks of trying to get a constitution agreed to by its diverse states as well as prepare for the first federal elections, and was naturally extremely busy - the news of the situation in Grand Papua, which neighbours its two states of North Maluku and South Maluku, came as a shock.
Immediately Congress would send requests to the interim Governors of North and South Maluku to raise Militias under federal guidelines and to have them both secure the eastern borders of the said states, as well as send peacekeeping and security troops to Grand Papua as requested. A message would be sent to the remnants of Grand Papua's government notifying them of the action.
75,000 troops from each state would pour into the western areas of Grand Papua - making major incursions into West Papua, and attempt to quell the ongoing situation... -
[quote]
[b]Congress requests shift in state elections[/b]
Congress requested and recommended to the states which have not yet held gubernatorial and legislative elections to shift their state elections forward to coincide with federal elections to encourage more voter turnout in both the federal and state elections. Once Congress submits the Constitution for ratification by the states - this is expected to happen soon possibly - and ratification is complete, a federal electoral commission is expected to be convened to coordinate all elections.
[/quote] -
[quote]
[b]Federal Convention completes Constitution[/b]
The Federal Convention constituted by the Intercontinental Congress to draft a constitution for the USO finished it's work today and submitted the document to Congress. Congress will now consider the document - the result of six days and five nights of almost non-stop work by the Federal Convention - and make alterations if it sees fit and then submit it for ratification by the States - the draft may be altered substantially if certain members of the Congress have their way, as many of members of Congress are outraged at what they called the Federal Convention "overstepping their mandate". The 13 member Federal Convention - which had one representative from each state and 3 main authors for the constitution - overwhelmingly consisted of college or university degree holding persons and even professors, who ambitiously drafted a constitution establishing a more egalitarian and progressive liberal democracy than was expected, going beyond the central mandate of creating a federal government structure to include a comprehensive bill of rights.
A Congress vote on whether to submit the draft intact in it's original form as drafted by the Federal Convention is expected within a few days.
Immediately following the release of the first draft, the state parliament of New Zealand issued a resolution calling on the federal congress to submit the document to the States intact for ratification, in contrast unidentified persons associated with the governments of less developed states expressed opposition to the draft as it is, dismayed especially at the inclusion of the lengthy and strongly detailed bill of rights. Even so, not all government officials of the States which are still considered to be developing expressed opposition, with the State of Nusa Tenggara Timur and Timor-Leste's governments stating support for the draft. All other states are yet to weigh in about the draft in any official capacity and are expected to do so when the congressional vote on the constitution arises.
Given below is the submission by the Federal Constitutional Convention to the Intercontinental Congress:
[quote]
[right][i]April 6th, 2012[/i][/right]
[i][b]W[/b]e the members of the Federal Convention for the drafting of a Constitution for the United States of Oceanesia do solemnly submit the following draft - for the consideration for submission for ratification to the States by the United States of Oceanesia in Congress Assembled:[/i]
[quote]
[center][img]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u392/knowz1/USOSmall.png[/img][/center]
[b][Preamble][/b]
[center][i]We the People of the United States of Oceanesia, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare , ensure Progress and Prosperity, establish a just and egalitarian society, cement the Union into one indivisible and indissoluble federation, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of Oceanesia.[/i][/center]
[u][b]Article I: The Union[/b][/u]
The United States of Oceanesia is constituted as a federation and a constitutional republic on Planet Earth.
English shall be the official national language of the Union.
This Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of Oceanesia.
[u][b]Article II: The Federal Legislature[/b][/u]
[b]Section 1: Investment of Legislative Power[/b]
The federal legislative powers of the union are hereby invested in a Congress, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
[b]Section 2: House of Representatives[/b]
Each State and the federal district shall receive a number of seats in the House of Representatives proportional to their population as determined by a national census held at least every 5 years. The total number of seats in the House of Representatives shall be decided by the House itself through a four-fifths majority vote of all Representatives. Until such a time that such a decision is made there shall be one district per 100,000 citizens in the union. Regardless of the population of any State or the Federal District, every state and the federal district shall be entitled to at least one Representative.
No district shall ever contain less than 50,000 people within it, nor any more than 1 million.
Each Representative shall be elected from one district by the people therein. Each district shall have an approximately equal number of citizens within it. The boundaries of the House of Representatives districts within each State (and the federal district) shall be decided by legislatures of the states and the federal district.
Each manifestation of the House of Representatives shall last the term of one year. Representatives shall be elected every year on the first Saturday of July. The terms of newly-elected Representatives shall begin a week following the election, on the second Saturday of July.
The House of Representatives shall elect a Speaker to preside over its proceedings by the vote of a simple majority of the whole House. The Speaker shall not vote on any matter other than to cast a deciding vote in case of a tie in any House vote.
[b]Section 3: The Senate[/b]
Each state shall receive an equal number of seats in the Senate – three per state. The Federal District shall be entitled to two Senators.
Senators from each State and the Federal District shall be elected by their state (or federal district) legislature, every three years, on the first Saturday of July. Each Senatorial term shall last three years and begin on the second Saturday of July every three years.
The Senate shall be presided over by the Vice President of the United States of Oceanesia who shall also be the President of the Senate. The Vice President shall have a casting vote in the case of a tie in any vote in the Senate.
[b]Section 4: Clauses applying to both chambers[/b]
No person who is the citizen or subject of a foreign power may be a member of Congress.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives must meet at least twice annually at the same time.
[b]Section 5: Legislative Process[/b]
Each House may set its own rules, including a quorum, by a vote of a majority of all members of the House.
No bill may be voted upon without the existence of the set quorum in each House.
For a bill to become law it must be passed with the same wording by both Houses and be signed into law by the President of the United States of Oceanesia,
If the President shall veto a law then Congress may override that veto by a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
If the President neither signs nor vetoes the law then the law will be automatically enacted following the passage of 10 days.
If at any time a vacancy shall arise in any seat in the Senate or the House, for the Senate the State (or federal district) legislature shall fill than vacancy as soon as possible, for the House there shall be held a by-election in the said district to elect a new Representative; and whenever new States are admitted to the federation by-elections for Representatives and Senatorial ballots shall be held and Senators and Representatives for the new State shall take their seats immediately thereafter, but those Representatives and Senators shall not affect the election cycles of the Senate and the House but shall only continue in office so as long as the current manifestation of the House of Representatives or Senate shall continue.
[b]Section 6: Legislative powers of Congress[/b]
Congress shall have the power to make laws and establish regulations and do all things necessary to:
*Regulate commerce with foreign states and among the Oceanesian states.
*Establish a uniform rule of naturalization for Oceanesian citizenship.
*Provide for the defence of the nation; and establish, maintain, and regulate military forces.
*Lay and collect federal taxes, duties, imposts and excises.
*Establish, print, and coin Money, and regulate the value thereof and of foreign currency.
*Regulate immigration into the United States of Oceanesia.
*To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
*To constitute Tribunals and other federal Courts under the Supreme Court of the United States of Oceanesia.
*To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
*To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
*Establish, maintain, and regulate a Federal police force to enforce federal laws.
*Enact laws in respect to the management of the national economy.
*Establish Post Offices, post Roads, and maintain infrastructures of national importance.
*To exercise the power of a legislative and executive veto over all legislative and executive decisions of the Federal District.
*To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States of Oceanesia, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
[u][b]Article III: The Federal Executive[/b][/u]
[b]Section 1: Investment of Executive Power[/b]
The federal executive powers of the union are hereby invested in a President of the United States of Oceanesia. The Vice President of the United States of Oceanesia shall act as a deputy to the President. The President shall be advised on the execution of executive powers by a Cabinet consisting of a Chancellor and Secretaries. The President and the Congress shall have the power to devolve executive power to other executive officials, and undo such devolution, as they see fit.
[b]Section 2: Election of the President and Vice President[/b]
The President and Vice President shall be elected jointly by a College of Electors, with an election for those offices held every 2 years.
Each presidential and vice-presidential term shall last 2 years. Any individual may only serve a maximum of 3 terms as President, and no person who has served 3 terms may be elected to either the office of President or Vice President.
Any person who is citizen of the United States of Oceanesia of voting age may be elected to the offices of President and Vice President, but only a person who has been exclusively a citizen of the United States of Oceanesia for the past 10 years, as a well as having been resident in United States of Oceanesia for the past 5 years, may be elected to those offices. No person who is the citizen or subject of a foreign power is eligible to become or be President or Vice President.
The President and Vice President shall be elected on one ticket, both individuals having consented to having their names joined and presented to the Electoral College. Any ticket must receive a majority of votes in the Electoral College to win.
The Electoral College shall consist of a number of electors for each State and the federal district equivalent to the total number of Senators and Representatives that the said State (or the federal district) has in Congress. A popular vote shall be held in every state and the federal district to determine the winning ticket of each state and the federal district. All electors from each State (and the federal district) shall cast their Electoral College vote for the winning ticket of the popular vote in their respective State (or the federal district). The exact manner in which Electors of each State and the federal district shall be appointed shall be prescribed by the legislatures of the States and the federal district, but Congress shall have the power to ensure uniformity of regulations as well as voting standards in all federal elections.
All Electors shall gather together in a place in the Federal capital as designated by Congress and cast their votes in manner and way they are required to, in the morning of the second Saturday of July. Afterwards, in the afternoon of the second Saturday of July, the House of Representatives shall certify all Electoral votes and declare the winning ticket.
If no ticket receives a majority of votes in the Electoral College then the House of Representatives elected on the first Saturday of July of the same year shall convene in the afternoon of the second Saturday of July to elect the President and Vice President, jointly, via ballot. They shall take into consideration the ticket which won the most of the national popular vote in the presidential election and vote for that ticket.
The new terms of the president and vice president shall begin on the following day, when it is Noon in the federal capital on the second Sunday of July, and they shall be inaugurated within a week of the beginning of their terms, and therefore on or before the third Saturday of July.
[b]Section 3: Succession and Oath[/b]
In the case of the vacating from office of the President for any reason, the Vice President shall succeed to the office of President of the United States of Oceanesia, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall in turn succeed to the office of Vice President of the United States of Oceanesia. Congress shall decide a line of succession of officials for the case of the vacating from office of both.
Before the President shall enter on the Execution of Presidency, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation, which shall be administrated to him by the Chief Justice or other Justice of the United States of Oceanesia:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States of Oceanesia, I will well and truly serve the United States of Oceanesia and all of her people, and will to the very best of my Ability, preserve, protect, uphold, and defend the Constitution of the United States of Oceanesia."
[b]Section 4: Powers of the President and Vice President[/b]
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Military of the United States of Oceanesia, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of these united States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the nation, except in Cases of Impeachment.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate (that is, of a majority of all Senators present), shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Justices of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States of Oceanesia, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information on the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States of Oceanesia.
[b]Section 5: Chancellor and Heads of Department[/b]
There shall be a Chancellor of the United States of Oceanesia, and Secretaries to head each executive Department – these officials shall, with the President’s consent, formulate executive policies, with the powers given to them as specified by Congress.
The Chancellor and Secretaries shall be appointed by the President and shall hold office at the pleasure of the President and with a confidence of the House of Representatives, and may not continue in office if they lose the confidence of the House.
[u][b]Article IV: The Federal Judiciary [/b][/u]
[b]Section 1: Investment of Judicial Power[/b]
The judicial Power of the federation shall be vested in a Supreme Court of the United States of Oceanesia and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
[b]Section 2: Jurisdiction [/b]
The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States of Oceanesia, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State;--between Citizens of different States;--between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.
In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the Supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.
[b]Section 3: Treason[/b]
Treason against the United States of Oceanesia shall consist only in levying War against the nation, or in adhering to the Nation’s Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession, not forced, in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but within reasonable limits as may be in a modern progressive egalitarian democracy.
[u][b]Article V: Government in the Federation[/b][/u]
The Federal Government – executive and legislative – of the United States of Oceanesia shall have all powers granted to it in this Constitution. All others powers are retained by the States and the People. Congress shall have the power to decide on the powers which the Federal District is entitled to exercise, other than those already granted in this Constitution.
There shall also be, within each State, Local governments, which shall have the powers granted to them by their respective States; but every State is required to allow and give reasonable local governance powers to Local governments.
No person may hold office in more than branch of government in more than one level of government at the same time, unless necessary by law or practicality (such as the members of the Federal Cabinet having seats in the federal House of Representatives), or if they have been given permission by Court.
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records, and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
The United States of Oceanesia shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican, Democratic, Egalitarian, and Free Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
Every state shall have a government similar in form and structure to the federal government: a governor equivalent to the president, a lieutenant governor equivalent to the vice president, a premier and state cabinet equivalent to the chancellor and federal cabinet, a state legislature equivalent to congress, and a state judicial system equivalent to the federal judicial system.
[u][b]Article VI: New States[/b][/u]
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
The People in the State being admitted shall be presented by referendum the opportunity to ratify this Constitution in regards to the prospective new State and approve of accession to the Union, and only then shall a new State be considered to have been properly admitted.
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States of Oceanesia; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States of Oceanesia, or of any particular State.
[u][b]Article VII: Citizenship[/b][/u]
All persons born (without attainting the citizenship of a foreign nation at birth) or naturalized in the United States of Oceanesia, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are automatically citizens of the United States of Oceanesia and of the State wherein they reside.
All persons who have previously ever been, with reasonable evidence, a citizen of any State of the federation, and who has not the citizenship of a foreign power, are or are eligible to be, citizens of the United States of Oceanesia.
No person may be deprived of Oceanesian citizenship, nor shall any person who is eligible to be a citizen of the United States of Oceanesia be denied citizenship.
Each State shall have the power, within a reasonable limit, to regulate and control immigration into the State, but Congress may set reasonable limits on such power.
The provisions of this article shall not be construed as limiting the power of Congress to naturalize or grant citizenship to persons in any other way.
[u][b]Article VIII: Rights and Freedoms[/b][/u]
[b]Section 1: About Article Eight[/b]
This Article guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in Sections 2, 3 and 4 to all citizens of Oceanesia, and is subject to only such reasonable limits prescribed by law or by the Courts, as can be demonstrably justified in a free, democratic, and civilized society. When interpreting this Article, the Courts shall take into account the living nature of this document. Furthermore, the enumeration of certain Rights and Freedoms within this article shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
[b]Section 2: Fundamental Freedoms[/b]
[1] Freedom of conscience and religion.
[2] Freedom of Speech, thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication.
[3] Freedom to peaceably assemble.
[4] Freedom of association.
[b]Section 3: Fundamental Rights[/b]
[1] Right to Life.
[2] Right to Liberty.
[3] Right to Security of the Person.
[4] Right to not be deprived of any Rights or Freedoms which are deprivable, except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.
[5] Right to be free from cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
[6] Right to be free from physical, physiological, and mental harm and injury.
[7] Right to be free from slavery.
[8] Right to be free from involuntary servitude.
[9] Right to enjoy Equal Protection under the law.
[10] Right to be free from being discriminated against on the basis of colour, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, national origin, etc.
[11] Right to Due Process of Law in Court.
[12] Right to privacy.
[b]Section 4: Other Rights[/b]
[1] Right to vote, and not be denied this right on the basis of any of the traits/characteristics listed in Section 3, Clause 10 of this Article; and no citizen may be denied the right to vote if above the age of 16.
[2] Right to petition the government.
[3] Right to move freely in, around, and out of the United States of Oceanesia.
[4] Right not be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.
[5] Right to be free from forced Self-Incrimination.
[6] Right to fundamental dignities, as may be considered to be in an egalitarian, free, and civilized society.
[7] Right to Proper Shelter, Food, Education, and Well-Being.
[8] Right to be protected by the power of the United States of Oceanesia wherever they may be.
[b]Section 5: Inalienable Rights and Freedoms[/b]
Some Rights and Freedoms may be deprived of through fair and just trial in Court, and also through the declaration of a State of Emergency. However, the following Rights and Freedoms are inalienable: Section 2, Clause [1] and Section 3, Clauses [1], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [9], [10], [11] and Section 4, Clause [6].
[b]Section 6: Rights and Freedoms of Non-Citizens[/b]
Any person in the United States of Oceanesia who is not a citizen of Oceanesia has all the Rights and Freedoms granted in Sections 2, 3, and 4, provided they have not been deprived of them by the Courts or provided that there is no State of Emergency in effect, but shall not have the rights granted in Section 3, Clause [9] and Section 4, Clauses [1], [2], [7], [8] which are exclusively for citizens of Oceanesia.
[b]Section 7: Rights of All Sapient Beings [/b]
All sentient species who have been reasonably proven to be sapient, who are not citizens of the United States of Oceanesia, shall have the rights granted in Section 3, Clauses [1], [2], [5], [6], and [7], to a reasonable limit as prescribed by Congress.
[u][b]Article IX: Amendments[/b][/u]
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, which shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three-fourths of the several States; Provided that no Amendment may be made which affects Article I or VII, or removes any part of Article VIII, without the approval at a national referendum of a majority of voters across the United States of Oceanesia and a majority of voters in a three-fifths majority of States; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate (or the federal district of its two Senator Suffrage in the Senate). Upon the ratification of an amendment to the Constitution the Secretary of the Federation shall issue a public proclamation so certifying and announcing that ratification.
[u][b]Article X: Miscellaneous[/b][/u]
[b]Section 1: Impeachments[/b]
The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States of Oceanesia, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanours. Congress may make any impeachments with a three-fifths majority in the House of Representatives, and convictions with a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Congress may not go further than the removal of and the barring from office of an individual, but the Courts further may act on any charges as provided under the Law.
[b]Section 2: Interpretation[/b]
The male pronoun is used throughout this Constitution exclusively as a gender-neutral pronoun and all of the provisions of this Constitution apply equally to all persons regardless of gender or gender identity, whether male, female, or otherwise.
This Constitution may be interpreted as a living document.
[b]Section 3: Resignation[/b]
The President, Vice President, or Justices and Judges of the United States of Oceanesia may resign by sending a letter of resignation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Chancellor or federal Secretaries may resign by sending a letter of resignation to the President; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives may do so by announcing such during House proceedings and initiate a vote for a new Speaker. Members of either house of Congress may do so by sending such as letter to either the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House, whomever is appropriate.
Whenever any of these shall happen, new persons shall succeed to the said office(s) as prescribed by this constitution or federal law.
[b]Section 4: The Supreme Law[/b]
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States of Oceanesia which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States of Oceanesia, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, as well as any other public official of any kind, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States of Oceanesia.
No person who is the citizen or subject of a foreign power is eligible to hold any office, executive, legislative, or judicial, at federal level.
[i][b]Temporary Provisions[/b][/i]
The Ratification of the Legislatures or Conventions of three-fourths of the States shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same. This Constitution may only be ratified in its whole.
All Engagements and Treaties entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid in the United States Oceanesia under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
Until so as time as this Constitution is submitted by Intercontinental Congress for ratification by the States and three-fourths of the States ratify it, and the Intercontinental Congress resolves to certify its adoption, the Intercontinental Congress shall continue to hold the supreme executive, legislative, and judicial power of the United States of Oceanesia.
For the first federal elections, and the terms of the first federal elected officials only, the Intercontinental Congress shall have the power to change the election dates (for within 6 months of the given date) and shorten or lengthen the first terms appropriately.
These Temporary Provisions shall automatically expire upon the entry into office of the first President, Vice President, Cabinet, Senators and Representatives, and other federal officers, of the United States of Oceanesia under this Constitution.
[i][center]---By the Federal Constitutional Convention, April 6th 2012, in the First Year of the Union of the United States of Oceanesia---[/center][/i]
[/quote]
[/quote]
[/quote]
[i][b]OOC:[/b] Ahh, so much work. [url="http://oceanesia.eagleia.tk/uploads/1/1/6/4/11649138/constitutionoftheuso.pdf"]Clicky here to view the USO Constitution in pdf format[/url].[/i]
Edit: Minor fixes, touch-up work. -
Uh, Cent, it's Ocean[b]e[/b]sia with an 'e' not an 'a'.
You'll want to fix the labels at the Maldives and Christmas Island - and could you make the latter's label a little larger like the size of the Oceanesia label next to Muralag Island, it's really too tiny right now.
-Thank you. -
[quote name='Kankou' timestamp='1333286860' post='2946692']
Something Knowz had requested to me but forgot to write in the thread:
Knowz: Can you mark Horn Island as well (in the Southern Torres Strait) -> It's next to the already marked Muralag/Prince-of-Wales Island
[/quote]
Oh yes, I forgot that since it's a bit trivial... just for aesthetic purposes since Muralug and Horn are in two separate first-level administrative divisions in the USO. If you're ok with marking it Cent, please do, thanks (no need for another label since an [b]Oceanesia[/b] label is already there). -
[quote]
[b]Federal Constitutional Convention convenes[/b]
Following the accession of the Maldives as the 10th state of the USO, the Intercontinental Congress has finally voted 10-0 (all states voting in favour) to convene a Federal Convention to draw up a constitution for the nation. Presently the the USO is operating as a loose confederation of states and the new constitution is expected to establish a federal government charged with more powers than at present.
It will also pave the way for federal elections for the Presidency, Vice Presidency, and national legislature.
Although the details will be decided by the federal convention it is expected that the constitution will establish the USO as a federal semi-presidential republic and a parliamentary democracy.
[/quote] -
[quote name='Kankou' timestamp='1333278312' post='2946663']
I just hope people don't go asking for every island to be added.
[/quote]
Yes - this request is probably quite reasonable considering that the Maldives is a country in RL and is well populated. -
Centurius: Here's a map for the Maldives from Kankou as discussed so it can be added.
Label next to it should say [b]United States of Oceanesia[/b]. Thank you.
[img]http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac318/kousenkankou/Maps/knowzmap.png[/img] -
The United States of Oceanesia recognizes the Kingdom of East Anglia and wishes the nation and its people well.
-
The United States of Oceanesia recognizes the República do Pará and wishes its people well.
-
[b][Private to OU][/b]
Whatever events shall occur, we shall not accept the establishment of a fascist government bordering (or near to) over half (6 of 10) of Oceanesia's states. All measures necessary must be taken to ensure that this fascist government does not last.
-[i]Vice President Julia Manuel of the USO Congress[/i] -
Oh ho, new mapper, good luck Cent.
My requests:
1. Please mark the Maldives as part of the United States of Oceanesia - i.e. could you place some small squares to indicate some Maldivian atolls on the map like what is done with most small islands on the map - I suggest (from north to south) Ihavandippolhu atoll, Goidhoo atoll, Male atoll, Ari atoll, Kolhumadulu atoll, Huvadhoo atoll, and Addu atoll. Have one label saying [b]United States of Oceanesia[/b] next to them.
2. Please also mark Bali, Christmas Island, West Nusa Tenggara, and North Maluku as part of the United States of Oceanesia (most of these are neighbouring the USO area north of Western Australia). For Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and North Maluku, perhaps enlargen the already existing USO label there perhaps to encompass these territories as well - and add a new label, again [i]United States of Oceanesia[/i] (or perhaps just [b]Oceanesia[/b] since it's a small island and long/large label may be unwieldy) for Christmas Island.
Here's a map to assist:
[img]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u392/knowz1/USOTerritoryMarchadditions.png[/img]
-Thanks Cent!
-
Vice President Julia Manuel placed her signature on the treaty as well to finalize it, giving Vice Imperator Kou a handshake - "I hope that this treaty brings peace and stability to the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the region."
-----
Final treaty:
[quote]
[font="Arial Black"][b][center][size="4"]Treaty of Amity[/size][/font][/center]
[center][size="3"]between the[/size][/b][/center]
[size="5"][b][center]Empire of Tianxia[size="3"] and the [/size]United States of Oceanesia[/center][/b][/size]
[i][center]Done in the City of Dili in the State of Timor-Leste in United States of Oceanesia, on the 31st of March 2012[/center][/i]
[u]Section I: Recognition of Neutrality[/u]
The Empire of Tianxia recognizes, and pledges to respect, the neutrality of the United States of Oceanesia in regards to the armed conflicts of the World, as well the the pacifist status of the USO.
In regards to the neutrality of the USO, whenever a conflict shall arise, the USO shall block passage through its land territory, airspace, and waters, to any military transport of any belligerent nation involved in the armed conflict in question - but the USO shall continue to allow passage to all civilian transports of any belligerent nation including medical aid to military personnel. The USO shall have the right to ensure that the civilian transports are not carrying any articles which may be used in armed warfare.
[u]Section II: Non-Agression[/u]
Both signatories recognize the sovereignty of their counter-signatory and pledge strict non-interference in the affairs of the other. Both signatories pledge abstinence from any and all forms of aggression and interference which would be directed at the other.
[u]Section III: Free Trade[/u]
Both signatories agrees to a bilateral policy of free trade and economic cooperation. Pursuant to this objective, both agree to abolish all tariffs and trade restrictions levied against their counter-signatory.
[u]Section IV: Optional Assistance[/u]
Both signatories reserve the right to offer voluntary military and/or economic assistance to one another should the need arise and a request by the counter-signatory is made. While providing assistance is not required, it is highly encouraged.
[u]Section V: General Cooperation & Goodwill[/u]
Both signatories pledge to strive to cooperate with each other in any manner proposed by either signatory to build bonds between the two nations.
[u]Section VI: Territorial transfer & Regional security[/u]
The Empire of Tianxia hereby transfers the Maldives to the United States of Oceanesia, pursuant to the condition that that United States of Oceanesia shall not permit any foreign power to set up or maintain any military bases upon these islands. The United States of Oceanesia further agrees that it shall not sell or transfer any of these territories to any foreign power. The USO also guarantees that the people of the Maldives will govern themselves and the Maldives will be admitted to the union on the basis of absolute equality with the older states.
Furthermore both the Empire of Tianxia and the United States of Oceanesia shall cooperate in the maintenance of peace and maritime security in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
[u]Section VI: Withdrawl[/u]
(A) Either signatory may opt to withdraw from sections I to V of this pact at any time by notifying the counter-signatory. Upon notification the pact will remain in effect for a period no less than 47 hours.
(B) In the event that a signatory violates sections I, II, or III, those sections in general may be immediately voided by the offended party.
[b]For the United States of Oceanesia:[/b]
[i]Julia Manuel[/i], Vice President, Intercontinental Congress of the USO
[b]For the Empire of Tianxia:[/b]
[i]Kou[/i], Vice Imperator of Tianxia
[/quote]
-----
Within hours the clauses of the treaty were being put to effect: the Oceanesian Congress voted to lift tariffs on trade with Tianxia and allow all imports and exports with Tianxia to be tax-free.
The USO Congress then ordered a referendum in the Maldives to approve of the accession to the union. With a population of only 330,000 or so people the voting process was able to be finished fairly fast.
Referendum question (asked in Dhivehi): [i]Do you approve of the Maldives joining the United States of Oceanesia?[/i]
>Eligible voters: 230,000 - 70% of population
>Turnout: 209,000 - 91% of eligible voters
>Results:
*Yes - 195,500 - 93.5%
*No - 11,500 - 5.5%
*Blank ballot/Invalid - 2000 - 0.96%
At the same time an interim government consisting of local government representatives from across the Maldives was constituted to act as the interim state government.
The Oceanesian Congress voted to grant the Maldives a seat in congress following the results of the referendum, finalizing the accession of the Maldives as the 10th state of the USO.
Fireworks, a 21 gun-salute, and the raising of the Oceanesian and Maldivian flags in the state capital Male followed the receiving of the news towards the end of the day. -
[i]OOC: My poor eyes, I think I've been working on computers too much today. Ouch. But lets see what I can type up:
IC:[/i]
Tianxia's Vice Imperator Kou would be welcomed by President Iskandar and by the Timor-Leste Governor at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, the state capital of Timor-Leste and current seat of Oceanesia's Foreign Affairs Department.
Kou was then taken by state limousine to the Gubernatorial Palace where Vice President Julia Manuel, a native of Timor-Leste and Oceanesia's sole government official with the power to sign treaties (hence the location of the Foreign Affairs Department), welcomed him.
A small welcoming address was then given by Vice President Julia Manuel in several of the languages of the USO (English, Bahasa Indonesia, Maori, Tetum, Portuguese, Ambonese, and various others) which lasted about half an hour -- a translator ensuring that Vice Imperator Kou would understand what was being said -- the Vice President expressed hopes for cordial relations between Oceanesia and Tianxia, formally proposed the agreements, and presented a draft treaty:
[quote]
[font="Arial Black"][b][center][size="4"]Treaty of Amity[/size][/font][/center]
[center][size="3"]between the[/size][/b][/center]
[size="5"][b][center]Empire of Tianxia[size="3"] and the [/size]United States of Oceanesia[/center][/b][/size]
[i][center]---[/center][/i]
[u]Section I: Recognition of Neutrality[/u]
The Empire of Tianxia recognizes, and pledges to respect, the neutrality of the United States of Oceanesia in regards to the armed conflicts of the World, as well the the pacifist status of the USO.
In regards to the neutrality of the USO, whenever a conflict shall arise, the USO shall block passage through its land territory, airspace, and waters, to any military transport of any belligerent nation involved in the armed conflict in question - but the USO shall continue to allow passage to all civilian transports of any belligerent nation including medical aid to military personnel. The USO shall have the right to ensure that the civilian transports are not carrying any articles which may be used in armed warfare.
[u]Section II: Non-Agression[/u]
Both signatories recognize the sovereignty of their counter-signatory and pledge strict non-interference in the affairs of the other. Both signatories pledge abstinence from any and all forms of aggression and interference which would be directed at the other.
[u]Section III: Free Trade[/u]
Both signatories agrees to a bilateral policy of free trade and economic cooperation. Pursuant to this objective, both agree to abolish all tariffs and trade restrictions levied against their counter-signatory.
[u]Section IV: Optional Assistance[/u]
Both signatories reserve the right to offer voluntary military and/or economic assistance to one another should the need arise and a request by the counter-signatory is made. While providing assistance is not required, it is highly encouraged.
[u]Section V: General Cooperation & Goodwill[/u]
Both signatories pledge to strive to cooperate with each other in any manner proposed by either signatory to build bonds between the two nations.
[u]Section VI: Territorial transfer & Regional security[/u]
The Empire of Tianxia hereby transfers the Maldives to the United States of Oceanesia, pursuant to the condition that that United States of Oceanesia shall not permit any foreign power to set up or maintain any military bases upon these islands. The United States of Oceanesia further agrees that it shall not sell or transfer any of these territories to any foreign power. The USO also guarantees that the people of the Maldives will govern themselves and the Maldives will be admitted to the union on the basis of absolute equality with the older states.
Furthermore both the Empire of Tianxia and the United States of Oceanesia shall cooperate in the maintenance of peace and maritime security in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
[u]Section VI: Withdrawl[/u]
(A) Either signatory may opt to withdraw from sections I to V of this pact at any time by notifying the counter-signatory. Upon notification the pact will remain in effect for a period no less than 47 hours.
(B) In the event that a signatory violates sections I, II, or III, those sections in general may be immediately voided by the offended party.
[b]For the United States of Oceanesia:[/b]
[signature]
[b]For the Empire of Tianxia:[/b]
[signature]
[/quote]
"Your highness" the Vice President would then say "as you can see we have strived to make a treaty based upon the proposed agreements which will be agreeable and indeed beneficial to both the Empire of Tianxia and the United States of Oceanesia. Would there be anything else that Tianxia would like to add, or any questions from the government of Tianxia to our federal government? I would be glad to take care of answering anything you would like to know."
A cup of Timorese coffee was placed in front of the Vice Imperator.
"If the draft treaty presented is agreeable to Tianxia, I welcome your highness to place your signature" continued the Vice President. "I hope that relations between our two nations will always be cordial" she concluded with a bright smile.
[i]OOC: Edit: Spoiler doesn't seem to be working; Edit2: Grammar[/i] -
[i][b]OOC: Closed for now; under construction[/b][/i]
[i]Federal Department of Finance and Trade - the United States of Oceanesia[/i]
---
[u][b]Major exports:[/b][/u]
*Dairy products
*Wood
*Furniture
*Corn
*Oranges
[u][b]Major imports:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Trading:[/b][/u]
------------
*GDP:
*GDP per capita:
------------
Major sectors:
-Industries: -
OOC: Closed to Triyun + me
[quote]
[center][img]http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/LT_imageserver/USOSmaller.png[/img][/center]
[u]To Whom it May Concern in the Government of the Empire of Tianxia[/u]
The United States of Oceanesia would like to hold diplomatic discussions concerning various topics ranging from general cooperation, territories, security and several other topics with the Empire of Tianxia, as previously discussed.
If Tianxian government would like to either host Vice President Julia Manuel in a location of your choosing or send delegate(s) to Dili, Timor-Leste for these discussions we would be most pleased.
Sincerely,
Ishara Iskandar, President
on behalf of the United States of Oceanesia in Congress Assembled
[/quote] -
Following certain internal discussions, the United States of Oceanesia proposes that the following text be added into the treaty, perhaps as a note underneath our signature:
[i]*The United States of Oceanesia is granted an exemption from the military obligations of this pact due to its status as a neutral and pacifist power.[/i]
Such an amendment will allow us to consistently maintain our commitment to being a pacifist and neutral country in regards to the armed conflicts of this world.
We urge fellow member-states of this pact to vote yes to this proposal so that it may be adopted and incorporated in the treaty. -
[quote]
[b]Censuses to be conducted[/b]
Congress issued a resolution advising each state to carry a census to properly enumerate the populations of each state and therefore the union. Each state is expected to carry out a census before gubernatorial and state legislative elections. The data collected from these censuses will then have an impact on the amount of seats each state is allocated in lower house of the federal legislature to be established by the new constitution.
[/quote]
[quote]
[b]4 new States join the union[/b]
Congress announced today that 4 new states joined the union following referendums in each on the question of joining and following the formation of interim state governments in each:
*Bali
*Christmas Island
*North Maluku
*Nusa Tenggara Bharat
Each of the 4 states were admitted to the USO on the principle of absolute equality with the older states and each was admitted with unanimous approval in their Congressional admittance votes. Their admittances take effect on 23rd March 2012. The addition of these new states brings the total number of states in the United States of Oceanesia to 9.
[/quote] -
[quote]
[b]Congress resolves to "protect the natural heritage of Oceanesia"[/b]
The Congress passed a resolution today to encourage the state governments to decree certain areas within each state to be protected areas. Once the Constitution is adopted and the inaugural federal elections conducted, it is expected that these areas will then be declared national parks and a federal agency be set up to protect them.
There are many lush and green unspoilt areas of natural beauty on many Oceanesian islands with many areas containing native species, some of whom are threatened. Congress unanimously passed the resolution with all states voting in favour and urged the future elected federal government to continue conservation efforts.
[/quote]
[quote]
[b]Local government elections held in most areas[/b]
Local governments elections were held for several major cities across Oceanesia today, including most of the state capital cities and most populated cities:- Wellington, Auckland, Kupang, Ambon, Dili, and Thursday Island all held mayoral elections.
The results are expected to be announced within a week, when state elections begin for those states which do not yet have directly elected governments and legislatures.
[/quote] -
[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1331991513' post='2939258']
Greater New England will see this demand is complied with to the bitter end!
[/quote]
I demand ice cream too!
USO News
in Fantasy RP (IC)
Posted · Edited by Knowz
[quote][b]Constitution ratified by Nusa Tenggara Timur, bringing number of ratifying states to 6[/b]
The state of Nusa Tenggara Timur, one of the most populated in the union with a population of about 5 million, ratified the proposed Constitution today, in a special session of the state legislature. This brings the total number of ratifying states to 6, only 2 states away from the number needed, 8, for the Constitution's ratifying process to be complete.
[/quote]
[quote][b]USO Congress President arrives in Sri Lanka[/b]
The President of the USO Congress, Ishara Iskandar, arrived in Sri Lanka today, ahead of the planned referendum on deciding the island's final status after the former government which existed on the island collapsed and the USO sent in peacekeeping troops to end riots and anarchy yesterday, as well as to distribute aid. President Iskandar is of part Sri Lankan background and is expected to campaign for voters to check off the 'state' option in the upcoming referendum, so that Sri Lanka joins the United States of Oceanesia. Until the results of the referendum are in, the USO Congress has temporarily made Sri Lanka a Federal Territory.
In the meantime an interim territorial government consisting of representatives from the Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, and other communities on the island, has been constituted.
If Sri Lanka votes to join the United States of Oceanesia it will be by far the largest state in terms of population - approximate 20 million people are estimated to live on the island - the USO's largest states currently have only around 5 million people.
[/quote]