USO News

[Knowz]

[color="#696969"][i]OOC: This thread is closed to anyone aside of myself.[/i][/color]

[size="5"][font="Book Antiqua"][b][center]News reports from the United States of Oceanesia[/center][/b][/font][/size]

[size="3"][b]All reports (newest to oldest)[/b][/size]
[b]June 2012:[/b]
>1st - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2975618"]Preparations for elections[/url]
[b]May 2012:[/b]
>13th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2966910"]Oceanesian protectorate in Australia terminated and new USO land border negotiated; Mission in New Guinea moves to an end; One new state and another one expanded[/url]
>2nd - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2962176"]USO declares protectorate over Australia, Refugee crisis, Census begins[/url]
[b]April 2012:[/b]
>28th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2960364"]Congress schedules elections, Nationwide census to be conducted[/url]
>22nd - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2957103"]USO Congress certifies ratification of the Constitution[/url]
>21st - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2956616"]Constitution ratified by remaining states, Sri Lanka joins USO[/url]
>20th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2956131"]Constitution ratified by Nusa Tenggara Timur, bringing number of ratifying states to 6; USO Congress President arrives in Sri Lanka[/url]
>19th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2955669"]Sri Lanka integrated into the USO[/url]; [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2955673"]Constitution ratified by 4 more states, Tourism infrastructure under development[/url]
>16th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2954206"]Constitution submitted to the states for ratification[/url]
>13th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2952231"]Congress requests shift in state elections[/url]
>6th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2949125"]Federal Convention completes Constitution[/url]
>1st - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2946671"]Federal Constitutional Convention convenes[/url]
[b]March 2012:[/b]
>20th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2940690"]Censuses to be conducted, 4 new States join the union[/url]
>18th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2939654"]Congress resolves to "protect the natural heritage of Oceanesia", Local government elections held in most areas[/url]
>17th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2939244"]Federal Constitutional Convention to be convened, Election schedule[/url]
>7th - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2935000"]South Torres Strait Islands admitted as 5th state, Work finished on Oceanopolis center[/url]
>3rd - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2932473"]Capital's government zone nearing completion; South Torres Strait Islands Referendum results[/url]
[b]February 2012:[/b]
>26th Later - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2928524"]State elections in Maluku, Timor-Leste[/url]
>26th Early - [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109364&view=findpost&p=2928478"]Work begins on capital city, Oceanopolis; South Torres Strait Islands - the 5th state[/url]


[i]Previous: http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109248[/i]

Edited June 1, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]Work begins on capital city, Oceanopolis[/b]

Work on the capital city, probably to be named Oceanopolis, began today on Muralug Island (or Prince of Wales Island), in the South Torres Strait Islands. Muralug Island is expected to be ceded to the federal government's control once the South Torres Strait Islands become a Oceanesian state as expected.
[/quote]

[quote]
[b]South Torres Strait Islands - the 5th state[/b]

The tiny Oceanesian territory of the South Torres Strait Islands is expected to become the 5th state in the USO - alongside New Zealand, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Timor-Leste, and Maluku - soon. An official referendum will be conducted in the islands in the weeks to come on official admittance as a state. The current 4 states have shown mixed feelings towards admitting STSI however, due to it's tiny population of only a few thousand people compared to the millions in each of the current states.
[/quote]

Edited February 26, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]State elections in Maluku, Timor-Leste[/b]

The Oceanesian states of Timor-Leste and Maluku are expected to hold elections for their state governments soon. Thus far only the two largest states, New Zealand and Nusa Tenggara Timur, have elected state governments.
The State elections will then pave the way for federal elections soon afterwards - currently the Intercontinental Congress is acting as a the interim federal government. Local government elections will also be held along the way.
[/quote]

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]Capital's government zone nearing completion[/b]

The central area of the capital city, located on Muralug Island in the South Torres Strait (probably to be named Oceanopolis), is nearing completion. The centre of the capital - which will become the seat of the Federal Government of the USO - is expected to be completed on 7th March.
[/quote]

[quote]
[b]South Torres Strait Islands Referendum results in![/b]

The South Torres Strait Islands - a federal territory of the USO - held a referendum on their future, the results were as follows:

*Become a Oceanesian State - 57%
*Status quo or other - 43%

88% of voters on the islands of a few thousands people turned out for the vote today. The Intercontinental Congress - which is currently acting as the interim federal government of Oceanesia - is expected to act on the results soon.
[/quote]

Edited March 3, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]South Torres Strait Islands admitted as 5th state[/b]

The tiny Oceanesian territory of the South Torres Strait Islands was admitted to the USO as the 5th state today, as a result of a vote in the Intercontinental Congress (4 to 0; all states - New Zealand, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Timor-Leste, and Maluku - voting in favour). Although there are concerns of voter power disparity because each state only gets one vote in the Oceanesian congress regardless of population, the fact that a permanent constitution mandating a bicameral federal legislature is on its way led to all of the current states, whose populations are thousands of times more than the South Torres Strait Islands' population, voting in favour of admission.
The Oceanesian flag was updated accordingly - a fifth point being added in the [i]Federation Star[/i] in the flag's canton.

[center][i]The old flag and the new one:[/i]
[img]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u392/knowz1/FINAL4stateflag.png[/img]

[img]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u392/knowz1/FINAL5stateflag.png[/img][/center]
[/quote]

[quote]
[b]Work finished on Oceanopolis center[/b]

Workers finished construction of the federal government zone of the United States of Oceanesia's future federal capital, Oceanopolis, on Muralag Island (or Prince of Wales Island) in the South Torres Strait Islands, today. Work continues on building the rest of the future federal capital - which is expected to be formally mandated the federal capital city soon. The Intercontinental Congress - which is the interim federal government of Oceanesia - confirmed that the capital will almost certainly be named '[i]Oceanopolis[/i]'.
[/quote]

Edited March 7, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]Federal Constitutional Convention to be convened[/b]

Congress announced today that a Federal Convention to draft a Constitution for the United States of Oceanesia will be convened within a month. The constitution will detail the powers of the federal government and will also include a Charter of Rights and Liberties.
The exact details are to be ironed out at the federal convention but it is expected that the federal government will take the shape of a semi-parliamentary and semi-presidential system. The federal legislature will be bicameral with one chamber expected to represent the states and give each state an equal vote, and another chamber which will represent the people and be directly elected by voters - the second chamber is also expected to be given control over [i]votes of confidence/no-confidence[/i] in Cabinet officials, who may be required to resign if they do not retain the confidence of the people's representatives.
[/quote]

[quote]
[b]Election schedule[/b]

Congress also released a loose schedule for elections today:

*Local government elections within 3 days.
*State government and legislative elections within a week (for states which have not yet held these elections - New Zealand and Nusa Tenggara Timur already have).
*Federal government and legislative elections within 2 weeks.
[/quote]

Edited March 17, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[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]

[Knowz]

[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]

Edited March 23, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[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]

[Knowz]

[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.

Edited April 14, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[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]

[Knowz]

[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]

Edited April 16, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[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]

[Knowz]

[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]

Edited April 19, 2012 by Knowz

[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]

Edited April 20, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]Constitution ratified by remaining states[/b]

Earlier today the state of Nusa Tenggara Bharat voted in a special legislative session of the state legislative convention to ratify the proposed Constitution, following the ratification of the Constitution by its sister state Nusa Tenggara Timur yesterday. This had brought the number of ratifying states to 7.
Soon following, the state of Christmas Island also ratified the Constitution, and as it became inevitable that the Constitution would be completed ratification, the state legislatures of North Maluku and South Maluku, which had been hesitating, soon followed after heated debates in their respective state legislatures. Afterwards the number of the ratifying states reached 10, a unanimous ratification by all states which were in the union when the Constitution was submitted for ratification.
Later also today, in Sri Lanka, after voters voted for statehood and to join the United States of Oceanesia, and after the USO Congress approved the accession, an interim state legislative conference voted to ratify the Constitution.
This leaves the final tally of ratification at 11-0, with all states voting to approve the Constitution.
Congress is expected to certify the ratification soon, and proclaim the establishment of the Constitution.
[/quote]

[quote]
[b]Sri Lanka joins the USO[/b]

Sri Lankans today voted in a referendum to join the United States of Oceanesia, following heavy campaigning by USO Congress President Ishara Iskandar, who is part Sri Lankan, urging voters to opt for union. Voting results from the referendum were as follows:

[u]Question: Do you approve of Sri Lanka joining the United States of Oceanesia?[/u]
[i]>Total population: aprox. 20 million
>Eligible voters estimate: aprox. 15 million (USO has uniform universal suffrage from age 16 onwards)
>Turnout: ~13,500,000 - 90% of Eligible voters[/i]
*Yes (statehood) - ~12,750,000 - 94.44% of turnout
*No (remain as federal territory / other option) - ~700,000 - 5.186% of turnout
*Blank/Invalid vote - ~50,000 - 0.37% of turnout

The outcome was celebrated across Sri Lanka's major cities - Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Kandy - with massive firework displays, and smaller displays across others cities, towns, and villages. There was also a 21-gun salute at Galle Face in Colombo, and the raising of the flags of the United States of Oceanesia and Sri Lanka also at Galle Face, which was presided over by President Iskandar who could hardly hold back tears of joy, which was attended by members of the state's interim government.
The USO Congress immediately voted, 10-0, all states in favour, to grant Sri Lanka a seat in Congress, completing its accession to the USO as the 11th state.
Later the same the day a special legislative conference convened at Sri Lanka's newer Parliament House in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte and ratified the proposed Constitution of the United States of Oceanesia.
[/quote]

Edited April 21, 2012 by Knowz

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]USO Congress certifies ratification of the Constitution[/b]

The USO Congress certified the ratification of the Constitution today in unanimous 11-0; all states in favour. The Constitution has been unanimously ratified by all 11 states. Congress issued a special resolution proclaiming the establishment of the Constitution, finally paving the way for the first federal elections.
The following document was issued by Congress today:

[quote][center][img]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u392/knowz1/USOSmall.png[/img][/center]

[center][b]Special Resolution by the Representatives of the United States of Oceanesia in Congress Assembled:[/b][/center]
We, the Representatives of the United States of Oceanesia in General Congress Assembled, do solemnly publish and proclaim that the Constitution which was drafted by the Federal Convention convened by us for that task, which submitted its proposal to us on the 6th of April 2012, which we then submitted to the States for ratification on the 16th of April 2012, has been ratified by all States unanimously as proposed by the Federal Convention in an unaltered form, and do certify this ratification, and declare that the Constitution is therefore established as the supreme law of the United States of the Oceanesia, it shall begin to come into force, and the first federal elections shall be scheduled as the Constitution requires.

[center][i]By the Unanimous decision of all of the States - Sealed with the Great Seals of the States and imprinted with the Coat of Arms / Emblem of the United States of Oceanesia[/i][/center]
[center]/s/ the State of the Maldives
/s/ the State of Sri Lanka
/s/ the State of Christmas Island
/s/ the State of Bali
/s/ the State of Nusa Tenggara Bharat
/s/ the State of Nusa Tenggara Timur
/s/ the State of Timor-Leste
/s/ the State of North Maluku
/s/ the State of South Maluku
/s/ the State of the South Torres Strait Islands
/s/ the State of New Zealand[/center]
[center][i]Done in the City of Oceanopolis, in the Special Congressional Federal District, on the 22nd of April 2012, in the First Year of the Union of the United States of Oceanesia[/i][/center]
[/quote]
[/quote]

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]Congress schedules elections[/b]
Using the Temporary Provisions section of the new Constitution, the USO Congress has brought forward federal elections to early June from the expected early July time. Local elections and State elections (for local and state governments which have not yet held elections) will be held first, then it will be followed by elections for the President & Vice President, and Congressional elections.
[/quote]

[quote]
[b]Nationwide census to be conducted[/b]
Before elections are to be conducted a nationwide census is to conducted to assist especially in the apportionment of seats in the future House of Representatives to each state.
It will also collect statistics on languages used in the nation, levels of literacy and wealth, education status of people, and other various details to assist the future elected federal government.
[/quote]

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]USO declares protectorate over Australia[/b]
Following the apparent sudden collapse of the Australian government, the United States of Oceanesia has dispatched 100,000 troops across Australia to ensure the security and wellbeing of the Australian people. Forces were dispatched to Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, and Darwin primarily.
A civilian government headed by Australians is soon expected to be set up to govern the protectorate.
[/quote]
[quote]
[b]Refugee crisis[/b]
Thousands of refugees have been overwhelming Oceanesian border security and entering the nation from New Guinea where a bloody conflict has occurred. The USO Congress has resolved to grant official refugee status to these peoples, who may later receive a chance to permanently settle in USO territory.
[/quote]
[quote]
[b]Census begins[/b]
Federal census workers have begun work on collecting data for the national census ordered by Congress – data collected will aid the future elected federal government which is expected to come into office in early June – and will also decide the number of seats each State receives in the House of Representatives.
[/quote]

Edited May 2, 2012 by Knowz

[iKrolm]

[quote name='Knowz' timestamp='1335947919' post='2962176']
USO declares protectorate over Australia
Following the apparent sudden collapse of the Australian government, the United States of Oceanesia has dispatched 100,000 troops across Australia to ensure the security and wellbeing of the Australian people. Forces were dispatched to Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, and Darwin primarily.
A civilian government headed by Australians is soon expected to be set up to govern the protectorate.
[/quote]

[b]Classified:[/b]

In support of the allied United States of Oceanesia, the 4th Mechanized would be deployed to former Australia to assist in peacekeeping operations.


EDIT: Autocorrect, thou hast failed me terribly. Fixed!

Edited May 3, 2012 by iKrolm

[Knowz]

[quote][b]Oceanesian protectorate in Australia terminated and new USO land border negotiated[/b]

Today marked the end of the Oceanesian protectorate over Australia with the Commonwealth of the Southern Cross being handed full control - a new border is now established between the USO and CSO, with the United States of Oceanesia retaining the uppermost area of the tip of Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands.
[/quote]

[quote][b]Mission in New Guinea moves to an end[/b]

Oceanesian forces which were dispatched to New Guinea following the fall of Grand Papua have been ordered to move out of the area of control of the new Republic of Papua - Oceanesian forces present were moved out of the central areas of the island of New Guinea to West Papua and the Bismarck Archipelago, areas which are not part of the new Republic of Papua.
[/quote]

[quote][b]One new state and another one expanded[/b]

The State of the South Torres Strait Islands has absorbed the rest of the Torres Strait Islands and is now renamed to the 'the State of the Torres Strait Islands'.

A new state, North Queensland, was founded following a snap poll in area in the tip of Queensland which was retained by the USO. Congress voted to admit North Queensland as the 12th state of the union soon after a legislative convention elected by the people of North Queensland voted to ratify the Constitution.
[/quote]

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]Preparations for elections[/b]

Preparations for elections for federal, state, and local governments within one month are underway. The census which was conducted is expected to be released soon, which will decide how much seats in the House of Representatives and how many Electoral College votes each state receives.
[/quote]

[Knowz]

[RESERVED]

[Knowz]

[quote]
[b]Several universities to open[/b]

[center][img]http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/LT_imageserver/Department-of-the-Interior2.png[/img]
[i]Pictured above is the seal of the Interior Secretary[/i][/center]

The federal government of the USO announced today, through a press conference by the Federal Secretary of the Interior, that it intends to be opening several world-class universities across the nation, and at least one in each state. More details are expected later.
[/quote]