Challenge: describe "your" country

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

It's a country. End.

[traininthedistance]

I realized something really interesting about the five-party system I had envisioned for "my country"- they relate to each other in a symmetrical, star pattern. (Note that although the parties are roughly equivalent, this particular relation probably doesn't hold in Averroes-land).

Each party has two preferred coalition partners, and two parties it doesn't like that much.  Generally whichever party gets a plurality will invite its two preferred parties.  Since the Greens are the largest party right now, they get to invite the Liberals and Social Democrats, despite the fact that those two parties are somewhat in friction.

The Green Party likes the Social Democrats and the Liberals, and it doesn't like the Center or the Conservatives.  Although, it is not 100 percent opposed to forming coalitions with any of them.  The Greens here are somewhat more pragmatic and less ideological than most other green parties, and their willingness to work with anybody was presumably a big help in becoming the current largest party, despite their newness.  Their base is less-wealthy white collar workers: academics, students, artists, bureaucrats, etc.

The Liberals like the Greens and the Conservatives, and they don't like the Center or the Social Democrats.  Despite the Liberals and the Center both claiming the mantle of "moderates", they are very different: the Liberals are the party of urban professionals and the elite, and tend to be center-right (by Trainland's standards that is) on economics and strongly left on social issues.  Whereas the Center Party is a party of rural interests, and is socially conservative but economically interventionist.

The Social Democrats obviously like the Greens and the Center, and don't like the Liberals or Conservatives.  Their base tends to be immigrants and manual laborers.

The Conservatives like the Liberals and the Center, but not Greens or SocDems.  They poll best among people who actually drive cars, i.e. police officers, contractors etc., basically better-off blue collar folks, and their signature issues tend to be a reduction in the carbon tax, as well as a hawkish foreign policy.

The rural-focused, communitarian Center likes the SocDems and Conservatives, but not so much the Liberals and Greens.  This causes a lot of problems for them these days, since the Social Democrats and Conservatives are the only two parties who outright refuse to form a coalition together, and the Liberals and Greens have been the two largest parties for most of the past 25 years.  So the Center Party has the bleakest prospects. 

There are several fringe protest parties as well, the largest three being a) a rump of Marxists, b) an anti-immigration far right populist group, and c) a libertarian/Pirate sort of thing.  All three of them will occasionally send someone to Parliament, but none of the five mainstream parties will have anything to do with them- the cordon sanitaire is in full effect.

The main unique thing here, of course, is the very close working relationship between the Liberals and Greens, as well as the fact they tend to do better than your "typical" red and blue teams.

[Mechaman]

I'm going to include some historical/geographic background.  Beware, it's not entirely realistic (remember, writing this as a strawman of the ideal republic):

Mechonia:

Geographic/Climate

A remote mountainous region that is roughly 330,000 square miles in land area, Mechonia is known for it's harsh yet livable climate infamous for it's lack of sunlight and cold temperatures.  Located in just a few degree south of the Arctic Circle, days here are either really long or really short depending on the season.  However, the climate patterns variate depending on where one lives.  Along the coastal regions, precipitation is quite common and the land is quite green considering the reputation of Mechonia as a frigid mountain covered region.  In most of the region however, the blocking effect of the expansive mountain ranges has yielded a semi-arid climate with many areas that receive less than 10" in precipitation every year.  The coastal areas are well regulated by oceanic shifts to a moderate climate characterized by heavy precipitation and Arctic Marine climate (temperature ranges from 10F to 62F year round) while the inland areas suffer temperature extremes common for removed areas (temperature ranges from -70F to 106F year round).  There are several lakes in the inland area, as well as some streams, creeks, and rivers, that also provide the residents with plentiful (but Jardia infested) waters.  Settlements on the coast have been around for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, though there are records of a few inhabitants predating the colonial era in the inland areas around the caverns of the Niublan sector.  This makes Mechonia one of the world's most inhospitable regions to have had record of long term settlements.

History:

"O'Mechonia, the place where hope dies as the winds.  Pity be the poor man who be settled there!"-Sir Edmund J. Smith

Settled many thousands of years ago by indigenous tribes, Mechonia has a cultural history that fits well with it's hostile climate.  Historical record shows that a vast majority of settlement in the region happened in the coastal regions (which make up roughly 75,000 of the 330,000 sq. miles of the region), of which the numbers were small.  It is estimated that before the spread of the Smallpox plague that the population of indigenous peoples in Mechonia numbered at most 6,000.  In the words of historian John J. Abrams "Mechonia was a region which had weather so inhospitable to pre-modern technological civilization that most of the Inuits and other northern native groups that tried to settle it died out from famine and the cold.  The 6,000 population figure are those that settled on the less hostile coastal region. . . . . the descendants of those few groups that had gotten accustomed to the cold climate that killed many others."  By the time the first Europeans discovered Mechonia. . .  all they found was mountainous wastelands and the ghostly shells of dead indigenous villages.  Those that might've survived the plagues most likely scattered to the four winds or fled south towards more hospitable climes.  All that is left of the natives are the remains of those villages that were later converted to towns by mostly white European settlers.  For hundreds of years, they have tried to find out the mysteries and history of those that came before them. . . . . with considerable success.  What is known is that the ancient Mechonian tribes were largely a combination of hunter gatherers and farmers.  In the Coastal areas various crops were grown, including signs of a brewery culture.  Most tribes preferred vegetarianism, given the suitable lands along the coast and the limited amount of suitable game.  Inland cultures were more carnivorish, given the large amounts of bears, moose, cougars, and various other big game in the area.

The first documented record of European exploration in the region was in 1775, when Thomas James O'Riordan, an Irish born Spanish Lieutenant, and his unit came across the remains of some villages during the September of that year.  The group explored the habitable coastal regions and set up camp at Fort Leon, located near present day Neimanheim, Mechonia's most populous city.  The vast majority of the inland areas, due to it's inhospitable nature, was avoided.  Once Fort Leon and the port town of St. Lazarus were set up, O'Riordan had an envoy sent back to the French and Spanish colonies of North and South America to encourage immigration to the north to establish a center of trade in the northern regions of North America.  Due to changing political realities, Fort Leon and St. Lazarus changed hands often between the colonial powers, as early as 1782 the British took hold of the virgin region after asserting their authority over the region due to an earlier agreement between them and the Spanish.  However, immigration to the region spurred on as many poor European settlers in the expanses of colonial America moved there due to the economic opportunities (cheap land, some of it being given away, as well as some mines discovered further inland) in the area.  Over time the region grew into a diverse population center with several new towns along the coastline and even a few mining communities located closer to the mountains.  Although now a British colony, it experienced quite a bit of immigration from other powers, mainly Russian and French, that was possible due to the lax enforcement of the area (British governing authorities saw it as a "low priority region") that saw some of the earliest examples of free trade between world powers (Tory MPs in Parliament liked to attack free trade by bringing up "the joke state of Mechonia").  The remoteness of the coastal settlements of Mechonia made international cooperation between these settlers (who were often at war with each other back home) a necessity.  One particular example of the odd nature of British controlled Mechonia was when the British garrisons at Fort James allowed Russian traders free room and board at the height of the Crimean War.  The Governor of Mechonia at the time, a Sir Isaac Josephs, summarized his view of the even:

Whether our far away mother countries are at war is irrelevant to the establishment of our forts of trade out here in this Devil's Land where even your worst enemies are your best friends.  FOr a death by Russian hordes is much preferable to the winters of the Inland Mountains!

However laissez faire the governance of the area was, discontentment always seemed high amongst the mostly lower class residents that made up the majority of Mechonia's economy.  By the 1850's several large labor movements were rising up in the region, demanding rights and protections in their occupations as well as guarantees for social mobility.  Many of the impoverished residents, including large numbers of Jews from the Russian Empire fleeing from persecution, Catholic immigrants from Ireland fleeing famine, the disenfranchised French from other parts of British Canada, Germans fleeing Revolution back home, and some Scandinavian communities, began to protest the government in Georgesville for neglecting their interests.  At the time rich prosperous farmers and industrialists (mostly of English background) took advantage of the availability of cheap and willing labor to extract the resources of the land.

Given the times, labor insurrectionists were unexpected thing.  However, recent immigration from Europe brought over scores of survivors of the Revolutions of 1848 who were filled with revolutionary zeal against "the established oligarchies of the Old World."  Some of the more educated German immigrants had brought over copies of a book called "the Communist Manifesto" by a Santa Claus looking character named Karl Marx.  Sensing the large scale arrival of Irish laborers as a sign, themselves victims of capitalist ignorance and Old World totalitarianism, some of these former German nationalists began an organized campaign that reached across the continent to the ports of America to encourage those with revolutionary zeal to move to Mechonia. . . . where the plans for the first worker's paradise in the world were being put into motion.  Inspired by the success of the "Underground Railroad" in America, these revolutionaries began establishing their own network of informants, propagandists, and agents that ranged from Ft. Leon all the way to New York City, in America.

Seizing upon the concern of the British with the American Civil War, the residents of the removed colony finally struck out with region wide mining strikes and worker uprisings.  Seizing armories across the region with the help of sympathetic low level immigrant troops, the revolution spread throughout Mechonia like a plague.  Starting on September 1st, the revolution was complete in establishing control in all populated areas and forts by September 8th.  Military losses were minimal, given the weak military presence in the region (most soldiers surrendered to the revolutionaries, if not joined them).  The British authorities left, with their tail between their legs, towards nearby Canada offering terms to the government in Ottawa.  The authorities, sensing their position as fragile, signed the terms of surrender, thus relinquishing British control of the area to the left wing residents.

Loosely founded on the principles of Marx, the newly free and independent state of Mechonia was established as a loose confederation of governing boards similar to the vision of libertarian socialist philosophers of the time.  The new motto of the nation would be "the Common Land", an emphasis both on it's foundation of the interests of the commoners who overthrew their oppressive upper class rulers and on the basis of the foundation of the government in common property ownership.

Update relating to modern Mechonia politics and the like will be up later.

[Mechaman]

Mechonian Political History to Present Day:

Since 1861, there have been six different incarnations of the Mechonian state.  There have been two revolutions, two government failures. and a foreign invasion.

The first of these states was the Confederation of Mechonian States which were pretty much a left wing version of the early United States under the Articles of Confederation.  Pretty much, all the of the localities of the Mechonian state were ruled completely by governing boards that dictated everything economical and social.  Almost immediately the flaws in this governance were seen, as many localities were at odds with each other.  Given the diversity (for the times) of the Mechonian State, cultural barriers became stronger than ever.  Some localities operated as if out of the Marxist playbook, others went back to full on laissez faire capitalism, some made Russian the official language, others instituted Gaeltacht, some even got the idea to create their own languages, and on and on the differences were made plain.  As a result, one nation became 72, each town, each village, each city in effect becoming a city state.  In Spring of 1881, the Confederation would fall and delegates from all over the nation would meet to at a new Constitutional Convention to establish a proper Mechonian nation that could unite the municipalities under one leadership.

In January of 1882 the new nation would be founded, the Republic of Mechonia.  20 plus years removed from the initial revolution against the British capitalists, this new establishment would be markedly less radical than the one that came before it.  A new national government was formed, establishing universal suffrage rights and popular vote elections and an emphasis on democratic rights.  A system of wealth was created, with rights for corporations and companies to operate within the confines of the nation's borders, with full respect of labor rights.  Although labeled "the capitalist Mechonia", this nation was still well to the left of many of it's time (many Mechonians laughed at "progressives" in the United States who introduced trust busting legislation, noting that regulations on business was a lot more thorough in the nation).  It was under this Mechonia that the Georgist Land Tax was first introduced, whereby the unmodified value of land was taxed for government revenues.  Language as a whole was left unmolested, though unofficially most places kept English as the unofficial language.  This state would last until 1920, when it was overthrown by a Communist revolution.

The People's Republic of Mechonia would last for a relatively short amount of time.  In the time that it did radical reforms were made, such as the abolition of all corporations, in the nation.  Also, the middle and upper classes of society were dissolved by government decree and all their goods and property sold to the "worker class".  It would've lasted longer, however, if it weren't for the "Red Scare" of the times.  Alarmed at the presence of a nearby Communist nation, the United States and Canada launched a cooperative military adventure into the Mechonian state, overthrowing the government in four days.  Shortly thereafter a pro-Canadian government was established, having it's loyalties more to Ottawa than to the people of the nation.

With the 1920's and general prosperity, the new pro-Canada government was successful at first.  Headed by a Liberal Government that supported aims such as free trade, low taxation, austerity, and other capitalistic ideas, the government saw some business and urban growth along the coastal areas.  At the same time, several towns inland ascended to city status, reaching populations of more than 10,000 people.  Technological and medical advancement dramatically improved the quality of life in the harsh extremes of the mountainous regions, seeing a multiplication of the previous population.  However, the tidal wave of unchecked speculation and the impending stock exchange crashes late in the decade, would end the prosperity.  With unemployment at nearly 30%, thousands of people marched on the capital in Velgrad (located inland).  The governing authorities, surrounded, surrendered peaceably.

The Second Republic of Mechonia, as it is commonly labeled, was founded as a social democratic state with an emphasis on a strong social safety net, a Labor Bill of Rights, and full employment.  Capitalist establishments and institutions, however, were still respected.  However, caps on income were put in place, with taxes set to prevent anyone earning more than $1 million in income.  However, business investment in the country dramatically decreased and many wealthy and middle classed individuals ended up leaving the country.  Forever.  As a result, a significant amount of the tax base would disappear, leading to a fiscal and hyperinflation crisis in 1955 that would end the government.

A state of anarchy would ensue shortly afterward that lasted from August 1955 until September of the next year.  In September of 1956, the final and current incarnation of the Mechonian state would emerge.

The Common States of Mechonia were established on September 8th, 1956.  Harkening back to the good ole days, the new nation was founded on common ownership of all land and reinstating the Georgist economic plan.  Universal Labor Rights were enshrined in the new Constitution, as well as the renewal of the ban on corporations.  Traditional Mechonian beliefs, like civil liberties and freedom of religion, were restored.  Single Payer Healthcare, universal education, and a nationwide railway system were fully established.

Next Update: Society in Mechonia

[John Dibble]

The Empire of Dibtopia

Politics

The Empire is divided into a numbered Areas equivalent to the states of the USA. Every two years each Area elects a body of representatives from their internal districts, which are determined by population, to act as the Area's legislature and every five years elects a Councilor who acts as both the governor of the Area and the Area's representative in the imperial government's High Council. After assuming their office, the Councilors convene to appoint the Emperor from their number. The Emperor acts as the head of the military, head of the High Council, and is responsible for oversight of the various imperial ministries that administer functions required by the central government. The Emperor may appoint the heads of the imperial ministries at any time, but requires majority approval of the High Council for all new appointees. Typically the Emperor will leave the governance of his home region to his Vice-Councilor. The Emperor can be ousted if legislatures of two-thirds of the Areas vote to do so.

Large political parties with coherent political philosophies are forbidden as they are perceived to cause disunity and needless partisanship. Instead, politicians may join multiple smaller "one-issue" parties which may fund and endorse their campaigns.

The rights to vote and run for office are not granted automatically. Citizens must perform at least four years of military service or six years of civil service in order to obtain those rights. Those unable to perform military or standard service jobs due to disability but still wish to obtain those rights are dealt with on a case by case basis, and given job options with variable time requirements that they can still do. The reason behind this is that the Empire believes that those who choose how the nation is governed must also be willing to invest themselves into the good of the nation. No government service or other civil liberty may be denied to a citizen based on their voting status.

Organization and economy

Settlement of the Empire is centrally planned. Most land is owned by the central government or the Area governments. Urban centers, in which most of the population lives, are composed of large structures similar to the proposed Sky City 1000. The towers are a mix of green space, residential areas, and commercial areas. Commercial areas are rented out to private companies and individuals, as are higher end residences. Few people own cars, and the majority of transport between cities is done by high speed rail. Industrial manufacturing zones are kept a short distance from the cities, but transport to and from is provided by the rails and commutes are short.

Agricultural zones, resourcing zones (mining, timber, etc), and tourism zones outside of the cities have their own residential areas that are less tightly packed. Private ownership of residences within these zones is possible, though sometimes expensive. Space within agricultural, resourcing, and tourism zones may be rented to private companies.

Preservation of nature is important to the Empire, and 50% of all land is dedicated to national parks and nature reserves. Companies caught dumping waste or otherwise polluting illegally are fined heavily, and the fine is variable such that it will always cost the company more to pay the fine than what they would save by dumping illegally.

Civil liberties and welfare

The rights of the citizenry are protected by the Proclamation of Rights, which is enforced by the judiciary much as it is in the USA. Citizens have freedom of speech, expression, and  religion. The press is also free. The government may not discriminate based on sex, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Gay marriage is legal.

Drugs are legal, but must be sold by licensed shops and the more dangerous and addictive drugs must be clearly labeled with all known side effects. Prostitution is legal, but regulated to ensure both health and safety.

The government provides free pediatric health care for all children, catastrophic health care for everyone, and full health insurance for all government employees. Care facilities are freely available for all senior and disabled citizens.

Basic housing is freely available to all citizens living in the cities, though typically as studio apartments to individuals/couples and small apartments to families with children or those willing to live with roommates. Larger units of various sizes and quality are available for those willing to pay rent.

Unemployed persons receive a stipend for food and necessities, but those who are unemployed for extended periods and are not physically disabled must perform community service to continue receiving it.

Education

Education is important in the Empire and is highly invested in, with a strong focus in science and technology. Education through high school is free to all citizens. Citizens who drop out of high school before graduating are not allowed to participate in military or civil service. University education though a bachelor's degree is free to all those who perform two years military service or three years civil service beyond what is required to get the right to vote, but is still affordable to those not participating in that. Private schools are allowed, but must meet a minimum standard in their curriculum.

Elementary and middle school focus on basic education - math, science, history, etc. The basic concepts of evolution are taught in the fifth grade. Towards the end of middle school, all students receive career counseling to determine if they wish to pursue higher education or vocational training in high school.

Culture

The national sport is jousting. Deal with it.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Mine would just be a nationalist's parody of America. However, I think I can whip up some lengthy piece to submit at some point.

[Hatman 🍁]

What would one like to know about the Washburnist Socialist Republic?

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Cathconia

Lying in the western half of the world, Cathconia is a land of freedom. Its history is marked by a long line of leaders dedicated to the defense and expansion of both the country and the Republican form of government. The main political disagreements have been over whether Cathconia will remain a freer nation of independent settlers and farmers, or whether it will bolster its Eastern industrial economy.

The Western portion of the country is marked by vast rolling planes, mountains, and deserts, which were divvied up into squares some century and a half ago and are owned largely by ranchers, farmers, and the like. These people are parodied by other countries as ignorant brutes beholden to "God 'n' Guns", however, we all know better. Meanwhile, the East is dominated largely by industrial cities, chock full of ethnics, whether white or other. These people are largely employed in industrial positions.

Religiously, the country is not completely up to "shape". Despite a large portion of the country identifying with one religion or another, actual regular attendance of certain services is less than one might expect. Nevertheless, it is religious well beyond that of other nations, and Cathconia has been mocked as such across the ocean.

Overall, the citizens of Cathconia are known for their national pride, subdued yet present religiosity, independence, work ethic, and all the rest.

From a political standpoint, all leaders are elected by popular vote. A longstanding commitment to the extension of its democratic and republican form of government has existed going back to its earliest days. In recent decades, this view of foreign policy has been looked upon oddly by fair-weather allies, judging its recent actions in other countries as brash and pig-headed. Nevertheless, a robust military (to protect freedom, you see) has won hard-fought victories of late. Immigration is rather open, Cathconia being seen as a "nation of immigrants" and various ethnic communities dot the fruited plain, making for a diverse and tolerant land.

Cathconia's leaders have typically either been military men or otherwise form humble origins, the ideal of someone serving their country or coming up from the bottom being glorified in this country. Wealth is rather fluid and stories of old, landed families disappearing and decaying are as common as tales of brave immigrants revolutionizing certain industries.

All around, the perfect country.

[Mechaman]

Well, I guess I better make my country more clear before it starts to sound like the rest of the "left wing utopia" stuff on here:

Society:

Mechonian society is mostly laid back lower class proletariat.  Due to laws against corporations and excessive wealth, the upper class is largely non-existent outside of some business buildings in the capital Zelgrad and in Neimanheim (the largest city, with a population of 107,920).  Though industrial jobs and the like have been a big party of it's history, most Mechonians prefer to live in the small towns of the country and tend to avoid the larger urban areas.  Most of the country's cities, towns, and villages are located along the western coast, due to favorable clime though modern technology is making living in the previously inhospitable "inland" zone a reality.  Though 95% of the population is above the standard of living, it should be noted that the standard of living in Mechonia is considerably lower than many other "western" nations.  Half of the country don't even have climate control in their homes and three quarters of the residents don't have television.  Utilities are government owned.  There are public broadcast channels, but network television (for those who own tvs) is available and there is no government censorship board.  Automobile ownership is common amongst farmers, but not much else (20% of the country probably has cars).
Which isn't to say that Mechonians are entirely traditionalists.  There is a considerable degree of religiousity in the country, with considerable degree of Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Orthodox Jewish residents.  However, there are also a large number of "spiritualist" religiousness in the nation, with the popularity of neo-paganism getting larger amongst the population.  There is a degree of atheism, about 16% of the population, but nothing to write home about.  In fact Atheism has gone down drastically over the past few decades, having been at a high of 34% in 1956.  Much of this decrease, again, has to do with the spread and influence of spiritualist and neo-pagan theology that is getting more popular with younger Mechonians.  As well, church attendance is the highest it's been since the 1920's.  The Mechonian government has no legal definition on marriage, meaning that "marriage" in the country can be anything from heterosexual to homosexual to polygamous.  However, Mechonian society isn't exactly Co-Exist on the LGBT community, especially in some of the communities with high numbers of Orthodox residents.  And despite it's reputation as a generally social democratic nation, racism is quite common in society.  Legally, there is equality and discrimination is illegal in many professions, however many white Mechonians are suspicious of the recent wave of non-white minorities moving into the cities.  Many residents are open minded about Oriental philosophies such as Buddhism, but are distrustful of the few Islamic residents in the urban areas.  There are some outside "Native" populations (mostly Inuit) that are also settled in the area that generally (in modern times) co-exist peacefully with whites.
Alcohol and marijuana usage have very high rates amongst the population, with Mechonia having some of the most liberal laws on the planet.  The country's alcohol industry is one of the largest per GDP on the planet, with coastal vineyards making up 14.8% of GDP and the brewery industry making up 11.8%.  That is over a quarter of the country's Gross Domestic Product coming solely from Alcohol!

Total Population: 2,104,982

Racial Demographics:
White: 83.92%
Native: 6.82%
Asian: 6.4%
Others: 2.86%

Unemployment: 1.2%
Per Capita GDP: $19,290 a Year
Average Life Expectancy: 61 Years
Top Industry: Vineyards (14.8% of GDP)

[PJ]

United Progressive Provinces of Pacifica
Location: Oregon and Washington west of cascades.
History: Established in 2020. Seceded from US along with many other nations due to intolerable acts by President Santorum.
Constitution- Upheld the US Constitution, made some amendments.
Abortion- Legal, as is stem cell research.
Job discrimination- Discrimination against any minority or majority when hiring is illegal and will be met with strict restrictions on said business.
Gay Marriage- Legal, and LGBT citizens are protected by the Civil Rights Act.
Education- All schools are public. Children can go to non-religious, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, or Hindu schools. All teach evolution. A heavy chunk of government funding goes toward education.
Death Penalty- Death penalty and 3-strike sentencing laws are illegal. Prisons are treated as "rehabilitation centers" for prisoners.
Gun Control- Universal Background Checks for all gun sales, which our very thorough. A criminal record results in confiscation of guns. Semi-automatics are exempt from 2nd amendment.
Universal Health Care- All citizens are provided with Health Care. Government funded.
Social Security- illegal for private organizations to control a citizen's social security or Health Care. Government provided.
Energy- No dependance on oil or natural gas. No nuclear energy. Totally self-sustainable on Hydro, Tidal, geothermal, and wind power. Other nations are dependant on Pacifica for tidal power.
Drugs- Medical marijuana is legal. Marijuan is legal in small amounts, but cannot be smoked or injected, and is heavily taxed. Smoking is illegal. Other drugs are illegal, but users are sent to rehab centers, not prisons, and have no criminal record. Those who sell other drugs do have a criminal record. Main weakness in society is power of drug lords, but it is no more of a problem than in modern day US.
Religion- Freedom of religion, and religious equality (no persecution of other religions) is very important.
Taxation- A Progressive taxation system is enforced.
Immigration and border relations- Borders are secure. Legal immigration is encouraged. Illegal immigration is discouraged, illegal immigrants can take a 10 year pathway to citizenship. Great relations with Canada and the Independent Republic of California. Citizens of these nations can travel through without passports. US relations are peaceful but tense, as the US is now entirely controlled by the Republican Party. Each nation has criticized each other on multiple occasions.
Free Trade- Encouraged. Pacifica has signed NAFTA.
Military- Pacifica has a small military, but maintains a neutrality policy with other nations. Aids allies with strategists and foreign aid. Those who wish to join military can join the Californian military.
Politics- 59% of vote goes to Progressive Liberal Party (center left), 40% to Socialist Green party (left wing), 1% to Conservative Party (Right wing). Strict limits on political campaign funds.
Foreign Policy- Member of UN. Maintains either alliances or neutrality with all nations, except Iran and North Korea.

[Mechaman]

Religion in Mechonia:

Eastern Orthodox Church: 27%
Roman Catholic Church: 23%
International Paganist Association: 18%
Atheist: 13%
Jewish: 8.9%
Ohter: 11.1%

Languages: No official language, but most people speak English.  There are also a number of Russian speaking neighborhoods/communities (20% of population) and Gaeltacht (Gaelic speaking areas, roughly 8% of total pop).

Political Parties:

Social Democratic Party: Economically left wing party that has been dominant for most of modern Mechonian history.  Has a lot of strength amongst Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Jewish blue collars and young professionals.  Pretty much, the party of the majority.  Also strong amongst first generation non-whites.  Although generally assocatied as the left wing in the nation, has a broad tent on social issues ranging from super liberal professionals to reactionary laborers.  Represents roughly 56% of Parliament.

Spiritualist Party: A "libertarian left" wing party that bases a lot of it's philosopy out of "naturalist" political doctrine.  Supports strong degree of civil libertarianism that includes getting rid of Marijuana taxes, opposition to "authoritarian leftism" of the Social Democrats, and stronger environmental protections.  Strong amongst Neo-Paganists, Spiritualist groups, Buddhists, and some Atheists.  Represents roughly 1.5% of Parliament.

The Values Party: Socially conservative economically populist party.  Real popular amongst highly religious voters and Asian immigrants.  Supports efforts to ban abortion, put in a Constitutional Amendment defining marriage, and support for more universal education funding.  Represents roughly 4% of Parliament.

Liberal Party: The mainstream right wing party.  In general opposes the expanse of Mechonian government and keeping the government out of people's lives.  Fiscally conservative and socially libertarian is probably the best way to describe it.  Popular amongst the middle and upper classes and conservative Paganists.  Represents roughly 30% of Parliament.

Coalition for Reform: The other right wing party.  Believes that immigration quotas need to be brought back to curtail the impact of new immigrants that drown out jobs for the Mechonian worker.  Believes that Mechonia needs to return back to a heavy protectionist policy, cut back on government spending, and increase pay for law and order.  Odd bedfellows with the Liberal Party, which is much more libertarian in general.  Attracts the obvious suspects.  Represents roughly 9.5% of Parliament.

Government Set up: A National one house chamber Parliamentary set up in Zelgrad.  Voters in the country elect the Justices to the country's court every seven years.  There is no President or equivalent national leader, rather the Prime Minister operates as de facto "head of state" in regards to state functions.  However, outside of leadership role in the chamber, Prime Minister doesn't have any extraordinary powers.  Mechonia follows a very non-interventionist foreign policy with it's Constitution mandating that the armed forces never exceed 10,000 people (not gender specific).  Martial law is illegal and any person who tries to implement it is punished most severely (exile, though there are a lot of people who would consider than anything but punishment).  Mechonians generally are in favor of expanding relations with other nations and the government has a running policy of having fully open relations with every nation (regardless of controversies), given the Mechonian tradition of spreading "love, not war".  This has gotten the Mechonia government in trouble with other Social Democratic leaning states, who assert that the government is setting a dangerous model by not instituting punitive measures towards nations with bad civil rights records.  Given that racism isn't exactly a rare part of the culture, with several race riots just last year between Russian and Iranian groups in Zelgrad (the nation's capital no less!), the criticism seems damning of the nation's inexperience/inability to address the issue.

Crime and Punishment: The Death Penalty is banned in Mechonia.  Instead of traditional jail sentences, criminals in Mechonia are usually sent through a "reform" program that emphasizes community service and crafting the inmates to become better, nicer, and more productive members of society.  Living conditions in these prisons are par on average for most Mechonians, if not a little better (given that a lot of Mechonians don't even believe in electricity in the home).  Psychologists, gym instructors, and various other officials are brought in to help the prisoners as well.  The highest prison sentence one can receive is 10 years with the possibility of parole.  However, for crimes deemed so severe that reform is nigh impossible, the person is "exiled" out of the country (a hold over from the Communist days).  Many have called for reform on this front, calling "exile" the "most barbaric punishment in the western world, even more so than capital punishment."
However, this hasn't done much to decrease crime in Mechonia.  In fact, crime is sort of a way of life in some areas, particularly in blue collar areas.  The Irish Mob in Mechonia is almost as old as the nation itself, having hubris in the urban areas along the coast and having a hand in political corruption.  The ties between organized crime and political machinery (mostly Social Democratic) are damning and the efforts of reformists usually fall on deaf ears.  Recently, the Russian Mob has risen as a powerful criminal force, with it's own influence in the business world, military, sports, and other activities (namely the casino industry).  Though not as bad as some nations (United Stateslol), the crime rate is disturbingly high compared to other "western" nations.

Civil Rights and Liberties: True to form, the Mechonian government has become infamous for it's lack of addressing controversial social issues.  Neither do the regional governments.  In the words of one Pro-life advocate: "Where, in all of the constitutions, both federal and local, is there anything stating the legality of abortion!?  NOWHERE!"  The early incarnations of Mechonia did pass progressive reforms such as universal suffrage. . . . but later on (probably too busy with all the government failures and revolutions) the Civil Rights issues faced in many modern countries were almost completely ignored in Mechonia.  Many speculate that the relative racial conformity of the time (Mechonia was 93% white in the 1960's, compared to 83% today) the people just didn't see any issue with it, figuring that denying minorities the rights to sit in mostly white bars was bad business sense.  However, recent decades have shown that ethnic hostilities between white communities and non-whites is more pronounced than anyone cared to admit.  The persistence of race riots is clear testament to that as well as the spread of Islamophobia as a reaction against increased Middle Eastern immigration.  These groups face employment and housing discrimination that rivals LGBT individuals in the United States!  A good number of whites in Mechonia also blame recent immigrants for the spikes in crime, though crime has always been a part of society with organized crime syndicates (mostly Irish, though Russian groups have challenged the status quo in recent decades) being as old as the nation itself.  While many claim that the absence of these issues does guarantee de facto rights, many others claim that the absence of these issues in the books effectively enables the denial of these rights.
However lacking the nation may be in addressing abortion, Civil Rights, and LGBT rights, the Constitution does make strong provisions for civil liberties (well, besides the civil liberty to go eat at whitie's bar, but I digress).  Interrogation rooms are required by law to have video cameras and audio recorders in them.  Censorship is illegal, per the Constitution.  The Constitution requires that any official that approves of extra judicial killings be exiled from the country, forever.  Abusive police tactics lose one their badge.  Gun ownership is explicitly protected in the Constitution, given Mechonia's tradition as a society of hunters (and revolutionaries, lol).  The Constitution explicitly requires that the citizens "overthrow" any government that spies on it's citizens without warrants.  Considering Mechonia's passionate zeal for defending "Civil Liberties", many find it's approach on Civil and Gay Rights abysmal and drastically in need of reform.

Energy:

Most of Mechonia's energy needs are provided by a combination of renewable energy resources.  There are several nuclear power facilities, located a distance from local populace, mostly in the inland areas.  Wind power is very plentiful, but is regulated to prevent people from getting "eyesores" from seeing them everywhere.  There are a couple of hydroelectric dams (on the rivers) and geothermal power plants as well.  There is still a coal industry, given the need for jobs inland, but the extraction and usage of it has declined significantly.  Mechonia's last coal power plant was closed on January 8th, 1996.  Now days, coal is sold in public markets for personal home usage (mainly cooking and heating).  Given that a lot of Mechonians don't have basic electricity (a lot of which was conscious choice), energy demands are lower than other developed nations.  Many people (whom the upper classes mockingly called "cheapskates") prefer to live in non-powered households and then go into town to use public libraries (which have modern information technology such as computers), community centers, bathing houses (gender neutral, these people aren't shy), public gyms (gyms funded by the government), and other general public use places.  Most localities have these basic services, though the size of those vary according to locality.

[PJ]

Foreign Relations of the United Progressive Provinces of Pacifica:
People's Democratic Republic of Muffinland-Currently allies. Would like more freedom of religion, and opposed to Civil War. Open to negotiations rather than conflict.
Mechonia- Good relations. Willing to give foreign aid. Dissaproving of racism in society.
United Worker's Republic of Snowstalkeria- So so. Dissapproves of elements of dictatorship in government.
Cathconia- Pretty good. Dissapproves of some military action.
Dibtopia- Good. Disapproves of voting rights system. Mixed feelings about jousting team.
TNFLand- Good. Dissaproves of nuclear power due to radioactive waste.
Trainland- Same as TNFLand.
Nathanland- Great. Requesting permission to allow citizens of Nathanland and Pacifica to travel freely with each other without need for passports.
Andrewland- Great. Requesting permission to allow citizens of Andrewland and Pacifica to travel freely with each other without need for passports.
SJoyceland- Good. Dissapprove of nuclear power and laissez faire economics.
Alexandria- Good. Finds the economics confusing and irregular.
Mustafinist Republic of Hashland- Good. Dissapprove of Freedom of speech violation.
Kingdom of DC Al Fine- So So. Dissaprove of bans on abortion, divorce, and SSM. Any immigrants denied access to DC Al Fine are welcome to immigrate legally to the United Progressive Provinces of Pacifica.
HPJLand- Good. Dissaprove of abortion restrictions and anti-union stance.
Republic of Averroesland- Good. Dissaprove of nuclear power.
TJland- So so. Dissaproves of bans on abortion, SSM, marijuana, and divorce.
Anyone have opinions on foreign policy with Pacifica?

[© tweed]

*organized labor and the State are one and the same.  more accurately, State-sanctioned labor organization makes decisions as would a set of elected representatives in a liberal society.  people are free to organize themselves in other ways but have will have no power.

*the military rests largely outside of the control of democratic labor (but is organized into the State union)

*an unelected vanguard sits on some Council of Comrades and constitutes a majority, which controls the military.  (I am obviously the general secretary of this Council)

*extract surplus value from some portion of the population that can be marginalized, and issue propaganda to constantly build the image that this portion of the population is a threat.  make sure they can be isolated from the main community on some basis (whether it be race, geographical location, whatever: paint them as dangerous Others).  it would be preferable if they lived largely in urban ghettos.  heavily militarize where they live.

*the State owns almost all enterprises that matter: education, health services, monopoly on drug sales, housing, etc.  people are free to open up their own restaurants or whatever but chain stores (or, more broadly, commercial corporations) are forbidden.

*^^ but make such petit bourgeois enterprises highly risky at best or just plain stupid, by conditioning access to the housing stock, social services, etc. contingent on belonging to the State labor federation, and forbid those who try to open their own enterprise from access to the State labor union.  so they would have to make enough cash through their stupid corner store in order to pay the State rents, access fees, etc.


I could go on, but you get the gist.  how about you?

[dead0man]

dead0LAN (pronounced ded O lan, but it's typed with a zero...damn it) is a loose Federation, mostly made up of the states and regions surrounding the fatherland.  The Kingdom of Dead was an ancient regime, based around farming, freedom and fu....reproducing.  Several hundred years ago a neighboring state (Alabamia) was involved in a slave revolt and asked the Kingdom of Dead to assist in putting down the revolt.  The Old Council (at the time a select group of elders voted into the Council by the elders of every village, town and city) discussed it and decided the slaves were on the right side and we promptly invaded and killed most of the Alabamians and put the slaves in charge and left.  They were weak and were promptly invaded by the Kent Ucky Fiefdom of Lexington.  The slaves in Alabamia were not prepared and were faring badly and asked the Kingdom of Dead for help.  The Old Council discussed again and again we decided to help the slaves.

Long story slightly shorter, The Kingdom of Dead found itself protectorate over former slavery ran nations, now ran by the slaves.  We also managed to free serfs in Te-has, homosexuals in The Land of Utes, hippies around Lincolnlog Lake that were being persecuted by the lawyers, businessmen and other Soots that were migrating from lands east and a band of the Bleeding Heart tribe from the west were giving hell to the fine nuclear families of Makota.  And that's how the Federation was birthed. 

Each nation in the Federation has near complete autonomy.  There are only a few absolute rules that they must follow:
1.the people in your country must be allowed to leave if they want
2.war between member nations is right out
3.each member nation must protect the basic civil liberties of everyone inside it's borders, to include, but not necessarily limited to:
a.freedom of speech
b.freedom of press
c.freedom of religion
d.freedom of whom to marry

That's pretty much it.  If Alabamia wants hardcore socialism, good luck to you.  If the Land of Utes wants to ban the ownership of firearms, knock yourself out.  If Kent Ucky wants to have no military and spend all their money on building tall ivory towers to honor their gods, enjoy.  Freedom, it's what is important.

Any nation on the planet can ask to join or just for our assistance, but obviously we can't guarantee protection to peoples on the other side of the globe, but we'll do what we can.

The Kingdom of Dead is ultimately in charge, but its not a true Kingdom.  Each year a King is chosen from an approved list.  Anybody can be put on the King List, but they must be recommended by a member of the New Council (NC).  The NC is made up two "houses", the upper house, where each nation gets one minister (except for KoD, which gets two) and the lower house, which is really more of a loony bin.  There is one minister in the lower house for every 10,000 citizens.  What makes one a citizen or not I will get to in a minute.  Ministers in the upper house can put up to 10 names on the list, whereas minsters in the lower house only get 1.  The NC will then vote to shrink the normally long list down to something more manageable by removing the least likely Kings.  We like to get it somewhere between 10 and 20.  At which point the potential kings are asked if they'd be willing to be king and the ones that are must prepare a personal oath and a list of goals they'd like to accomplish as King.  These documents are brought together for each potential king, copied and distributed to every citizen.  2 weeks later the citizens vote.  A month later the new king takes his seat on the Dead Throne.

Not everybody is a citizen.  First, you must reach the age of maturity, this varies for all and some people never reach it (the mentally feeble, the unwilling).  There is a simple test one must pass before one may be of age (almost nobody that attempts it fails it).  Once you've past the test, reached the age of at least 13 and have become old enough to procreate you are eligible to become a citizen.  This also requires testing, only its more onerous and there are many more failures.  There is a civics section (that tests their knowledge of how our political system works), there is a morals section (it doesn't approve or not of your morals, it's just makes sure you ain't a bigot...of course people lie.  Questions are along the lines of "Homosexuality may be right or wrong to me, but they are people and they have the same rights as anybody else.  true or false").  Only citizens can vote, only citizens can be officers in the military (there are foreign exceptions and the occasional waiver for non-citizen locals) and only citizens can be minsters or king.  Citizens do pay a slightly higher income tax than non-citizenry.

The income tax is progressive and relatively simple.  Nobody is taxed up to 20% above the poverty level at which point a 10% flat tax is applied to all income between that number and $100k.  A flat tax of 15% for every dollar made between $100k and $500k and going up 5% for every half a million more money made.  Capping at 70%.  The taxes are probably a little high right now, but that's because we're still paying off the debt from the last war against the Soots from Neo Yawk.  Once the govt has 10 years worth of surplus funds, the taxes will drop back to reasonable levels.  The revenue is used to run the govt, schools, healthcare and the military. Roads (at least those inside the original Kingdom, the other nations can do what they want with their roads) are paid for by a local fuel tax (we will have to figure something else out soon as we switch to electric).

Political parties are allowed, of course, but ones political affiliation does not go on ballots or with the information in a potential kings oath or goals.

Race is meaningless, so we don't count it, so we don't know what the racial breakdown is...taken as a whole, we are very diverse.  Taken as individual nations, much less so.

Religion is allowed, but the culture (at least in the original kingdom) is mostly apathetic to it.  Some of the new nations are very religious though.  There is no separation of church and state, unless that particular state wants it that way (most do).


So yeah, in dead0LAN guns can be banned, healthcare is free(ish) and taxes are often high.

[LastVoter]

Well describing a country is not really fun, even less would be running one, in fact it's something I am too lazy to do. I would prefer to be a union president of the key labour group in your country, with enough power to change leadership  if necessary(think Arthur Scargill).

[Redalgo]

The country in question would be a place of stark political and economic juxtapositions.

It is a federation of constitutional republics and representative, liberal democracy yet socialist symbolism is ubiquitous. A “me-oriented” culture, well-established class system, deeply-embedded love of individualism, and robust market competition contrast with a guaranteed minimum income, compensation controls, decentralized management of the economy via worker cooperatives, social programs promising the most fundamental material necessities of life to all, and the third rail of the country’s politics: workplace democracy. The value of egalitarianism is stressed as an ideal but in practice ones lot in life is largely at the mercy of market forces. Ones fortunes are liable to swing high and low in the wake of co-op successes and failures. Most workers go through bankruptcy at some point in their lives and social mobility unfortunately cuts both ways. High taxes and the need to save up as a hedge against risks incurred through heavy reinvestment of income into ones co-op translates into only modest amounts of disposable income for workers - discouraging them from the sort of consumerism one would observe in, say, the States.

In spite of a fluid labour market and the overall ease of doing business, environmental policies keep energy costs high and contribute to economic expansion occurring at an anemic crawl - growth of GDP prone to slumps in which it fails to surpass the usually low rate of inflation. The nationalized nuclear industry is uncontroversial and provides most of the electricity demanded by the public. Liberals push for deregulation and worry the current environmental agenda is hindering national development with mountains of red tape whereas greens are determined to fully shift to renewable sources of energy. More eccentrically, many animal species have been extended so many rights that ranching has become dominated by vast co-ops which shoulder most family farms out of the market. Many folk in the mining and timber industries are frustrated by how much of the land is designated as wilderness fully off-limits to development and exploitation.

Elections and campaigns are internationally deemed to be free and fair but are also tightly regulated and attract domestic criticism. All factions benefit from proportional allotment of seats in congress, a small handful of public media outlets provide viewers with quality coverage of party platforms, candidates, the issues, and emerging political events but many claim the state controls much of the media and the most influential of political institutions in academia behind the scenes while infringing on the constitutionally-promised freedom of expression. Term limits prevent voters from getting to know their representatives well, so they are more inclined to vote for or against entire parties - parties that frustrate them with their internal bickering, power struggles, embarrassing scandals, and doctrinal splits. Socialist, green, liberal, and conservative parties are often gridlocked in congress and - in spite of having sharply reduced income inequality since the country’s founding - efforts to promote equality of opportunity both within government and outside of it in society as a whole have yielded only mixed results. Partisanship reaches a feverishly high pitch once every ten years when a constitutional convention is automatically convened to update the terms of the social contract.

The government is irreligious and tends to incessantly nag its citizens with public service announcements - delegating most regulatory responsibilities to the many provinces. Strict constitutional limits on the government’s power combine with a comprehensive list of social rights for it to enforce yielded a multicultural society, legal recreational drug use, legal prostitution, a sexually liberated population, a noticeable absence of censorship in the media (including for obscenities), shift toward rehabilitating rather than imprisoning most convicts, state acknowledgement of civil partnership pacts betwixt any combination of consenting adults, and so forth. Leaders are preachier with than tough on diplomatic matters - fussing about humanitarian crises abroad while maintaining only minimalist armed forces. The state cannot increase the funding without diving into deficit spending yet manages to make a difference in many places through generous contributions of aid. Military interventions are only practical courses of action when allies are willing to help.

Edit: I’d be willing to elaborate on anything if asked, and would gladly discuss any matters I forgot to cover in this initial response. I'm rubbish with pulling statistics out of thin air so I've abstained from including any.

[Hash]

Various additions:

HASHLAND POLITICAL PARTIES AND GOVERNMENT

The Mustafinist-Komovist Movement (MKM) is the governing party, and the dominant party in federal politics. The party's ideology is Mustafinism-Komovism, the founding ideology of the Republic. The party's sole ideological documents remains the Principles of Mustafinism-Komovism (Principles of the Movement). In general, the MKM leans to the left but because of its strong technocratic and pragmatic tendencies, it is described by some observers as being unideological. Comparisons are often drawn to the Mexican PRI. On the other hand, proscribed right-wing extremist organizations claim that the MKM is a far-left autocratic party.

The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) is the Official Opposition in the Federal Parliament and in most state legislatures. The CDP is a centre-right party, which is liberal/centrist on social issues (conforming to the basic individual and community rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights) and more right-leaning on economic issues - it advocates lowering taxes, stricter welfare requirements, allowing for private healthcare, liberalizing the laws on private education, reducing government bureaucracy and an economic policy generally more favourable to private enterprise. To appeal to more right-wing voters, some CDP politicians may take more conservative stances on social/moral issues, while not violating the Bill of Rights and constitution.

The Left Front is the main left-wing party in the Republic. It is similar to the MKM when it comes to social/moral issues or foreign policy, but it is more left-wing on economic issues. It advocates a wealth tax, banning private healthcare, nationalizing major industries (water, electricity, natural gas, national airline, railroads etc) and natural resources, banning confessional private education and gratuity for post-secondary education. It generally supports current constitutional controls on free speech. One of its main criticisms of the MKM regime is the control of economic and welfare policies by 'unelected technocrats'. Despite its ideological disagreements with the MKM, the LF governs in coalition with the MKM in some state government and local level.

The Mustafinist-Komovist Party - Pasekaist (MKP-P) was founded from a split in the MKM, led by the so-called Pasekaist faction. Its ideological differences with the MKM are minute, given that the MKP-P supports economic, social and diplomatic policies similar to the MKM.

Proscribed organizations

Conservative Liberation Alliance (CLA) The CLA is a right-wing organization proscribed by the state for its opposition to fundamental human rights inscribed in the Bill of the Rights and to the Mustafinist-Komovist nature of the Republic. The CLA opposes numerous aspects of the Bill of Rights notably on LGBT rights, women's rights and minority rights. It claims that the Mustafinist-Komovist state is a dictatorial regime, and supports removing President-for-Life Aliya Mustafina from office. The CLA does not, however, advocate for the violent overthrow of the state.

Anti-Mustafinist National Organization (AMNO) The AMNO is a far-right reactionary (fascistic) terrorist group and political movement proscribed by the state for its opposition to the Bill of Rights, the Mustafinist-Komovist nature of the state and its support for armed violence against the state. The AMNO has been accused of various terrorist attacks against public institutions, MKM branches and other symbols of the Republic. Its founder is currently serving a 650 year jail sentence on various counts of high treason, terrorism and anti-Mustafinist actions.

United Belieber Revolutionary Organization (UBRO) The UBRO, also known as the 'Revolutionary Belibers', is a proscribed group led by 30-year old manchilds and teenage girls with screechy voices. The UBRO is banned by the state because of its opposition to the Mustafinist-Komovist nature of the Republic, it seeks to establish a Belieberist (Bieberist) dictatorship. Canadian singer Justin Bieber is currently banned from performing in the Republic due to his alleged backing of the UBRO.

[Hatman 🍁]

United Belieber Revolutionary Organization (UBRO) The UBRO, also known as the 'Revolutionary Belibers', is a proscribed group led by 30-year old manchilds and teenage girls with screechy voices. The UBRO is banned by the state because of its opposition to the Mustafinist-Komovist nature of the Republic, it seeks to establish a Belieberist (Bieberist) dictatorship. Canadian singer Justin Bieber is currently banned from performing in the Republic due to his alleged backing of the UBRO.

.... lol

[Starbucks Union Thug HokeyPuck]

1. Economy: HockeyDudia has a European-type mixed economy with a strong emphasis on "small-town capitalism".  There is much incentive to start up and remain a small business in HockeyDudia, including tax breaks and government subsidies; there are many regulations and protections against those businesses that conglomerate from coming into a small town and "flash" transforming the local economy (ala the Wal-Mart effect).  There is absolutely no corporate welfare, and there is no benefit to the corporate business model.  

2. Governing: Representative democracy not unlike the United States.  Individual states (or provinces) have their own government, as do municipalities.  Checks and balances system involving an executive/legislative/judicial branch.  Simple majority needed in all situations.  60% needed to cancel an executive veto.  These rules filter down through all levels of government.  The filibuster is considered a crime of obstruction.  Lobbyists are simply not allowed in the national capital.  

3. Healthcare: a universal single-payer system paid through a progressive national tax.  To avoid delays in treatment, a private infrastructure not unlike the U.S. is at first established, which is slowly integrated into the single-payer system.  Doctors are paid a handsome government salary.

4. Labor: Workers are given comprehensive protection.  Workweek is limited to 35 hours with six weeks paid vacation.  Workers have unlimited protection to unionize.  Minimum wage is adjusted to aggregate cost of living and is adjusted for inflation annually.  

5. Foreign policy: Voluntary armed forces with a strong emphasis on humanitarian aid.  Smaller intelligence operations are used to combat terrorism, and no military action is taken without the presence of a genuine and imminent threat.  

6. Cultural: There is no government endorsement of religion in any way, nor are religious institutions tax-exempt.  No religious observances are considered national holidays.  Abortion is legal through viability in all circumstances, though there are incentives to the adoption route.  Euthanasia is legal for any adult of sound mind.   Marriage is universally recognized for all couples.  Private citizens are allowed to own hunting rifles and 15-round 9mm handguns after psychological evaluations and backgrounds checks for all members of the household in which the gun will be kept.  Guns are not allowed in public areas.  Designated shooting ranges/hunting area are established and strongly enforced.  

7. Education: all education is public, and emphasized in the national budget.  There is no private education.  All private education and religious instruction are to be done in conjunction with the educational curriculum, and attendance is compulsory through Grade 12.  School is paid for up through higher education.  Greater access to trade school is established, and comprehensive loan programs are available through the national government to those student who wish to commence graduate studies.  

that's all I got for now

[Хahar 🤔]

Fantasizing about an idealized society is for Marxists and libertarians, and I am neither. There is no ideal society; there is only the society that we have now, and what matters is what can be done to improve that society.

On the other hand, Hashemite's country does seem ideal.

[Mechaman]

Fantasizing about an idealized society is for Marxists and libertarians, and I am neither. There is no ideal society; there is only the society that we have now, and what matters is what can be done to improve that society.

On the other hand, Hashemite's country does seem ideal.

lol, my country is far from ideal.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I went out of my way to show the negative consequences of utopia.

But otherwise, yeah I agree.  Hashemite's country does seem by far the best.

[traininthedistance]

Fantasizing about an idealized society is for Marxists and libertarians, and I am neither. There is no ideal society; there is only the society that we have now, and what matters is what can be done to improve that society.

On the other hand, Hashemite's country does seem ideal.

lol, my country is far from ideal.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I went out of my way to show the negative consequences of utopia.

But otherwise, yeah I agree.  Hashemite's country does seem by far the best.

This is a good point.

I tried to sort of hint at some of the potential downsides of "my" ideology, but reading it again, I didn't really hint strongly enough.  So, in that spirit, here are some potentially bad things about Trainland:

* First and foremost, living space is pretty cramped.  Not Lower East Side tenement-level cramped, but most people live in fairly small apartments, or share smallish rowhomes with friends or family, and things like private yards and detached homes are pretty much luxury goods.

* Unemployment is virtually nil- anyone who wants a job can have one- but underemployment is an issue sometimes, and working class jobs are much more of the "service sector drone" model than the "unionized factory worker" model.

* The urban/rural divide is an issue, and since the population is overwhelmingly urban, rural residents can feel aggrieved at times.

* The strict environmental regulations that virtually killed off most mining mean that Trainland has to import a lot of raw materials, which is potentially a drag on the economy.  (It doesn't really have to import fossil fuels, since it's built in such a way as to basically not need them, but stuff like thorium and rare earths are still vital.)  It's not normally a huge issue, but the prospect of supply shocks does hang over the nation, and when it gets recessions that's usually the reason.

* Some folks complain that politicians don't really have any power, and that "unelected bureaucrats" decide everything.

* The predominance of the arts and entertainment as a major industry (and, in fact, one of the nation's largest exports) has led to copyright laws that, while not as stringent as currently found in the USA, would rankle many posters here.

* Hipsters, hipsters everywhere. 

[opebo]

I got a hell of a lot of death points and came a hair's-breadth from being banned when I described my country.  That's right.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Doing this instead of my Forensics class reviews.

Cathconian Political Parties

Cathconia has traditionally been divided between West and East. Contemporary political parties formed about 130 years ago.

The Cathconian Party

The Cathconian Party, part of a strong Eastern Cathconia tradition of pro-industry, pro-finance, is formed around a few key principles. First off, high tariffs to protect domestic industry. This has been seen in the past as both a pro-business and then later a pro-labor stance. As well, in later years, though there was still a large amount of support from Eastern businesses, a trust-busting faction developed. On immigration, they are typically the more opposed faction and thus have had to deal with large immigrant communities in Eastern cities. As well, they tend to support higher taxes and large, paternal welfare programs. They've been opposed to a large number of "Republican" foreign interventions, viewing them as distracting from more internal conflicts. There is a Western faction, comprised largely of impoverished farmers that are wary of immigrants and rather anti-internationalist. The stereotype of an Cathconian Party voter is either an Eastern fatcat corporatist "statist", though in lesser use is a xenophobic farmer.

The Republican Party
The Republican party is your traditional Western Cathconian party. They favor low tariffs, domestic quasi-libertarianism (though immigrant communities have provided certain moralistic traits to the party). They are welcoming of immigrants, viewing them as increasing the fabric of what was originally an immigrant's country. In foreign policy, they might be called "expansionist" or even "pro war" given that a central part of the Republican Party's ideology is expanding democracy and the republican form of government to all corners of the globe. This in the past has involved protecting burgeoning independent republics in Cathconia's own hemisphere. The stereotype of a Republican Party voter is a cowboy with little interest in helping his fellow man and a disdain for most other countries (aside from of course those that Cathconia has liberated).

[Del Tachi]

I don't have the time nor concentration to type-out a full profile, but my nation would be a undemocratic, bureaucratic technocracy with constitutionally protected civil rights and liberties.