The Republic of the Enigmatic Nation

[Enigmatic]

The Republic of the Enigmatic Nation

The Republic of the Enigmatic Nation is a colossal, economically powerful island nation located in north-central 10000 Islands. It was founded in NSY 65.

Basic Information

Motto: Sapere Aude (Dare to be Wise)
Flag: Single Star Flag
National Anthem: Hail to the Republic
National Animal: Eagle
Capital: Ainessesthai
Population: approximately 8 billion
Government type: Constitutional Republic
Government Institutions: Office of the Archon of the Republic, Wisdom Parliament, Grand Tribunal
WA Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
Political Freedoms: Very Good
Civil Rights: Average
Economy: All-Consuming
Major Industry: Information Technology
Currency: Enigma Note Ë
Crime Rate: Negligible
Unemployment: 2.55 percent
Armed Forces: The Enigmatic Legion, Enigmatic Defense Forces
Notable Locations: Ainessesthai, Enigmatic House, Tomb of the Grand Enigmatic

History in Brief

The country was founded in NSY 65. The driving force behind the creation of the country was Doctor Christopher Ainissesthai. Doctor Ainissesthai was a Greek-American politician, philosopher, author, and scholar. He became disenchanted with the governments of the world and set out to found a country under what he believed to be the ideal political system. Using his vast fortune, he financed the construction of an entirely artificial island in the Pacific Ocean. Construction began in early NSY 60 and was completed in the waning months of NSY 64. He and his followers took up residence on the man-made island early the following year. Late in the year the formal constitution of the country was ratified and the Republic was created. For the next several years Dr. Ainissesthai, now referred to as the Grand Enigmatic, led the nation in developing itself economically, politically, and militarily. Once the nation was firmly established, Dr. Ainissesthai retired from public life and left the governance of the country to younger men. The first elections were held in November of NSY 69. Tristan Paladin, a young protégé of Dr. Ainissesthai, was elected as the first Archon. The current Archon is Mark Robertson.

Since its creation, the Republic has only grown. The landmass has been physically expanded to accommodate a growing population. The Enigmatic Nation has begun to physically encroach on islands to the north, east, and west. The western island is claimed by a foreign power, but relations are good. The other islands are presumed to be uninhabited. The Republic has also founded colonies to the south in the Sea of TITO Knights. Development of the colonies is progressing slowly, but surely. Politically, the Republic pioneered the creation of an economic alliance of several powers within the region. The Economic Entente has since risen to become a driving force in space travel.

The Republic quickly became a leader in regional affairs once it asserted itself. The Enigmatic Nation was an early member of the now defunct Assembly of Nations, a regional gathering of sovereign states. There the Republic worked with other countries of the region to better the whole of 10000 Islands. Representatives from the Enigmatic Nations served as patrician and later speaker of that organization. In NSY 76, the Enigmatic Nation was chosen by a majority of nations to serve on the Council of Nine, the governing body in the region, as a senator-nation. Twelve years later due to the Republics work in promoting immigration to the region, the Enigmatic Nation was chosen to head the regional Department of Immigration. A role a representative of the Republic continues to fill to this day. The current ambassador to the Council of Nine and Minister of Immigration is Charlemagne Enig.

The Enigmatic Nation has engaged in few armed conflicts within the region over the course of its history. The Republic remained neutral in the Union-Asgarniean Great War, but did send supplies to San Juan Capital in the conflict between that nation and New Islandia that preceded the Great War, though it entered into no aggressive action against New Islandia. Enigmatics participated in the brief Taco Island War and were present to restore the peace during the upheaval that followed. Outside the region, Enigmatic forces have been active since the Enigmatic Nation joined the Ten thousand Islands Treaty Organization. Enigmatic forces have participated in well over hundred engagements around the globe. Forces of the Republic were present at the liberations of The Rejected Realms, The North Pacific, and Anime. Troops were also present during the Battle of Rajahland and served with distinction in Zealand and Gilmerica

The Enigmatic Nation weathered the Acylndian invasion better than some countries. When the alien ships arrived Enigmatic fighters were sent to engage them. The combined effort of Enigmatic fighters and ground based missile defenses were enough to turn back the invasion from the Republic without any damage to the country, but all fighters were lost in the battle. The Enigmatic Nation helped fund the Entente Aeronautics and Space Institute mission to the Acylndian homeworld which, in conjunction with the Estayland STARS and New Dracoran Space Command missions, ended the Acylndian threat.

In the years since the Acylndia War, the Republic of the Enigmatic Nation has continued to be a leading force in the region.

[Enigmatic]

Government

The Enigmatic Nation is a unitary, constitutional republic operating under a presidential system. Majority rule is tempered by minority rights. The government is regulated by a system of checks and balances defined by the Enigmatic Constitution which is the nation’s supreme legal document and social contract for the Enigmatic people. The people are subject to three levels of government, national, provincial, and local. Each level, with the exception of local, is in turn divided into three specific branches, executive, legislative, and judicial.

National

Executive

The Executive Branch of the Republic government is composed of The Archon of the Republic, Vice-Archon, and the Council of Ministers.

Archon: The Archon of the Republic, known commonly as simply the Archon, is the head of state and head of government and the highest political official in the Republic. It is the duty of the Archon to ensure that all laws are faithfully executed. He appoints the ministers responsible for overseeing the ten national departments. The Archon is also responsible for appointing the various ambassadors, judges of the court system, and other national officers. All appointments must be approved by the Wisdom Parliament. The Archon has the power to veto legislation; however, this veto may be overridden by a four-fifths vote of the Wisdom Parliament. The Archon is the commander-in-chief of the military and head of the Republic Security Council. The Archon holds a “gold code” authorizing the use of weapons of mass destruction. Anyone seeking the office of Archon must be a natural born civilian, must be a citizen of no less than 10 years, and must have lived in the Republic for no less than 15 years prior to his/her candidacy. The Archon may serve no more than two five year terms in office.

Vice-Archon: The Vice-Archon is the first in the order of succession. Upon the death, resignation, impeachment, or medical impairment of the Archon, the Vice-Archon is immediately appointed the new Archon. The Vice-Archon acts as the Prolocutor of the Wisdom Parliament. It is the responsibility of the Vice-Archon as prolocutor to moderate debate, but not to engage in debate, make rulings on procedure, to announce the results of votes, and the like. The prolocutor decides who may speak and has the power to discipline members who break the procedures of parliament. In the event of a tie in parliament, the Vice-Archon is to cast a tie-breaker vote, but is at no other time allowed to vote. The Vice-Archon also usually serves as an advisor and confidant to the Archon, but these roles are influenced heavily by the relationship between the Archon and Vice-Archon. The Vice-Archon serves on the Republic Security Council and holds a “silver code” authorizing the use of weapons of mass destruction. Anyone seeking the office of Vice-Archon must meet the same requirements as one seeking the office of Archon and must not have served two terms as Archon. A Vice-Archon may serve an unlimited number of terms until such time as two terms as Archon are served.

Minister of State: The Minister of State is responsible for Enigmatic foreign affairs and oversees the Ministry of State. The Ministry is tasked with the storage and use of the Great Seal of the Republic, performance of protocol functions for the Enigmatic House, drafting of proclamations, and replies to inquiries. The Minister’s duties include but are not limited to negotiating with foreign representatives and instructing Enigmatic embassies or consulates abroad. The Minister also serves as a principal advisor to the Archon in the determination of Enigmatic foreign policy and is responsible for overall direction, coordination, and supervision of interdepartmental activities of the Enigmatic Government overseas, except in military affairs. The Minister is a member of the Republic Security Council and holds a “silver code” authorizing the use of weapons of mass destruction. The Minister of State is second in the order of succession.

Minister of the Treasury: The Minister of the Treasury is concerned with finance and monetary matter and is the head of the Ministry of the Treasury. The Ministry of the Treasury manages government revenue. It is tasked with managing federal finances; collecting taxes, duties, and monies paid to and due to the Republic and paying all bills of the Republic; producing all postage stamps, currency, and coinage; managing government accounts and the Republic public debt; supervising national banks and thrift institutions; advising on domestic and international financial, monetary, economic, trade, and tax policy – fiscal policy being the sum of these, and the ultimate responsibility of the Wisdom Parliament; enforcing national finance and tax laws; investigating and prosecuting tax evaders, counterfeiters, forgers, smugglers, and illicit spirits distillers. The Minister of the Treasury is third in the order of succession.

Minister of War: The Minister of War is responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to the Enigmatic Legion and foreign military involvement. He oversees the Ministry of War. The Ministry is responsible for overseeing the Army, Navy, and Air Force of the Enigmatic Legion. The Ministry has power within the borders of the Republic only in the Special Military Zone located on the Isle of Paradox except in times of invasion. The Ministry of War does, however, have authority in the colonies until such time as the Enigmatic Colonies are fully integrated into the Republic. The Minister of War is a member of the Republic Security Council and holds a “gold code” for authorizing the use of weapons of mass destruction. The Minister of War is fifth in the order of succession.

Minister of Defense: The Minister of Defense is responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to the security of the Republic and for overseeing the Ministry of Defense. The Ministry oversees the Home Guard, Coast Guard, and Air Guard of the Enigmatic Defense Forces. The Ministry has no authority outside the Republic. The Minister of Defense is a member of the Republic Security Council with a “silver code” for authorizing the use of weapons of mass destruction. The Minister of Defense is sixth in the order of succession.

Minister of Intelligence: The Minister of Intelligence serves as the principal advisor to the Archon and the Republic Security Council for intelligence matters related to the security of the Republic and serves as the head of the Ministry of Intelligence which coordinates the six members of the Enigmatic Intelligence Community. The members are the Republic Intelligence Agency which operates under the Ministry of Intelligence directly, the Office of Legion Intelligence which operates under the Ministry of War, the Enigmatic Security Agency which operates under the Ministry of Defense, the National Bureau of Investigation which operates under the Ministry of Justice, the Office of Intelligence and Research which operates under the Ministry of State, and the Financial Intelligence Office which operates under the Ministry of the Treasury. The Minister of Intelligence is fourth in the order of succession.

Minister of Justice: The Minister of Justice is concerned with legal affairs and is the chief law enforcement officer of the Republic. The Minister of Justice oversees the Ministry of Justice which is tasked with managing the national police force, Civil Protection; investigating and prosecuting violations of federal laws; representing the Republic in all legal matters, including cases before the Grand Tribunal; enforcing all immigration laws; and maintaining the national prison system, halfway houses, and community programs. The Minister of Justice is seventh in the order of succession.

Minister of the Interior: The Minister of the Interior is responsible for overseeing the Ministry of the Interior. The Ministry of the Interior is tasked with the management and conservation of the Enigmatic Landmass; with administering policy regarding farming, agriculture, and food; developing Republic energy policy; disposing of radioactive waste; ensuring safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation systems; and with providing information regarding immigration and processing applications for citizenship. The Minister of the Interior is eighth in the order of succession.

Minister of Commerce: The Minister of Commerce is concerned with business and industry and is the head of the Ministry of Commerce. The Ministry of Commerce is responsible for promoting job creation and improving living standards for all Enigmatics by creating an infrastructure that promotes economic growth, technological competitiveness, and sustainable development. It is tasked with gathering economic and demographic data for business and government decision-making, issuing patents and trademarks, and setting industrial standards. The Minister of Commerce is ninth in the order of succession.

Minister of Labor: The Minister of Labor exercises control over the Ministry of Labor and suggests and enforces laws involving unions, the workplace, and all other issues involving any form of business-person controversies. The Ministry of Labor is responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, re-employment services, and some economic statistics. The Minister of Labor is tenth in the order of succession.

Minister of Education: The Minister of Education is the head of the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education formulates national funding programs involving education and develops and enforces national educational laws. The Minister of Education is eleventh in the order of succession.

Legislative

The legislature of the Republic is a unicameral body known as the Wisdom Parliament. The Wisdom Parliament is composed of 100 Consuls, two from each of the 50 provinces, who serve six year terms. Parliament has authority over financial and budgetary matters through the enumerated power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises; to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the Republic. The Enigmatic Constitution also grants Parliament exclusively the power to appropriate funds. This power of the purse is one of Parliament's primary checks on the executive branch. Other powers granted to Parliament include the authority to borrow money on the credit of the Republic, regulate commerce with foreign nations, and coin money.

The Constitution also gives Parliament an important role in national defense, including the exclusive power to declare war, to raise and maintain the armed forces, and to make rules for the military. Parliament also has the power to establish post offices and post roads, issue patents and copyrights, fix standards of weights and measures, establish courts inferior to the Grand Tribunal, and "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 Republic of the Enigmatic Nation, or in any ministry, department, or officer thereof."

The Wisdom Parliament is also tasked with overseeing the executive branch. Parliament has the exclusive power to remove the Archon, judges, and national officers from office. Furthermore, the Parliament has the power to override a veto by the Archon with a four-fifths majority vote.

Judicial

The highest court in the Republic is the Grand Tribunal. The Grand Tribunal is comprised of nine adjudicators who serve life terms which end upon death, resignation, retirement, or impeachment. Adjudicators are appointed by the Archon and are confirmed by parliament. The judicial power of the Grand Tribunal extends to all cases arising under the Enigmatic Constitution, the laws of the Republic, 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 Republic is a party; to controversies between two or more provinces; and between a province or its civilians and citizens and a foreign state or states including its citizens or subjects.

Additionally, lower courts oversee national criminal cases and appeals.

[Enigmatic]

Government continued

Provincial

Executive

The executive branch of the fifty provinces is comprised of a magistrate and a council of advisors. The magistrate is elected to a five-year term. The magistrate appoints a cabinet of advisors to oversee the various provincial departments. The executive branch of a province functions in much the same way as the national executive.

Legislative

The legislative branch of each province is known as the General Assembly. The General Assembly is a bicameral body composed of a House of Representatives and a Senate. The House of Representatives is the “lower house” and its composition is decided by the population of the various counties in a province. The Senate is the “higher house” and its composition is determined by the number of counties in a province. Two senators are elected from each province. The General Assembly performs on a provincial level the same duties as the Wisdom Parliament.

Judicial

Provincial Courts has jurisdiction over disputes with some connection to a given province of the Republic, as opposed to the national government. Provincial Courts handle the vast majority of civil and criminal cases in the Enigmatic Nation with minimal national court supervision.

Local

Local government is far less structured than provincial and national government. Larger towns and cities usually have an executive composed of a mayor and his cabinet and a legislature composed of elected councilors. Small towns and villages usually combine their executive and legislature into a unified town council. The local judiciary takes the form of County Courts. County Courts handle trials in misdemeanor cases (offenses punishable by less than one year in prison) and other minor offenses and violations. The County Court also has limited authority to hear civil cases involving monetary awards of 50,000Ë or less.