Nation Title: The Commonwealth of Concordeia
Form of Government: Constitutional Presidential Federal Republic
National Leader(s): Chief of State Lisa Huntington
Political Orientation: Social Liberalism/Democracy
Economic Orientation: Mixed Market/Welfare State
Politics and Governance:
What are is your nation's predominant view on the following; be as detailed as you please but a simple agree/disagree is adequate. (If you would, please answer directly after or below the bold brackets in normal font)
Section 1. Political Philosophy:
Democracy: Highly Supported. Government can only legitimately rule with the consent of the governed.
- Representative Democracy: Highly Supported. It's one of the best systems of government if managed properly.
Direct Democracy: Supported, although it tends to only be truly effective at smaller scales.
- Absolute: Opposed, as absolute power and authority in one person or a small number of people can and often does lead to abuse of power, and consequently, great suffering for a country's populace.
Constitutional: Supported, though we particularly prefer constitutional monarchies with democratically elected non-royal leaders.
Republicanism: Supported, though we particularly prefer republics with democratically elected leaders.
Dictatorship/Totalitarianism: Highly Opposed, especially for it's destruction of civil rights and freedoms.
Fascism: Highly Opposed, not only for it's concentration of political power and destruction of civil rights and freedoms, but because it breeds militarism and xenophobia.
Anarchism: Neutral. We feel that it's very difficult, perhaps even impractical to maintain a modern, functional society without some sort of governing body, but we do not oppose anarchism on principal, nor do we oppose any other group of people who wish to try and make it work.
- Anarcho-Capitalism: Opposed. We believe that without some sort of regulation or oversight from a governing or authoritative body, a completely free market capitalist system would quickly become exploitative and unjust, and that unrestrained consolidation of economic power by ambitious entities would lead to the creation of a new de facto government, one which would almost certainly put profit and personal gain above the needs of society.
Anarcho-Mutualism: Neutral. It seems to be a good system in theory, however we don't believe the anarchist aspect of it is practical or feasible (at least for us) at present.
Anarcho-Communism: Neutral. Both Anarchism and Communism are both unproven concepts in our eyes, though we don't oppose either of them on principal, nor do we oppose other groups who wish to make it work.
Theocracy: Opposed, as it often leads to persecution, destruction of individual rights and freedoms, and societal stagnation.
Secularism: Highly Supported. While we support freedom of religion, we believe that the separation of religion from governance is beneficial for society as a whole.
Authoritarianism: Opposed, as it marginalizes individual rights and freedoms.
Libertarianism: Supported, although we do not agree with its endorsement of laissez-faire capitalism.
Conservatism: Neutral. We don't oppose conservatism per se, but we are a progressive society. We believe that tradition shouldn't impede positive social, economic or political change.
Progressivism: Highly Supported. If there are problems in society which private parties alone cannot resolve, the government should take an active role in solving them.
Militarism: Opposed, as it breeds aggression and xenophobia, and is often authoritarian in nature.
Pacifism: Supported, although we believe that force, while undesirable, is sometimes necessary, both for self-defense and the defense of others.
Nationalism: Opposed, as it often breeds xenophobia, militarism, and authoritarianism.
Internationalism: Highly Supported. International cooperation is essential for attaining and maintaining peace and prosperity for the world as a whole.
Individualism: Supported, though communitarianism (collectivism) is equally important to us. It is our view that the two should be interdependent rather than at odds with each other.
Collectivism: Supported, though individualism is equally important to us. It is our view that the two should be interdependent rather than at odds with each other.
Section 2. Economic Philosophy:
Capitalism: Supported, if regulated to help mitigate and prevent it's negative effects.
Communism: Neutral. We believe the concept is infeasible for us at present, though we don't oppose it on principle, nor do we oppose other groups who wish to make it work. Keep in mind that we refer to Pure Communism, not Leninism or Stalinism. We oppose the latter two.
Socialism: Supported, if flexible and not too controlling. We particularly favor democratic socialism.
Free Market/Laissez-Faire Economics: Opposed, as it causes economic instability and significant gaps in wealth, economic opportunity, and social status.
Mixed Market/Third Way Economics: Highly Supported. It's the best of both worlds, in our opinion.
Centrally Planned/Controlled Economics: Opposed, as the economy is too complex to run smoothly under centralized control.
Gift Economics: Neutral. We believe such a system would be very difficult to maintain on a national level.
Traditional/Primitive Economics: Neutral. We believe such systems aren't suitable for modern industrial/post-industrial societies.
Agrarianism: Neutral. We believe modern society cannot be sustained by focusing on agriculture alone.
Corporatism: Supported, especially social/liberal corporatism, which is a major feature of our economic system.
Welfarism: Supported. While we support the freedom to become prosperous through the market system, we also believe that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that all citizens have their basic needs met (food, clothing, shelter, medical care, etc.), particularly during times of economic recession or depression.
Syndicalism (Trade Unionism): Supported, though we don't use the system ourselves.
Globalization: Supported, if regulated with fair trade in mind.
Free Trade: Neutral. While we believe in freedom of international economic exchange, there are many times where such trade is exploitative and/or unequal.
Fair Trade: Highly Supported. It still allows for the international exchange of goods and services, but it also helps prevent exploitation and makes trade more equitable.
Protectionism: Neutral. We would only really consider using protectionist measures during a recession/depression, and even then it would not be the focus of our economic policy.
Feudalism: Opposed. It's an antiquated, exploitative and unjust system.
Environmentalism: Highly Supported. A healthy environment is vital for our well-being as well as that of countless other species. We should work to preserve and coexist with nature rather than neglecting it.
Consumerism: Neutral. Consumerism is a part of our society because of our mixed market economy, however we feel it should be moderated so as not to cause social problems.
Racism: Highly Opposed. Racial prejudice and hatred has no place in modern society.
Multiculturalism: Highly Supported. We should all celebrate our diversity and make the effort to learn about and appreciate other cultures.
Section 3: Social Policy & Freedoms
What is the Legal Status of the Following Social Issues? (Note: Elaboration on the social attitudes toward any these issues them can be found in the second questionnaire)
Private Property: Legal. It's a core tenant of our constitution, although there may be restrictions on what one may do with it, depending on the type of property in question.
Freedom of Speech: Legal. It's a core tenant of our constitution, however defamatory speech, hate speech and speech used to incite panic are all frowned upon and may even result in legal trouble.
Freedom of Association: Legal. It's a core tenant of our constitution, however associating with groups which promote or engage in criminal activities can result in legal trouble.
Gun Ownership: Legal under the umbrella of property rights, however their are certain restrictions and regulations involved, including background checks, gun registration and RFID-tagging, location restrictions, and restrictions on certain types of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition.
Abortion: Legal, although we prefer prevention of unwanted pregnancies through education and contraception.
Gay Marriage: Legal. Gender should have no bearing on the validity of marriage between two people.
Alcohol: Legal, however we encourage moderation and responsible consumption.
Tobacco: Legal, but heavily taxed. Tobacco is both addictive and unhealthy, so we recommend against using it.
Drugs: Legal
- Cannabis: Legal, however we encourage moderation and responsible use.
"Soft Drugs": Legal, same as above.
"Hard Drugs": Legal, however most are highly regulated and heavily taxed. Many of them can have adverse health and psychological effects, so we recommend against using them.
Prostitution: Legal. It's regulated like any other commercial service.
Slavery: Illegal. It's ethically wrong for a sapient being (human or not) to claim ownership over another.
Age Of Consent: 16 for unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse, unsupervised use of soft recreational drugs and tobacco, regulated use of hard recreational drugs, fully-licensed firearm ownership and fully-licensed driving. 12 for protected penetrative sexual intercourse (both partners must use contraceptives), parentally-supervised use of soft recreational drugs, unsupervised consumption of alcohol, provisionally-licensed firearm ownership and provisionally-licensed driving. There is technically no minimum age of consent for non-penetrative sexual activity and parentally-supervised consumption of alcohol, however law enforcement can intervene if any coercion, force or violence is suspected.
Freedom of Religion/Conscience: Legal. They are both core tenants of a constitution. Anyone may think whatever they want and worship whoever or whatever they want as long as they don't infringe upon the rights or freedoms of others.
Section 1: Arts & Society
What is your nations prominent views regarding the following: (Answer to your best ability. If you don't feel like writing much, feel free to simply write; popular/unpopular but anything you'd like to add, even pictures or musical links provided they are spoilered is welcome.)
How Does Your Nation View and Treat?
Artists: Popular (all different types)
Actors: Popular
Musicians: Popular (all different types)
Clowns: Neutral. It really depends on the type of clown. Some find them funny or whimsical, others (often children) find them creepy or scary.
Writers: Popular (all different types)
Intellectuals: Popular
Scientists: Popular
Entrepreneurs: Popular
Industrialists: Semi-Popular
Missionaries & Priests: Semi-Popular, though it varies depending on the religion.
Foreigners: Popular
What Is Popular In Your Nation?
(Note: By "Popular", We are asking what is the most popular form/genre/style in your nation. )
Popular Music: Pop Music, Hard Rock, Soft Rock, Alternative Rock, Pop Rock, Electronic Music, Country, Country Rock, Country Pop, Dance Music and Hip Hop.
Orchestral Music: Popular, though not quite as much as the genres mentioned above.
Jazz & Swing Music: Popular, same as above.
Popular Dance: Step Dance, Ballroom Dance, Nightclub Dance, and Street Dance.
Ballet: Fairly popular, but not as much as other styles.
Theatre: Popular.
Opera: Fairly Popular, but not as much as theater.
Popular Sports: Soccer, Football, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, Golf, Bowling, Automobile Racing.
Gladiatorial Combat: Prohibited. Only non-lethal combat sports are allowed.
Popular Art: Too many to list.
Modern Art: Popular.
Traditional Art: Popular.
Popular Fashion: Too many to list.
Popular Food: Too many to list.
Section 2: Ethics
How does your society feel about the following issues?
Public Nudity: Accepted, though the extent of it mostly depends on local ordinances. Pretty much all of Concordeia is topfree (that is, anywhere a man can be topless, a woman can be topless as well.)
Public Displays of Affection: Highly Accepted.
Gambling: Accepted, however we encourage moderation.
Alcohol: Accepted, however we encourage moderation and responsible consumption.
Drug Use: Accepted, same as above.
Partying: Very Popular. We Concordeians love to party.
Gun Ownership: Accepted. Most people have no issue with gun ownership in and of itself, however there are many who have concerns over gun control and gun safety.
Homosexuality: Highly Accepted. Very few Concordeians will take issue with a person's sexual orientation.
Transsexualism: Highly Accepted. Very few Concordeians will take issue with a person's gender orientation.
Pre-Marital Sex: Highly Accepted. Pre-marital sex is very common in Concordeia today, as is comprehensive sex education from an early age.
Family: Highly Accepted. Family is seen as personally important by most of our citizens.
Marriage: Highly Accepted, although many couples (or groups) feel that it's unnecessary in order to maintain a loving and long-lasting relationship.
Prostitution: Accepted, though it is seen as distasteful by some citizens.
Charity: Popular. Charity is highly respected in Concordeian society.
Competition: Accepted, however good sportsmanship is expected.
Cooperation: Highly Accepted.
Privacy: Highly Accepted.
Intolerance: Unacceptable. Intolerance is met with derision and anger by most Concordeians.
Feminism: Highly Supported. Female equality has been a major part of Concordeian society for over a century.
Racism: Unacceptable, same as intolerance.
Honour:Accepted, although honor has been mostly superseded by social ethics in Concordeian society.
Chivalry:Accepted, though politeness and respect in general is seen as more important.
Social Darwinism: Unpopular. It's seen as antithetical to the values of Concordeia's social democratic society.
Religion: Semi-Popular. Agnostics and atheists make up about two fifths of the population, and most of those who are religious are moderates.
Spirituality: Popular. Even though religion is not as popular in Concordeia as in other countries, spiritual health and wellness of the mind are seen as important by most citizens.
Altruism: Popular. Altruism is seen in the same light as charity.
Selfishness: Unpopular. While self-interest is an accepted aspect of everyone, blatant selfishness with little to no concern or consideration for others is very frowned upon.
Friendship: Very Popular. Life is much better when you have friends to share joy, laughter, pain and sorrow with.
Magic: Fictionally? Popular. Actual magic? Rare but mostly accepted. Magic is one of the newest and fastest-growing fields of research today in Concordeia.
How Does Your Nation View The Merchant Republics?
We are glad that The Merchant Republics have such a strong support for liberty and civil rights, however we are concerned about their system of free market capitalism. We are also somewhat put off by their ego-centrism and holier-than-thou attitude toward decent nations whose political and economic policies don't exactly match theirs. Still, we see no reason why we could not establish and maintain friendly relations with them, if they be willing. However, we won't establish such relations with them if they have a policy of aggression against democratic socialist or non-authoritarian communist nations.
