The Multi-Species Union [Alliance, Main Page, OOC]

by **Arcanium of Mars** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:22 am

Durmatagno wrote:
Arcanium of Mars wrote:Might be off topic but...

Following new legislation in Arcanium of Mars, the nation's massive battleships are often mistaken for islands.

I have the best well funded navy ever! No nation would dare face a navy who's ships are half the size of an average city. o3o

That happens to everyone

I have a flying armada in my MT/PMT nation, and in FT my focus is on infantry because infantry in FT is fun to me.

Shhh, no one has to know. Only I have big ships.

by **Swith Witherward** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 11:47 am

I didn't see any more typos. We should ratify this and get it posted on the first page here so people can read it before they apply. We need to have a Minister-President elected as well.

Since we have signatures, we can have a final article on the subject. I've stripped away names. Names aren't what make an alliance. Instead, it's NATION NAME by SIG.

Planeia, can you wick the color out of Cosmic Dust's signature so it's black and white?

Without further rambling... the final draft:

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The Multi-Species Union Charter
Official Constitution of the Alliance

Preamble
We the Nations of the Multi-Species Union Determined

to use diplomacy as a means to achieve peace.
to promote free trade and information to all member nations so long as it doesn't compromise their tech level integrity.
to champion against discrimination of a nation based upon species, government leadership style or tech level.
to defend all member nations, whether they are human, anthro, pony or the many others scattered across the universe.

have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.

Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled at Pax Concordia Space Station in the Tribus Sector, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the Multi-Species Union and do hereby establish this interstellar Alliance.

The Charter pertains to all Alliance members and serves as the governing principles by which all member nations shall conduct themselves.

Article I
Government Structure and Protocol

Section I - Government Structure

Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch is comprised of representatives of member nations and overseen by the Commission of Intelligent Species.
1. The Commission of Intelligent Species
  The Commission of Intelligent Species (CIS) is the administrative body of the Legislative branch; it holds no additional legislative power. The purpose of the Committee is to streamline communications between Member-Nations of differing category, to mediate disputes between nations within a species category, to work with the heads of other categories if mediation is required between bodies, and to function as a hub for information distribution. It is comprised of four representatives, one from each species category (Human; Anthro; Pony; Xeno) overseen by a Head Commissioner. A CIS representative's title is Counselor.
  - Head of the Commission:The Head will provide or procure government and residency accommodations to suit each species. In addition, the Head's office is charged with maintaining Congressional Union calendars, tracking Floor activities, roll call votes, committee hearing schedules, and dissemination of information to the four Counselors. The Head of the Commission will serve as final mediator if disputes between Member-Nations have not been resolved after Representative mediation efforts have been made. All Counselors are answerable to the Head and must file a monthly status report. These reports will be reviewed by the Head of the Commission before submission to the Minister-President's office for dissemination between the various ministries. The Nation providing Head of Commission is considered a permanent Member-Nation holding a perpetual position until such time as that Member-Nation fails in its duty, ceases to exist, or withdraws from the role. It is so decreed that the Head of the Commission shall be from Stormwrath.
  - Deputy Head of the Commission: shall be appointed by the Head of Commission to serve in their stead. The Nation providing the Deputy Head of Commission is considered a permanent Member-Nation holding a perpetual position until such time as that Member-Nation fails in its duty, ceases to exist, or withdraws from the role, or the position is revoked by a two-thirds vote by Member-Nations.
  - Representative of the Humans: This elected official shall serve as a liaison between all Human Member-Nations and Human Observer-Nations, and as a liaison between the representative's species class and the CIS Counselors of other species classes.
  - Representative of the Anthros: This elected official shall serve as a liaison between all Anthropomorphic Member-Nations and Anthropomorphic Observer-Nations, and as a liaison between the representative's species class and the CIS Counselors of other species classes.
  - Representative of the Ponies: This elected official shall serve as a liaison between all Pony Member-Nations and Pony Observer-Nations, and as a liaison between the representative's species class and the CIS Counselors of other species classes.
  - Representative of the Xenos: This elected official shall serve as a liaison between all Xeno Member-Nations and Xeno Observer-Nations, and as a liaison between the representative's species class and the CIS Counselors of other species classes.
  In addition, Counselors shall file a monthly report with the Head of Commission's office containing the following regarding Member-Nations and Observer-Nations under their charge: Roll call of active Members and Observers; listing of inactive Members and Observers; Member and Observer requisitions, if any; Counselor directory listing the names of each Member or Observer's representatives to the Congressional Union. Counselors shall be elected every six months. There are no term limits on this position however Counselors can and will be removed for non-performance. Member-Nations may file a request with the Deputy Head for the Head's consideration. Counselors have 48 hours after a Member-Nation files to defend their position. Counselors wave the right to defend their position after that time unless they have indicated previously that they are on leave and unavailable. It is the Counselors 's duty to appoint an assistant should they take leave longer than one week.
2. The Congressional Union
  All legislative powers shall be comprised of one representative from each individual Member-Nation, hereby known collectively as the Congressional Union. Criteria of electing or appointing such representative to the Commission are left up to the individual Member-Nation. Such representatives shall be called Congressmember. Observer-Nation representatives shall bear the title of Representative and are permitted to lobby and produce speeches at Summit, however no voting privileges are granted to any Observer-Nation.
Administrative Branch

Section II - Travel For Legislative and Ministry Officials
Travel accommodations will be provided to all Member-Nation and Observer-Nation Officials who currently lack the technology to travel to Summits or Alliance headquarters. These accommodations will be provided by the host government or by fellow Member-Nations at no expense to the Member-Nation in need. Accommodations will fit the species' status as well as physical needs.

Section III - Appointment of a Minister-President and Continuing Functions
Congressmembers shall conduct a vote to elect a leading Minister-President at the first Summit. This Minister shall be considered the leader of the Alliance much as a Head of State. The Minister-President will act as the head of all Ministries, and will appoint positions that the representative sees fit to do so. The Minister-President has powers not listed thereof and such extra powers delegated to the Minister-President may be revoked or added by majority Congressional Union approval. The Minister-President may be in their position of power until such time as they chose to resign from office, is voted out of power by two-thirds vote of the Congress, or at the end of one year's term. Minister-President elections shall occur annually, each August. The Minister-President may not concurrently hold office within the Legislative Branch as either a Representative or Head, nor can the Minister-President be concurrently a leader of his Nation or heir to that throne, position or title.

Section IV - Role and Scope of Congressional Union
The Congress of the Multi-Species Union has the power to negotiate inter-regional trade and to establish treaties between independent nations or separate regions. The Congress has the authority to intervene, with three-fourths' approval, in member-state nations if such member-state is deemed corrupt by the standards put forth by the Multi-Species Union. The Congress has the power to form a provisional military in order to secure the defense of all member-states and regional possessions, it also has the authority to appoint Generals and conduct all recruitment necessary in order to form such defense. The Congress has the ability to dictate law, in which clauses and articles pertain to regional issues, and not interfere with the sovereignty of member-states.

Should a situation arise pertaining to a specific species class, and should that class lack substantial votes to have voice within the Congress, voting will go directly to the CIS Representatives. Each Representative will vote their species class majority. The Head will serve as a tie-breaker. Species classes may appeal for request through the Minister-President if the resulting decision is, by their estimation, discriminatory towards their class.

Section V - Documentations and Records
The Congressional Union shall keep a public record of all of its proceedings, however, if times that secrecy is required as defined by the Congress then the records may be declared sealed and not public knowledge. The votes of all councilors shall be included in the public record, unless one-fifth of those present decree that such voting records be sealed from the public. The Congressional Union must enable all laws ratified to be announced publicly and be placed in the Alliance's Public Records which shall be a collection of this constitution and all ratified documents. The Ministry, likewise, will operate with full transparency before the Congressional Union although, for security reasons, not all aspects of the Ministry will be transparent before the public.

Section VI - Impact on Member-Nations
Member-Nations shall, in full respect, assist each other in carrying out tasks that are prescribed or generated by this Charter. Member-states shall fulfill the obligations arising from this Charter or the result of any act of institutions of this Alliance. Member-States shall refrain from tasks that may interfere with principles outlines in this Charter or principles created or established by the Congress. Member-States of high tech levels shall not be required to share knowledge regarding that higher tech level with Member-States of lower tech levels.

Section VII - Removal of a Member-Nation
A Member-Nation can be expelled from the alliance should it violate the Charter or commit crimes against other Member-Nations, excluding wars. A tribunal will be held prior to disbarment, should criminal action be suspected, otherwise a Member-Nation may be disbarred via a referendum and two-thirds approval vote. Member-Nations are free to withdraw from the Alliance at any time.

Section IX - Nation Classifications
Member-Nations and Observer-Nations are part of one of four groups overseen by their respective CIS Representatives. A nation cannot occupy more than one group.

Human: Nations may claim the Human group if the preponderance of their populations are humans. Some nations choose the Xeno group if their populations are mixed. Humans can be located on Earth or abroad outside the Sol system. Humans in this group can be mundane, possess magic or special abilities etc.
Pony: Pony nations are predominantly Pony in population.
Anthro: Anthropomorphic nations encompass a wide range of populations. Some anthro nations are humans with animal features (ears, tail, etc). Others are animals with humanoid characteristics. Still others are dragons, or other sapient beings that retain the root of origin ("talking animals"). The latter two groups sometimes opt for the Xeno classification.
Xeno: this group encompasses an extremely wide range of beings. Many Xeno members are extraterrestrial in nature however there are Fae, Centaur, Elven, Draconic and Dwafish nations that identify with this group.

Article II
Economics and Trade

Section I - Free Trade Policies
Per individual Member-Nation discretion, a free-trade policy between member-states shall be in effect at all times while the nation is a member of the Alliance. Such policy includes that member-states shall be preferred, but not mandatory, trading partners of other member-states. Member-states may not embargo another member-state without popular approval of the Congress. No tariffs shall be placed on any member-state by another member-state, unless special approval is given by the Congress.

Section II - Industry Clause
In the industries of pharmaceuticals, livestock and/or other food-related industries, or any other high-care industries, or military grade industries, Member-Nations may elect to bar other Member-Nations from trade of such industrial products due to individual safety concerns, thus the Multi-Species Alliance shall not interfere with the industries thereof. Caveat: some Member-Nations might consume non-sapient versions of Member-Nation species; no judgement will be passed upon them for the livestock they keep.

Section III - Trade Routes
Land, aerial, naval and/or interstellar trade routes between Member-Nations will be defended by individual nations' active military personnel. Threatened trade routes which Member-Nations are incapable of protecting may be defended by a joint force supplied by the Alliance itself which is comprised of Member-Nations' military; however such an action can not be undertaken without two-thirds vote by the Congress. All protection of such trade is voluntary, if a Member-Nation wishes to be excluded from protection or for a certain transaction then the Alliance shall oblige. Protection within the exclusive economic zone shall be guaranteed as well as protection of private vehicles outside of such, all attacks on such shall be deemed a declaration of war.

Section IV - Exclusive Economic Zone
The aforementioned exclusive economic zone (hereafter, 'EEZ') is to be established at a future time and date, in a neutral location to be selected by the Minister of Economics and Finance, subject to approval by the Minister-President.

Article III
Species Rights

Section I - Inherent Species Rights and Non-Interference Directive
It is the Right of each sapient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural and physical evolution. This Right is considered sacred. No MSU Member-Nations are permitted to interfere with the normal and healthy development of life and culture. Such interference includes introducing superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely (to include Member-Nations of lower tech levels), or to impose its bias on cultures outside of its Member-Nations, or to force Member-Nations to conform to standards only applicable to a given species, culture or governing body. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation.

Section II - Civil Rights
The Multi-Species Union shall respect the equality, independence, and sovereignty of Member-Nations including their species differences and national identities. Likewise, the Congressional Union recognizes that some aspects of species' culture are not akin to Human culture and thus the Alliance will not seek Member-Nation conformity when such practices are proven by the individual Member-Nation to be conducted in a 'humane manner'. Examples of such practices would include

"slavery" by hive-mind species, by species that are inherently and naturally prone to this hierarchy, or species which have sentient organic or artificial machines. Let all be aware that slavery, in its cruelest form, is frowned upon by Member-Nations who oppose it however the Alliance itself maintains at all times an unbiased definition of "slavery" as a whole, and chooses to examine allegations of slavery on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not it will step in to intervene. The MSU will not violate Article III, Section 1 of this Charter on civil matters.
female and male rights as they pertain to species who may be patriarchal, matriarchal, non-gendered or hive-minded.
dietary consumption of creatures that have sapient, but biologically unrelated, counterparts in Member-Nations.

Section III
The Multi-Species Union shall not be subject to the laws, bylaws or articles found in other alliances. It will defend its Member-Nations from foreign nations or alliances that attempt to interfere with the rights of Member-Nations to keep their customs and culture.

Section IV - Non-Contamination and Research Clause
The Multi-Species Union shall not risk contaminating any species with its presence. This would include interfering with species that have not progressed enough to contact this alliance, or species still evolving towards sapience. The MSU, in conjunction with other alliances, will establish a protective perimeter around developing species home systems to deter accidental contamination. This would include: no identification of self or mission, no interference with the social development of said planet, no references to space or the fact that there are other worlds or civilizations, and no exposure to species or devices not indigenous to that planet. Researchers wishing to study species must submit a detailed writ of intent and all research teams will be strictly monitored by the MSU. In the event of a disaster whereby accidental contamination occurs, the MSU and its Member-Nations may not violate the Article III, Section I directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship, unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. Such missions will not be launched without the knowledge and authority of the MSU, Xeno CIS Representative and CIS Head.

Article IV
War

Section I - Member-Nation Essential Nation Functions
The Congress shall respect individual essential Nation functions, including ensuring the territorial integrity of the State.

Section II - Declarations of War by Member-Nations
Member-Nations have the right to declare war against nations without Congressional Union approval and they have the right to organize their foreign relations to their liking, except as regulated by Article III, Section 4. Member-Nations may wage armed conflict against foreign nations. Member-Nations will not involve the Alliance in its war, nor invoke the Alliance's name as a form of determent or weapon, nor falsify information in order to spur the Alliance into assisting their cause.

Section III - Duties and Responsibilities
The Multi-Species Union shall not maintain a standing army. The MSU may call upon Member-Nations to assist in peacekeeping missions however acceptance of the MSU's proposal and participation on that peacekeeping mission are at the Member-Nation's discretion and said Member-Nation will not be held accountable or disbarred for refusing to render assistance. The structure shall default to positional authority determined by the Congressional Union. MSU military personnel can be called upon to

Monitor a disputed border
Monitor and observe peace processes in post-conflict areas
Provide security across a conflict zone
Protect civilians
Assist in-country military personnel with training and support
Assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they may have signed

MSU forces will not be used for disputes between Member-Nations.

Article V
Peacekeeping and the Ministry of Defence

Section I - Ministry of Defence
In accordance to the Multi-Species Union Charter, and with respect to the individual governing bodies that comprise the alliance, the Ministry of Defence is empowered to defend the Alliance to the ability permitted so by the Congressional Union. The Minister of MoD cannot act on its own accord, nor use the department as a leverage to coerce, intimidate, or threaten foreign nations or member-nations for its own purposes. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence to coordinate with member-nations that do contribute its military forces and see to that no member-nations are acting in their own interest ahead of the alliance. MSU forces will not be used for disputes between Member-Nations.

Section II - Member-Nations
The MSU may call upon Member-Nations to assist in peacekeeping missions however acceptance of the MSU's proposal and participation on that peacekeeping mission are at the Member-Nation's discretion and said Member-Nation will not be held accountable or disbarred for refusing to render assistance. Member nations are under no obligation to contribute to the defense force, nor be subject to retaliation for being a non-participant. Member-Nations with higher or more advanced technology will not violate the Article III, Section 1 Inherent Species Rights and Non-Interference Directive nor will the MSU, Ministry of Defence or Minister-President override this directive and coerce those Member-Nations into contributing.

Section III - Scope of Mission
The Multi-Species Union shall not maintain a standing army nor will it receive "donated" resources to include troops, equipment or vehicles. The MSU may call upon Member-Nations to assist in peacekeeping missions however acceptance of the MSU's proposal and participation on that peacekeeping mission are at the Member-Nation's discretion and said Member-Nation will not be held accountable or disbarred for refusing to render assistance. MSU peacekeeping forces can be called upon to

Monitor and observe disputed borders
Monitor and observe peace processes in post-conflict areas
Provide security across a conflict zone
Protect civilians/aid in missions of mercy
Assist in-country military personnel with training and support
Assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they may have signed
Defend the alliance from overt military action by foreign powers
Coordinate with the Ministry of Intelligence with information pertinent to the situation at hand

Section IV - Standard Policy
Member-Nations are responsible for their own borders and territories however, in extreme circumstances, a Member-Nation may request emergency assistance from the Multi-Species Union. Such requests must properly drafted and submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This ministry is charged with communicating the Member-Nation's needs to the other Ministries and the Minister-President. The Minister-President must present the request and any accompanying initial data to the Congressional Union for vote. Requests are accepted with two-thirds majority vote.

The Minister-President is charged with coordinating the various ministries to form a delegation that will establish lines of establish lines of transportation, demarcate locations for bases, relief camps and/or demilitarized zones, and any other data needed to support peacekeeping operations. This data will be compiled by the Department of Internal Affairs and presented to the Minister-President. The Minister-President will work with the Council of Intelligent Species Head of Commission to request aid from Member-Nations best suited to assist in a given scenario.

All forces sent by Member-Nations, to include any resources or equipment or manpower, remain under the control of their homeland. Each participating MSU nation is responsible for the upkeep of their forces. The highest ranking commander of those forces will retain command. If there is more than one nation in the peacekeeping force, then the MSU will appoint the highest ranking officer for all combined forces as the commander. All resources, personnel, vehicles, weapons or other accoutrements will be returned to their Member-Nation at the conclusion of each mission.

Article VI
Referendum and Amendments

Section I
This Charter may be amended by the Congressional Union via Referendum whenever two thirds of all representatives shall deem it necessary. Should a Referendum pass two-thirds vote, the Congressional Union may bring the Referendum before the Minister-President. The amendment shall be defined as a ratified amendment and be deemed law after Minister-President approval. The Congressional Union may bypass the approval of the Minister-President if they have a unanimous decision otherwise then, if so, the amendment shall be ratified.

Section II
Referendum may be brought before the Congressional Union by any Member-Nation or Observer-Nation. The Congressional Union shall vote on only one referendum at a time. Referendum must be framed property and carry the support of one other Member-Nation before being presented before the Congressional Union.

Article VI
Ratification
The Ratification of the Multi-Species Union, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Charter between the Nations so ratifying the Same and done in convention by the unanimous consent of the Nations present the Seventeenth Day of September, 2014 C.E., and In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names,

The Technocracy of Cerillium by

The Draconid Monarchy of Dyste by

The Democratic Utopian Republic of Planeia by

The Trade Federation by

The Pristine Outerworlds of Mincaldenteans by

The Seren Federation by

Divergia by

Arcanium of Mars by

The Glorious Borderlands of Swith Witherward

The Interstellar Empire of Stormwrath by

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by **Monfrox** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 12:01 pm

I can't find a signature generator that supports Cyrillic.

by **-The Trade Federation-** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 12:23 pm

You do not need to put "-The Trade Federation-"

"The Trade Federation" is good enough.

by **-The Trade Federation-** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 12:25 pm

Arcanium of Mars wrote:Might be off topic but...

Following new legislation in Arcanium of Mars, the nation's massive battleships are often mistaken for islands.

I have the best well funded navy ever! No nation would dare face a navy who's ships are half the size of an average city. o3o

Trade Federation Air Force vs. Arcanium Navy

That would sound EPIC !

by **Durmatagno** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 12:46 pm

I still need to create a U.T.S.D representative for the MSU, can't believe I forgot to do so.

by **Northern Arcadian Empire** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 2:38 pm

So with IC, do I send a rep to the station?

by **Planeia** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:41 pm

Alrighty, I've taken the liberty of adding the signatures to the bottom of the charter as one image. I've also taken the liberty of adding the MSU logo at the top, for some extra eye candy.

The Multi-Species Union Charter
Official Constitution of the Alliance

Preamble
We the Nations of the Multi-Species Union Determined

to use diplomacy as a means to achieve peace.
to promote free trade and information to all member nations so long as it doesn't compromise their tech level integrity.
to champion against discrimination of a nation based upon species, government leadership style or tech level.
to defend all member nations, whether they are human, anthro, pony or the many others scattered across the universe.

have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.

Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled at Pax Concordia Space Station in the Tribus Sector, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the Multi-Species Union and do hereby establish this interstellar Alliance.

The Charter pertains to all Alliance members and serves as the governing principles by which all member nations shall conduct themselves.

Article I
Government Structure and Protocol

Section I - Government Structure

Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch is comprised of representatives of member nations and overseen by the Commission of Intelligent Species.
1. The Commission of Intelligent Species
  The Commission of Intelligent Species (CIS) is the administrative body of the Legislative branch; it holds no additional legislative power. The purpose of the Committee is to streamline communications between Member-Nations of differing category, to mediate disputes between nations within a species category, to work with the heads of other categories if mediation is required between bodies, and to function as a hub for information distribution. It is comprised of four representatives, one from each species category (Human; Anthro; Pony; Xeno) overseen by a Head Commissioner. A CIS representative's title is Counselor.
  - Head of the Commission:The Head will provide or procure government and residency accommodations to suit each species. In addition, the Head's office is charged with maintaining Congressional Union calendars, tracking Floor activities, roll call votes, committee hearing schedules, and dissemination of information to the four Counselors. The Head of the Commission will serve as final mediator if disputes between Member-Nations have not been resolved after Representative mediation efforts have been made. All Counselors are answerable to the Head and must file a monthly status report. These reports will be reviewed by the Head of the Commission before submission to the Minister-President's office for dissemination between the various ministries. The Nation providing Head of Commission is considered a permanent Member-Nation holding a perpetual position until such time as that Member-Nation fails in its duty, ceases to exist, or withdraws from the role. It is so decreed that the Head of the Commission shall be from Stormwrath.
  - Deputy Head of the Commission: shall be appointed by the Head of Commission to serve in their stead. The Nation providing the Deputy Head of Commission is considered a permanent Member-Nation holding a perpetual position until such time as that Member-Nation fails in its duty, ceases to exist, or withdraws from the role, or the position is revoked by a two-thirds vote by Member-Nations.
  - Representative of the Humans: This elected official shall serve as a liaison between all Human Member-Nations and Human Observer-Nations, and as a liaison between the representative's species class and the CIS Counselors of other species classes.
  - Representative of the Anthros: This elected official shall serve as a liaison between all Anthropomorphic Member-Nations and Anthropomorphic Observer-Nations, and as a liaison between the representative's species class and the CIS Counselors of other species classes.
  - Representative of the Ponies: This elected official shall serve as a liaison between all Pony Member-Nations and Pony Observer-Nations, and as a liaison between the representative's species class and the CIS Counselors of other species classes.
  - Representative of the Xenos: This elected official shall serve as a liaison between all Xeno Member-Nations and Xeno Observer-Nations, and as a liaison between the representative's species class and the CIS Counselors of other species classes.
  In addition, Counselors shall file a monthly report with the Head of Commission's office containing the following regarding Member-Nations and Observer-Nations under their charge: Roll call of active Members and Observers; listing of inactive Members and Observers; Member and Observer requisitions, if any; Counselor directory listing the names of each Member or Observer's representatives to the Congressional Union. Counselors shall be elected every six months. There are no term limits on this position however Counselors can and will be removed for non-performance. Member-Nations may file a request with the Deputy Head for the Head's consideration. Counselors have 48 hours after a Member-Nation files to defend their position. Counselors wave the right to defend their position after that time unless they have indicated previously that they are on leave and unavailable. It is the Counselors 's duty to appoint an assistant should they take leave longer than one week.
2. The Congressional Union
  All legislative powers shall be comprised of one representative from each individual Member-Nation, hereby known collectively as the Congressional Union. Criteria of electing or appointing such representative to the Commission are left up to the individual Member-Nation. Such representatives shall be called Congressmember. Observer-Nation representatives shall bear the title of Representative and are permitted to lobby and produce speeches at Summit, however no voting privileges are granted to any Observer-Nation.
Administrative Branch

Section II - Travel For Legislative and Ministry Officials
Travel accommodations will be provided to all Member-Nation and Observer-Nation Officials who currently lack the technology to travel to Summits or Alliance headquarters. These accommodations will be provided by the host government or by fellow Member-Nations at no expense to the Member-Nation in need. Accommodations will fit the species' status as well as physical needs.

Section III - Appointment of a Minister-President and Continuing Functions
Congressmembers shall conduct a vote to elect a leading Minister-President at the first Summit. This Minister shall be considered the leader of the Alliance much as a Head of State. The Minister-President will act as the head of all Ministries, and will appoint positions that the representative sees fit to do so. The Minister-President has powers not listed thereof and such extra powers delegated to the Minister-President may be revoked or added by majority Congressional Union approval. The Minister-President may be in their position of power until such time as they chose to resign from office, is voted out of power by two-thirds vote of the Congress, or at the end of one year's term. Minister-President elections shall occur annually, each August. The Minister-President may not concurrently hold office within the Legislative Branch as either a Representative or Head, nor can the Minister-President be concurrently a leader of his Nation or heir to that throne, position or title.

Section IV - Role and Scope of Congressional Union
The Congress of the Multi-Species Union has the power to negotiate inter-regional trade and to establish treaties between independent nations or separate regions. The Congress has the authority to intervene, with three-fourths' approval, in member-state nations if such member-state is deemed corrupt by the standards put forth by the Multi-Species Union. The Congress has the power to form a provisional military in order to secure the defense of all member-states and regional possessions, it also has the authority to appoint Generals and conduct all recruitment necessary in order to form such defense. The Congress has the ability to dictate law, in which clauses and articles pertain to regional issues, and not interfere with the sovereignty of member-states.

Should a situation arise pertaining to a specific species class, and should that class lack substantial votes to have voice within the Congress, voting will go directly to the CIS Representatives. Each Representative will vote their species class majority. The Head will serve as a tie-breaker. Species classes may appeal for request through the Minister-President if the resulting decision is, by their estimation, discriminatory towards their class.

Section V - Documentations and Records
The Congressional Union shall keep a public record of all of its proceedings, however, if times that secrecy is required as defined by the Congress then the records may be declared sealed and not public knowledge. The votes of all councilors shall be included in the public record, unless one-fifth of those present decree that such voting records be sealed from the public. The Congressional Union must enable all laws ratified to be announced publicly and be placed in the Alliance's Public Records which shall be a collection of this constitution and all ratified documents. The Ministry, likewise, will operate with full transparency before the Congressional Union although, for security reasons, not all aspects of the Ministry will be transparent before the public.

Section VI - Impact on Member-Nations
Member-Nations shall, in full respect, assist each other in carrying out tasks that are prescribed or generated by this Charter. Member-states shall fulfill the obligations arising from this Charter or the result of any act of institutions of this Alliance. Member-States shall refrain from tasks that may interfere with principles outlines in this Charter or principles created or established by the Congress. Member-States of high tech levels shall not be required to share knowledge regarding that higher tech level with Member-States of lower tech levels.

Section VII - Removal of a Member-Nation
A Member-Nation can be expelled from the alliance should it violate the Charter or commit crimes against other Member-Nations, excluding wars. A tribunal will be held prior to disbarment, should criminal action be suspected, otherwise a Member-Nation may be disbarred via a referendum and two-thirds approval vote. Member-Nations are free to withdraw from the Alliance at any time.

Section IX - Nation Classifications
Member-Nations and Observer-Nations are part of one of four groups overseen by their respective CIS Representatives. A nation cannot occupy more than one group.

Human: Nations may claim the Human group if the preponderance of their populations are humans. Some nations choose the Xeno group if their populations are mixed. Humans can be located on Earth or abroad outside the Sol system. Humans in this group can be mundane, possess magic or special abilities etc.
Pony: Pony nations are predominantly Pony in population.
Anthro: Anthropomorphic nations encompass a wide range of populations. Some anthro nations are humans with animal features (ears, tail, etc). Others are animals with humanoid characteristics. Still others are dragons, or other sapient beings that retain the root of origin ("talking animals"). The latter two groups sometimes opt for the Xeno classification.
Xeno: this group encompasses an extremely wide range of beings. Many Xeno members are extraterrestrial in nature however there are Fae, Centaur, Elven, Draconic and Dwafish nations that identify with this group.

Article II
Economics and Trade

Section I - Free Trade Policies
Per individual Member-Nation discretion, a free-trade policy between member-states shall be in effect at all times while the nation is a member of the Alliance. Such policy includes that member-states shall be preferred, but not mandatory, trading partners of other member-states. Member-states may not embargo another member-state without popular approval of the Congress. No tariffs shall be placed on any member-state by another member-state, unless special approval is given by the Congress.

Section II - Industry Clause
In the industries of pharmaceuticals, livestock and/or other food-related industries, or any other high-care industries, or military grade industries, Member-Nations may elect to bar other Member-Nations from trade of such industrial products due to individual safety concerns, thus the Multi-Species Alliance shall not interfere with the industries thereof. Caveat: some Member-Nations might consume non-sapient versions of Member-Nation species; no judgement will be passed upon them for the livestock they keep.

Section III - Trade Routes
Land, aerial, naval and/or interstellar trade routes between Member-Nations will be defended by individual nations' active military personnel. Threatened trade routes which Member-Nations are incapable of protecting may be defended by a joint force supplied by the Alliance itself which is comprised of Member-Nations' military; however such an action can not be undertaken without two-thirds vote by the Congress. All protection of such trade is voluntary, if a Member-Nation wishes to be excluded from protection or for a certain transaction then the Alliance shall oblige. Protection within the exclusive economic zone shall be guaranteed as well as protection of private vehicles outside of such, all attacks on such shall be deemed a declaration of war.

Section IV - Exclusive Economic Zone
The aforementioned exclusive economic zone (hereafter, 'EEZ') is to be established at a future time and date, in a neutral location to be selected by the Minister of Economics and Finance, subject to approval by the Minister-President.

Article III
Species Rights

Section I - Inherent Species Rights and Non-Interference Directive
It is the Right of each sapient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural and physical evolution. This Right is considered sacred. No MSU Member-Nations are permitted to interfere with the normal and healthy development of life and culture. Such interference includes introducing superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely (to include Member-Nations of lower tech levels), or to impose its bias on cultures outside of its Member-Nations, or to force Member-Nations to conform to standards only applicable to a given species, culture or governing body. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation.

Section II - Civil Rights
The Multi-Species Union shall respect the equality, independence, and sovereignty of Member-Nations including their species differences and national identities. Likewise, the Congressional Union recognizes that some aspects of species' culture are not akin to Human culture and thus the Alliance will not seek Member-Nation conformity when such practices are proven by the individual Member-Nation to be conducted in a 'humane manner'. Examples of such practices would include

"slavery" by hive-mind species, by species that are inherently and naturally prone to this hierarchy, or species which have sentient organic or artificial machines. Let all be aware that slavery, in its cruelest form, is frowned upon by Member-Nations who oppose it however the Alliance itself maintains at all times an unbiased definition of "slavery" as a whole, and chooses to examine allegations of slavery on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not it will step in to intervene. The MSU will not violate Article III, Section 1 of this Charter on civil matters.
female and male rights as they pertain to species who may be patriarchal, matriarchal, non-gendered or hive-minded.
dietary consumption of creatures that have sapient, but biologically unrelated, counterparts in Member-Nations.

Section III
The Multi-Species Union shall not be subject to the laws, bylaws or articles found in other alliances. It will defend its Member-Nations from foreign nations or alliances that attempt to interfere with the rights of Member-Nations to keep their customs and culture.

Section IV - Non-Contamination and Research Clause
The Multi-Species Union shall not risk contaminating any species with its presence. This would include interfering with species that have not progressed enough to contact this alliance, or species still evolving towards sapience. The MSU, in conjunction with other alliances, will establish a protective perimeter around developing species home systems to deter accidental contamination. This would include: no identification of self or mission, no interference with the social development of said planet, no references to space or the fact that there are other worlds or civilizations, and no exposure to species or devices not indigenous to that planet. Researchers wishing to study species must submit a detailed writ of intent and all research teams will be strictly monitored by the MSU. In the event of a disaster whereby accidental contamination occurs, the MSU and its Member-Nations may not violate the Article III, Section I directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship, unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. Such missions will not be launched without the knowledge and authority of the MSU, Xeno CIS Representative and CIS Head.

Article IV
War

Section I - Member-Nation Essential Nation Functions
The Congress shall respect individual essential Nation functions, including ensuring the territorial integrity of the State.

Section II - Declarations of War by Member-Nations
Member-Nations have the right to declare war against nations without Congressional Union approval and they have the right to organize their foreign relations to their liking, except as regulated by Article III, Section 4. Member-Nations may wage armed conflict against foreign nations. Member-Nations will not involve the Alliance in its war, nor invoke the Alliance's name as a form of determent or weapon, nor falsify information in order to spur the Alliance into assisting their cause.

Section III - Duties and Responsibilities
The Multi-Species Union shall not maintain a standing army. The MSU may call upon Member-Nations to assist in peacekeeping missions however acceptance of the MSU's proposal and participation on that peacekeeping mission are at the Member-Nation's discretion and said Member-Nation will not be held accountable or disbarred for refusing to render assistance. The structure shall default to positional authority determined by the Congressional Union. MSU military personnel can be called upon to

Monitor a disputed border
Monitor and observe peace processes in post-conflict areas
Provide security across a conflict zone
Protect civilians
Assist in-country military personnel with training and support
Assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they may have signed

MSU forces will not be used for disputes between Member-Nations.

Article V
Peacekeeping and the Ministry of Defence

Section I - Ministry of Defence
In accordance to the Multi-Species Union Charter, and with respect to the individual governing bodies that comprise the alliance, the Ministry of Defence is empowered to defend the Alliance to the ability permitted so by the Congressional Union. The Minister of MoD cannot act on its own accord, nor use the department as a leverage to coerce, intimidate, or threaten foreign nations or member-nations for its own purposes. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence to coordinate with member-nations that do contribute its military forces and see to that no member-nations are acting in their own interest ahead of the alliance. MSU forces will not be used for disputes between Member-Nations.

Section II - Member-Nations
The MSU may call upon Member-Nations to assist in peacekeeping missions however acceptance of the MSU's proposal and participation on that peacekeeping mission are at the Member-Nation's discretion and said Member-Nation will not be held accountable or disbarred for refusing to render assistance. Member nations are under no obligation to contribute to the defense force, nor be subject to retaliation for being a non-participant. Member-Nations with higher or more advanced technology will not violate the Article III, Section 1 Inherent Species Rights and Non-Interference Directive nor will the MSU, Ministry of Defence or Minister-President override this directive and coerce those Member-Nations into contributing.

Section III - Scope of Mission
The Multi-Species Union shall not maintain a standing army nor will it receive "donated" resources to include troops, equipment or vehicles. The MSU may call upon Member-Nations to assist in peacekeeping missions however acceptance of the MSU's proposal and participation on that peacekeeping mission are at the Member-Nation's discretion and said Member-Nation will not be held accountable or disbarred for refusing to render assistance. MSU peacekeeping forces can be called upon to

Monitor and observe disputed borders
Monitor and observe peace processes in post-conflict areas
Provide security across a conflict zone
Protect civilians/aid in missions of mercy
Assist in-country military personnel with training and support
Assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they may have signed
Defend the alliance from overt military action by foreign powers
Coordinate with the Ministry of Intelligence with information pertinent to the situation at hand

Section IV - Standard Policy
Member-Nations are responsible for their own borders and territories however, in extreme circumstances, a Member-Nation may request emergency assistance from the Multi-Species Union. Such requests must properly drafted and submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This ministry is charged with communicating the Member-Nation's needs to the other Ministries and the Minister-President. The Minister-President must present the request and any accompanying initial data to the Congressional Union for vote. Requests are accepted with two-thirds majority vote.

The Minister-President is charged with coordinating the various ministries to form a delegation that will establish lines of establish lines of transportation, demarcate locations for bases, relief camps and/or demilitarized zones, and any other data needed to support peacekeeping operations. This data will be compiled by the Department of Internal Affairs and presented to the Minister-President. The Minister-President will work with the Council of Intelligent Species Head of Commission to request aid from Member-Nations best suited to assist in a given scenario.

All forces sent by Member-Nations, to include any resources or equipment or manpower, remain under the control of their homeland. Each participating MSU nation is responsible for the upkeep of their forces. The highest ranking commander of those forces will retain command. If there is more than one nation in the peacekeeping force, then the MSU will appoint the highest ranking officer for all combined forces as the commander. All resources, personnel, vehicles, weapons or other accoutrements will be returned to their Member-Nation at the conclusion of each mission.

Article VI
Referendum and Amendments

Section I
This Charter may be amended by the Congressional Union via Referendum whenever two thirds of all representatives shall deem it necessary. Should a Referendum pass two-thirds vote, the Congressional Union may bring the Referendum before the Minister-President. The amendment shall be defined as a ratified amendment and be deemed law after Minister-President approval. The Congressional Union may bypass the approval of the Minister-President if they have a unanimous decision otherwise then, if so, the amendment shall be ratified.

Section II
Referendum may be brought before the Congressional Union by any Member-Nation or Observer-Nation. The Congressional Union shall vote on only one referendum at a time. Referendum must be framed property and carry the support of one other Member-Nation before being presented before the Congressional Union.

Article VI
Ratification
The Ratification of the Multi-Species Union, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Charter between the Nations so ratifying the Same and done in convention by the unanimous consent of the Nations present the Seventeenth Day of September, 2014 C.E., and In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names,

by **Primordial Luxa** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:01 pm

Application

Basic Information
Nation Name: The Luxan Empire
Government Type: Parliamentary Monarchy
Head of State: The Immortal Dreadlord
Head of Government: The Immortal Dreadlord
Majority Species: Luxans

Military Information[/i]
Head of Defense: The Great Red Dragon
Military Personnel (Active): Innumerable
Military Personnel (Reserve): Innumerable

Additional Information
Membership Type (Full Fledged or Observer): Observer
Reason to join this alliance: To use a means to communicate with other parts of the Omniverse
Other alliances: Worship of the Great Old Ones, Outer Gods and their various services
Roleplay Examples: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=312474
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=310521

Do you agree with the terms and agreements found in the MSU Charter?: Yes

by **Planeia** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:00 pm

Well well.

by **-The Trade Federation-** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:01 pm

Planeia wrote:Well well.

Vut eez dat ?

by **Swith Witherward** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:04 pm

Oh nooos! Dark Theme strikes again! It ate the sigs.

Other than all that hard work going down the toilet...

I like the symbol addition, Planeia. Should we put the sigs to a white background so they show up when viewed by that theme?

by **Swith Witherward** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:05 pm

Planeia wrote:Well well.

He should know better, too. He's been here a year.

Meh.

by **Furry Alairia and Algeria** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:06 pm

Re: Well Well

Shots fired
Yu...You ninja'd me in a non-ninjable forum!
;-;

by **Swith Witherward** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:09 pm

Furry Alairia and Algeria wrote:Re: Well Well

Shots fired
Yu...You ninja'd me in a non-ninjable forum!
;-;

by **Planeia** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:10 pm

Swith Witherward wrote:Oh nooos! Dark Theme strikes again! It ate the sigs.

Other than all that hard work going down the toilet...

I like the symbol addition, Planeia. Should we put the sigs to a white background so they show up when viewed by that theme?

Would it help to /box the charter?

by **Northern Arcadian Empire** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:15 pm

How's everyone's day going?

by **Cavallagna** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:16 pm

Northern Arcadian Empire wrote:How's everyone's day going?

Really busy.

I want to do art for NS and art for things aren't NS but I have actual work to do.

The struggles are real.

by **Pentecosta** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:17 pm

Northern Arcadian Empire wrote:How's everyone's day going?

Bad, but getting better.

by **Tiltjuice** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:17 pm

Cavallagna wrote:
Northern Arcadian Empire wrote:How's everyone's day going?

Really busy.

I want to do art for NS and art for things aren't NS but I have actual work to do.

The struggles are real.

I know that feeling. That's why I dropped out of here.

by **Northern Arcadian Empire** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:19 pm

Oh, we I believe that a good laugh or smile makes the day better

http://s3.favim.com/orig/42/comic-derp- ... 355321.jpg

by **Mincaldenteans** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:21 pm

Tiltjuice wrote:I know that feeling. That's why I dropped out of here.

by **Cavallagna** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:24 pm

Tiltjuice wrote:I know that feeling. That's why I dropped out of here.

Well, I can find time do all of it. It's just prioritizing and forcing myself to write a paper first instead of doing something like line art of a hybrid attack jet/spacecraft that launches rocket propelled torpedoes at spaceships that makes things difficult.

God knows I'd rather do the latter than talk about literacy in the renaissance for pages upon pages.

by **Planeia** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:26 pm

Cavallagna wrote:
Tiltjuice wrote:I know that feeling. That's why I dropped out of here.

Well, I can find time do all of it. It's just prioritizing and forcing myself to write a paper first instead of doing something like line art of a hybrid attack jet/spacecraft that launches rocket propelled torpedoes at spaceships that makes things difficult.

God knows I'd rather do the latter than talk about literacy in the renaissance for pages upon pages.

Oh my god, all of my yes! Them AP classes man!

by **Cavallagna** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:28 pm

Planeia wrote:
Cavallagna wrote:
Well, I can find time do all of it. It's just prioritizing and forcing myself to write a paper first instead of doing something like line art of a hybrid attack jet/spacecraft that launches rocket propelled torpedoes at spaceships that makes things difficult.

God knows I'd rather do the latter than talk about literacy in the renaissance for pages upon pages.

Oh my god, all of my yes! Them AP classes man!

I took one AP last year. A friend of mine took 3 and actually started having health issues because they were getting so little sleep. It was disturbing. I learned from their mistakes and I'm still only taking one this year, but God, so many papers.

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