REGIMEN: An Index of Democracies and Autocracies

[-Trilkassia-]

REGIMEN

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Welcome to REGIMEN, an index of democracies, autocracies, and everything in between!

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The REGIMEN Project is an independent initiative launched by the World Freedom Task Force (WFTF), a Redtailian non-governmental organization focused on monitoring the state of democracy across the World—and now, the NS Multiverse.

Since the fall of the Crimzon Workers' Union in 1990 that birthed Trilkassia and a host of other new states in transition, the Project has been publishing yearly editions tracking regime change across nations, gauging their degree of democracy or autocracy based on three key characteristics: executive recruitment, executive constraints, and political competition. Each characteristic is further divided into various concept variables, each assigned a number of Democracy (DEM) or Autocracy (AUT) points; these are as follows:

Concept 1: Hereditary Succession || +3 AUT

• Executive leadership is passed down from generation to generation within a single bloodline, with each new chief executive assuming their power by right of descent.
• The hereditary monarch does not share power with an elected or designated head of government (e.g., a prime minister).
• If a formal, separate head of government exists but their actual executive authority is ultimately inconsequential, this concept applies.
• Self-proclaimed monarchs do not count unless a relative succeeds them as ruler.
• Most commonly found in traditional and absolute monarchies; can also be seen, though rarely, in hereditary republics and personalistic, family-based dictatorships.

Concept 2: Hereditary Succession + Designation || +3 AUT

• A hereditary monarch shares executive powers with a designated head of government.
• Such heads of government may be selected by a council of nobles, a rubber-stamp legislature, or simply at the behest of the monarch.
• If the monarch's powers are so limited as to be purely ceremonial, however, Concept 3 applies instead.

Concept 3: Designation || +2 AUT

• Executive leadership is determined by non-hereditary selection without significant popular involvement.
• May be elite-dependent in that selection occurs via informal competition within a closed, hegemonic regime.
• May also be regularized in the form of the selection of an elective monarch or meritocratic designation.
• If the executive came to power or retained it with the aid of fraudulent elections that are neither free nor fair, this concept applies.
• Most commonly seen in one-party states, more bureaucratized military juntas, and other oligarchic systems.

Concept 4: Self-Selection || 0

• The current chief executive came to power by irregular, forceful, and often violent means rather than through regularized processes.
• This can be triggered by a military coup, a mutiny within the armed forces, or another type of political rebellion that directly leads to the removal of the previous leader(s) and the installation of a new regime.

Concept 5: Hereditary Succession + Election || +1 DEM

• A hereditary monarch shares executive powers with a freely-elected head of government.
• If the monarch's powers are so limited as to be purely ceremonial, however, Concepts 7 or 8 would apply instead depending on the fairness of the elections used to elect the head of government.

Concept 6: Designation + Election || +2 DEM

• A designated leader shares executive powers with at least one freely-elected leader.
• If the designated leader's powers are so limited as to be purely ceremonial, however, Concepts 7 or 8 would apply instead depending on the fairness of the elections used to elect the head of government.

Concept 7: Transitional or Restricted Election || +2 DEM

• Executive leadership is determined in free, but not necessarily fair, popular elections; this includes direct (i.e., via popular vote) and indirect (e.g., through a freely-elected legislature or accountable electoral college) elections.
• If elections were judged to be free but plagued by irregularities or unfair advantages, this concept applies.
• If no independent observers are allowed to monitor elections despite them being generally considered free, this concept applies.

Concept 8: Competitive Election || +3 DEM

• Executive leadership is determined in free and fair popular elections without major irregularities or unfair advantages; this includes direct (i.e., via popular vote) and indirect (e.g., through a freely-elected legislature or accountable electoral college) elections.
• Such elections must have been judged to be both free and fair by independent international and domestic observers.
• By far the most common method of executive recruitment in consolidated democracies.

Concept 1: Unlimited Authority || +3 AUT

• There are no regular limitations on the chief executive's actions, unlike irregular limitations such as threat of coups and assassinations. Rule by decree is repeatedly used.
• The judiciary is completely devoid of independence, and the legislature, if it exists, is either powerless or completely subservient to the executive's wishes.
• Typically includes absolute monarchies and personalistic dictatorships. One-party states and military dictatorships may be included, but only if the regime's structure simply serves the chief executive's wishes.

Concept 2: Slight Limitations || +2 AUT

• Denotes a transition between Concepts 1 and 3 in most cases.
• Examples include a monarch establishing a consultative assembly (Concept 1 to 3) or the leader of a hegemonic party beginning to consolidate their power over the party apparatus (Concept 3 to 1).

Concept 3: Slight to Moderate Limitations || +1 AUT

• There are some real but limited constraints on the executive.
• For instance, the legislature or an equivalent body might occasionally initiate some pieces of legislation.
• Most consolidated oligarchies with relatively broad distributions of power—one-party states, military juntas, aristocratic republics—are coded here.
• Democratically-elected leaders may, under exceptional circumstances, be included here if they thoroughly dominate the systems in which they operate.

Concept 4: Moderate Limitations || 0

• Typically indicates a transition between Concepts 3 and 5, one way or the other.
• Can be used to document the tightening of restrictions on the executive in a previously autocratic regime (3 to 5) or the further weakening of checks and balances in a democratic system that already grants significant powers to the chief executive (5 to 3).

Concept 5: Substantial Limitations || +1 DEM

• The executive has more effective authority than accountability groups but is substantially constrained by them.
• Democratic systems which grant a substantial amount of power to the executive, e.g., strong presidential regimes, are typically coded here. These may be created by design or a result of the legislature being unable to effectively restrict the executive branch. While parliamentary systems are not exempt from being coded here, it is far less common for them to be so.

Concept 6: Near Parity || +2 DEM

• Typically indicates a transition between Concepts 5 and 7.
• Often used to depict a democratically-elected chief executive slowly concentrating power in their hands without outright attempting to undermine constraints on their power.

Concept 7: Full Parity || +3 DEM

• In most political activity, accountability groups such as the legislature and judiciary have a degree of power equal to or greater than the executive.
• The legislature is responsible for initiating most or all important legislation, and the judiciary effectively challenges government policies that may overstep constitutional bounds.
• Most mature, consolidated democracies with strong systems of checks and balances and/or strong traditions of parliamentary supremacy are coded here.

Concept 1: Repressed Competition || +4 AUT

• The nation is institutionally closed. No significant political activity is permitted outside of the ranks of the hegemonic regime.
• The hegemonic regime bans and suppresses ALL opposition groups, regardless of size or organization.
• The regime has both the capacity and willingness to suppress and exclude opponents from the political arena.
• Typically included are totalitarian one-party states, military dictatorships, personalistic dictatorships, and despotic absolute monarchies.

Concept 2: Restricted Competition || +3 AUT

• Some organized political activity is permitted outside of the regime's ranks, but it is systematically limited.
• The hegemonic regime generally bans and suppresses major opposition groups. Minor opposition groups are typically permitted to operate on a limited scale.
• If the regime allows major opposition forces to organize but not participate in the electoral process, it is coded here.
• If the regime allows major opposition forces to participate in the electoral process but systematically suppresses them (e.g. leaders killed or jailed, candidates regularly ruled off ballots, opposition media harassed), it is coded here.
• Typically included are "softer" one-party states, military regimes, and authoritarian monarchies, as well as some illiberal democracies with a considerable authoritarian streak.
• If large segments of the native-born adult population—more than 20%—are exclusively, effectively, and systemically denied full political rights, this concept applies regardless of how democratic the nation's underlying system may seem in other regards.

Concept 3: Unregulated Competition || 0

• Political participation is decentralized and uninstitutionalized, typically revolving around various personalities, regional interests, ethnic or religious groups, and clans.
• The central authority is generally weak and national organizations and institutions such as political parties are either weak or non-existent.
• Feudal and "traditional" societies are often coded here, particularly if they allow for little room for political groups to properly organize.

Concept 4: Factional-Restricted Competition || 0

• Shares many of core elements of Concept 5, though it is more restrictive in nature; it often implies that exclusionary ideologies and/or policies are promoted to a greater extent by the government and/or non-state actors.
• These nations typically swing back and forth more or less regularly between intense factionalism and faction-based restrictions. An example is that when one of the contending factions seizes power, it uses that power to promote its exclusive interests and reward group members while marginalizing other contending factions until it is displaced in turn.
• If significant segments of the native-born adult population are effectively denied all or some political rights on the basis of their identity, it will most likely be coded here—unless more than 20% of the population are denied political rights on a systemic basis, in which case Concept 2 would be more appropriate.

Concept 5: Factional Competition || +1 DEM

• Relatively stable and enduring factions such as political parties, ethnic groups, and economic and regional elites regularly compete for influence at the national level, promoting particularist agendas in an uncompromising manner with limited social integration.
• Competition among such groups is therefore intense, antagonistic, cutthroat, and often coercive, with them often viewing it as a "zero-sum" game.
• Elections, if they are held, are often deemed by international and domestic observers to be free but not exactly fair, and the electoral process is constantly plagued by partisan-based violence.
• The political arena may either be dominated by numerous fractionalized factions or a few major ones; so long as they promote polarizing platforms (e.g., identity-based politics over cross-cutting ideological politics) and compete in a fierce, antagonistic manner, the nation will be coded here.

Concept 6: Transitional-Coercive Competition || +2 DEM

• A transition period between factional (Concept 4 or 5) and fully competitive (Concept 8) political competition, in either direction.
• Shares many of the same characteristics as Concept 7, but with a greater degree of antagonism, coercion, and outright violence still present in the system.
• Smaller-scale attempts to suppress the political rights of significant demographic groups in the midst of an otherwise-democratic system may also be coded here.

Concept 7: Transitional Competition || +3 DEM

• A transition period between factional (Concept 4 or 5) and fully competitive (Concept 8) political competition, in either direction.
• Typically used to depict a nation in the midst of a democratic transition, with electoral institutions consolidating while factionalism and repression slowly wind down OR escalate.
• Any elections may be deemed be free, but not necessarily fair, by domestic and international observers. The electoral process may be marred by limited partisan-based violence.

Concept 8: Full Competition || +4 DEM

• Relatively stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power and influence with little to no use of coercion.
• No significant political and cultural groups, issues, or types of conventional political actions are regularly excluded from the political arena.
• Often found in stable, consolidated democratic systems wherein political competition and participation in the electoral arena has been fully institutionalized and regulated.
• Political parties, especially major ones, tend to be ideology and/or issue-based and cross-cutting rather than personalistic or identity-based.
• Civil liberties are generally well-respected, with political violence not a significant danger to civilian populations.
• National elections of any sort are deemed by international and domestic observers to be both free and fair.

To get a nation's resulting REGIMEN Score (REG), the following equation is used:

REG = DEM - AUT

This score is then used to determine where a nation falls among the five categories the Index uses: consolidated democracies, semi-consolidated democracies, open anocracies, closed anocracies, semi-consolidated autocracies, and consolidated autocracies.

Note that, unlike in most other democracy indices, civil liberties are generally less important—but by no means entirely irrelevant—in determining a nation's concepts, score and category.

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If you are a representative of a nation that wishes to be included in this index, feel free to fill out the questionnaire provided below! Observe these guidelines.

• For CHOICE questions, please mark your answer(s) with an X in the brackets provided.
• For OPEN-ENDED questions, please state your answer in the form of a one-liner, a list, or a short essay.
• As much as possible, please do NOT skip questions. Assume all questions are mandatory unless stated otherwise.
• Answer as honestly as you can; don't try to make your nation seem more democratic or autocratic than it really is.

We look forward to your participation.

Code: Select all

[spoiler=Nation Name][size=150][b]I. Basic Information[/b][/size][hr][/hr]
[b]1. What is your nation's full name?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]2. What is your nation's common name?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation.[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? Explain how its members are selected, and if it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber.[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? Explain how its members are selected as well.[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[size=150][b]II. Executive Recruitment[/b][/size][hr][/hr]
[b]1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one.[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] [b]Hereditary Succession:[/b] They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] [b]Regulated Designation:[/b] They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., non-popular election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] [b]Elite-Dependent Designation:[/b] They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] [b]Self-Selection:[/b] They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means not backed by pre-existing laws or precedent (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ ] [b]Free Election:[/b] They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] [b]Other (please explain):[/b][/list]

[b]2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one.[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] [b]Autocratic:[/b] The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] [b]Limited-Dominant:[/b] The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] [b]Limited-Waning:[/b] The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] [b]Figurehead:[/b] The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[ ] [b]N/A:[/b] There is no monarch to speak of.[/list]

[b]4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] [b]N/A:[/b] There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.[/list]

[b]5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them.[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[size=150][b]III. Executive Constraints[/b][/size][hr][/hr]
[b]1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] An absolute monarchy, a personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party dictatorship, a military dictatorship, an autocratic monarchy with somewhat powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a strong one-party state, a military junta, a thoroughly elite-dominated aristocratic republic, etc.) with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of some sort.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] [b]Other (please explain):[/b][/list]

[b]2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] [b]Extensive:[/b] The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] [b]Moderate:[/b] The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] [b]Weak:[/b] The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] [b]Minimal:[/b] The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] [b]N/A:[/b] There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.[/list]

[b]
3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] [b]Extensive:[/b] The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] [b]Moderate:[/b] The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; it nevertheless is able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] [b]Weak:[/b] The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] [b]Minimal:[/b] The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] [b]N/A:[/b] There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.[/list]

[b]4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, to what extent do they effectively constrain the executive?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly.[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[size=150][b]IV. Political Competition[/b][/size][hr][/hr]
[b]1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] [b]Repressed:[/b] No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] [b]Restricted:[/b] Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] [b]Unregulated:[/b] Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] [b]Factional:[/b] Political groups and figures regularly compete for power—not necessarily electorally—in an antagonistic and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; any consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] [b]Transitional:[/b] A transition state between the Factional and Competitive situations, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other obstacles to full democratic consolidation—or, conversely, the slow and gradual erosion of open and pluralistic competition into factionalism or restriction.
[ ] [b]Competitive:[/b] Stable and enduring political groups and figures regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.[/list]

[b]2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation.[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]4. Do the government or non-state actors deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any particular segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, socioeconomic class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals.[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] Yes. These demographic groups are effectively denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These demographic groups are effectively allowed only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, they attempt to do so. However, they have largely been ineffective at suppressing these demographic groups' political participation.
[ ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed access to participation in the political arena both on paper and in practice.
[ ] [b]N/A:[/b] Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.[/list]

[b]5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why do the government or non-state actors target them specifically?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[size=150][b]V. Conclusion[/b][/size][hr][/hr]
[b]1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[b]2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.[/list]

[b]3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.[/list]

[b]4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire?[/b] [i][Choice][/i]
[list][ ] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.[/list]

[b]5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index?[/b] [i][Open-Ended][/i]

[align=center][size=150][b]Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day![/b][/size][/align][/spoiler]

^{(OOC: Yeah, this is basically just an overdue sequel to the NSPoliteia Index I created as Piste-Land, which was a ripoff of the real-life Polity Project.)}

[-Trilkassia-]

The REGIMEN Index

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REG Nation Name (Concepts: Executive Recruitment|Executive Constraints|Political Competition)

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Consolidated Democracies
REG Range: 9 to 10
Nations ranked here are robust electoral democracies with freely-elected leaders, strong systems of checks and balances, and vibrant electoral competition defined by a lack of both repression and excessive factionalism.

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10 Alinghi Federal-Democratic Republic/Alinghi (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Ci Arovannea/Arovannea (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 The Astral Mandate (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Beliras (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Washington-Columbia/Cascadia (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Republica Federal de Catalunya/Catalunya (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Countesia (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Eieryn (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Enthisea (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Gandoor (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Iacesia (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 The United States of Ibica/Ibica (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Awesome Imperium/Imperia (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Indian Empire (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Intisarium/Intisar (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Mimgard (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Norlandda/Norlanda (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Redtailia (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Sindoesia (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Sliabh Grianas (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Soura Surgian (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Thermodolia (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 The Alpine Republic of Tyrol (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Unitarnia (Concepts: 8|7|8)
10 Yungan (Concepts: 8|7|8)
9 Al-Aghrabah/Aghrabah (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Befestigburg/Befestigia (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Bilancorn (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Camtropia (Concepts: 8|7|7)
9 Doslonsu (Concepts: 8|7|7)
9 Federated Commonwealths of America (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Free World Treaty Organization (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Frokolia (Concepts: 8|7|7)
9 Furballland (Concepts: 8|7|7)
9 Greater Agnolia (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Kyrindor (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 The Lukavenugg/Lukavennugia (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 The Martian Independent Republic (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Mesavia (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 New Coalition of Unity (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 New Stonkopolis (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 The Norden Utopia/Polia (Concepts: 7|7|8)
9 Rayneia (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Rio-Grande-do Sul/Rio Grande do Sul (Concepts: 8|7|7)
9 Archipel Sempi/Sempi Archipelago (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 West Coralonia (Concepts: 8|6|8)
9 Yaama Archipelago/Yaama (Concepts: 8|7|7)

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Semi-Consolidated Democracies
REG Range: 6 to 8
Nations ranked here tend to be shallower electoral democracies that fall short in one critical field or another while still meeting the minimum requirements for classification as such; democratic institutions and mechanisms, while undeniably present, are not particularly well-established.

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8 Independent Republic of Boldonia/Boldonia (Concepts: 8|7|6)
8 Pax Brasiliana/Brazil (Concepts: 8|6|7)
8 Triumvirate of Euphoria/Euphoria (Concepts: 8|6|7)
8 Mushroom Queendom/Fungaria (Concepts: 5|7|8)
8 WeimarRepublik/German Reich (Concepts: 8|6|7)
8 Hexatanople (Concepts: 8|5|8)
8 Krimya (Concepts: 8|6|7)
8 Reino do Brazil (Concepts: 8|6|7)
8 Sardinia-Sicily (Concepts: 8|7|6)
8 Sarvanti (Concepts: 5|7|8)
8 Vryheidsland (Concepts: 8|5|8)
7 Asukalia (Concepts: 5|6|8)
7 East-Asian Nations/East Asian Nations (Concepts: 8|5|7)
7 Mercov (Concepts: 7|6|7)
7 The Namilasenes (Concepts: 8|6|6)
7 Valinska (Concepts: 7|6|7)
7 The West European National State (Concepts: 8|5|7)
6 Bergiervile (Concepts: 8|6|5)
6 Caliland (Concepts: 8|7|3)
6 Haxx (Concepts: 8|7|3)
6 Great Ignesia/Ignesia (Concepts: 5|6|7)
6 PORTA maritim de indias osidental/Kutzalland (Concepts: 5|6|7)
6 Latvolbans (Concepts: 8|7|3)
6 Sartuchka (Concepts: 8|7|3)

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Open Anocracies
REG Range: 1 to 5
Nations ranked here display either an eclectic mix of democratic and autocratic features or nearly none of them at all; nevertheless, they are more democratic-leaning than their closed anocratic peers. Extreme political polarization and violence tend to characterize such systems, but not always; some can be remarkably stable.

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5 Amorte (Concepts: 7|5|6)
5 Diarcesia (Concepts: 6|6|5)
5 Luger (Concepts: 7|7|3)
5 Maja lengka/Majalengka (Concepts: 7|5|6)
5 Novanglica (Concepts: 7|6|5)
5 Outer Solaria (Concepts: 7|4|7)
5 Palmyrion (Concepts: 5|6|6)
5 Pritrev (Concepts: 7|5|6)
4 The Imagination Animals/Crossoveria (Concepts: 6|4|6)
4 -Trilkassia-/Trilkassia (Concepts: 7|4|6)
4 Vostosia (Concepts: 7|6|4)
3 Bigpipstan (Concepts: 3|5|8)
3 Plataia (Concepts: 5|5|5)
3 Rhodevus (Concepts: 3|5|8)
3 Free Stalliongrad/Stalliongrad (Concepts: 7|5|4)
2 Hippie Kiwis (Concepts: 7|3|5)
1 Arctic Lands (Concepts: 6|3|4)
1 Netherias (Concepts: 4|5|4)

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Closed Anocracies
REG Range: -5 to 0
Nations ranked here display either an eclectic mix of democratic and autocratic features or nearly none of them at all; nevertheless, they exhibit a more pronounced autocratic streak than their open anocratic peers. Extreme political polarization and violence tend to characterize such systems, but not always; some can be remarkably stable.

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0 Cavirfi (Concepts: 3|4|6)
0 Miami Free State/Miami (Concepts: 4|3|5)
0 The Western European Commonwealth (Concepts: 1|5|6)
-1 A m e n r i a/Amenria (Concepts: 4|3|4)
-1 Rayakavkaz (Concepts: 4|3|4)
-1 TURTLESHROOM II/TurtleShroom (Concepts: 3|5|3)
-2 Cessarea (Concepts: 3|4|4)
-2 Principality of Equestria/Equestria (Concepts: 4|2|4)
-2 Kaywell (Concepts: 6|3|2)
-2 The Scandoslavic Empire/Scandoslavia (Concepts: 7|3|2)
-3 Altalus (Concepts: 3|3|4)
-3 Terra da Cinza (Concepts: 3|3|4)
-3 Vexea (Concepts: 5|3|2)
-4 Donistan (Concepts: 4|3|2)
-4 Kryndeli Unitaria (Concepts: 4|3|2)
-4 Peranvia (Concepts: 2|3|4)
-5 Hispaniola2/Hispaniola (Concepts: 3|1|4)
-5 New Socialist Ryukyu/Ryukyu (Concepts: 4|2|2)
-5 The Way Sun Cooperation (Concepts: 4|2|2)

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Semi-Consolidated Autocracies
REG Range: -8 to -6
Nations ranked here are shallower autocracies that, while meeting the minimum criteria necessary to be classified as such, often fail to regularize succession, concentrate power, and/or suppress their opposition effectively enough.

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-6 Alzatia/Alsatia (Concepts: 1|1|3)
-6 Great United States/Federal State of America (Concepts: 3|3|2)
-6 The Gis Kir (Concepts: 4|2|1)
-6 Holy Empire of America (Concepts: 1|1|4)
-6 Marnotko (Concepts: 4|1|2)
-6 Medical Technical Organization (Concepts: 4|2|1)
-6 Min Car (Concepts: 1|4|2)
-6 Pris (Concepts: 3|3|2)
-6 Russia RNR/Russian National Republic (Concepts: 3|3|2)
-7 Savas (Concepts: 2|3|2)
-7 The Global Scorpion Empire/Scorpion Empire (Concepts: 4|1|1)
-7 South Darolia (Concepts: 3|2|2)
-7 The Visonian State/Visonia (Concepts: 4|1|1)
-8 Revolutionary Eusan Nation/Eusea (Concepts: 3|1|2)
-8 Holmkerk (Concepts: 1|2|2)
-8 Kogure (Concepts: 3|2|1)
-8 La Via Liberadora/La Vía Liberadora (Concepts: 3|2|1)
-8 The Ontariois/Ontario (Concepts: 1|2|2)
-8 Untecna (Concepts: 2|3|1)

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Consolidated Autocracies
REG Range: -10 to -9
Nations ranked here are rock-solid autocracies that select their leaders through hereditary succession or closed competition within the elite, centralize all power in the hands of the executive, and repress any serious opposition to their rule.

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-9 Idoho (Concepts: 3|1|1)
-9 Kreigsreich of Iron (Concepts: 3|1|1)
-9 Union Of National Bolsheviks/National Bolshevik Union (Concepts: 3|1|1)
-9 Imperial-Octavia/Octavia (Concepts: 3|1|1)
-9 Phaistenion (Concepts: 3|1|1)
-9 Pogravska (Concepts: 3|1|1)
-9 Rusexico/Czardom of Russia (Concepts: 1|1|2)
-9 Hispania Major/Spanish Empire (Concepts: 1|1|2)
-10 Angvar (Concepts: 1|1|1)
-10 Autonomous Worker Drones (Concepts: 1|1|1)
-10 The Byzantine Caliphate/The Byzantine Ottoman Caliphate (Concepts: 1|1|1)
-10 Horrorstan (Concepts: 2|1|1)
-10 Riyon (Concepts: 1|1|1)
-10 Stracci (Concepts: 1|1|1)

[-Trilkassia-]

As a reference, here's the questionnaire so dutifully filled by Trilkassia's representative!

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
- The Trilkassian Federative Republic.

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]
- Trilkassia.

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
- 2000.

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
- 1992, with the adoption of the Federal Constitution that year.

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
- President The Player (independent, allied with Forward!); initially assumed office as Provisional President in 1991, inaugurated as elected President in 1994 following elections the previous year.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
- The Federal Diet, consisting of the Council of States (upper house; chosen by state-level governments) and the Assembly of People's Deputies (lower house; popularly elected).

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
- The Supreme Constitutional Court.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[X] Other (please explain): Initially designated Provisional President before being properly elected President.

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]
- President Player initially came to power early in 1991, a few months after he was named Provisional President by an emergency session of the Assembly of People's Deputies shortly after Trilkassia broke off from the collapsing Crimzon Workers' Union. With the fiercely pro-market major party Forward! at his side, he would then go on to narrowly win election to his first full term as President in 1993 before being inaugurated in 1994, then decisively win re-election in 1998 and be inaugurated for the second time in 1999. Irregularities were present in both election cycles, but were determined to not be so overbearing as to render them entirely fraudulent.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[X] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]
- President Player is the unmistakable center of power within the executive branch, with all cabinet officials including Deputy President Klemens Valdeym of Forward!—inaugurated alongside the President after winning the 1993 elections alongside him as his running mate—answering to him. Nevertheless, they still retain a degree of independence from him, if for the sake of formality.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[X] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[X] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[X] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
- Those would be the usual major accountability groups you'd see in a typical democracy—other members of the cabinet, the legislature, the judicial system, and the civil service—as well as less popularly-accountable groups such as the Armed Forces of Trilkassia (AFT), various powerful business magnates with vested interests in political outcomes (read: oligarchs), and a good handful of personal advisors. However, thanks in no small part to President Player's dealmaking, maneuvering, and increasingly-autocratic leadership style, their attempts to restrain his power have become less and less effective by the day.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
- Yes, and it has generally been in favor of President Player to the detriment of the other branches of government as well as the increasingly-battered opposition—primarily represented by the Socialist Workers' Party (SWP), the vengeful heir to the old Crimzon Revolutionary Socialist Workers' Front (CRSWF) that once ruled the old regime with an iron fist.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[X] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]
- Trilkassia is on a slow path away from the sheer factional polarization and violence that defined its national politics for much of the 1990s, but much work remains to be done on consolidating a democratic system... if a democratic system even is the end goal of the Player administration, that is. All that is for certain is that the violence is slowly winding down and that democratic institutions are solidifying to some extent.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
- Despite the chaos of the previous decade starting to fade into the rearview mirror, political violence remains a major problem in Trilkassia. Inter-ethnic tensions remains high as the ongoing separatist crisis in Kaluchny down south continues to fan the flames, with both the government and Kaluch insurgents as well as their allies resorting to a mix of subterfuge and brute force in their attempts to one-up each other, and verbal sparring as well as physical brawling between ethnic Kaluch and ethnic Trilkassians outside of Kaluchny have remained frequent occurrences as the insurgency drags on.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[X] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]
- The government formally grants virtually all groups equal access to political participation. Nevertheless, there have been loosely-organized attempts to deliberately suppress the political activities of ethnic minorities, most especially the Kaluch, following the outbreak of the insurgency—increasing numbers of Trilkassian nationalists view their power as a threat that needs to be neutralized, and fast.

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]
- None at the moment other than a simple reiteration of the fact that Trilkassia is a fragile democracy in transition that, considering current trends, could descend into autocracy in the foreseeable future; all the necessary information for you to work with should already be here on the questionnaire.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]
- None so far; I'm currently satisfied with the way they currently are.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Haxx]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
- The Free Land Of Haxx

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]
- Haxx

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
- Present day (2025)

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
- 2001

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
There are no chief executives, but local collectives. Political parties are looked down upon, but there is an uncountable amount of "special interest groups", which are in practice are political parties that look for one specific interest. Popular groups are the environmental, business, and civil liberties.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
It is called local collective (a local collective is defined as a judiciary and legislature within walking distance).

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
There is no high court, and no hierarchy of courts. Fronter Justice is often severed with little repercussions.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]
There is no centralized power, but decentralized semi-direct democracies, anyone who desires to be in this community can.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[X] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]
There is no single person with enough power to be considered a chief. No executive branch.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[X] Other (please explain): An extremely small government, borderline anarchy, where governance is decentralized and nobody has central power. (called a decentralized semi-direct democracy)

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[X] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
There is no executive.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
There has been a shift since its' founding from a pure anarchy to a small forms of local governance which manages mostly education and coordination between the local groups.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[X] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]
Once in a while there is someone in a local collectives that has too much a power-complex and desires to change it all, but other local groups in this instance usually collectively agree to get rid of this person. Special interests groups, especially the environmental, civil liberties, and business groups regularly try to prevent each other from participating in local collectives.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
Protests are growing due to a generally dissatisfied population, especially due to the economic disparities between the rich and the poor, and the lack of welfare for the poor. Although the majority of the violence is not politically motivated and more for their own hedonistic desires.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]
You should ask about governmental compliance, and how formal these laws are, and if they are all enforced equally.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Indian Empire]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended] The Parliamentary Republic of Indian Empire

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended] Indian Empire

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended] 2025

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended] The current constitution was adopted upon independence in 1965, and has been amended several times since independence.

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended] The current Head of State and Head of Government is Prime Minister Lennart Svenningsen, of the Social Democratic Party. He has been in power since October 17th, 2024. Svenningsen came to power as Prime Minister via winning the Social Democratic Party Leadership Election, which is the current Prime Minister position due to the victory of the Social Democratic party in the 2021 elections. Svenningsen replaced the resigning PM, Juan Rodriguez, to serve the remainder of his term and guide the party through the 2025 elections.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended] The Legislature is called the House of Commons, and has 395 seats, adjusted by the cube root rule following every census.

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended] The highest court is known as the Empirian Supreme Court, which has a total of seven justices. These seats are allocated ideologically. Justices of each major political party (Social Democrats and Centrists) are given a secure number of seats to maintain balance and neutrality, and succession onto the highest court is automatic based on seniority.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college). (See Question 5, Section I for further explanation)
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended] The chief executive, Lennart Svenningsen, achieved this position via a special election. The Social Democratic Party won the 2021 Empirian Elections, and thus, the party leader became Prime Minister for a four year term. This was originally the previous Prime Minister, Juan Rodriguez, however, he resigned in October 2024. The Social Democratic Party held a new, special election for Party leader for the conclusion of the position's three year term through 2026, which Svenningsen won. This made Svenningsen the Prime Minister of Indian Empire, and he will be up for election for a new term in July 2025. Svenningsen has maintained power through the confidence of his party and the House of Commons, which the Social Democratic Party currently hold a majority in.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended] There is one head of state and head of Government. However, this executive rules on the blessing of his or her party and the House of Commons. The executive branch also features numerous departments and agencies, maintained by different members of the elected party- these members, similar to the Prime Minister, are elected via vote. The Prime Minister holds the executive power to implement and pull these agencies together in coordinated ways, and serves as the head of the cabinet. The Prime Minister is also constrained by the constitution in terms of following the legislative process and protecting the rights and checks and balances implemented.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[X] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended] The cabinet of the executive branch individually serve as additional checks. The Prime Minister does not have direct control of which member of the house of commons is the head of these agencies, which gives them significant bargaining chips to serve as a check on the Prime Minister's power through implementation or negotiation.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended] There has been some shift, primarily towards the cabinet and members of the majority party at the time. Due to the construction of the Empirian system, a Prime Minister must both control the majority in the House of Commons and maintain favor within the party. Therefore, any Prime Minister who ignores, or doesn't at least negotiate, with members of the party over disagreements will likely find themselves ousted in a short period of time by the party.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[X] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] There is some mild polarization, primarily due to a centralization of the political system around the power of two parties. Beyond this, Empirian politics does not find itself facing repression. Empirian voting rules are universal and do not change based on ethnicity, party, ideology, etc. Violence in the process is practically unheard of. Both major parties have policy disagreements, and the majority of voters are firmly on one side or the other. Some places have an overwhelming majority of residents leaning towards one party or another- the Capital City, Povlsen, is overwhelmingly Social Democratic, while rural areas in southern Indian Empire are overwhelmingly Centrist. However, these differences are always handled respectfully, and when necessary, parties are able to negotiate to achieve important legislative goals.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended] Violence in Empirian politics is practically unheard of. Usually, any violence is undertaken by political extremists not affiliated with either major party. Peaceful protests are much more common, especially in designated areas such as parks, sidewalks, and town squares.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended] N/A

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended] Nothing I can think of!

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended] N/A

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[The Astral Mandate]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? The Serene Federation of The Astral Mandate

2. What is your nation's common name? The Astral Mandate

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? 2025

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? 2008

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. Head of government in 2016, head of state in 2018

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. Parliament

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? Supreme Court of The Astral Mandate

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. Both achieved power through free elections, several years after the adoption of a new, more liberal constitution.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.
(There may still be figurehead monarchs in some provinces, but I'm not sure whether this will be canon)

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. The head of government/prime minister directs internal affairs, the head of state/foreign minister directs diplomatic foreign affairs; actions such as declarations of war require mutual consensus. Allactions also require input from Parliament and the people.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[X] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? As a semi-direct democracy potentially shifting towards more direct democratic systems in the future, in The Astral Mandate the people have a significant direct say in government, especially on major actions.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. As briefly mentioned prior, the country seems to shift toward more directly democratic systems, with decisions made by referendum. In addition, due to the new government's successes in providing for the needs and wants of its people, it faces waning opposition over time.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[X] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. Though the opposition is rather weak, primarily due to a general consensus around most decisions of the current government, checks remain in place to ensure that they retain a proportional level of power. Generally, little partisan division exists in The Astral Mandate.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? Practically non-existent since 2008

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? No

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[New Stonkopolis]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? The Capitalist Union State of New Stonkopolis

2. What is your nation's common name? New Stonkopolis

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? 2025 AD

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? 1931, foundation of the nation.

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. The Head of State of the nation is Michael Aldritch Rockefeller. Leading the nation since September 14th, 2024, he was elected in an emergency election following the death of his father, Nelson "Rocky" Rockefeller. He rules under the Economic Progress Party (EPP), which dominates in the nation. The party in of itself leans moderate on a majority of issues, combining stances of the former Democratic and Republican parties under the former United States.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. There are two parts of the legislature. One's the House of the States, and the other is the House of the People

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? The Supreme Court of New Stonkopolis, based out of Yonkers.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. Michael obtained the blessings of multiple family members, boosting his popularity in the election. This basically secured his victory, with a majority of people voting him. The people also don't go through any electoral college, instead voting directly.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. The President rules New Stonkopolis as similarly to how the President of the US rules. They delegate powers to the Governors of the States.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[X] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[X] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? There are none to speak of here.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. Yes. Other political parties, like the Stonkopolis Forward Union (SFU) and the United Socialist Party (USP) have been gaining more and more sway in the country. This brings more power to accountability groups, like the Congress and the freely-elected Supreme Court.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[X] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. There are multiple, multiple parties that hold seats in both Houses. The EPP rules supreme, but there are many other parties available, like the SFU and the USP.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? It hasn't ever really been a problem for decades now. Leftists had major violence enacted against them by Nelson Rockefeller, but they've regained their previous power with Michael ruling.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? Nope, that's about it.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? Nope, this suffices pretty nicely.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Intisarium]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]: The Federal Directorate of Intisar

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]: Intisar

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]: 2029

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]: 1805

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]: Director Alissa Victoria, incumbent Director, who is now on her second term - elected in 2024, reelected 2029.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]: The Federal Assembly, consisting of the Advisory Council of the Directory (upper house), Senate of the Federation (middle house) and Congress of the Federation (lower house)

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]: The Court of Six Nations, so named after the joint confederal court which was established in the 1200s, expanded to included one more member.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]:

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]:

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[X] Other (please explain): A strange mix, to say. Most of the governance in the country is handled by a strong coalition of legislative and executive power, combined but also a technocratic advisory chamber directly inserted into the highest echelon of government, mostly to help the more idealistic leaders of the nation get a chance to find their footing. However, there's a major source of power that has been indirectly and more so that not, accidentally granted to the intelligence services of the Intisari government, due to its policy of 'national mobilization' - a sort of nationwide societal restructuring that has been abused over the years, leading to a weakening of the Intisari public's overall integrity, and has effectively handed a significant amount of power towards them instead. This may have severe consequences in the future.

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]: Yes, there are! The Advisory Council of the Directory, while technically within the legislature itself, also serves as an incredibly useful advisor to the executive, mostly because they are often some of the most experienced in that field. There's also the matter of fact that Intisari society itself can act as an executive check - doing something that is extremely disliked by the population would immediately mean that said executive would get their reputation destroyed in a matter of days.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]: No.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[X] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]: The current Director's electoral victories are very much examples of Intisar's own political competition. As an independent, she normally wouldn't have risen from practically nowhere. But, with populist support, she did anyway, and has been supercharging her polices though the legislature ever since, must to the nation's joy. It is to say that Intisari politics are not only ideologically motivated, but are also extremely idealistic, often breaking ground for their idealism to be achieved, INCLUDING fighting their own allies to do so.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]: Not a problem.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Sliabh Grianas]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? The Unicorn Utopia of Sliabh Grianas

2. What is your nation's common name? Sliabh Grianas

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? 2025 CE (CT in Sliabh Grianasian)

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? 2024

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. Prime Minister, popularly elected, is Bandearg Aon-adharcach. They are the current head of the Progressive Party and the Reformist Socialist Coalition (see factbook for more details).

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. The National Council

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? The High Court

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. Popularly elected in 2022, defeating incumbent Freyja Skaldsdottir
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[x] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. They are directly elected to the position. Aon-adharcach defeated Skaldsdottir by swaying voters with his promises for constitutional reform.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[x] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[x] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. There is one Prime Minister, who delegates relevant executive powers to specific Ministries (such as Defense, Public Welfare, etc.).

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[x] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[x] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[x] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? Yes, the people. Popular referendums are capable of overriding executive vetoes and ministerial appointments, and are capable of recalling any public official, including the Prime Minister.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. No major shifts in recent years, besides the Prime Minister election being changed from parilamentary to direct in 1987.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[x] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. Parties are divided along ideological lines, and coalitions and consensus are common. The Progressive Party/Reformist Socialist Coalition win most elections and have held majority control of the government for decades, but competition is still completely viable Factbook

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? Insignificant to nonexistent.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[x] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? N/A

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[x] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[x] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[x] Heck yeah this is one of the best I've seen
[ ] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? not at this time. It's pretty good how it is.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Marnotko]

[DELETED]

[Bilancorn]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended] The Constitutional Republic of Bilancorn

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended] Bilancorn (or Republic of Bilancorn)

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended] 2020 (I keep the foundation date for practical reasons)

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended] After the civil war, so in 1959. A similar sistem (with less freedoms) was used from 1890 to 1943.

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
Head of State: Lord Khaos, elected in 2018 as Chairman. Liberal Futurist Party Member (Center-right)
Head of Government: David Dahl, re-elected in 2020 as President. Liberal Futurist Party Member (Center-right, centrist wing of the party)

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended] We have a monocameral parliament, called traditionally Primarch House (since 1814), but always just referred as "the parliament".

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended] The Constitutional Court or "High Court".

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ X ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).

Explaination: The Chairman is elected every 10 years by the Parliament and another close number of persons (5 members of the judiciary, 5 members of the military, 5 members of the recognized minorities and 5 researchers or scientists). The President is appointed by the Chairman, following the proposal(s) of the ruling party/parties, and must be confirmed by the parliament a second time.

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended] Historically, since 1959, most government were led by either the Liberal Futurist Party or the Democratic Labour Party, with the support of the United Popular Party (centrist; supported both factions depending on the time). The other 2 parties (Republican Party and Conservative Heritage Union) never ruled directly in modern times (The Republican Party wa svery popular before WW2, but gradually lost power). The previous Chairmen were not always members of these parties: sometimes they were apolitical or formally not registered to any party.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[ X ] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ X ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended] The President appoints the ministers and lead the government; each minister is responsible for his sector. The parliament has legislative power (as well as political-representation meaning), and can impeach / remove from office the President if the majority is lost. The Chairman can only be removed for crimes against the state or for serious illness (i. e. dementia), and he is the guardian of the Constitution: it can block laws if he find them to be anti-constitutional, and he is (formally) the one who sign laws and treaties.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ X ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ X ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain): Somewhere between the two options i selected, leaning more towards the strong democracy.

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ X ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ X ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended] Not really, aside from the 5 scientists and military officers who vote for the Chairman.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended] No, the situation is kinda stable since the 70s, with regular governments changes between the before-mentioned parties.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ X ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] The nation's parties are still mass parties, with a significant portion of the population which can be defined as "highly politicized". Political activism is common, and abstentionism is low and stable at such levels. There are no repression of the political oppositions, aside from terrorist groups (communists and fascists) which are almost disbanted nowdays anyway.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended] Almost non-existant; we do have some minor brawl between protesters sometimes, but nothing serious such as disappearance, arrests and killings

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ X ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

Note: Everyone from 18 years old can vote (16 for local elections), except those who dont have the citizenship and those convicted of treason or other crimes against the state.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended] N/A

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended] I dont think so, my Constitution factbook may have some more informations but I am not really sure... I'll leave it up to you.
EDIT: well, I think this might be related... The populance can sign petitions to the government, and if at least 200.000 citizens sign one, the topic is sent to the parliament for a debate, and if its not anti-constitutional a new law about the topic of the petition might be passed. Last example historically: Cannabis was legalized after a petition signed by more than 200.000 citizens, in 2011.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[ X ] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[ X ] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[ X ] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended] If you were ranking only the democracy status without civil rights / personal freedom, its well done.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Camtropia]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
The Federal Republic of Camtropia

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]
Camtropia

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
2025

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
2019

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
Prime Minister Nathan Anderson from the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Came to power in 2023

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
The National Parliament and the Senate are the two federal-level chambers; individual states have State Parliaments.

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
The Supreme Court

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[X] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
The Governors and Parliaments of individual states can somewhat challenge the central government. There have been fears of a military coup in the past, but one has never actually taken place.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
A rather dramatic shift towards accountability groups occurred in 2019 when President Steven Turner died of a heart attack 6 days after proclaiming himself "President for Life", leading to the position of President being abolished (the head of state is now the Prime Minister) and the creation of the Senate, among other constitutional changes to ensure another dictator would not be able to seize power.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[X] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]
As detailed here, there are 8 different political parties with more than 1% popular support nationwide, and a few tiny regional ones. Support tends to be concentrated in "the big two" of the SDP and the Conservative party, although the Liberal Party and Libertarian Party are becoming increasingly popular.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
Although political violence between former partisan groups was a major problem in the 2000s, this has mostly died down now, except for the odd CPoC (Communist Party of Camtropia), NLF (National Liberation Front), or HRA (Hastrian Reunification Alliance) protest that devolves into a street brawl.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]
Although I answered "No", there can be a small amount of discrimination (usually by corrupt officials on a local level) against ethnic Hastrians, due to Camtropia violently seceding from Hastria in 2004. Political groups advocating for Camtropia to be re-annexed by Hastria, such as the HRA (Hastrian Reunification Alliance), are legal, but police officers and other officials often find it difficult to set aside their own grievances when dealing with such groups.

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]
See above?

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]
Maybe add an option for Part IV Question 4 for groups which are not denied political rights on paper but are in practice? (This is not really the case in Camtropia but could be an interesting option)

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Mercov]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended] Peoples Democratic Republic of Mercov

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended] Mercov

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended] 2031

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended] 2017

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended] The position has been vacant since the 2030 September elections, and the Socialist Front has been managing a caretaker government due to the inability to form a full government with the Progressive labourers and Farmers party.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended] National Assembly.

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended] Mercov does not have a Judiciary.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended] The 'Council for the Administration of the Peoples Democratic Republic of Mercov' has 8 members, 6 from the Socialist Front, 1 from the PLFP and 1 from the National Radical Party. They rule equally.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended] Due to the current irregularity of the situation, this is a hard question to answer. Usually, the Prime Minister would be appointed by the National Assembly by 1/2 +1 vote. The General Secretary is elected by popular vote every 6 years, and serves as the ceremonial head of state. This position is currently held by Klasvios Bin, of the Socialist Front.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[X] Other (please explain): Mercov is usually considered a 'Dominent Party Democracy' due to the fact the Socialist Front have had a stranglehold on power since the 1993 elections to the National Assembly. Most international observers agree Mercov has a functioning democracy, but it is clearly biased towards the SF.

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[X] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended] Usually the cabinet would be able to restrain radical actions by the Prime Minister, but currently there is no real way to do this because of the majority SF interim Government.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended] No.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[X] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] It is hard to figure out a choice for this. Due to the fact that the SF holds a vast majority of power, but does not repress political opponents, I think Transitional is justified.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended] Not a problem at all. Due to a mix of welfare programmes and a competent security administration, there is very little unrest.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended] Currently, Mercov is in a constitutional crisis due to the unwillingness of any parties to co-operate with the SF outside of the caretaker government. The next election in 2032 is generally predicted to be able to clear this up.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Kreigsreich of Iron]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
The Kreigsreich of Iron.

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]
Kreigsreich of Iron, the Kreigsreich.
3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
2025.
4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
1954.
5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
Kreigsreichmarshall Louis de Routel.
6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
N/A.
7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
N.A.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[X] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]
The Kaiser, who serves as the ceremonial figurehead, is named through hereditary selection.
The Kreigsreichmarshall, who is the actual leader, was elected by special convening of the Council of the Kreigsmarshalls
3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[x] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[ ] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[X] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]
In a very-top down military hierarchical bureaucracy. The Kreigsreichmarshall holds supreme authority and issues directives to Kreigsmarshalls, who implement his decisions and are analogous to ministers. The Reichsmarshalls serve s territorial administrators. Each Kreigsmarshall delegates to Reichskommisars, who oversee the functioning of certain functions of their ministry, and so on and so forth,
III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[x] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[x] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[x] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
No. All such groups have been directly integrated into the government.
5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
No.
IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[x] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]
The Special Department, which includes the dreaded Gendarmerie, Bureau of Labour Oversight, and other organs of state security, is trashed specifically with monitoring, identifying, and crushing dissent.
3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
It is a major issue caused by the aforementioned Special Department.
4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[x] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]
N/A.
V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]
No.
2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[x] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[x] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[ x] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]
No
Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Vostosia]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? The Free People's Union of Vostosia

2. What is your nation's common name? Vostosia

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? 2025

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? The constitution was established in 1924 and has seen its last big change in 1968, when the economic system was opened up slightly.

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. The current leader of the nation is Dr. Armani Samsat, elected in 2022 and serving a term until late 2025. Theoretically, Vostosia knows three equal-level leadership positions, a civil, military and political one. The First Vostosian is elected by the people in the same election as the Chamber of the People, while the military and various political parties of Vostosia vote among themselves. Practically, the military and political parties mostly feature as rubber stamps and have only stepped in in the case of ties. Dr. Samsat is a member of the True Socialist Party of Vostosia, an offshoot of the People's Party of Vostosia and one of half a dozen nationwide socialist parties.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. The Home of the Revolution is divided into the Chamber of the People, the 300-seat lower house, and the Chamber of the Federation, the 100-seat upper house.

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? The Upper Court of the People is the highest court of the nation for regular Vostosians. Those belonging to an autonomous republic may, instead, ask to be judged by the highest court of their respective state. In addition, Vostosian law allows for suspects of particularly heinous crimes such as heavy treason, mass murder, cannibalism to face a jury of regular citizens, to prevent any prejudice from judges. Suspects are not, however, allowed to appeal the jury's decision as it is deemed final.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[X] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. The people freely elect the lower house and the First Vostosian. However, the other two parts of the chief executive's title are selected by the military and the political parties of the nation. Within the military, all professional soldiers may choose for the candidate of their choice. All registered political parties are allowed to vote through their party leader, how that party makes its choice is up to them; some parties vote among their members on their candidate of choice, others leave the voting to their leader or vote among a select group.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? Within Vostosia, there wouldn't be any domestic observers that would be deemed independent enough for international standards and the government wouldn't be willing to let in international observers (seeing no need for it ICly, and OOC'ly I haven't really established ties with anyone yet to let in any way). Realistically though, political parties and the system within Vostosia have been rigged that nothing more right-wing than center parties have had enough members to get resources and registered. Beyond that, the state operates secret ballots and doesn't discriminate against members of the non-socialist political parties.
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[X] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. The constitution states that, in the case of the military and/or political parties selecting another candidate, partial control has to be handed over to said chief executives. The Organizer of the Vanguard would have control of the military and the Ministry of Defense while the Leader of the Vostosian Revolution, the person selected by the parties, would take over leadership of the parliament. This would leave the First Vostosian, the chief executive selected by the people, with a heavily handicapped government as any military action could be declined and any law proposals could be postponed indefinitely.

This has, however, never happened. Even in the case of the First Vostosian election ending in a tie, thus making the decision of the military and the parties matter, it has always led to one single person holding all three executive titles.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[X] Other (please explain): Vostosia would probably fit in the 'mostly democratic system' with the caveat that the political spectrum has been clipped. The First Vostosian is allowed an undefined amount of decision making power during times of emergency, albeit the constitution also requires the First Vostosian to clarify their actions to parliament and allow for a vote afterwards if said decisions remain final. This has to be done as soon as possible, even during war times.

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[X] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? As said in the previous answers, the military and the political parties of Vostosia are able to somewhat constrain the chief executive.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. Dr. Samsat has been a relatively soft and uneventful leader, thus shifting the balance in favor of the legislature and the people.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[X] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. Vostosia features no political parties on the right-wing spectrum. Theoretically, such parties could gain enough founding members to register themselves but due to the constitution protecting the workers against revisionism, such parties have never been officially founded; membership of such a party could be seen as an act of revisionism and could lead to getting convicted of light treason. Thus, all citizens officially find themselves in the center or left-wing side of politics. Party membership of any registered political party is required for all adults, although children are encouraged and allowed to sign up as early as twelve. Additionally, Vostosian political parties are required to keep a record of your ideological loyalty; how often you volunteer for party duties, visit party activities, whether your children go to the party-sponsored child care and so forth. Those that show a high level of ideological loyalty, no matter the party, are allowed certain benefits such as gun permits.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? Vostosia is in semi-active conflict with insurgents, many of which feature a different political ideology than those within the nation. Beyond that, however, those that have a different, revisionist political ideology are not handled violently, even if they might be prosecuted and made to serve a rehabilitation sentence.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[X] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? The Vostosian constitution doesn't allow for any revisionist ideologies, this in practice means that there are only center and left-wing parties within the nation. In addition, every adult has to be part of a political party. Thus, those that have right-wing tendencies are forced to either face the possibility of being arrest and convicted of light treason or become part of a political party that does not truly follow their preferences. However, the nation does have secret ballots so one can vote as they want, with again the caveat that the available candidates are limited to the registered parties. So their rights are limited but, realistically, not more than any other citizen.

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? As stated, within the Vostosian system, participation in a party is mandatory for all adults and each party is required to keep records of your ideological loyalty. This does, however, not mean that a person simply picks a party and has to stay with it for their entire life; switching parties or joining a new-to-be-founded party is freely allowed. While a person would need some time to build a new record by, for example, enrolling their children in the party-led child care, old records still remain valid. The only time someone could come into trouble and lose certain benefits, such as a gun license, tied to ideological loyalty, would be if they switched parties multiple times without getting involved with most/any of them. Thus, the system does have some fluidity even if it is relatively rigid and unforgiving in its beginning.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? None as of now.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Pris]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
The Republic of Pris

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]
Pris

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
2001
4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
1923
5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
The name is unknown, but the executive is generally auth-left.
6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
Prisian Board of Advisors

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
National Court of Appeals

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[X] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]
The Previous executive died without selecting someone to replace him, so the decision went to the Board of Advisors.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice] [X] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[ ] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[X] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[X] Other (please explain):
Somewhere in between options 1 and 4.The advisory board and courts are selected democratically, but any executive decisions have priority over theirs if the executive disagrees.

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[X] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[X] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
No, the advisory board and courts, while democratically elected, only have power because it is unfeasible for the executive to make every government decision himself. The leader reserves the right to make and overturn any decree should they so choose.
5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
No, the balance of power has remained stable.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[X] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]
The Advisory board is democratically elected with political parties, but parties deemed to be extremist and/or too critical of the regime are banned, with these restrictions being applied quite broadly. (there is also a bias toward left-wing parties)

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
Nearly zero, in large part because of significant attention to and progressive policies concerning the well-being and opportunity of the population in non-political parts of life in the country.


4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]
N/A
V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended] If I had to describe the country’s government, it would be a dictatorship that retains power by providing many of the same personal freedoms and quality-of-life things promised by democracy with more efficiency, plus not having to constantly protect them.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]
No thanks.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Mesavia]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended] The Democratic Republic of Mesavia

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended] Mesavia

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended] Modern days

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended] 1991, after URSS collapse. However, a similar government was in charge from roughly 20 years.

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended] Avril Vigier, President of Mesavia and current leader of the socialdemocratic party.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended] We have a bicameral parliament, plus regional assemblies.

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended] The people's court.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ X ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended] The President is elected directly by the citizens every 5 years, and must be confirmed by both chambers of the Parliament.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[ X ] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ X ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended] The government own executive power, while the bicameral parliament the legislative one.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ X ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ X ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ X ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended] No, even if parties have a lot of incluence on the public life.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended] No.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ X ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] We have 3 major parties: socialdemocratics, socialists and reformists: the number of seats is similar, with other minor parties owning few seats and / or roles, but between the 3 major ones the competition is well shaped.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended] Not a significant problem; Mesavia is a very peaceful country.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ X ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended] No.

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended] No.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[ X ] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[ X ] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[ X ] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended] Nope

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Hexatanople]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
The Republic of Hexatanople
2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]
Hexat, Hexan
3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
2025
4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
1709, but heavily revised and rewritten in 1926
5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
The current president is Mark Servestis, who won the 2022 elections. He is officially in the Free Trade Party, a libertarian-right, free market, moderately conservative party.
6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
Simply the Parliment.
7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
The Hexatanoplean High Court.
II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]
He was elected with 57% of the vote, and officially took office on October 18th, 2022. He has been president since then.
3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[X] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[X] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[X] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
Term limits are enforced, with each executive only allowed to run for 3 terms (9 years). If either the executive or the Parliament pass an unpopular law, the people can call for a referendum to have it rescinded, as long as a supermajority (66%) vote in favor of doing so.
5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
No, the balance of power has been largely unchanged.
IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[X] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]
The Hexatanoplean political scene is dominated by seven major parties, those being the Free Trade Party, Progress Party, Green Party, Cetouat Party, Imperialist Party, and the Hexatanoplean Workers Party. They are generally grouped into three ranks of influence, but these ranks are only used in conversation and are not legally important. The Free Trade, Progress, and Conservative parties generally considered the “big three” of politics. The Greens, Workers, and Cetouat parties are the next most influential, but usually only get 5-15% of the vote each. The Imperialist Party and other small independents are the minor parties, usually only worth less than 5% of the vote total.
3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
Political violence has not been a problem for many years until recently, with the beginning of several wars in neighboring countries. One far-right extremist group has been held responsible for two major riots related to the ongoing wars. Other than that, no recent incidents involving political violence.
4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]
N/A
V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]
N/A
2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[ ] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[X] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]
N/A
Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Vexea]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended] The Constitutional Monarchy of Vexea

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended] Vexea or the kingdom of Vexea

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended] Modern days

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended] 1930, after the war against the british which resulted in our indipendence.

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended] King Darren Ward, King since 1998. We also have a prime minister, Mr. Clark Joseph Irwind.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended] We have an unicameral parliament, called the royal senate.

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended] The Royal Tribunal.

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ X ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count. (KING)
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections). (PRIME MINISTER)
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ X ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended] The Prime Minister is nominated by the King, while the King... well, he rules for life.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ X ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[ ] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ X ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended] The King own the executive power, and influences the judiciary and legislative powers, by appointing judges and suppressing the senators that are against the monarchy.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ X ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ X ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ X ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended] In recent years, yes. It was enstablished an indipendent committee to fight corruption, with decent success.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended] Well, there were some democratic reforms that extended the right to vote.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ X ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] Gradual reform and moderate protests are somewhat tolerated, but actively trying to change the status quo is prohibited and shut down.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended] The nation is relatively stable, but there had been some cases of politically motivated arrests performed by the secret police: according to amnesty international no political opponents was killed, but many were arrested, jailed and news about them published only after months.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ X ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended] We do have some restrictions on foreign-born citizens (they cannot be elected but can vote), and religious minorities are generally discouraged from voting and running for elections. Both these cathegories made ≈3% of population.

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended] Nope

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[ X ] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[ X ] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[ X ] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended] No.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Caliland]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended] The Democratic State of Caliland

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended] Caliland

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended] 2025

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended] 2021

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended] President David Mathis, came to power in Sept. 2024

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended] There is no legislature, since the country is a direct democracy.

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended] The Supreme Court

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended] He ran for President in an election and is serving out his term.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended] Each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) has checks and balances to keep the other two in check. The President can veto a bill passed by the people, and they can override his veto, as well as vote to impeach the President. The Supreme Court can rule laws and executive orders as unconstitutional. Supreme Court justices are appointed by the President, approved by popular vote.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[X] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[X] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended] Not really.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended] No, not really.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[X] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] Political parties are banned, as they lead to polarization, division, and civil unrest. Lobby groups and other organized attempts at policy change are not permitted, since they allow for a small group of people to manipulate the masses. The democratic system operates fully grassroots. with any movements for change spurred organically, not by outside actors.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended] It's virtually unheard of, since the current system was designed to avert such outcomes.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended] N/A

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended] The direct democracy functions via online vote, with every citizen designated an account by the government to avoid confusion. Every citizen is encouraged to participate in monthly policy votes, as well discuss legislation up for vote to improve it if necessary. Voting in Presidential elections is required by law, but voting in the monthly policy votes is 100% voluntary, although strongly encouraged. In this way, the people as a whole, act as a legislature.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended] No, it's very thorough.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Kogure]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended] Socialist People's Republic of Kogure

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended] Kogure

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended] 2025

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended] 1947 - proclomation of the Communist Party-led independent socialist republic

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended] The highest leadership group is the five-member Politburo Presidium of the Central Committee of the Kogurean Communist Party dominated by the General Secretary. Other four members are: Premier (head of government), Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Council (head of legislature), Secretary (head of internal party administration), and First Deputy Premier (deputy head of government)

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended] Supreme People's Council

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended] Supreme Court

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[X] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended] Primarily by getting endorsement of the party elites as their successors in top positions, after climbing bureaucratic ranks

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[ ] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended] Generally the General Secretary is the head of the Kogurean Communist Party, the ceremonial head of state, and the supreme commander of the military. He is the leading member of the collective leadership body and focuses on strategy, international affairs, and security. Premier is the second-ranking figure and the head of administration, he focuses on economy and social policy. The Chairman of the Standing Committee focuses on domestic affairs and heads the permanent commission of the parliament (which meets twice a year for short sessions). The Secretary heads internal party administration and deputises General Secretary in party affairs. First Deputy Premier is the second in command in administration, and focuses on other domestic affairs (like science and technology)

In the state media the leadership is referred as "Party Central Committee headed by General Secretary Sun Taejin"

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[X] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[X] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[X] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended] The Central Committee of the Kogurean Communist Party, while largely a body that does not actively checks the Politburo Presidium and assumed to rubber stamp it, can remove the current leadership.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended] Lately it has been consolidating in the hands of General Secretary Sun Taejin

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[X] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] No political activity outside the party control is permitted. Violators are regularly punished by law and deprived of their voting rights for 5 years after release. Non-political "social" activity (like strikes or environmental protests) are more tolerated.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended] Generally political violence exists in the form of law enforcement persecuting activists and journalists who deviate from the established norms. As large scale political activity is practically impossible, the scale of political violence is very limited

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[X] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

NOTE: Grievances and complaints up to the supreme leader are allowed and encouraged, as long as they do not call for radical political change.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Holmkerk]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
The Principality of Holmkerk
2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]
Holmkerk
3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
2025 (please note that Holmkerk, due to its isolation and bad scientific advancement, uses 70s-90s technologies and has very old fashioned traditions, institutions and ways of life)
4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
The monarchy exists since 1154, but the current political situation (freedoms, administrative systems, etc...) dates to the late 90s, when democratic reforms were backtracked.
5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
Prince Baldwin VI has been Prince of Holmkerk since 2013.
Even though he has no party affiliation, he is known to be a right-wing conservative and a traditionalist catholic
6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
The Chamber of Princely Peers (made up of Nobles, limited power)
7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
The Princely Council (headed by the Prince, and made up of members of the clergy)
II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[x] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]
The Prince was put on the throne after the death of his father, Prince Leopold II. The Chamber of Princely Peers recognised him, following the version of the Salic Law used in Holmkerk. He was then approved and crowned by the Bishop of Holmkerk. The Prince maintains power thanks to his legitimacy that derives from his ancestor's rule, his Divine Mandate and his approval by both the Higher Nobility and the Higher Clergy of Holmkerk.
Otto Rijkman, the Chancellor of Holmkerk, was elected by the Chamber of Princely Peers and then approved by the Prince as his advisor. Despite his limited power, he remains an important figure as he manages much of the administration, according to the Prince's wishes. His legitimacy derives from his Suzerain, the Prince, and his approval by the Nobility in the Chamber of Princely Peers.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[x] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[ ] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[x] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]
A chancellor with mostly advisory power exists, however he is entirely dependent on the Prince. He was elected by the Chamber of Princely Peers.
III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[x] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[x] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[x] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
The Nobility that rules locally and exerts their influence inside the Chamber of Princely Peers does occasionally challenge the Prince's control over its provinces and is a powerful blocking force against centralization efforts. However, they are ideologically aligned with the Prince and do not question his legitimacy.
The same is pretty much true with the clergy, who does however sometimes push for reform, mainly on the basis of new declarations by more recent popes and in the name of Christian charity and solidarity.
The military is a mixed bag. Even though it is filled with ideologically aligned officers, some of them hold a certain amount of influence and disdain towards the executive power, and historically have attempted putschs or actions to pressure the Prince. The extensive paramilitary forces and mercenary groups also regroup many ideological opponents to the Prince, who do form a kind of pressure group.
5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
Since the late 90s, power has shifted back to the Monarchy and parts of the Noble cast, after initial democratic reforms that were backtracked after a series of high-profile political assassinations, including former Prince Baldwin V in 1998
IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[x] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]
A lot of censorship surrounds many left-wing and far-left ideologies, political parties are banned, and the government owns or controls many mainstream media outlets. Government opposition exists, but is marginal in the public sphere, and any political advocacy against the regime is the end to any potential career inside the administration.
3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
Acts of politically-motivated detainment and/or expulsion by the Government is a semi-regular happening, as well as firing government officials.
Violent riots have happened a few times in the 90s amd early 00s, but were either repressed or had their end succesfully negotiated through a mix of threats and bribes. Less violent riots do occasionally happen, often involving workers or fishermen, the Jewish communities in Homlkerk, and various "germanic" ethnic groups like Frisians, Lower Saxons, or Afrikaner refugees asking for recognition.
Historically, a 13 year long civil war involving communist insurgents happened in the 60s and 70s, and nowadays certain fringe paramilitary groups are still linked to these insurgents. No sign exists nowadays of an imminent risk of an insurgency repeating itself, but these paramilitary groups do form a sort of latent risk.
Political assassinations were common in the 90s, though their frequency has gone done. The most recent assassination happened in 2022 and seems to have involved rival noble families insteas of anti-monarchy elements.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[x] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]
We would like to add that our current government does allow a certain kind of autonomy to its local leaders and communities, where they can rule according to local customs and traditions (our Jewish community, for example, is permitted to live according to Jewish law within the confines of certain neighbourhoods or localities).
Despite the lack of elections, subjects are occasionally permitted to voice concerns or grievances through a "Register of Grievances" that hold an advisorial value.
2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[x] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[x] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[x] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]
Maybe add a section about local self-rule or something similar
Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Angvar]

I can not believe I have to do this survey, but anyway, I feel any obligation to answer it because I tend to forget writing my country's lore.

I. Basic Information

---

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
   Imperial State of the Crown of Angvar.
2. What is your nation's common name?[Open-Ended]
   Angvar.
3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
   2025 (as in OTL).
4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
   1510 CE, with the transition of Angvar from a kingdom to an empire. Monarchy dates back to at least the 5th or 6th centuries CE.
5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
   Katharina II, Empress over All the Angvars. Rather than assuming the regency for their eldest son and heir Prince Conrad, she acceded to the throne in 2016, succeeding her late husband Emperor Charles IV in accordance with his will, much to the intial objection of the Accession Council at that time, and was crowned two years later.
6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
   None applicable.
7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
   None applicable; please refer to the No Judiciary policy in this nation's Policies Page here, under the section Law and Order.

II. Executive Recruitment

---

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
   
   [X] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
   [ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
   [ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
   [ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
   [ ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
   [ ] Other (please explain):
2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]
   The Accession Council named Prince Conrad as direct successor to the late Emperor Charles IV upon his death in 2016, but since the Prince was seven years old at that time, the then-empress consort was called to act as Regent for their eldest son, but she managed to convince the Council to name her Empress regnant according to her predecessor's will, despite coming from a non-royal noble family who married into the House of Cronqvist, the ruling dynasty of Angvar for seven hundred years to the present day. This leads to a conflict between the Empress and members of the Accession Council, who felt that she is attempting to revise the rubrics of succession to the throne, though no such actions were undertaken by the Empress herself, maintaining that a non-royal family member on the throne is “only for an allotted time”needed to have their eldest son and heir prepared.
3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
   [X] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
   [ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
   [ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
   [ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
   [ ] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.
4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
   
   [ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
   [ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
   [ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
   [X] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.
5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]
   The incumbent government, nominally led by the Chief Minister of State in their capacity as President of the Cabinet Imperial, is determined only through appointment by and answerable to the Sovereign. The Sovereign alone is both head of state and government who wields absolute power in principle, though out of necessity delegates a fairly reasonable degree of power to key elements of government in the daily administration of the empire so as long as it is done with the Sovereign's exclusive consent.

III. Executive Constraints

---

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Open-Ended]
   
   [X] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy
   [ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
   [ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
   [ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
   [ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
   [ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
   [ ] Other (please explain):
2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
   [ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
   [ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
   [ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
   [ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
   [X] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.
3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
   
   [ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
   [ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
   [ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
   [ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
   [X] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.
4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
   Although the constitution of Angvar explicitly stipulates that the sovereign is infallible, there exists some few, if not sanctioned, accountability groups seeking to put a check on the sovereign's power, such as cabinet members, bureaucrats, advisors, military officers, and even cliques (see section IV). Otherwise, the power of the sovereign remains limitless and far-reaching.
5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
   So far as of recently, there never has been such a shift of power between the Crown and the sanctioned accountability groups. If so, it has been more in favour of the Crown.

IV. Political Competition

---

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
   
   [X] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
   [ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
   [ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
   [ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
   [ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
   [ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.
2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended]
   Political parties in Angvar are virtually non-existent; had they have been, they are outlawed. However, in the absence of political pluralism in the vast empire there exist cliques of an informally political nature within the government that are sui iuris state players, each pursuing their respective agenda, power base, and vision for governance. The most influential of these cliques, the Hexenstift, is a de facto non-government organisation operating in the interest of the elusive Ancient Order of White Witches, few of which were appointed to the Privy Chancellery by the incumbent Sovereign herself. This same Order seeks to re-align the imperial bureaucracy in line with the Guardianship of the Arcane Scholar, a political philosophy grounded on esoteric-magiocratic principles.
3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
   Prevalent throughout the Central Cimmerian, Central and East Serican regions in addition to military or police governorates are dissent groups, ranging from anti-statist hard-left groups such as the Three Arrows, the Red Ribbon Army and even the People's Front of Heveria to dissident right militias such as the Thug Hunters and sovereign citizens' movements, claiming direct or indirect responsibility for such instances of recurring political instability in the regions and governorates, and the government is seeking to eradicate these groups actively.
4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
   
   [X] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
   [ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
   [X] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
   [ ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
   [ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.
5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]
   Although civil liberties were guaranteed by the 1990s since the dissolution of the Gachimuchi Union and reconfirmed in the 2010s, political freedoms are denied not only to political dissidents, but to perceived secessionists.

V. Conclusion

---

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]
   De jure post-modern tech (PMT) nation inspired by the aesthetics of Gothic culture if you want a TL;DR.
2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
   
   [X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
   [ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
   [ ] No.
3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
   
   [X] Yes, please!
   [ ] No, thanks.
4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
   
   [X] Yeah.
   [ ] Nah.
   [ ] Not sure.
5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]
   I believe that is enough for me. I am satisfied with the survey.

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[The Gis Kir]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended] The Theocracy of The Gis Kir

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended] The Gis Kir/Gis Kir

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended] 2010

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended] January 23rd, 2006

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended] Khagan Sherkhan Habibullayev of the Gis Kirian People's Party, came to power on January 23rd 2001, and was officially sworn in on January 22nd 2006.

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended] The Council of Ministries

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended] The Khagan's Presidium

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[X] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[ ] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended] Sherkhan came to power after founding the New Central Asian Republic, which later became The Gis Kir in 2001 after gaining independence from Kazakhstan and neighbouring Central Asian nations in the War of Independence. The first Gis Kirian election was held in 2006 after calls for a democratic election from those who opposed the Khagan, in which Sherkhan and the Gis Kirian People's Party won with around 83% of the votes.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[ ] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[X] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended] Decisions are handled by their respective Ministries (Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Public Transport, etc.). However, all decision must be approved by the Khagan and the Khagan's Presidium before it can become official legislation.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[X] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[ ] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[ ] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[X] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[X] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended] Many of the Khagan's Presidium are high-ranking military generals which can influence his decisions if they see the need to.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended] The Gis Kirian Constitution passed in 2006 declared that all legislation must be approved by the Khagan, and that no elections shall be held and no term limits enforced.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[X] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[ ] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[ ] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] Political opponents are often arrested, beaten or killed by Gis Kirian People's Protection Group officers. Protestors and political dissidents are often publicly beaten or executed.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended] In Gis Kirian controlled areas, political violence is common. In some impoverished areas, political dissidents are "left to rot" in the streets due to a lack of mass graves. In the Southeastern areas controlled by the UGTF, anti-Turkic discrimination and violence is common.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[ ] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[X] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended] The Gis Kir enforces a national dress code and etiquette known as Erban Senjang. Not following these regulations is punishable by imprisonment or corporal punishment.

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[X] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[ ] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!

[Federated Commonwealths of America]

I. Basic Information

1. What is your nation's full name? [Open-Ended]
The Federated Commonwealths of America

2. What is your nation's common name? [Open-Ended]
the FCA

3. What is the current year in your nation's timeline? [Open-Ended]
2025

4. In what year was your nation's current political system established (e.g., when its current constitution was adopted)? [Open-Ended]
The Constitutional Convention of 1937, ratification by 1939. Many elements remained the same as the 1787 Constitution.

5. Who is/are your nation's chief executive(s) (e.g., head of government, head of state, de facto paramount leader)? Indicate when they came to power and, if applicable, their partisan or factional affiliation. [Open-Ended]
President Dennis J Tress (F.C. Democratic Party) was inaugurated in January 2025

6. What is the name of your nation's legislature, if it has one? If it is not unicameral, name each house/chamber. [Open-Ended]
The FC Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)

7. What is the name of the highest court within your nation's judiciary, if it has one? [Open-Ended]
The FC Supreme Court

II. Executive Recruitment

1. How did your nation's chief executive(s) originally come to power? If there are two or more, indicate each one. [Choice]
[ ] Hereditary Succession: They inherited their position via birthright; self-declared monarchs do NOT count.
[ ] Regulated Designation: They attained power through non-electoral selection that is not necessarily dependent on the faction in power (e.g., election of a monarch by a council of nobles, non-partisan meritocratic selection).
[ ] Elite-Dependent Designation: They attained power through selection within the ranks of the ruling regime (e.g., peaceful succession within a hegemonic party or military junta, rigged non-competitive elections).
[ ] Self-Selection: They seized control of the executive through irregular, forceful means (e.g., a coup d'état).
[X] Free Election: They were freely elected to their position, be it directly (i.e., via popular vote) or indirectly (e.g., via a freely-elected legislature, via an accountable electoral college).
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Elaborate further on how your nation's chief executive(s) achieved and have maintained power; if there are two or more, explain each one. [Open-Ended]
Recently elected to a non-consecutive second term while the opposition party held power during the election year.

3. If at least one chief executive is a monarch—hereditary or elective—how much power do they wield? [Choice]
[ ] Autocratic: The monarch is the only chief executive or otherwise wields all executive power.
[ ] Limited-Dominant: The monarch's powers are limited somewhat by the other chief executive(s) (e.g., a prime minister), but they remain the dominant force.
[ ] Limited-Waning: The monarch's influence is significantly countered by the other chief executive(s), but they still retain a degree of executive power.
[ ] Figurehead: The monarch is largely restricted to ceremonial or symbolic duties only, with any powers few and far between.
[X] N/A: There is no monarch to speak of.

4. If at least one chief executive was freely elected, how fair were the most recent elections that put them in power? [Choice]
[X] The elections were determined to be both free AND fair by independent domestic and international observers, with no major irregularities or unfair advantages reported.
[ ] The elections were determined to be free but not fair (or only partially fair) by independent observers; some noticeable irregularities or unfair advantages were noted.
[ ] Independent observers, whether domestic or international, were not permitted to monitor the elections.
[ ] N/A: There is no freely elected chief executive to speak of.

5. In general, how is power distributed within the executive branch of government? If there are two or more chief executives, elaborate on how executive power is divided among them. [Open-Ended]
The President leads the executive branch with a variety of their appointed cabinet leaders, some requiring Senate confirmation, others not.

III. Executive Constraints

1. With respect to how power is structured, which of these systems best matches that of your nation? [Choice]
[ ] An absolute monarchy, personalistic dictatorship, or another kind of out-and-out autocracy.
[ ] A closed oligarchy (e.g., a one-party system, a military junta, an autocratic monarchy with relatively powerful courtiers, etc.) that clearly elevates the leader above all others.
[ ] A consolidated one-party system, military junta, or other closed oligarchic system with a relatively broad distribution of power.
[ ] An otherwise-democratic system with an uncharacteristically powerful executive; i.e., a "presidential dictatorship" of sorts.
[X] A mostly democratic system with a relatively strong, though not unrestrained, executive.
[ ] A strong democracy with several significant constraints on the executive's power.
[ ] Other (please explain):

2. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the legislature is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[ ] Extensive: The legislature is a crucial, active, and powerful player in setting and shaping government policy, initiating most if not all legislation while demonstrating a clear willingness to block executive actions if need be.
[X] Moderate: The legislature is a key player in formulating government policy, but nevertheless faces significant though not overbearing pressure from the executive and/or their allies; while still responsible for setting most legislation, it finds itself marginalized at times by bold executive actions.
[ ] Weak: The legislature initiates some categories of legislation and holds limited sway over government policy, but is either too weak or too sharply divided to effectively challenge executive agendas in meaningful ways.
[ ] Minimal: The legislature acts as a "rubber stamp" for the executive's whims, making virtually no effort to challenge executive authority or push through legislation of its own accord.
[ ] N/A: There is no legislature or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct legislative powers.


3. Which of the following situations best describes how effective the judiciary is at constraining the executive and their actions? [Choice]
[X] Extensive: The judiciary is both active and firmly independent of undue influence from the executive and/or their allies, often challenging government policy without hesitation.
[ ] Moderate: The judiciary is active, but is under some undue influence from the executive and/or their allies; they nevertheless are able to challenge government policy from time to time.
[ ] Weak: The judiciary seldom makes its opposition to some government policies clear, but is otherwise under heavy undue influence from the executive and/or their allies and isn't all that active.
[ ] Minimal: The judiciary is completely passive and thoroughly dominated by the executive, making no real effort to challenge them whenever they overstep their constitutional bounds.
[ ] N/A: There is no judiciary or equivalent body to speak of, and the executive wields direct judicial powers.

4. Outside of the legislature and judiciary, are there any other major accountability groups (e.g., a ruling party, powerful advisors, the military) that serve as crucial checks on the executive's power? If so, what extent do they effectively constrain the executive? [Open-Ended]
The executive, being dependent on a binary system of party structures to secure a nomination and thus become electorally viable, is made to stay within a certain range of acceptable behaviors and positions.

5. Has there been a gradual shift, in recent years, in the balance of power at the national level? If so, is it in favor of the executive or in favor of accountability groups? Explain briefly. [Open-Ended]
Multiple shifts have occurred in each direction through the years. We are currently, since roughly 2016, experiencing a stronger executive period, but not outside our historical norms.

IV. Political Competition

1. Which of these general situations best describes the nature of political participation and competition in your nation's political system? [Choice]
[ ] Repressed: No significant political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the hegemonic regime, and ANY AND ALL oppositional political activity is effectively eliminated.
[ ] Restricted: Some limited political activity is permitted outside the ranks of the regime; MOST, but not all, oppositional activity is suppressed to varying extents.
[ ] Unregulated: Little to no enduring political organizations regularly compete for political influence at the national level. Participation tends to revolve exclusively around personalities, regional interests, clan groups, and so on; in addition, the central authority is relatively weak.
[ ] Factional: Major political groups regularly compete for power in an antagonistic, uncompromising, and often cutthroat fashion. Factions tend to represent rival segments of the population—ethnic groups, economic and/or regional elites, and so on—and consequently leave little room for compromise among themselves; consolidation toward either full democratic competition or full autocratic suppression is limited at best.
[] Transitional: A transition state between the Factional and Competitive classifications, indicating the emergence of open and pluralistic competition among groups despite lingering antagonism, polarization, or other threats to full democratic consolidation.
[X] Competitive: Stable and enduring political groups regularly compete for power within an open, regulated, and pluralistic system without sustained repression, polarization, or violence. Major factions tend to emphasize ideology rather than identity, and consensus is common; a consolidated democratic framework is most likely present.

2. Justify your answer in Question #1 with a brief explanation of the realities of political competition in your nation. [Open-Ended] Due to the Electoral College full majority being important to the best and most legitimate selection of a President, politics have been dominated from nearly the start by a two party system, and the current two major parties, since the 1850s, are the Republicans (seen as more Economically libertarian, socially liberal, and Militarily Interventionist) and the Democrats (seen as more Conservative, Populist, Defensive-Realist and Corporatist). They tend to be adversarial, but have historically respected peaceful transition of power between each other.

3. How significant of a problem is politically-motivated violence (e.g., ethnic or partisan riots, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings) in your nation? If it is a major issue, who (e.g., the government, insurgents) are the usual perpetrators? [Open-Ended]
Occasional ethnic riots have historically occurred. They are not common or ongoing currently. They have mainly been motivated by either high profile assassinations or negative police interactions.

4. Does the government deny political rights (e.g., voting, standing for election, airing grievances) to any significant segments of the total native-born adult population on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, religion, education, class, etc.? Bar generally-accepted restrictions such as those for foreign nationals and convicted criminals. [Choice]
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are denied ALL political rights.
[ ] Yes. These groups make up a significant portion of the population, and they are granted only LIMITED political rights.
[ ] Yes, at least on paper; in practice, however, the government has largely failed to effectively suppress these groups' political participation.
[X] No. Virtually all demographic groups are guaranteed, both on paper and in practice, access to participation in the political arena.
[ ] N/A: Due to the closed nature of the regime, virtually everyone outside its ranks is denied participation.

5. If you selected any of the "Yes" answers to Question #4, who are the groups in question, how large are they, and why does the government seek to suppress their political freedoms? [Open-Ended]

V. Conclusion

1. Is there any more relevant information about your nation's political system, not covered in this questionnaire, that may affect scoring and ranking? [Open-Ended]

2. Are you willing to receive further telegrams to clear up any uncertainties if necessary? [Choice]
[ ] Yes, and I'm willing to receive as many telegrams as needed.
[X] Yes, but I'm only willing to receive one telegram, and no more.
[ ] No.

3. Do you wish to receive a telegram upon ranking? [Choice]
[X] Yes, please!
[ ] No, thanks.

4. Are you satisfied with this questionnaire? [Choice]
[X] Yeah.
[ ] Nah.
[ ] Not sure.

5. Do you wish to leave a suggestion for any further improvements to this questionnaire and/or the Index? [Open-Ended]

Thank you for completing the REGIMEN questionnaire. Have a nice day!