UNW Signs its internal Articles of Federation

Political event

Beset by internal problems caused by the disconnect in faction communication, President Harkoni enacts his plan to federalize the United Nations of Worlds. Recognizing the growing threat of balkanization, and the growing eclipsing of power by their neighbors, the faction leaders reluctantly agree to the massive transfer of manpower and material.

UNW Articles of Federation (Draft 2*) (*latest changes made as of Y4M10 following the passing of the ‘Harkoni Nationalisation Act’)   Article 1: Government Bodies The UNW shall be composed of two Governmental systems: The Federal Government and Planetary Governments. Federal Government. The Federal Government will be the greater body. It is responsible for defences, expansion, representation in the galactic government and accords with other polities/groups. Aside from defences, ship service depots, banks, mega-projects and direct UNW faction assets, it builds no other holdings. It will also make a master list of world needs, current issues, etc, to orientate sub-faction and operative goals. The head of the Federal Government shall be the President, responsible for its functions and installed via a general election for a term of 5 years, with a maximum of two terms per candidate. The President shall be supported by a special council (henceforth known as the ‘Unity Council’) comprised of faction leaders, planetary Governors and other specially selected exemplary individuals chosen by the other members of the council. This council will advise the president, draft policy and vote on appointments and use of assets. Planetary Governments. The Planetary Governments of member worlds will be the lesser Government body. Any senior UNW official or Unity Council member may stand for election to the position of Governor of a UNW world, subject to a confirmation vote by the other members of the Unity Council. Governors are heads of their respective planet’s Government and will work with the various factions to ensure their planet gets what it needs. Governor terms are 5 years, with a maximum of two terms per candidate. Governors may create a home defense fleet. However such vessels will not leave their home gravity well, without special tasking by the Federal Government. Governors are also free to raise their own planetary defense forces. These forces and their respective formations remain on the planet to defend it in the event of invasion. Governors are generally free to manage their planet in whatever way they wish, determining the economic and political structure themselves, so long as such structures do not violate Article 2. Governor’s should work with the Unity Council to receive specific federal funds for their planets (see 5.4.1).   Article 2: Bill Of Rights The following rights apply to planets and the nations and individuals composing them. No sentient being may be sold, indentured or otherwise placed into servitude. No sentient being may be denied freedom of speech. No sentient being may be killed unless necessary for self defence, defence of life or during a state of war. No sentient being may have their property taken from them without due process of law. No sentient being may be refused the right to surrender during a state of war. No sentient being may be tortured. No sentient being may be killed or injured while a prisoner or a prisoner of war. No sentient being may be imprisoned without a fair and impartial trial. War powers amendment. In times of war, when military operations are decided upon so too will be the rules of engagement which will dictate the severity of force to be used by military personnel on that mission, these rules of engagement can change depending on an executive decision during the mission if needed.   Article 3: Capital Location The UNW's central location shall be 'Capital Station', as to not show favouritism to any particular world. This station shall be located in neutral and unoccupied space central to the UNW Member Worlds a majority of the time, however it can move between member worlds as is seen fit. The Unity Council shall take place on the station. All Sub-Factions shall maintain their primary HQ's on the station. All Governors shall have a secondary office on the station. Capital Station may not be used as a naval asset unless absolutely necessary.   Article 4: Military The UNW will levy a unified force of both army and navy from the member worlds to serve as a joint defensive body to defend any member world, should the need arise. The UNW navy shall also be used in times of war as dictated by the Body of Worlds. The UNW army is a defensive force in nature, and will only engage in offensive wars with a majority council vote. Letters of marque may be issued to private parties, with renewal left up to a council decision.   Article 5: Sub-Factions The UNW and it's sub-factions will form a unified, interdependent web. No one group should function solely on its own Each faction will be responsible for building specific holdings across all UNW worlds. All holdings are nationalised, however assets remain in the hands of the sub-factions. The Unity Council will set yearly development goals for each planet. Governors who seek specific federal investment should submit requests to the Unity Council no less than one month ahead of a development meeting Ad-Astra Will assist the UNW with trade holdings, development, and a reasonable portion of far-trade benefits. Responsible for the production of consumer goods, reductions of friction, increases in expertise, and supply lines to move and sell products. Will pay out the profits of such ventures according to share. Rigers' Corps of Engineers Will assist the UNW with technological production and advancements. Responsible for building shipyards, production centres related to them, research holdings and similar. Nebula Enterprises Will assist the UNW with keeping it safe from spies, as well as internal and external enemies that use grey and white operations that a military can’t solve. Responsible for defensive holdings.   Article 6: Trade Member worlds are free to set their own trade friction, but are expected to keep trade open to other member states.