Penn Federal Republic

Penn Federal Republic
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Regnant Populus" "The People Rule"
Location	Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States
Symbolic Capital	Medici City
Official languages	English
Recognized languages	Dutch Gaelic German Slovenian Spanish
Ethnic groups (2022)	90% White 10% Asian
Religion (2022)	75% Christianity 20% Non-religious 5% Other/Unknown
Demonym(s)	Pennian
Government	Federal presidential republic
• President	Josh Ford
• Vice President	Nicholas Fisher
Legislature	Parliament
Establishment	31 December 2020
Area
• Total	0.044 km2 (0.017 sq mi)
• Water (%)	0%
Population
• 2023 estimate	52
• 2023 census	50
Currency	United States Dollar (USD)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+1
IMSO 1 code	PFR
Internet TLD	.pfr (planned)
Website Government website

The Penn Federal Republic, (Spanish: República Federal de Penn, Hindi: पेन संघीय गणराज्य) more commonly known as the PFR, was a micronation established in Pennsylvania, United States. The micronation was started by musician and Twitch streamer Josh Ford. The Penn Federal Republic was a Federal Republic, following the ideals of democracy and federalism and had established a constitution. The most widely spoken language was English. The capital city was Medici City, a symbolic capital, which is located in Pennsylvania. The country was a key member of the Pennsylvania Micronational Treaty Association, providing advice in other member's conflicts with other nations.

History

The Penn Federal Republic was established on 31 December 2020, by the nation's first President, Josh Ford. By 1 May 2021, the Penn Federal Republic had met all of the requirements of the Montevideo Convention. The nation celebrated its First Independence Day on 31 December 2021, with an announcement from President Josh Ford.^{[citation needed]}

The August Affair

On 26 August 2021, the government Twitter account (@RealPennFR), stated that Vice President Kaiden "Stx" Wooten had been reassigned and the replacement would be the new Vice President, Jared Racey. Many had criticized the move, citing the new Vice President's "stupidity."^{[citation needed]}

Dracul-Graustarkian Affair

On 7 September 2021, the government Twitter account announced the mobilization of the Penn Federal Republic's armed forces in support of the Commonwealth of Dracul's government declaring war on the Principality of Graustark. At the conclusion of the Dracul-Graustarkian War on 8 September 2021, another announcement was released declaring the demobilization of the armed forces due to the peace agreement signed earlier in the day.

The Penn Federal Republic mobilizes its forces in support of the @draculgov against the Principality of Graustark. The PFR offers full diplomatic and military support to the Dracul government.

— President Josh Ford

Government Reshuffle

On 30 March 2022, President Josh Ford reshuffled his cabinet, replacing Vice President J. Racey with Vice President Kaiden "Stx" Wooten, placing Racey in the role of Minister of Immigration. Ford constituted the position of Minister of State, naming former Minister of Public Safety Joseph Montgomery I the new Minister of State. Ford also nominated Jay Clover to fill Joseph's former role as Minister of Public Safety and first Commissioner of Medici Police Department. Thomas Jacobs was also named to be the new Minister of Defense.

2022 Pennian General Election

See also: 2022 Pennian general election

The nation held its first Presidential election on 14 July 2022, in which Josh Ford successfully ran for reelection with a new running mate, veteran micronationalist Thomas Jacobs.

2022 Impeachments

Impeachment of Thomas Jacobs

On 9 October 2022, a referendum started by President Josh Ford sought to remove Vice President Thomas Jacobs from his position of Vice President after multiple citizens provided allegations supported by photographic evidence of Jacobs using racist language on multiple occasions.

Impeachment of Kaiden Wooten

On 28 November 2022, Vice President Kaiden "Stx" Wooten was impeached on grounds of inactivity over a period of several months. After his impeachment, Kaiden Wooten resigned all other positions, including as Minister of Defense, Representative, and Field Marshal.

Impeachment of Josh Elkind

On 29 November 2022, Representative Josh Elkind was impeached on grounds of inactivity just one day after the removal of former Vice President Kaiden Wooten. He retained his position as Consul to Chicago, Illinois.

Resignation of President Ford and the Dissolution of the Republic

On 16 June 2024, following a period of profound inactivity by the Federal Assembly that prohibited the passage of a new constitution, President Ford offered his letter of resignation to take effect at midnight the following day. On 26 June 2024, Vice President Jay Clover was sworn in as President, issuing a number of executive orders aimed at revitalizing the country. These measures ultimately failed, and by unanimous decision among the remaining government officials, the Penn Federal Republic was dissolved on 16 September 2024.

The following morning, government services went offline, including web domains and email addresses. Digital communication services via Discord were archived, and it was determined by President Emeritus Ford and President Clover that all awards issued by the now defunct government were to remain in effect permanently.

Diplomatic relations

Micronational Recognition

Micronational Recognition of the Penn Federal Republic

Nation	Date Recognized	Mutual
Commonwealth of Dracul	31 December 2020	Yes
Republic of Molossia	31 December 2020	Yes
Queendom of Nyx	2 March 2021	Yes
Dominion of Vancouver Island	5 May 2021	Yes
Kingdom of Khazaria	6 May 2021	Yes
Empire of Aenopia	7 May 2021	No
Dallas National Republic	24 February 2021	Yes
Bepistani Reich	9 February 2022	Yes
Meritia	22 February 2022	No
Grand Republic of Cycoldia	23 February 2022	No
Vishwamitra	30 March 2022	Yes

Macronational Recognition

The Penn Federal Republic, recognized most established macronations, including all of the United Nations Member States, Israel, the State of Palestine, and Taiwan. The Republic's diplomatic status with the Israel-Palestine situation in the West Bank has drawn some criticism from others in the micronational community, especially with only supporting Palestine, from the 17-21 of May 2021. On the 21 of May, the Penn Federal Republic recognized Israel as well as Taiwan.^{[citation needed]}

Alliance of the Micronations

See also: Alliance of the Micronations

On 17 September 2021, the Penn Federal Republic joined the Alliance of the Micronations, and had become a member state. The Alliance of the Micronations is a micronational organization that is devoted to the betterment of all micronations.

The Penn Federation Ultimatum

Penn Federation Ultimatum

To Decline Ultimatum presented to the Offices of the President regarding Name
Results
Results Votes % Yes 4 &1000000000000006667000066.67% No 2 &1000000000000003332999933.33% Valid votes 6 &10000000000000100000000100.00% Invalid or blank votes 0 &100000000000000000000000.00% Total votes 6 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 11 &1000000000000005454999954.55%
Source:

On 19 November 2021, the government Twitter account for the nation announced that there was an ultimatum delivered to the offices of the President from an Irish micronation known as the Penn Federation. It was also stated that on the 13th of November, there was a referendum of the citizens of the nation about whether the government should accept, and change the country's name; or decline, and potentially be involved in a micronational war. The referendum passed with 66% of the vote in favor to keep the name. Shortly after the results were delivered to the Penn Federation, the Offices of the President reported that the Penn Federation backed down, with President Josh Ford quoting former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, saying "Peace for our time."

Culture

The Penn Federal Republic had a culture similar to the United States, which the nation borders, although there are distinct national identities. The national animal was the common household pet of a dog. The national drink was lemonade, a combination of lemon, water, and sugar. Popular brands of the national drink that were consumed in the nation are Minute-Maid and Tropicana.

Demographics

In the Penn Federal Republic, the population grew slowly until a short boom in population in early 2020, with citizenship count doubling to 23. According to census data taken in late 2022, 75% of citizens are Caucasian, 12.5% are Asian, 8.3% are mixed, and 4.2% are of other ethnicities.

Sports

The Penn Federal Republic had two national sports, Chess and Checkers, both tabletop games. Another sport many citizens participated in was that of eSports or competitive video games. The PFR held a checkers tournament bi-yearly, where representatives from other micronations competed in the game. The Penn Federal Republic did not have an eSports team, but rather individual people who compete in a tournament-style bracket or in small groups of two or three. The main games played were Minecraft, CS:GO, and some others.

Media

The Penn Federal Republic maintained a Twitter account where official press releases and other news are posted. In addition, the government owned an Instagram account to advertise and publicize the quality of life within the country. The constitution of the Penn Federal Republic allowed for free speech and free press, so there were many publications owned and operated by the public. The most prominent news outlet in the nation was the Penn Press, published by John Richards.

Politics & military

See also: Penn Federal Republic Military and Political Parties in the Penn Federal Republic

Military

The Penn Federal Republic did not maintain a standing military, but rather an organized militia that may be called upon when necessary to the well-being of the nation. Most matters required the standing police force, not the military. Despite that, the militia was still structured as a standard army, with regiments and a leadership structure. Under the Ford Administration, the military has been neglected compared to other efforts. The Ministry of Defense oversaw the organization and operations of the military.

Politics

The Penn Federal Republic was established as a Federal Republic, to uphold the ideals of democracy. President Josh Ford created several political parties to endorse the idea of a multi-party state, which was better than the "problematic two-party state" President Josh Ford has proclaimed.^{[citation needed]} The most active political parties were the Constitutionalist Party, the Populares-Conservatives Party, and the Penn National Party.

The country's elections were held every year on 14 July, and citizens voted for the position of President and Vice President every two years. After ballots are finished being cast, they were audited for any instance of fraud or duplication.

Awards and medals

See also: Orders, decorations, and medals of Penn

The Penn Federal Republic issued the orders for the creation of several awards to grant to various individuals, whether citizens or non-citizens of the nation. They may be issued by the nomination of any government official and approval by the sitting President.

Awards

Ribbon	Name	Total granted	Reason for grant
	Order of Diplomacy	2	Also applicable to foreign citizens. Notable diplomacy skills and most popular foreign award.
	Order of Foreign Service	3	Granted to those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Penn Federal Republic. Typically bestowed for MicroWiki site contributors.
	Order of Distinguished Command	1	Granted to officers of the military who have shown outstanding professionalism and skill. The highest award in the PFR.

Medical emergencies

COVID-19 response

The Penn Federal Republic is committed to keeping the citizens of the nation safe. To achieve this goal, the nation must protect its citizens against the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as any other public health crisis that it encounters. The Penn Federal Republic has no reported cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and boasts the best vaccination status out of any sovereign state, at 100% of its citizens fully vaccinated, having received two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

The Penn Federal Republic issued a mask mandate on the date of establishment as a micronation, 31 December 2020. The Penn Federal Republic has willingly agreed with United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, as well as state and local governments. These guidelines include policies of social distancing, improved sanitization methods, and more. On 10 May 2021, the Penn Federal Republic authorized the Pfizer vaccine for use on all citizens over the age of twelve. The nation's mask mandate was removed during the summer.^{[citation needed]}

Spotted Lanternflies

Background

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper that is indigenous to parts of China. It has spread invasively to Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Its host plants include grapes and stone fruits, although its preferred host is Ailanthus altissima (Chinese sumac or tree of heaven). In its native habitat, L. delicatula populations are kept in check by parasitic wasps.

The spotted lanternfly life cycle is often centered around its preferred host Ailanthus altissima. Early life stages of the spotted lanternfly are characterized by spotted black and white planthoppers that develop a red pigmentation and wings as they mature. Early life instars display a large host range that narrows with maturation. Fully matured spotted lanternflies display a black head, grey wings, and red hind wings. These adults do not display any known associations with herbaceous plants but have been known to cause extensive damage to crops and ornamental plants.

The species was accidentally introduced into South Korea in 2006 and Japan in 2009, and has since been considered a pest. In September 2014, the spotted lanternfly was first recorded in the United States, and as of 2020, it is an invasive species in much of the Northeastern United States, including the Penn Federal Republic. The spotted lanternfly egg masses have been found to be the primary vector of spread, with Ailanthus altissima populations seen as a risk factor for further infestation globally. Ongoing pest control efforts have sought to limit population growth, due to the the spotted lanternfly poses to global agricultural industries.

In Penn

In Penn, the spotted lanternfly was identified before the birth of the nation, in the summer of 2020, and has persisted to return to the republic every spring and summer. This invasive species was due to its presence in the macronational state of Pennsylvania.

Climate data for Medici City, Penn Federal Republic
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	3.6 (38.5)	4.3 (39.7)	10.2 (50.4)	15.9 (60.6)	21.5 (70.7)	26.4 (79.5)	28.9 (84)	28.3 (82.9)	24.8 (76.6)	18.6 (65.5)	12.2 (54)	5.8 (42.4)	16.7 (62.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)	-1.6 (29.1)	-0.7 (30.7)	4.6 (40.3)	9.9 (49.8)	15.4 (59.7)	20.7 (69.3)	23.2 (73.8)	22.4 (72.3)	18.7 (65.7)	12.4 (54.3)	7.0 (44.6)	1.3 (34.3)	11.1 (52)
Average low °C (°F)	-6.1 (21)	-5.8 (21.6)	-1.1 (30)	3.9 (39)	9.2 (48.6)	15 (59)	17.5 (63.5)	16.7 (62.1)	12.7 (54.9)	6.2 (43.2)	1.8 (35.2)	-3.3 (26.1)	5.6 (42.1)
Average Precipitation mm (inches)	88 (3.46)	92 (3.62)	92 (3.62)	101 (3.98)	119 (4.69)	138 (5.43)	157 (6.18)	105 (4.13)	124 (4.88)	95 (3.74)	98 (3.86)	111 (4.37)	1,319 (51.93)
Source: [Weatherbase]