Republic of Shaoshan

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Republic of Shaoshan
República de Shaoshan (Español)
人民民主韶山共和国 (Mandarin)
Seventh Republic

Flag
Flag

Coat of Arms
Coat of arms
Motto: Sun, Prosperity, and Freedom
Anthem: "I Love You, Great Shaoshan"

Aerial view of Marxia and Shaoshan City
San Francisco Bay Area, California
Capital
and largest city
Shaoshan City
Official languagesNone; English (de facto)
Demonym(s)Shaoshanian
GovernmentPresidential Constitutional republic with participatory direct democracy
• President
Pusheen the Cat
• Vice President
Olaf Gustafsen Sr
• Chief Justice
Olaf Harvesten
LegislaturePeople's Council
Establishment8 February 2015
Population
• Census
50
CurrencyState credit
Time zoneShaoshan Standard Time (UTC -8)
Website
http://shaoshanmicronation.weebly.com/
This nation is a member of the Union Against Micronational War and signatory of the Treaty of Universal Non-Aggression

The Republic of Shaoshan dissolved on December 4, 2016. For the legal successor of Shaoshan, please visit the page Sonora.

Shaoshan, officially the Republic of Shaoshan (Spanish: Republica de Shaoshan, Mandarin: 韶山玻利瓦尔共和国), informally known as the RoS, is a autonomous micronation founded and located in northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is governed on the practice of being independent from the United States and its home state of California while also being very prideful in its origins. Shaoshan is a presidential constitutional republic with a direct democracy and a strong sense of community. It was formed two months after the dissolution of its predecessor, Costa Dorada, which enjoyed a short-lived independence after having once been a state of the Republic of the Oasis Islands from December 2012 until its dissolution on 19 April 2014. Following a trip of self-discovery and adventure, Titus Smith returned to found Shaoshan believing it would be easier to manage and less time consuming, allowing him to better focus his time more effectively inside and outside micronationalism. The nation has undergone many reforms and government changes in its short history having been under the autocratic rule of Smith for most of its time. In September 2016, the nation had an influx of citizenship of stuffed toys, who's rights were greatly suppressed under the Smith regime, which ruled by a Sentient minority through a form of apartheid. As a result, Smith and his regime was ousted from power in a democratic election that same month, as the nation elected its first stuffy President and government.


History

Pre-Micronationalism

For 13,000 to 15,000 years, Native American Tribes inhabited the areas of what is now the Western United States. It wasn't until the 1500s that Spanish conquerors laid claim to the lands of what is now modern-day California and the American southwest. In 1602, Spanish explorer, Sebastián Vizcaíno mapped the region as New Spain. From 1769-1821, California was ruled by the Spanish Empire. Following the Mexican War of Independece, California entered a brief period under Mexican rule (1821-1846) under the regimes of the Mexican Empire (1821-1823), the First Mexican Republic (1824-1835), and finally the autocratic Centralist Republic (1835-1846). In 1846, citizens and new settlers in the area revolted against the regime in a movement that became known as the Bear Flag Revolt. California declared independence from Mexico on June 14, 1846, setting up its capital in Sonoma. The California Republic lasted for less than a month before being occupied by American forces. Following the ensuing war with Mexico, California and the American southwest were seized. During the years of 1849 and 1850, eastern and European settlers began swarming to California with the discovery of gold. California was granted statehood in 1850 and for the next one hundred and fifty years, it continued to grow and thrive with the building and continuous expansion of cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Two significant earthquakes ravaged the region in 1906 and 1989, causing significant damage and loss of life, mostly due to fires, infrastructure collapse, and liquefaction. Major construction to reinforce and strengthen buildings have been in place since the early 1990s. Coupled with the technology boom, the business sector turned towards the digital age. Innovations such as social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Internet groups such as Google took on a role of importance in the 21st century. Further development including alternative energy and green technology has led to a slight resurgence in California's economy following the economic downturn of 2008.

Starland and Sonora Era

In 2008, within the East Bay, a interest in micronationalism began to grow. Finally, on August 28, 2009, what became the nation of Starland declared its soveriegnty and independence from California and from the United States. The nation was essentially an 3 year micronational experiment that went through many stages: a kingdom, a federal republic, an empire, a short-lived socialist state, a social democratic republic, and a democratic republic. Starland dissolved in early April 2012 following the truth about the micronational experiment and was later replaced by the short-lived Kingdom of Sonora which dissolved in August 2012. Sonora was later replaced by the state of Costa Dorada under the jurisdiction of the Republic of the Oasis Islands.

Oasis Islands Era

Following a brief retirement from micronationalism, Titus Smith returned to the micronational community, albeit quietly and more reserved. His intent was to build his micronational experience and professionalism and to base his territory on fact, not fiction. He teamed up with his old friend and ally, Casey Hamlin, after Hamlin created a new micronation. From December 2012-April 2014, Smith administered Costa Dorada as its Governor and represented it in the Oasis Islands Senate. During which time, he co-founded the Oasis People's Party with Hamlin, whom he served with for one year. In June 2013, Smith was appointed Vice President of the Oasis Islands following Daniel Stefanko's resignation. With Hamlin's Presidential reelection in November 2013, Vice President Smith maintained his position as well. However, when he decided to leave the ruling People's Party on November 11, his position as Senate Majority Leader was transferred to former Vice President Stefanko. With the onset of 2014, the Oasis Islands began to fall into inactivity, coupled with its leaders personal lives outside micronationalism. On April 19, 2014, Casey Hamlin resigned as President, retired from micronationalism, and dissolved the Republic of the Oasis Islands. In a sense of maintaining and carrying on this legacy and wishing to remain in micronationalism, Titus Smith declared Costa Dorada to be an independent socialist state on April 28, 2014.

Establishment of a State and Return to Self-Rule

Following the April 28th declaration, Smith quickly set to work to build the foundations of a legitimate and functioning state. Just days after forming the nation, Costa Dorada's launched an official website, complete with a news agency. In the weeks that followed, a new set of laws of government, foreign policy, social policy and business began to develop. In June 2014, a new set of guiding laws, setting up the duties of the Chairman and the Provisional Revolutionary Council were set up. Within the months that followed, Costa Dorada entered a state of semi-inactivity. On August 30, 2014, Doradan state media announced that the government seat would move from Sonora to the new Shaoshan City (formerly Mao Zedong City).

New Capital, New Era

On 3 September 2014, the Provisional Revolutionary Council passed the "Seat of Government Dissolution and Replacement Act", effectively disestablishing its largest city, Sonora, as the capital city and transferring all executive, judicial, and legislative duties of the government to Shaoshan City at noon on September 15. During the transitional process, several measures entered into effect including a beautification project of the surrounding area. This project included the establishment of "Red Square" just outside the Assembly Chamber. Shortly after, Smith enacted an executive order and called for a meeting of the Provisional Revolutionary Council, who stood by the act, which would lay the groundwork for a more permanent government for Costa Dorada, a constitutional convention, and a potential elected governing body. On 15 September 2014, the Provisional Revolutionary Council voted to dissolve and placed all authority in the hands of Titus Smith. The title of Chairman was abolished and Smith appointed to the title of Consul, leaving him the responsibility of setting up elections, establishing a committee to help draft a constitution, and set up a permanent and stable government. An election was called for September 30 to vote on whether the nation would be autocratic, a soviet democracy, or if the people had any faith in the government at all. Results from the election showed that Doradans preferred an autocratic government while rejecting socialist-style principles. Future elections were originally planned for late 2014 or 2015 to elect the leader of the nation and to potentially vote on ratifying a constitution.

Dissolution and Reestablishment

Following a breakdown in talks and scheduling conflicts outside of micronationalism, an emergency meeting was called in mid-November to discuss the nation's future. It was decided that Costa Dorada should dissolve, a suggestion that was ultimately agreed upon. On November 30, Costa Dorada returned its territories to California and the United States and dissolved. During this time, that has become to be referred to as "The Age of Darkness", the area was subjected to the reintroduction to life under the macronational rule to which it had once been before. However, on February 8, 2015, following much consideration, former Doradan leader, Titus Smith established the then-People's Commune in hope of creating a more decentralized, participatory environment with socialist aspects and to govern more effectively while being able to be more time-flexible. On March 6, however, the community voted in favor of focusing on the nation as a community and abandoning revolutionary ideology. On March 18, the National Assembly approved a measure establishing an official paramilitary force, tasked with national defense and community policing. The Shaoshan Navy over the next several weeks engaged in several military drills and helped quickly add territory.

April 2015 Coup d'etat and First Monarchy

Following rapid expansion of lands under the jurisdiction of Shaoshan, resentment began to grow from certain members who believed that the state had outgrown the term "community" and was more of a union of townships and colonies. As monarchism and republicanism began to divide the nation, Shaoshan continue to expand throughout the region, establishing fortresses and military bases, territory, and beautification of the capitol. An short-lived inactive period caused a small crisis that would later be resolved in the passing of Assembly reform on April 10. On April 15, however, a coup d'etat overthrew the communal government and established an constitutional imperial monarchy, while maintaining the state's direct democracy, which the people had become accustomed. The coup was carried out through its Sovereign's former military rank and considerable support from the Naval officers and certain members of the community who viewed the community government as weak and obsolete for a state with so much territory, comparing it to the fall of the Roman Republic. The Navy captured several territories that they had recently acquired for the state and seized control of the fortresses around the nation. At 2pm on April 15, the Navy forced the surrender of the Chief Minister, Titus Smith, who also held the title of "Grand Admiral". Smith signed an executive decree that evening, reorganizing the government into a constitutional monarchy in exchange for keeping his position as Chief Minister, his title of Grand Admiral of the Navy, and remaining in charge of leading the government and assembly gatherings. The leader of the coup agreed to resign her commission in order to take the role of Sovereign. This transition was short-lived. Shortly afterwards, a National Assembly meeting broke out into argument and within a half hour of its call to order, it was forced to make a motion to adjourn. This was followed by a plot by the nation's Chief Minister (Smith) and several others to arm themselves and march against the new-Sovereign and her control on the Navy. After a day of hostilities and seizures by Smith's forces, the Sovereign called a cease fire and a truce was reached, ending her weeklong reign and restoring Shaoshan to its elected, republican form of governance.

First Republic

Following the April 24th hostilities and truce, Shaoshan had returned to its elected, republican-style of government. On May 1, the leader of the April 15th Coup was tried and convicted of all her crimes and sentenced while most of the others were acquitted and absolved of their crimes. With the ratification and adoption of its constitution on April 28, one year after its predecessor, Costa Dorada declared independence, Shaoshan officially adopted a strong republican government with a President. Its direct democracy and participatory politics still remained, although political parties are no longer banned and are more or less allowed to participate with consent of the voting public who participate in the National Assembly meetings. On May 8, 2015, the people voted, in assembly, to elect Titus Smith as the first President of the Republic. In addition, Shaoshan adopted a bicameral legislature with a Representative Council, which partisan politics, and the People's Council (the gathering of the citizens to the Assembly forum), which would not. In keeping with a form of direct democracy, the Representative Council was established as the lower house and with the People's Council comprising the upper house, with any bills that pass the lower house having to have approval of the People. In June, the nation began to suffer from crippling inactivity coupled with resignations and loss in participation in the political and social aspects of the state. By July 1, a state of distress was declared and the National Assembly merged the two houses into a unicameral provisional body and granted the President emergency powers. When Smith went on a weekend leave to Los Angeles, the National Assembly granted him even further powers and declared him Emperor. Despite his earlier protests, Smith reluctantly accepted the crown.

Second Monarchy

Following the Palace coup on July 9, Smith returned to a nation that had granted him nobility, a title he fervently refused and opposed from Shaoshan's inception. When he arrived home to Shaoshan City, those that had declared him Emperor were faced with his angry opposition and a call to return the nation back to its rightful place as a republic. However, the National Assembly soon convinced him that it was a request from the will of the people. Reluctantly, Smith accepted and was coronated on July 13, with a job of reforming his new empire. However, an ardent opponent of monarchism, Smith put great effort in trying to reestablish the republic. On July 28, after three weeks on the throne, Smith formed a palace coup himself and declared the "New Californian Republic of Shaoshan" and named himself President, while refusing to abdicate the throne. A crisis arose leading to the July 30th Skirmish of Shaoshan Road and the division of the capital. The following day after the skirmish, it was agreed Shaoshan would downsize its territorial claims and become a republic yet again.

Second Republic

After the July 31st agreement, Titus Smith abdicated his role as Emperor and it fell to his infant sister, Juno. The following morning, on August 1, the mother of Titus and Juno Smith, Julia, acting as regent, signed an imperial decree stating the abdication of Juno and herself and the respect for the Treaty of Shaoshan Road. With Smith's grandmother, Diana, failing to protest, did not claim the throne, leading the line of succession to end and the Second Imperial Era to come to an end. At noon on August 1, the Second Republic was declared, this time under a federal republic with a bicameral legislature. Elections were held from August 4 through 9th for states to elect their Premiers who will also be their representatives in the Federal Council, and Presidential elections were held on September 8 with Titus Smith being reelected. The National Assembly worked tirelessly through September to pass several new reforms securing Shaoshanian sovereignty and citizens' rights against government tyranny and international intrusion. This was never more effective than the passing of the Freedom of Information and Knowledge Act (FIKA), the Renunciation of the Erroneous Passed Enacted American Legislation Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (REPEALUSAPATRIOT) Act and the Denouncing of Oppressive American Legislative Act (DOALA) which all stated that no government, foreign or domestic had a right to invade people's privacy. The National Assembly was also responsible for the passing of the controversial Treaty of Non-Aggression and Mutual Recognition with the Holy Empire of New Israel, which secured a new friendship with Shaoshan's predecessors' adversary.

Third Republic

On September 23, 2015, a Palace Coup was executed by President Smith and members of the government, community, and military. Given the shared beliefs of members of the nation, the Navy was instructed to execute a tactical liberation of the capitals of the three states under Shaoshan jurisdiction. With no resistance, the coup was largely quiet and entirely peaceful. By the late afternoon, Smith declared the state and federal government had undergone a slight political shift known as the "Mabon Revolution", named after the polytheistic celebration of the autumn equinox and the fact it took place on the first day of Autumn. In addition, Smith declared that Shaoshan had transformed into a "social democratic republic based on progressive principles and idealism." The Revolution has also become known as the "Third Republic" as this is the third democracy that Shaoshan has undergone. Unlike most coups, Shaoshan's system and laws remain relatively the same, however, a new constitution was issued to be written and the legislature downsized to a unicameral body, ridding itself of the hybrid bureaucracy, but one based on direct democracy where the people are allowed to come in open forum and make policy. In October 2015, the legislature moved to Dorada City and the Seat of Government Act was passed decreeing it the legislative and judicial capital while Shaoshan City would remain the administrative capital. On November 9, following the reestablishment of Marxia as a city-state and incorporation of Shaoshan City as its own state entity, elections were held for state Premiers and the Supreme People's Assembly electing their Presidium members. The 9th also marked 100 days since the Restoration of the Republic. On December 5, 2015, the Third Republic surpassed the First Republic as the longest reigning government in Shaoshanian history at 73 days; the First Republic reigning only 72 days before being replaced by the Second Empire. On January 1, 2016, the Third Republic celebrated 100 days of stability. On January 8, a new President was elected to succeed Titus Smith after his intention not to seek another term. On January 15, a new President (Lindsay Claire) was inaugurated. Smith was elected to replace Edward Morton as President of the Presidium and thus became the country's Prime Minister the same day. On February 9, the legislature voted in its new Presidium, with Smith maintaining his position and renaming itself as the National Assembly. Following a period of inactivity, Claire resigned as President on March 14 and was succeeded by Laura Patterson who was granted emergency powers and used them to declare a state of inactivity and emergency. The Assembly voted to dissolve with new elections to occur the following week. Subsequently, Titus Smith resigned as Prime Minister and stepped down as President of the Presidium. A referendum was called to decide the future of the Shaoshanian state and a provisional interregnum government was declared. On Tuesday, March 15, President Patterson declared the official end of the Third Republic and the declaration of the transition to a new government with Titus Smith stating "The [Mabon] Revolution is over."

Interregnum

The Interregnum began on Monday, March 14, 2016 following the dissolution of the Assembly by Assembly vote and the resignation of the nation's President and Prime Minister. The Vice President, Laura Patterson was sworn in as the 5th President of the Republic and used the emergency powers granted to her by the Assembly to declare a "state of inactivity and emergency", according to the state media. On Tuesday, March 15, she signed an executive order authorizing the creation of a provisional military junta, the Provisional Council for Democracy, made up of the Presidential Cabinet, military leaders and the Presidium of the National Assembly, to guide the nation during the days leading up to a nationwide referendum on March 17 and its transition into a new government and elections. Patterson declared an end to the Third Republic and Smith an end of the Mabon Revolution. On March 17, the Shaoshanian citizens voted to become a constitutional monarchy.

Third Monarchy

On March 17, 2016, the Shaoshanian people held a referendum and voted on their future and forming a new government. It was officially announced by the state media that evening that a constitutional monarchy had been the choice with Titus Smith as its monarch. That evening, the Kingdom of Shaoshan and its associated realms was officially declared and Smith resigning as Chairman of the Provisional Council for Democracy and handing power over to Grand Admiral Edward Morton. Laura Patterson resigned as President and the office abolished. The Presidium also was voted on to be dis-associated with the Assembly and reformed into the Constitutional Court. On March 18, Titus officially signed an edict and imperial decree confirming and giving legal standing to the referendum results and renaming the national the Imperial Kingdom of Shaoshan and Her Associated Realms and paving the way for elections and the end of the military junta. On March 22, elections were held for the members of the Constitutional Court and for the National Assembly to elect its President, the nation's Prime Minister. The elect were sworn in on March 24 and the military junta was dissolved and power was once again placed in the hands of the people. After only two and a half weeks on the throne, Smith abdicated in favor of his sister and reestablished the office of President, to which he claimed as well as ruling as his sister's regent.

April 2016 Coup d'etat and Fourth Republic

On April 4, 2016, just weeks after the referendum that chose a monarchy, Smith formed a coup in which he abdicated the throne of Emperor in favor of his sister, Juno. As Juno was only a toddler, Smith took on the role of her regent and as such retained the powers of the throne he had given up, serving instead as President of Shaoshan. The following day, Smith signed a decree abolishing the monarchy and declaring himself "Eternal President" while declaring the 2nd Republican Restoration to be the beginning of a Fourth Republic and a "Revolution for the People". As Smith was his sister's regent and she herself a toddler unable to speak for herself or exercise real power, Smith's decree still had the force of law as if Juno herself had signed it. The decision was met with opposition from the monarchist and Theodorist factions, loyal to the monarchy and towards Juno. Vocal opposition later presented itself in the form of demonstrations against the republican coup in mid-April. The Constitutional Court ruled that the coup was legal despite going against the people's will. This ruling, coupled with the declaration of President Smith of a "Bolivarian Revolution for Shaoshan", the National Assembly voted to dissolve again on April 18 with hopes the May 2016 General Election would provide some form of resolution to the conflict.

Fifth Republic

On April 24, on the anniversary of the return to the community run government from the hands of the monarchists, Smith announced that Shaoshan would enter an era as the Fifth Republic. He declared Shaoshan to be a Bolivarian Republic and began to consolidate power into a nationalization project. Referendum elections on April 27 and 28 reformed Shaoshan into a autocratic form of governance with the National Assembly becoming an advisory body. State elections were held in May which saw the split of the State of Sonora from the State of Dorada and the election of new Premiers. On May 12, legislative reform was passed that would consolidate power more into the hands of the people-led state and local councils and a representative-led national advisory body. In addition, the Seat of Government Act of May 2016, was signed, bringing supreme government power back to Shaoshan City. On May 27, 2016, Shaoshan officially became a member of the Union Against Micronational War with the signing of the Treaty of Universal Non-Aggression.

Sixth Republic and the reestablishment of a Socialist State

After having gone through a summer of inactivity and loss of citizens due to a failure to set up a proper functioning government, a step was taken on August 3 by the Shaoshanian military on order of Titus Smith. The military carried out exercises across the micronation to seize control of Shaoshanian industry and land for the purpose of redistribution. Smith declared all land and industry nationalized and now under the leadership of the state and the ownership of the working class. He declared that another coup had been carried out and the a sixth republic had begun. Smith declared Shaoshan to be a Democratic People's Republic and formed a new government committed to building socialism and executing socialist reforms throughout the country. On August 31, 2016, a stuffed toy uprising forced a new referendum that began a new election process that concluded on September 15, when Titus Smith was voted out of office. The election was heavily favored by the majority of stuffed toys which were found to have been oppressed and suppressed by an apartheid-like regime under Smtih's autocratic government.

Seventh and Final Republic and Return to Democracy

On September 15, Pusheen the Cat was elected the new President of Shaoshan, the first stuffy to hold the position and the third female to hold the position, which she cited as the Second Mabon Revolution. In response, she declared the Smith regime over and announced a seventh and final republic and that the new Republic of Shaoshan would be one of democracy and national reconciliation. She called for Smith's prosecution as well as for a Truth and Dignity Commission to carry out the new government. She dissolved the People's Council in order for new elections to be held in October and placed legislative powers in the hands of a five member panel, called the National Transitional Council. She also dissolved the Constitutional Court until elections can be held for the successors, and for a Constitutional Convention to be held after elections, criminal proceedings, and a Truth and Dignity report have all been carried out in order for the country to move forward.

Foreign relations

Shaoshan seeks relations with any friendly micronation open to diplomatic relations. All activity is conducted through email or MicroWiki and is approved by the President on advice of the National Assembly. As a member of the Union Against Micronational War, it does not recognize conflicts declared by other nations and has pledged itself to peace and armed neutrality unless directly attacked.

Recognition

In respect, Shaoshan extends diplomatic recognition of several nations and automatically recognized many nations upon establishment.

Informal Relations

Formal Relations

Prior Relations

Geography

Red Square
People's Square
Shaoshan People's Park

Shaoshan is situated in the San Francisco Bay Area in the inland lying areas, just a short drive from the scenic Napa Valley and just an hour away from Sacramento, San Francisco and the San Joaquin valleys.

Territory

Flag of Marxia

Shaoshan comprises several colonies, territories, townships, and cities. Townships are typically residences or territories with one person occupying them or representing them. This does not mean that there cannot be more residents occupying the town but those residents are not Shaoshan citizens. A city is a residence or territory with a population of 2 or more. A territory is an entity that has no representation but is not directly represented by the national government, with the potential to become a town. A colony is simply an entity with no representation that is directly controlled by the government that has no realistic outcome of settlement. Most cities and towns are governed by a central, unitary state government who have their own legislatures and self-government and are represented nationally by a constitutional federal government.

Shaoshan is divided into four states (listed below). Shaoshan City is the administrative, legislative, and economic heart of the Republic and serves as the official capital. People's Palace is the home of several citizens of the state of Marxia and Shaoshan City and the City of Marxia's residents as well as the official home of the President and the meeting place of the legislature and Presidential cabinet. Dorada City is the judicial capital of the republic with the Constitutional Court meeting there in cases of importance. Some cases can be heard in Shaoshan City though the lion's share is done in Dorada. New Sonora is the largest city in the nation with 9 citizens.

  • Dorada, Capital: Dorada City
  • Marxia, Capital: Shaoshan City
  • Caldonia, Capital: Caldonia
  • Sonora, Capital: New Sonora


Climate

The climate is that of a Mediterranean climate with cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The cool California Current offshore often creates summer fog near the coast with colder winters and hotter summers inland. Rainfall is more persistent in the region than its southern counterpart. Temperatures range from 32 °F (0 °C) in winter to up to 110 °F (43 °C) in the summer. Due to hot, dry summers and sometimes windy conditions, wildfires are commonplace. In winter, moderate rainfall is a common occurrence, sometimes resulting in flooding, especially in areas near rivers and streams. However, it is also not unusual to experience drought, some lasting 1–3 years, some lasting longer. Warm and cold air sometimes producing spectacular thunderstorms in the spring and autumn, some producing rain or hail, others can spark wildfires in dry conditions. These same warm and cold air collisions occasionally produce tornado-like clouds, often called "funnel clouds", although rarely do they touch down and those that do rarely last for longer than a few minutes and cause little to no damage.

Government

Shaoshan is a republic with participatory direct democracy with the people all living together with common goals and similar beliefs and work for the collective good. The people participate in the political system and generally dictate domestic policy and the day to day functions of the nation. Meetings are held routinely at the Assembly Hall at People's Palace in Shaoshan City, and can be called upon request of the President. This unicameral body, the National Assembly (formerly the Supreme People's Assembly), replaced its bicameral predecessor in September 2015. It is an open forum where the citizens of Shaoshan come to discuss matters of state and voice concerns, suggestions, and make policy. Each state elects their Premiers who govern their entities and run affairs of their respective state People's Assemblies. Judicial power is held in a three-man bench, known as the Constitutional Court. The Assembly elects its President who serves as its leader and the Prime Minister of Shaoshan. The National Assembly holds legislative power in the form of direct democracy derived from the local and state councils. The state assemblies elect their leaders and representatives (known as the Secretary of State) who represent them in the Assembly. States derive the most power and meet routinely as a participatory direct democratic body while the National Assembly meets only for matters of importance, national security, emergency, or crisis, or to pass laws on the national scale on the request of the states. The President is the executive with the power to appoint cabinet members on the approval of the National Assembly and serves as the official leader of the nation, serving and speaking on behalf of the people. Foreign policy and foreign relations and other aspects of national and international dealings are powers vested in the President, the nation's head of state. These powers, however, can be vested in an appointed member of his/her cabinet if the President believes it to be more convenient.

Military

As of November 2015, Shaoshan has an Armed Forces comprised of an Army, Air Force, and Navy. The Army and Air Force are responsible for military operations and national defense while the Navy acts as the paramilitary force of the nation, protecting maritime borders and providing community policing. During peacetime, the Armed Forces are tasked with scientific expedition and explorations, military drills, and core policing practices. During wartime, they are tasked with combat operations, special operations missions, and border protection. The President is the Commander-in-Chief but is limited by law on his ability to take military action. He can legally send troops into combat for 21 days but must have the people's approval to declare war. They have played a significant role in the expansion of the nation and its transition from a city-state and community to a small micronational power in the Bay Area. They also were the key players in the creation of a short-lived first monarchy after their participation in the April 2015 Coup d'etat and engaged in a small one-day conflict in which they too were overthrown when the elected, republican government restored power. They also played a role in the liberation of Marxia in July 2015 and a limited role in the July 30th Skirmish of Shaoshan Road and executed a quiet, bloodless palace coup during the September 23rd Mabon Revolution.

Law and Order

Under Shaoshanian law, the Shaoshan Navy has the power of policing and the National Assembly has the power to hold judicial proceedings with the People acting as the jury and judgement and sentencing carried out by vote of the Constitutional Court, headed by the Chairman. The President of Shaoshan has the power of pardon and may grant official reprieves at any time with reasonable consideration. Shaoshan follows typical English common law with American exceptions but adhering to Shaoshanian standards. Crime rate is extremely low to non-existent, something the nation prides itself on. Punishments often include house arrest or minimal detention and often follow primitive standards and often influenced by ancient Greek society and philosophy. Currently, Shaoshanian legalism falls under the Ministry of Defense.

Demographics

Population

As Shaoshan is a small collective of towns and territories with a population that reflects that with seventeen residents, sixteen of whom are of legal voting age and three who are non-voting Observer residents.

Languages

English is the commonly spoken language, although Spanish is also spoken by some. English is the only language used for government, business, and other endeavors. However, while English is spoken regularly, there is no official language.

Culture

Media

As of its foundation, the main source of media is the state sponsored "People's News" organization which routinely posts updates and and ongoings within the republic and abroad. Future endeavors are planned for a television media outlet and a planned launch of a special outlet from speeches and blogs posted from the office of the President.

Religion

Religion is defined as being part of a "democratic and progressive society" and thus freedom of religion is guaranteed and discrimination and hate speech is not tolerated and punishable by fine. Atheists and Agnostics make up the majority with Christianity and Catholicism making up the 2nd largest religious group, however, most religious denominations are protected as sentiment towards freedom of religious expression is high and it is the policy of the state to fight for religious freedom and fight against intolerance. The republic takes up the slack of the policy of its predecessor in fighting religious intolerance and intolerance against gay people by religious extremists and governments. Such as Pavlovian Row, when Smith allied with micronationalists against the government's and Pavlovian Orthodox Church's anti-gay and religious discrimination policies.

External links

Retrieved from "https://micronations.wiki/index.php?title=Republic_of_Shaoshan&oldid=1769975"