Natopia

Sovereign Natopian Empire
Official language:	NatSpeak
Capital:	Lindstrom City
Largest Cities:	Hazelwood, Bagelston, Mehlville, Borders City, Empire City
Date founded:	August 23, 2002
Number of citizens:	8
Number of active citizens:	7
Independence:
Government:	Lindstromism
Current leader:	Emperor Nathan
Currency:	Natopo
Demonym:	Natopian
National animal:	Goat
National fruit/food:	Bagel
National drink:	Juice
Nation's Total GDP:

Though having only experienced three years of independence, Natopia has developed a varied and engaging culture. Paradoxically shifting from a militaristic and totaliarian republic to an increasingly democratic empire, Natopians have maintained their trademark sense of humor and playfulness. The makeup of Natopian culture is cosmopolitan, in the least, for Natopia consists of smaller units: demesnes. The cultures of these are varied, from anarcho-punk, to German, to Islamic, to bizarre and disjointed. With such diversity, immigrants can likely settle anywhere comfortably, or simply found a new demesne to fill any cultural niches.

Despite the fractured cultures of the demesnes, several things unite all Natopians. The odd love of juice and bagels (and a small faction loving cheese as well), the Emperor's obsession with the Butter Cow from the Illinois State Fair, and a general love (or toleration) of goats.

Natopia, in the words of the Emperor, is "a serious nation that doesn't take itself too seriously." This is evident in our culture. However, Natopia does claim actual territorial enclaves in the American states of Missouri, Michigan, and New Jersey. The extent of our soverignty, however, is nominal.

Government

The Royal Constitution of the Sovereign Natopian Empire was ratified on July 25, 2005 by His Sovereign Majesty, Nathan, the Sovereign Natopian Emperor; Her Sovereign Highness, Tasneem, the Crown Princess; and His Grace, Joel, the Duke of Punkrock. It replaced the Fifth Constitution of Natopia, changing Natopia from republic to monarchy.

Since the early beginnings of the republic, Natopia has been based on the political system of lindstromism; a system where a single powerful monarch is balanced by a strong judge capable of the monarch's removal. In the Sovereign Natopian Empire, the strong monarch is the Sovereign Natopian Emperor, who can rule by Imperial Decree. Decrees are constitutionally limited and may not infringe on human rights or amend the constitution. The strong judge is in the form of the High Royal Judge, who may remove the Emperor for reasons of tyranny or treason.

However, over the years the Natopian legislature has been gaining many powers; so much that it is now an integral part in the lindstromist system. The Natopian legislature, the Royal Frenzy, is the only governmental organ capable of amending the constitution. When the High Royal Judge removes the Emperor, the Royal Frenzy must vote to uphold the Judge's decision. The Royal Frenzy also makes laws for the Empire.

Organs of the Government

The Royal Frenzy

The Royal Frenzy is the legislature of the Empire. It has the power to make laws, amend the constitution, and remove the Emperor by upholding an Imperial Recall. The current Chancellor of the Royal Frenzy is Tom Mills.

The High Royal Court

All civil and criminal cases go through the Court, to be decided upon by the High Royal Judge. Rulings of the Court are final and supreme to all laws and the Constitution. The Royal Frenzy may investigate and vote to overturn cases that have been appealed as the High Royal Court does not operate juries.

The Sovereign Natopian Emperor

The Emperor is, himself, somewhat an organ of the government. His executive responsibilities have been seperated into the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, Defense, and Silly Walks. He is constitutionally responsible for appointing one of his ministers to the post of Prime Minister. The Prime Minister assumes the Imperial duties in the absence of the Emperor.

The Nobility

The Nobility are the administrators of the composite states within the Empire, the demesnes. Unlike other monarchies, where the Sovereign is hereditary, the Sovereign Natopian Emperor is elected by the Nobility upon the death or abdication of the previous one.

The Order of the Black Hole

Knights of this Order maintain the cultural institutions of the Empire.

Empire Library

A quasi-governmental organ, Empire Library holds not only archives of governmental documents, but literature and art created by Natopians as well.

Natopian Defense Force

Under the direct command of the Emperor, who has the military rank of Grand Commander, the NDF enforces Natopian policy abroad and defends the Empire's borders and interests. The Natopian Defense Force is under the daily command of the Supreme Commander as well as commanders for the military branches: army, navy, air force, and spacefleet.

History

History of Natopia