Post by Nathan on Mar 6, 2007 1:48:20 GMT -6
So You Want to be a Natopian?
A Guide to Natopia for New Citizens
A Guide to Natopia for New Citizens
Welcome to Natopia! We are glade you have chosen to become a citizen of our Empire. Natopia is a micronation. Micronations are groups of people that emulate the systems and trappings of governments. Some micronations are based on real life nations and cultures, while others are totally unique governments with different cultures. Natopia is a mixture of these two types. Our government is very similar to a constitutional monarchy but our culture is unique and independently developed. This guide will introduce you to the basic functions of our government and some of the more important aspects of our culture to facilitate your understanding of Natopia so that you can feel comfortable.
The Government
Natopia’s constitution lays out a three-branch system of government with checks and balances, not unlike the United States. The Emperor heads our executive branch, the judicial branch is the High Royal Court, and our legislature is the Royal Frenzy. The Emperor issues decrees to enforce laws passed by the Royal Frenzy. Decrees can also be laws themselves, giving the Emperor both executive and legislative powers and responsibilities. While he is a powerful part of the government, the Royal Frenzy can still vote to overturn his decrees. The High Royal Court can declare any decree or law to be unconstitutional.
The several Ministries that exist are manifestations of the Emperor’s executive duties. Foreign affairs, internal affairs, and defense to name the most important ones, are all duties of the Emperor that he has delegated to citizens. It is a good idea to ask around to see if there are any vacancies in the Ministries. Some Ministries do not have ministers due to emigration or retirement, and other Ministries may want to employ you as an Officer. Officers fulfill important tasks within a single Ministry. For example, there is an Officer of Finance within the Ministry of Internal Affairs who is responsible for managing the National Bank.
Every citizen is a Member of the Royal Frenzy automatically. The only limitation is that you must wait two weeks after you become a citizen to take your seat in the Frenzy. After the two weeks, you can vote on any bill on the floor or propose any law you wish. Proper procedures are posted in the Frenzy itself, but don’t worry about doing it right the first time, the decorum of the Royal Frenzy is very informal. Another MoRF will gladly give you any advice or pointers. Every three months the Members of the Royal Frenzy elect a new Chancellor to lead the Frenzy. This is the only elected official in the Empire and is thus a much sought after position. Anyone may run for Chancellor, so maybe you should try to run? If not the upcoming election, the one after.
The High Royal Court is currently only the High Royal Judge. At a time when Natopia can sustain 10 citizens, the Royal Constitution requires that our Court be expanded to 3 total judges. If you are a prominent citizen and have shown an affinity for the law, the High Royal Judge may nominate you to sit on the Court with him.
It’s a good idea to hang around for a few days and ask around to see what jobs are available. If there are no jobs that appeal to you, you can always propose that one be created for you in the government. However, if government service is not your thing, Natopia operates a free market economy and encourages entrepreneurship.
The Culture
One thing you may have noticed, or may have been already asked to decide, is that Natopia is made of demesnes. The demesnes are simply the fancy Natopian name for a province. The Empire is not a federal government, so the demesnes have little role in the national government. However, they are just a little bit of extra depth added to Natopia. It doesn’t matter where you live, so pick a demesne that you like the looks of. Or if you can’t decide perhaps ask the Lords of the demesne to tell you about their demesne. The demesnes currently include Muckypuckyland, Tasneemia, Punkrock, Hazelwood, Pavleton and Ziegeland. The citizens that administer these demesnes are the Natopian nobility. There are two Special Demesnes, Alrodria and Lavalon. These are sovereign nations within the Empire and have their own constitutions, populations, and customs. A request for residency in these places would have to be approved by the nations themselves. There are also several Colonies of the Empire. One colony is lacking a Governor. Perhaps you would like to apply for it?
General discussions are held in the Wild Goat Pub, the very first board in our forums. The tone of conversation is very informal. All citizens are entitled to membership in the Natopian Institute for the Promotion of Primate Literature. Please ask a current member of NIPPL for the password to the board.
Chances are you’ll at the very least be collecting a paycheck for being a MoRF. You’ll want to register an account at the Official Bank; a link is located at the top of the forum.
Natopia is a rather isolationist nation, and fiercely nationalistic. This is not to say we don’t have allies. Our primary foreign obligation is to the Non-Aligned Movement and the other nations besides Natopia in the movement: Antica, Riponia and Matbaa. Other major allies of Natopia are Alexandria and Stormark. Please remember who are friends are when your tongue is loosened in the Pub or on the international scene.
Recwars are “recreational wars.” They are fought between micronations using a predetermined set of rules. These rules determine the size of a nation’s military and how battles are determined. Any citizen is welcome to join the Natopian Defense Force and will be granted a substantial officer rank in the branch they wish.
Natopians pride themselves on a having a dynamic culture. We have very few official protocols and almost no social limitations. You may call anyone by their first name, even the Emperor himself.
A short pamphlet can’t explain all the fun of participating in a micronation like Natopia. We hope you find your niche here and integrate as quickly as you want and to whatever degree you feel comfortable with. We love casual citizens who just chat with us in the Pub as much as we love ardent statesmen, debating on the floor of the Royal Frenzy.
Produced by His Sovereign Majesty's Ministry of Tourism
