Difference between revisions of "Government of Westarctica"

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As mandated by the [[Constitution of Westarctica]], the government is comprised of three branches:
As mandated by the [[Constitution of Westarctica]], the government is comprised of three branches:
* Executive: [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|The Sovereign]] and the Royal Council
* Executive: [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|The Sovereign]] and the Royal Council
* Legislative: [[Prime Minister of Westarctica|The Prime Minister]]
* Legislative: [[Prime Minister of Westarctica|The Prime Minister]] and the [[Senate of Westarctica]]
* Judicial: [[Grand Ducal Court|The Grand Ducal Court]]
* Judicial: [[Grand Ducal Court|The Grand Ducal Court]]


==The Sovereign==
==The Sovereign==
The role of sovereign is to serve as the head of state. The current Sovereign, [[Grand Duke Travis]], currently retains many of the rights of an absolute monarch, including the personal power to enact laws, appoint members of government, and function as the judiciary. The role is primarily hereditary, although Westarctican law dictates that the Sovereign may choose their successor.
The role of sovereign is to serve as the head of state. The current Sovereign, [[Grand Duke Travis]], currently retains many of the rights of an absolute monarch, including the personal power to enact laws, appoint members of government, and function as the judiciary. The role is primarily hereditary, although [[Laws of Westarctica|Westarctican law]] dictates that the Sovereign may choose their successor.


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
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|[[Grand Duke of Westarctica]]
|[[Grand Duke of Westarctica]]
|[[Grand Duke Travis]]
|[[Grand Duke Travis]]
|[[File:Grand Duke Travis.jpg|200px]]
|[[File:Grand Duke Travis Portrait.jpg|200px]]
|21 September 2012
|21 September 2012
|}
|}
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The role of [[Prime Minister of Westarctica|Prime Minister]] is currently the only elected position within Westarctica's government. The Prime Minister's primary function is to represent the citizens of Westarctica to the Crown and to speak on their behalf during sessions of the [[Royal Council]]. In accordance with the Charter of Westarctica, the Prime Minister is responsible for presenting laws and ordinances to the Crown for approval. The Prime Minister is also responsible for suggesting new and replacement Ministers to the Grand Duke.
The role of [[Prime Minister of Westarctica|Prime Minister]] is currently the only elected position within Westarctica's government. The Prime Minister's primary function is to represent the citizens of Westarctica to the Crown and to speak on their behalf during sessions of the [[Royal Council]]. In accordance with the Charter of Westarctica, the Prime Minister is responsible for presenting laws and ordinances to the Crown for approval. The Prime Minister is also responsible for suggesting new and replacement Ministers to the Grand Duke.


The current Prime Minister, [[Duke of the Bear Peninsula|Jordan Farmer]], was [[2019 Prime Minister election|elected in February of 2019]] to a term of four years.
The current Prime Minister, [[Baron of Hull Bay|Brendan Cook]], was [[2023 Prime Minister election|elected in February of 2023]] to a term of four years.


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
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|-
|-
|[[Prime Minister of Westarctica]]
|[[Prime Minister of Westarctica]]
|[[Duke of the Bear Peninsula|Jordan Farmer]]
|[[Baron of Hull Bay|Brendan Cook]]
|[[File:PM Farmer OP Jul 21.jpg|200px]]
|[[File:Baron Hull Bay.jpg|200px]]
|11 February 2019
|20 February 2023
|}
|}


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!Since
!Since
|-
|-
|[[Minister of Defense]]
| [[Minister of Defense]]
|[[Duke of Waesche|Duke Wolf of Waesche]]
| [[Duke of Waesche|Duke Wolf of Waesche]]
|[[File:Dukewaesche.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Dukewaesche.jpg|200px]]
|29 July 2005
| 29 July 2005
|-
|-
|[[Foreign Minister]]
| [[Minister of Communications]]
|[[Baron of Dorrel]]
| [[Countess of Carter]]
|[[File:Baron-Dorrel.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Danni Michele - Minister of Comms.jpg|200px]]
|12 February 2021
| 29 June 2018
|-
|-
|[[Minister of Communications]]
| [[Minister of Culture]]
|[[Countess of Carter]]
| [[Duke of Fox Grove]]
|[[File:Danni Michele - Minister of Comms.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Duke August of Fox Grove.jpg|200px]]
|29 June 2018
| 28 January 2020
|-
|-
|[[Minister of Conservation]]
| [[Minister of Colonial Affairs]]
|Duchess of [[Eights Coast|Eights]]
| [[Duke of Tapley]]
|[[File:Min-Conservation.jpeg|200px]]
| [[File:Duke of Tapley.jpg|200px]]
|16 May 2019
| 2 November 2021
|-
|-
|[[Minister of Culture]]
| [[Minister of Citizen Affairs]]
|[[Duke of Fox Grove]]
| Baron of [[Hull Bay]]
|[[File:Duke August of Fox Grove.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Baron of Hull Bay.jpg|200px]]
|28 January 2020
| 2 November 2021
|-
| [[Minister of Sports]]
| Dame Kristina Sullivan
| [[File:Kristina Sullivan Min-Sports.png|200px]]
| 2 November 2021
|-
|-
|[[Minister of Transportation]]
|[[Count of Discovery Ridge]]
|[[File:Michael-Alenroux.jpg|200px]]
|14 March 2021
|}
|}


===Open Ministry positions===
===Vacant Ministry positions===
As of 2020, several governmental positions remain without a personal appointment. Until such an appointment occurs or as long as that appointment remains open, the Grand Duke is the offices' ''de facto'' holder. These vacancies are:
As of 2024, several governmental positions remain without a personal appointment. Until such an appointment occurs or as long as that appointment remains open, the Grand Duke is the offices' ''de facto'' holder. These vacancies are:


*[[Foreign Minister]]
*[[Minister of Finance]]
*[[Minister of Finance]]
*[[Minister of the Treasury]]
*[[Minister of the Treasury]]
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*[[Minister of Technology]]
*[[Minister of Technology]]
*[[Minister of Commerce]]
*[[Minister of Commerce]]
*[[Minister of Transportation]]
*[[Minister of Education]]
*[[Minister of Conservation]]


==The High Commissioner==
==The High Commissioner==
The [[High Commissioner of Westarctica]] is a role that is largely advisory. It is intended to serve as a sort of "right-hand person" to the Grand Duke. The High Commissioner's role is also intended to act as an occasional liaison between the Grand Duke and his council-level appointments, much as the Prime Minister does with the Ministers. As this role has never been officially filled, much of the minutiae of its responsibilities are unclear.
The [[High Commissioner of Westarctica]] is a role that is largely advisory. It is intended to serve as a sort of "right-hand person" to the Grand Duke. The High Commissioner's role is also intended to act as an occasional liaison between the Grand Duke and his council-level appointments, much as the Prime Minister does with the Ministers. Much of the minutiae of the role's responsibilities are unclear.
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Position
!Current Appointee
!Portrait
!Since
|-
|[[High Commissioner of Westarctica]]
|[[Count of Discovery Ridge]]
|[[File:Michael-Alenroux.jpg|200px]]
|2 November 2021
|}


==Council-Level positions==
==Council-Level positions==
These positions, often called "Commissioners," are ad hoc appointments, usually for a limited and specific purpose. These roles are created and filled solely at the discretion of the Grand Duke, and are not subject to direct oversight from the Prime Minister. While these are members of the [[Royal Council]], they are distinct from ministries, as they report directly to the Grand Duke and often have a much smaller scope and area of responsibility. There are currently five such positions.
These positions, often called "Commissioners," are ad hoc appointments, usually for a limited and specific purpose. These roles are created and filled solely at the discretion of the Grand Duke, and are not subject to direct oversight from the Prime Minister. While these are members of the [[Royal Council]], they are distinct from ministries, as they report directly to the Grand Duke and often have a much smaller scope and area of responsibility. There are currently two such positions. With the creation of the [[Royal Household of Grand Duke Travis]] in April 2023, several of these positions were absorbed into the royal household and it is anticipated that the rest will be phased out completely.
 
These positions are also unique in that they may also have limited oversight from a minister with whom the responsibilities overlap or align. Two such example is the Captain of the [[Westarctican Royal Guards|Royal Guards]]. The Captain of the Royal Guards falls under the purview of the Minister of Defense, but since that position is primarily honorary, the Captain answers directly to the Grand Duke, in practice.


===Current Council-Level positions===
===Current Council-Level positions===
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!Since
!Since
|-
|-
|[[Ellsworth King of Arms]]
|[[Commissioner of Economic Development]]
|[[Baron of Abele]]
|David Eckhard
|[[File:Baron Abele1.jpg|200px]]
|[[File:David Eckhardt - Commissioner.png|200px]]
|25 January 2020
|2 November 2021
|-
|Captain of the Guard for the [[Westarctican Royal Guard]]
|[[Prince-Consort Dinny|Prince Dinny, the Marquis of Sarnoff]]
|[[File:Prince_Dinny_Background.jpg|200px]]
|29 October 2017
|-
|-
|Commissioner of Elections
|[[Commissioner of Elections]]
|[[Baron of Abele]]
|[[Baron of Abele]]
|[[File:Baron Abele1.jpg|200px]]
|[[File:Baron Abele1.jpg|200px]]
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===Territorial and Regional Governance===
===Territorial and Regional Governance===
Westarctica currently has three territorial claims on areas not within the area of [[Marie Byrd Land]] addressed within the [[Claimant Letter]]. Each of these have their own specific governance, all of which report directly to the Grand Duke.
Westarctica currently has three territorial claims on areas not within the area of [[Marie Byrd Land]] addressed within the [[Claimant Letter]]. Each of these are ruled by a [[Viceroy]] holding the authority of the Grand Duke within their colony.


====Peter I Island====
====The Balleny Islands====
[[Peter I Island]] was formally annexed by Westarctica on 15 January 2005 with a letter sent by the Grand Duke to Norway's polar administration office. Peter I Island was then made the capital of Westarctica. The position of Archduke of Peter I Island was subsequently created as a purely ceremonial recognition of Grand Duke Travis' infant son and heir apparent, [[Prince Ashton Roman]]. As the territory is officially part of Westarctica proper, the need for a specific colonial governance is unnecessary. This role is currently known as Viceroy of Peter I Island.
The [[Balleny Islands]] became a colony when Westarctica formally annexed it from New Zealand on 14 January 2005. Westarctican citizen [[Duke of Sherman|Jorge-Fernandez Vidal]] was made Governor of the new territory and subsequently made the Count of Sturge. This was made both in recognition of his new role as the Minister of the Treasury, and his related permission to mint [[Coins of Westarctica|Westarctican coins]]. The vast majority of these coins were minted as currency of the Colony of the Balleny Islands. On 15 March 2024, [[Grand Duke Travis]]' eldest son was appointed Viceroy of the Balleny Islands, making him the senior executive of the colony.


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
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!Since
!Since
|-
|-
|Viceroy of Peter I Island
|Viceroy of the Balleny Islands
|[[Prince Ashton Roman]]
|[[Prince Ashton Roman]]
|[[File:Prince Ashton Roman.jpeg|200px]]
|[[File:Ashton Portrait 2023.jpg|200px]]
|15 January 2005
|15 March 2024
|}
 
====The Balleny Islands====
The [[Balleny Islands]] became a colony when Westarctica formally annexed it from New Zealand on 14 January 2005. Westarctican citizen [[Duke of Sherman|Jorge-Fernandez Vidal]] was made Governor of the new territory and subsequently made the Count of Sturge. This was made both in recognition of his new role as the Minister of the Treasury, and his related permission to mint [[Coins of Westarctica|Westarctican coins]]. The vast majority of these coins were minted as currency of the Colony of the Balleny Islands. Though this partnership ended years ago, the now Duke of Sherman has been allowed to retain the title ceremonially out of respect for his contributions, until such time that the Grand Duke deems it prudent to name another Governor.
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Position
!Current Appointee
!Portrait
!Since
|-
|Governor of the Balleny Islands
|[[Duke of Sherman|Duke Jorge of Sherman]]
|[[File:Jorge-Fernandez1.jpg|200px]]
|14 January 2005
|}
|}


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In October 2017, [[Grand Duke Travis]] became concerned that the leaders of [[Colony of Calsahara|Calsahara]] weren't taking a big enough role in managing the internal or external affairs of the nation. Rather than see the country he founded continue to stagnate until it descended into oblivion, Travis made the strategic decision to [[Invasion of Calsahara|liberate Calsahara]] from its absentee landlords.  
In October 2017, [[Grand Duke Travis]] became concerned that the leaders of [[Colony of Calsahara|Calsahara]] weren't taking a big enough role in managing the internal or external affairs of the nation. Rather than see the country he founded continue to stagnate until it descended into oblivion, Travis made the strategic decision to [[Invasion of Calsahara|liberate Calsahara]] from its absentee landlords.  


On 29 October, the Grand Duke led a coalition force comprised of the [[Westarctican Royal Guards]] and the [[Kingdom of Shiloh|Knights of Shiloh]] to Calsahara, liberating it from negligent rule. He subsequently set up a Colonial government, comprised of a Viceroy and a [[Captain-General of Calsahara|military governor]] to oversee the transition from an independent kingdom to a colony of [[Westarctica]].
On 29 October, the Grand Duke led a coalition force comprised of the [[Westarctican Royal Guards]] and the [[Kingdom of Shiloh|Knights of Shiloh]] to Calsahara, liberating it from negligent rule. He subsequently set up a Colonial government, comprised of a [[Viceroy]] and a [[Captain-General of Calsahara|military governor]] to oversee the transition from an independent kingdom to a colony of [[Westarctica]].


{| class="wikitable"  
{| class="wikitable"  
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|Viceroy of Calsahara
|Viceroy of Calsahara
|[[Prince Daniel Nicholas]]
|[[Prince Daniel Nicholas]]
|[[File:Nicholas Kingly.jpg|200px]]
|[[File:Nicholas Portrait 2024.jpg|200px]]
|29 October 2017
|29 October 2017
|-
|-
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||[[File:Captain-General Kramer1.jpg|200px]]
||[[File:Captain-General Kramer1.jpg|200px]]
|18 March 2021
|18 March 2021
|}
====Raphania====
On 19 November 2022, following the conclusion of the [[Westarctica-Raphania War]], the [[micronation]] of [[Raphania]] became a colony of [[Westarctica]]. Its previous Grand Emir was made a Royal Viceroy with the title Prince of Raphania while Grand Duke Travis gained the additional title Sultan of Raphania.
{| class="wikitable"
!Position
!Current Appointee
!Portrait
!Since
|-
|Royal Viceroy of Raphania
|Prince Charles I
|[[File:Prince Charles Official.jpg|200px]]
|19 November 2022
|}
|}



Latest revision as of 16:18, 3 October 2024

The government of Westarctica is the system by which Westarctican rule is implemented. Westarctica is a constitutional monarchy with the nation's ruler, the Grand Duke, as the national sovereign. The Sovereign is assisted in these duties by a number of people in positions that, as a whole, make up the Royal Council.

As mandated by the Constitution of Westarctica, the government is comprised of three branches:

The Sovereign

The role of sovereign is to serve as the head of state. The current Sovereign, Grand Duke Travis, currently retains many of the rights of an absolute monarch, including the personal power to enact laws, appoint members of government, and function as the judiciary. The role is primarily hereditary, although Westarctican law dictates that the Sovereign may choose their successor.

Position Current Appointee Portrait Since
Grand Duke of Westarctica Grand Duke Travis   21 September 2012

The Prime Minister

The role of Prime Minister is currently the only elected position within Westarctica's government. The Prime Minister's primary function is to represent the citizens of Westarctica to the Crown and to speak on their behalf during sessions of the Royal Council. In accordance with the Charter of Westarctica, the Prime Minister is responsible for presenting laws and ordinances to the Crown for approval. The Prime Minister is also responsible for suggesting new and replacement Ministers to the Grand Duke.

The current Prime Minister, Brendan Cook, was elected in February of 2023 to a term of four years.

Position Current Appointee Portrait Since
Prime Minister of Westarctica Brendan Cook   20 February 2023

Ministers

The largest group of government appointments are those that make up the higher tier of the Royal Council, which include the title "Minister," as they are each respectively the head of a Ministry. There are currently seven Ministers on the Royal Council.

Current Ministers

Position Current Appointee Portrait Since
Minister of Defense Duke Wolf of Waesche   29 July 2005
Minister of Communications Countess of Carter   29 June 2018
Minister of Culture Duke of Fox Grove   28 January 2020
Minister of Colonial Affairs Duke of Tapley   2 November 2021
Minister of Citizen Affairs Baron of Hull Bay   2 November 2021
Minister of Sports Dame Kristina Sullivan   2 November 2021

Vacant Ministry positions

As of 2024, several governmental positions remain without a personal appointment. Until such an appointment occurs or as long as that appointment remains open, the Grand Duke is the offices' de facto holder. These vacancies are:

The High Commissioner

The High Commissioner of Westarctica is a role that is largely advisory. It is intended to serve as a sort of "right-hand person" to the Grand Duke. The High Commissioner's role is also intended to act as an occasional liaison between the Grand Duke and his council-level appointments, much as the Prime Minister does with the Ministers. Much of the minutiae of the role's responsibilities are unclear.

Position Current Appointee Portrait Since
High Commissioner of Westarctica Count of Discovery Ridge   2 November 2021

Council-Level positions

These positions, often called "Commissioners," are ad hoc appointments, usually for a limited and specific purpose. These roles are created and filled solely at the discretion of the Grand Duke, and are not subject to direct oversight from the Prime Minister. While these are members of the Royal Council, they are distinct from ministries, as they report directly to the Grand Duke and often have a much smaller scope and area of responsibility. There are currently two such positions. With the creation of the Royal Household of Grand Duke Travis in April 2023, several of these positions were absorbed into the royal household and it is anticipated that the rest will be phased out completely.

Current Council-Level positions

Position Current Appointee Portrait Since
Commissioner of Economic Development David Eckhard   2 November 2021
Commissioner of Elections Baron of Abele   18 December 2018

Executive roles outside of the Royal Council

There are a number of additional roles in Westarctica's government that do not have a place on the Royal Council. These roles are typically very limited in scope or may even be largely honorary, with no actual responsibilities required of the holder.

Territorial and Regional Governance

Westarctica currently has three territorial claims on areas not within the area of Marie Byrd Land addressed within the Claimant Letter. Each of these are ruled by a Viceroy holding the authority of the Grand Duke within their colony.

The Balleny Islands

The Balleny Islands became a colony when Westarctica formally annexed it from New Zealand on 14 January 2005. Westarctican citizen Jorge-Fernandez Vidal was made Governor of the new territory and subsequently made the Count of Sturge. This was made both in recognition of his new role as the Minister of the Treasury, and his related permission to mint Westarctican coins. The vast majority of these coins were minted as currency of the Colony of the Balleny Islands. On 15 March 2024, Grand Duke Travis' eldest son was appointed Viceroy of the Balleny Islands, making him the senior executive of the colony.

Position Current Appointee Portrait Since
Viceroy of the Balleny Islands Prince Ashton Roman   15 March 2024

Calsahara

In October 2017, Grand Duke Travis became concerned that the leaders of Calsahara weren't taking a big enough role in managing the internal or external affairs of the nation. Rather than see the country he founded continue to stagnate until it descended into oblivion, Travis made the strategic decision to liberate Calsahara from its absentee landlords.

On 29 October, the Grand Duke led a coalition force comprised of the Westarctican Royal Guards and the Knights of Shiloh to Calsahara, liberating it from negligent rule. He subsequently set up a Colonial government, comprised of a Viceroy and a military governor to oversee the transition from an independent kingdom to a colony of Westarctica.

Position Current Appointee Portrait Since
Viceroy of Calsahara Prince Daniel Nicholas   29 October 2017
Captain-General of Calsahara Damien Kramer   18 March 2021

Raphania

On 19 November 2022, following the conclusion of the Westarctica-Raphania War, the micronation of Raphania became a colony of Westarctica. Its previous Grand Emir was made a Royal Viceroy with the title Prince of Raphania while Grand Duke Travis gained the additional title Sultan of Raphania.

Position Current Appointee Portrait Since
Royal Viceroy of Raphania Prince Charles I   19 November 2022

The Honorary Consular Corps

Main article: Honorary Consular Corps

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs directs the various Honorary Consuls, who serve as overseas diplomatic representatives of Westarctica's government. They are a key part of Westarctica's foreign affairs program. In the future, some of these Consuls will likely be allowed to enter into official negotiations on behalf of Westarctica.

The Peerage of Westarctica

Main article: Peerage of Westarctica

These are the nobility, and they are sometimes consulted by the Grand Duke on important national issues. While they have no formal decision-making power, their voices may have a large influence over national decisions. Occasionally the Grand Duke may invite them to express their desires in a one-peer-one-vote system, though he is not legally bound by the outcome of such a vote.

The Grand Ducal Court

Main article Grand Ducal Court

The Grand Ducal Court is comprised of four justices who serve as the primary adjudicators of Westarctica's constitutional law and law in general in the nation. It is the highest court in the nation, and is analogous to the United States Supreme Court.