Charter of Westarctica

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The Charter of Westarctica was the primary governing law of Westarctica from 2012 until 2020, when it was replaced with the Constitution of Westarctica.

History

On 21 September 2012, Grand Duke Travis declared an end to the Transitional Government and returned to the throne of Westarctica. Together with Prime Minister Tulier and the Hereditary Nobility of Westarctica, the Grand Duke wrote and revised the Charter of Westarctica.

The articles were drawn from previous constitutions of Westarctica, including the Grand Ducal Mandate. However, the key element of the Charter was that each article be both practical and necessary. This philosophy reduced the number of articles to eight (down from 63 articles in the Grand Ducal Mandate), although in later revisions, the articles were further truncated to a total of six.

Transition to a constitution

On 13 April 2019, the Grand Duke formally convened the Constitutional Convention and directed them to prepare a draft Constitution of Westarctica. After its completion, this new document superseded the Charter and became the new supreme law of the land.

Text of the Charter

The text of the third revision of the Charter of Westarctica:

Preamble: The people of Westarctica hereby proclaim that this Charter shall serve as the guiding document for administering the affairs of our Territory while moving toward our primary goal of permanent occupation of our claimed geographic Territory by our citizens.

ARTICLE 1: THE TERRITORY
The Territory of Westarctica was established on 2 November 2001 and has existed continually from that day forward. The land on which Westarctica rests was previously unclaimed by any nation or person. Westarctica exists on the continent of Antarctica and is fully contained within the geographic borders between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west and south of 60 degrees south to include all seas and ice shelves.

ARTICLE 2: CITIZENSHIP
Although Antarctica has no indigenous population, the citizens of Westarctica are a body of individuals who share a like-minded creative spirit and a desire to permanently inhabit the region of Antarctica known as Marie Byrd Land. Citizens may transit the national borders of Westarctica at any time. Citizens have the right to forfeit their citizenship at any time. Citizens of Westarctica are guaranteed personal liberty and freedom of expression regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, political creed, or philosophical views.

ARTICLE 3: THE GOVERNMENT
The Grand Duke is the chief administrator of Westarctica and the representative of the Westarctican people to the world at large. The office of the Grand Duke is for life. He is assisted by a High Commissioner and appoints officers, such as magistrates and commissioners as he sees fit. The Prime Minister is the chief legislator of Westarctica and may enact laws, known as Ordinances, for the peace, order, and good government of the Territory with the approval of the Grand Duke or a 2/3 majority of the citizens. The Grand Duke may name his successor.

ARTICLE 4: HEREDITARY LAND OWNERSHIP
All land claimed as the Territory of Westarctica is the personal property of Grand Duke Travis. At his sole discretion, the Grand Duke may donate, sell, or otherwise dispose of his property as he sees fit. Citizens of Westarctica who receive land from the Grand Duke become the new owners of the granted property. The titles of nobility attached to these lands are hereditary, but remain under the governance of the administration of Westarctica and may be rescinded in the case of disloyalty or forfeiture of citizenship. All previously issued titles and land deeds are hereby recognized.

ARTICLE 5: INTERNATIONAL STATUS
The Territory of Westarctica is administered as an extraterritorial entity free from the jurisdiction of any and all world governments.

ARTICLE 6: CHARITABLE PRINCIPLES
Westarctica's aims are entirely charitable and our organization is not intended for the private gain of any individual. Specifically, Westarctica's purpose is to (1) identify, research, and monitor issues of importance affecting animal life and the environment of the western section of Antarctica between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west and south of 60 degrees south to include all seas and ice shelves; (2) increase public awareness and understanding of environmental issues specific to the Antarctic continent through the media and other education programs; and (3) develop and implement programs to aid in the study and protection of animal life in Antarctica.