CHS American Government - Recently Updated Pages

UN Task Force 2C

MelinaM — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:38:10 CST

Kevin Petersen, Hannah Rosenblatt, Lauren Melnikoff, Huy Tran, Melina Martinez, Mike Vinokurov, Moli Tukuafu, Angelica Alvarez

White Paper 4C

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:15:23 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

Complete your UN Task Force’s suggestions for each area of a government for Xlandia, provide the reasons for these recommendations, and list the task force nations that have a similar feature in their system of government. At the end, explain the conditions that keep democracy strong, and advice on how to help Xlandia develop them.

Constitution

1. Should it be written or unwritten?
It is important that this constitution has a strong solid base to prevent Xlandia from falling into a dictatorship.

Reason:
An unwritten would not work well in Xlandia because it would be based on common law and practice. The way Xlandia’s government was in the past could be considered common law and practice, so a written constitution would prevent a dictatorship. Also if the constitution is written every one will know the law and be ensured that their rights are protected.

Task force nations that have this feature:
USA

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?
To prevent one person with all the power by sharing it equally and has the ability to govern a large geographic area more effectively by dividing responsibilities.

Reason: A unitary system Wouldn't be a good choice because all state and local governments are subordinate to the central government and can disband the states.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Australia, South Africa, and The United States of America

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?
A presidential system could be best for the people of Xlandia because the people have a say in the executive and legislative branches that make and approve laws.

Reason:Power between legislative and executive branches in a presidential system is shared to stop one branch from taking over another. In a parliamentary system the people don’t have a say in the executive and he or she can maintain their position unless unseated through an election by the legislative and not the people. A big problem of a parliamentary system is less effective minority.

Task force nations that have this feature:
The United States of America and Ukraine

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?
Xlandia should protect the rights of minorities and individuals in the constitution.

Reason:If it is in the constitution then it would ensure rights to minorities and individuals that might be forgotten. Since Xlandia's literacy rate is 75% most citizens will be aware of their rights.

Task force nations that have this feature:
The United States of America, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, and South Africa

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?
The military serves the people and is controlled by the civilian elite, therefore it is not tied into political decisions and is only there for the protection of people military serves the people and is controlled by the civilian elite, therefore it is not tied into political decisions and is only there for the protection of people.The military of Xlandia should be under the authority of the civilians of Xlandia.

Reason:This is to prevent a dictatorship from taking full control of the military like the Sonto family and citizens should have say in military activities. If government had all authority and say in military activities then they have the power to control the people of Xlandia.

Task force nations that have this feature:
All nations but South Africa

6. Other features we recommend:A feature that we recommend to Xlandia and to prevent a dictatorship is checks and balances.

Reasons:One branch of government cannot dominate the others and protects the people from tyranny. Any branch exercising power is checked by another branch this balancing power between them.

Task force nations that have this feature:
US

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?
Chief executive of Xlandia should be chosen by popular vote from the people.

Reason:This is the best way to represent what the people want and have a say in their government. Chief executive should not be chosen by a monarch or by the legislative branch. If chief executive were appointed by a monarch or a legislative branch then the people would not any say in their government and have no representation.

Task force nations that have this feature:
The United States of America, Philippines, and Uruguay

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?
The executive’s role in Xlandia should be the branch that goes over new laws from the legislative branch and approves or denies them.

Reason: Their power should be shared by more than one branch so the executive branch doesn’t have too much power and authority. If they didn’t share the power and authority then they could make laws that would violate the citizen’s rights and can overthrow the government into dictatorship or anarchy.

Task force nations that have this feature:
The United States of America, Philippines, South Africa, and Turkey

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?(The legislature should be bicameral because it is better to have a two-chamber legislature so that not only one would have to make all the decisions.)

Reason:It provides a better representation for a larger mass of people

Task force nations that have this feature:
All except Turkey, and Ukraine

2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?(The members of the legislature should be selected by…. Because … . The special guarantees given for minority group representation should be … because …)
The special guarantees given for minority group representation should be respect for every member of the group and their views should be taken into consideration, therefore everyone will have a say in the formation of the government.

Reason: The members of the legislature should be selected by popular vote because it is going to represent the people and they should be given the chance to make this decision on their own.

Task force nations that have this feature:
US,Australia,Philippines, South Africa,Turkey,Ukraine, and Uruguay

#3. Other features we recommend:
Bicameral groups

Reasons: So that there is an equal distribution of power

Task force nations that have this feature:
The United States

Judicial Power

#1.How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?(The members of the Supreme Court should be selected by … because …. )
The members of the Supreme Court should be appointed by executive and legislative approval because there is a variety of opinions on choosing the appointed members making it a more fair decision . This also stops the chance of someone who is not rite for the job to be put into power, giving people more of a chance to choose who they would want to be in power helping to govern them.

Task force nations that have this feature:
The United States

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review? The Supreme Court should be independent and have the power of judicial review.

Reason: If the Supreme Court is independent and has the power of judicial review, it prevents other branches from influencing them too much.

Task force nations that have this feature:
All countries but Ukraine

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?
The political party system in Xlandia should be a two-party system because starting a democracy will be easier because the members of the task force have previous knowledge of two-party systems.

Task force nations that have this feature are:
U.S.

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?
Elections should be held every three years because it’s a decent amount of time for a population of 6 million. Voting should be voluntary, but if not enough people vote, they should be made to vote because the results should be the choice of the entire country and not the decision of just a few.

Task force nations that have this feature are:
United States, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

3. Other features we recommend are :
compulsory voting to encourage fair elections so all parties have a fair chance of winning. Also, to help educate the citizens in politics so they do not fall into another dictator regime.

Task force nations that have this feature are:
Australia and Uruguay.

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy

Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

a. Strong Middle Class-If you have a strong middle class you would have people who will pay taxes and you would have a strong base of support and people who will serve as leaders.

b. Classless Education System-There should be a large working class and poor who should have access to opportunity and ability to affect the political system. Every child should go to school so more and more people can be literate.

c. Understanding democratic principles-Xlandia government will make the study of government polices in school. The government will use propaganda to gain the support of the people. The government will hold annual elections to gain leaders which are supported by the people.

d. Political consensus-To have the people support the laws will have a checks and balance system to figure out whether laws are constitutional. We will also let people vote on certain laws in their region during election times.

e. Growing economy-Democracy is inefficient and expensive because it requires group decisions- making, lobbying, and campaigning. A democracy would work best in economies that can support it. This would give Xlandia access to economic opportunity.

f. Support from other nations-The neighboring countries or trading partners would help support Xlandia with the new democracies by way of loans, trading preferences, education, and health services. Other support like building roads and communications can prevent the new democracy from stumbling and collapsing.

g. Free press-There should be free press in a democracy because they give information to the people on what the government is doing. The free press helps to limit government corruption.

h. Professional military- The Professional Military is important to democracy because it helps protect society from outside forces, protecting from the spread of communism with war.

ARFX Committee Concerns 4C

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:15:09 CST

The following members of the ARFX Committee will hear your presentation:

1. Aref Pech, leader of the Allied Rebellion Forces. A former army general with many loyal troops, Pech claims to want democracy and admires the U.S. Constitution, but isn’t sure the country is ready at this point in time. Aware that the rebellion was fought by a collection of groups who might not be easily united under a strong national government, Pech wonders if a loosely-governed “federation” might be more likely to succeed.

2. Moran Lofay, a wealthy businessperson and member of the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion. Lofay is fearful of losing power to “the masses,” and probably would favor a strong central government or even a “more benevolent” dictator.

3. Chay Sorom, a peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers. Sorom wants a democracy but knows that many peasants insist the rich should not be given the chance to gain power again in the new government. Concerned about giving the executive too much power, Sorom even questions the value of a representative government since direct voting by the people seems to be “fairest.”

4. Myself as U.N. liaison. While the nation I come from has a parliamentary system, I am open to other ways of organizing a government, as long as the nation becomes stable and is governed efficiently and fairly for all citizens. I will act as moderator for the committee during the presentation.

Please respond to one question from each committee members.
Write your answers below the question, and please italic the answer.
Note: The U.N. Task Force members need clarification on basic terms and concepts.

Aref Pech, leader of Allied Rebellion Forces I like the United States Constitution. What are the good things about it that we should include in ours? Does it have any weaknesses?

One of the good things about the united states constitution is that it is written and would ensure the rights of minorities are protected and that the constitution does not get accidentally changed because it was passed on by world of mouth to the next president. Another good thing about the U.S. constitution is that civilians have authority over the military to prevent a dictatorship from forming and taking over the population. One of the most important qualities of the American constitution is that the president is elected by popular vote to ensure that the entire population has an opinion and say in the government, and to ensure that not just rich land owners and ethnic groups only have a say in the leader of the country. Last and probably the most important regarding fairness is a bicameral system, it’s considered a fair system because one chamber represents bigger states that have a higher population and the second chamber represents states that have a smaller population.

Moran Lofay, wealthy businessperson in the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion
1. This country was held together by the Sonto family for many decades, and before that by our European rulers. How can we be sure our national government remains strong enough to prevent us from breaking apart?
To have this be sure would should have a strong lead role from our government that would be apart of their new government forming to prevent us from breaking apart from them. This would be a sure 100% thing, but would be a great thought to have then many other ideas thought.

2. Couldn’t we have some sort of permanent head of state, or at least have a 10-year term of office for that person? If we choose the right person, he or she wouldn’t necessarily turn out to be as bad as Sonto. Otherwise, won’t there be instability when the government changes?
What would be more useful would to have someone in office for some amount of time then over having a permanent role of head of state. Wouldn't lead to a dictatorship that would mostly likely not be wanted.

3. If we allow everyone to vote for our leaders every few years, can we trust that they will vote reasonably? Shouldn’t we at least have a literacy test or property-owning requirement in order to vote?
Since not all of the conutry is literate, a literacy test would not be a fair requirement in order to vote. Also, since not all of XLANDIAs population is wealthy enough to own land, a property-owning requirement would also be unfair. The citizens should be able to vote reasonably based on information given to them about the candidates.

Chay Sorom, peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers
1. Shouldn’t the people vote directly to decide our laws and national policies? Isn’t that the fairest system?

2. If we elect representatives to make the laws for us, how can we be sure they won’t be corrupted by power?
We won't be too sure until we find out the type of person they under when given the power. It would be to see how they show their role to give them good word with other citizens. They would have to gain the trust from the citizens and then would be decided if they know what they are doing with their power.

3. What do I tell people who ask why we must have another “supreme national leader” in Xlandia City? Can’t we just have a “people’s assembly” to govern us?

4. How can my followers be assured that the rich will not, once again, have too much power in this new government? Why must the landowners get a guaranteed share of power?
The landowners need a share of power so that all the regions of XLANDIA are respresented fairly. The power should not rest in the hand of the wealthy once again, but in the hands of all of XLANDIAs citizens, rich or poor.

Reedi Chohari, U.N. liaison and moderator of the committee
1. Doesn’t a parliamentary system have certain advantages over a presidential system?
A parliamentary system does have certain advantges over a presidential system. Laws would get passed quicker in legislation because there would be no problems betweent different poloitcal parties. Also, voting would be based on political parties and their policies and ideas rather than just one person and their policies and ideas.

2. The system in the United States seems so inefficient—what benefits does it have?

3. I agree that Xlandia may be in danger of breaking apart into separate regions if there is not a strong enough central government. Doesn’t that mean it should have a unitary, not a federal, system?
In a federal system, the regions of XLANDIA would be free to settle their affairs as they desire where a unitary system would allow the central government to handle all the affairs. Different regions would require different needs and based on the information given, the country is somewhat diverse and a federal system would appeal to the different cultures that might not want to settle for what a unitary system would offer.

4. How can we address the concerns of the group of wealthy agricultural families? Xlandia cannot afford to let them leave or harm the exports that the economy desperately needs.

White Paper 3C

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:14:47 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

Constitution

1. Should it be written or unwritten?
The Constitution of Xlandia should be written.

Xlandia should have a Written Constitution because in the past they have had a dictatorship as their government. With this the people of Xlandia would feel safer and that their rights are not being violated as it was in the past.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uruguay

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system? Xlandia should establish a Federalist System
Xlandia should consider establishing a Federalist System because a Unitary System is more likely to become a dictatorship and the people do not want that again. In the Federalist System the power is distributed equally and not held in one Federal government.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, South Africa, Ukraine, and United Kingdom

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?
Xlandia should establish a Parliamentary System

Xlandia should choose a Parliamentary System that way the Executive and Legislative branches can work together to come up with the best ideas for Xlandia and its people.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, South Africa, Ukraine, and United Kingdom 4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?
By the Constitution

Xlandia can protect the rights of minorities and individuals by the Constitution because when it is written it guarantees them their rights. Also, with John Locke’s philosophy of “Natural Rights” the people of Xlandia will feel safer.

Task force nations that have this feature:
USA, Philippines, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership? That the civilian government has authority over the military

The relationship between the military and civilian leadership should be this way so they can prevent dictatorship from happening again as it did in the past. The citizens of Xlandia should have a say in the military.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, and Uruguay
6. Other features we recommend: Checks and Balances

To make sure that no one has too much power and tries to make a dictatorship happen again.

Task force nations that have this feature: USA Executive Power
1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch? Should be chosen popular vote

The chief executive should be chosen by popular vote of the people of Xlandia because the people should have the right to vote for who should and should not run their country, they can vote for the right person to help bring Xlandia up.

Task force nations that have this feature: USA, Philippines, and Uruguay

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one? It should be shared

The executive’s role should be shared because if one person is playing then they have the power to do whatever they want, and it is much like a dictatorship, which is what they do not want for the people of Xlandia.
Task force nations that have this feature: USA, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral? It should be bicameral.

The legislature should be bicameral because it is a better representative for a larger mass of people. With multiple houses they can come together and have better ideas for Xlandia and not just for themselves.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, and Uruguay
2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation? By popular vote The members of the legislature should be selected by popular vote because this will give the people of Xlandia a better chance to choose the people that best represent them.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Uruguay

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?

The Supreme Court should be appointed by executive branch with legislative approval because this will not allow the president to have all the power to choose the Supreme Court that can approve the laws that are beneficial to the president and not for the people of Xlandia.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, South Africa, Ukraine, and Uruguay

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?

Yes, we advise that the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review because this will allow the laws to be reviewed by the supreme court and not just by the executive branch, and the supreme court can have a say in the law making process and is not influenced much by the other branches.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Ukraine, and Uruguay

Citizen Participation
1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system? The political party for Xlandia should be a multiple- party system because since they are starting up a democracy it will lead to more perspectives and ideas for Xlandia. A one party system is much like a dictatorship and a two party system is just like the united states.

Task force nations that have this feature: Philippines, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Uruguay

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?

Elections for Xlandia should be held every three years and voluntary because the people will feel like they have more control over who is in office and how often a term should be.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia

3. Other features we recommend:

We recommend voluntary voting because this will encourage the people to vote instead of forcing them and educate them into how important voting is.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

a. Strong Middle Class
A strong middle class would provide a large pool of people that pay taxes. They are the working people because they know how to run the economy. They are more likely to become teachers, mayor, lawyers, and doctors. They are the ones that keep the economy stable.

b. Classless Education System
The classless education system provides equal education to the wealthy and the poor. If the education was equal then there would be no discrimination. People would have the same equal opportunity to be able to get a job. A classless education would prevent discrimination against people and everyone would be happy.

c. Understanding democratic principles
If we teach the principles of Democracy to the nations youth, they will have a better understanding of our government and not be as likely to misunderstand and criticize it. They will come to know it and pass it on so their kids will understand the law of the land also. Democracy comes form Europe's enlightenment period. In that time the belief and value of Science, Secularism, and Modernity accompanied the development of democratic principles.

d. Political consensus
People need to see and know that their democratic principles are working. they must understand that this will help them in the long run. the people need to participate and commit to helping the government. This is needed to help us get started and make the government flow and establish a solid firm government.

e. Growing economy
With a growing economy the democracy is inefficient and expensive. Inefficient and expensive because it requires group decision making. Democracy will work best if the economy can support it.

f. Support from other nations
Support from other nations would create more opportunity. More opportunity by making new democracies. More new democracies by a way of loans, trading preferences, education and health services. Support from other nations would create growth.

g. Free press
With a free press there would be less corruption. It would seek the truth. It would share with the citizen’s new arguments and ideas. A free press is allowed to report information about what government is doing.

h. Professional military
Having Professional Military would mean thet the military would be around to serve the people who control them, the "civilian elite" (chief executive and legislative). They would not be used as a force aganist it's own citizens, at any time. Also, no military leaders would be able to hold a politacal office, or even be involved in any political problems.

ARFX Committee Concerns 3C

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:14:38 CST

The following members of the ARFX Committee will hear your presentation:

1. Aref Pech, leader of the Allied Rebellion Forces. A former army general with many loyal troops, Pech claims to want democracy and admires the U.S. Constitution, but isn’t sure the country is ready at this point in time. Aware that the rebellion was fought by a collection of groups who might not be easily united under a strong national government, Pech wonders if a loosely-governed “federation” might be more likely to succeed.

2. Moran Lofay, a wealthy businessperson and member of the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion. Lofay is fearful of losing power to “the masses,” and probably would favor a strong central government or even a “more benevolent” dictator.

3. Chay Sorom, a peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers. Sorom wants a democracy but knows that many peasants insist the rich should not be given the chance to gain power again in the new government. Concerned about giving the executive too much power, Sorom even questions the value of a representative government since direct voting by the people seems to be “fairest.”

4. Myself as U.N. liaison. While the nation I come from has a parliamentary system, I am open to other ways of organizing a government, as long as the nation becomes stable and is governed efficiently and fairly for all citizens. I will act as moderator for the committee during the presentation.

Please respond to one question from each committee members.
Write your answers below the question, and please italic the answer.
Note: The U.N. Task Force members need clarification on basic terms and concepts.

Aref Pech, leader of Allied Rebellion Forces
1. We have several different regions in our country—and different groups in those regions—who might not want to be controlled by a central government, as they were for so long under BB Sonto. So wouldn’t a federation of regional provinces or states be better than a unitary system?

2. I like the United States Constitution. What are the good things about it that we should include in ours? Does it have any weaknesses?

Some of the things that we should include in our own Constitution that are also seen in the United States' Constitution are:
Article. I.Section. 9.
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
Because it would be wrong to tax on exports. Section. 4. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year. Because this helps our countries focus on our problems together. Article 2 .Section. 4.
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Because it is wrong to do and it would not be running like it should
Article. IV.Section. 1.
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
Section. 4.
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence.
We would like to include similar ideas to these into our own Constitution, because these are basically rights of nature and we, like the US, believe that there are certain rights that everyone is given and that everyone should follow. (Taken from the U.S. Constitution)

3. Is our country ready for democracy? What conditions do we need to develop in order for democracy to be successful? Can we simply adopt some other country’s form of government? How quickly should we move toward democratic government?

Moran Lofay, wealthy businessperson in the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion
1. This country was held together by the Sonto family for many decades, and before that by our European rulers. How can we be sure our national government remains strong enough to prevent us from breaking apart?

2. Couldn’t we have some sort of permanent head of state, or at least have a 10-year term of office for that person? If we choose the right person, he or she wouldn’t necessarily turn out to be as bad as Sonto. Otherwise, won’t there be instability when the government changes?

3. If we allow everyone to vote for our leaders every few years, can we trust that they will vote reasonably? Shouldn’t we at least have a literacy test or property-owning requirement in order to vote?
In our proposed system of government, we have plans to ensure that everyone is able to vote during every election. We do not want to force the citizens of XLANDIA to vote, and so their decision to vote is ultimately their own choice. By doing this and letting them choose freely whether or not they want to vote, we hope that the citizens will be smart enough to make decisions to help themselves in the long run. The voters will be voting for their own beliefs and ideas, so all votes will be put through with a good deal of thought and consideration. However, putting limits on who can vote may change this and cause a commotion amongst the nation. Previous nations have attempted to put such restrictions on voting in the early 20th century, but they were shortly reversed. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, in the United States, ensured that equality amongst voters was still in place and banned certain ideas on who cannot vote in that country. We do not want our newly created government to fall into a trap because the less educated and people in poverty struck areas cannot vote for their own well-being.

Chay Sorom, peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers
1. Shouldn’t the people vote directly to decide our laws and national policies? Isn’t that the fairest system?

2. If we elect representatives to make the laws for us, how can we be sure they won’t be corrupted by power? As a UN Task Force we have recommended XLANDIA to establish the people to decide on how they want there committee to be set. We are setting this by not letting the three branches Judicial, Executive, and legislative to make laws and having the committee electing their representatives to make laws that we can vote and agree upon. We will make sure that they won’t be corrupted by power by not letting the three branches overrule one another. This is called checks and balances this means that it ensure that no single branch government has to mush authority by them overlooking each other.

3. What do I tell people who ask why we must have another “supreme national leader” in Xlandia City? Can’t we just have a “people’s assembly” to govern us?

4. How can my followers be assured that the rich will not, once again, have too much power in this new government? Why must the landowners get a guaranteed share of power?

Reedi Chohari, U.N. liaison and moderator of the committee
1. Doesn’t a parliamentary system have certain advantages over a presidential system?

2. The system in the United States seems so inefficient—what benefits does it have?
The United States may seen so inefficient but the United States has many benefits. One being that the United States is one of the most powerful countries in the world. The United States are for the people which attract people all over the world. They let the people, those legally here, vote for who they want to govern them by the popular vote. There are many representives for each state to represent the people and get their voices heard. They are all up to date in their technology and is an advanced country. The country is education hungry- wanting higher education levels. You are a free person in the country for the most part, you can practically do anything you want as long as you obey by the law and got money.

3. I agree that Xlandia may be in danger of breaking apart into separate regions if there is not a strong enough central government. Doesn’t that mean it should have a unitary, not a federal, system?

4. How can we address the concerns of the group of wealthy agricultural families? Xlandia cannot afford to let them leave or harm the exports that the economy desperately needs.

White Paper 2C

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:14:23 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

Complete your UN Task Force’s suggestions for each area of a government for XLANDIA, provide the reasons for these recommendations, and list the task force nations that have a similar feature in their system of government. At the end, explain the conditions that keep democracy strong, and advice on how to help XLANDIA develop them.

Constitution

1. Should it be written or unwritten?
Reason: The Constitution for XLANDIA should be a written one, because once things are written into a Constitution, nothing can be changed overnight. And to change anything will have to go through a long process. Also all the civilians of XLANDIA will always be aware of their freedoms, and laws that will protect them. Both the government and the citizens will be aware of their rights and limitations. This makes it so that neither the government nor citizens can tweak things to their advantage or in their defense. This way neither the government nor citizens can take advantage of each other. XLANDIA has so many different groups and a written one will be one that most can understand considering that their literacy rate is 75%. This way they will not feel deceived after being ruled for so long by a dictator.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay.

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?
Reason: XLANDIA should establish a Federalist System because it divides things down into levels. This means that the power is divided into levels beginning from the federal to state, from state to county, and from county to city. XLANDIA is already divided into several regions based on geographical divisions. In these regions the RRy had been ruled by chiefs. In the federalist system the government goes lower and lower into the different fields that help to serve the people. A unitary system would not be effective for XLANDIA because it might remind them of the dictatorship that they lived under. It would also be ineffective because of the subordination of the local governments in which the citizens have total control of who they elect.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Australia, and South Africa

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?
Reason: XLANDIA should establish a presidential system because it gives more power to the people to elect officials and it also creates a better check and balances system. This way the people are able to directly vote on who they want to be their president and who is in charge of running their country. This system will work for XLANDIA because before this the people were ruled by a dictatorship and had no say in what was being done to their country which directly affected them and their lifestyle. Having these elections for president will really work well for them because during their rule by a dictator, plans to hold elections were repeatedly delayed; so no one new ever came into rule. Having a better checks and balances system makes it so that one branch of government cannot dominate the others and protects the people for tyranny. The people of XLANDIA have already experiences tyranny so a presidential system protects the people from this happening again.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Philippines, Ukraine, Uruguay

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?

Reason: XLANDIA can protect the rights of minorities and individuals by including a Bill of Rights into their government plan. It would lay out some rights and freedoms that the government might try to take away unless it is written out. This would benefit XLANDIA because in the past under their dictator, they never had any real rights. When they had their dictator he controlled most of their everyday life activities. It would guarantee some of the most important rights that the citizens share.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Turkey, Philippines, South Africa, Uruguay, United Sates, and Ukraine

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?

Reason: The relationship between the military and civilian leadership should be in a way that the president proposes ideas for the military action's( i.e. deployments for war/peacekeeping, expansion, military funding, declaration of Marshall law etc.), but he needs the legislature's consent in order to have his commands put into action. The legislature will have to vote on a 2/3 majority system. This will prevent the President from being the true sole commander in chief of the military and from being able to carry out tyrannical acts against Xlandians or anyone else. XLANDIA may have great faith in their military because it was the military leader, Aref Pech, who was able to over throw Sonto. They want a democratic government so they would support having someone in charge of them.

Task force nations that have this feature:
none

6. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?

Reason: The chief executive should be selected by direct popular vote because then the people are participating and will have a say in who they want for this position. This is good for XLANDIA because before elections in XLANDIA were repeatedly delayed so the people never had a chance to vote or chose who they wanted to rule their country. Even though the people of XLANDIA have little experience with voting and political debates, being given the opportunity to do so will greatly please them and give them a fair chance for fair equal representation. This will also help them to become familiar with democratic concepts that will be used in many areas of the government in their country.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Philippines, Ukraine, Uruguay

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?

Reason: The executive’s role should be to carry out the laws because this job is time consuming enough without adding extra jobs to it. Carrying out laws is hard work and should be taken very seriously and the executive needs time to carry out this important role. If we were to not only have the executive carry out the laws but make them as well then the decisions would be biased and unfair. This role should be played by more than one person because by having more people you have more than one opinion or viewpoint when carrying out the laws. XLANDIA needs this because since in their past history they have had a dictatorship carrying out the laws this will give the country a fair chance to make a checks and balances system.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, South Africa, Turkey

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?

Reason: We recommend a bicameral system for the new government of XLANDIA. In this system there would be a “House of Dukes” (the population based house, each region gets one representative for every 100,000 citizens in the region), and the “Higher Representatives Committee” (HRC, the neutral house in which every region is allowed two representatives). Bills would first be passed in the House of Dukes, and later passed on to the HRC where they make the final vote and approve or reject the bill. This system is advantageous because it gives minorities a fair chance in legislature in the HRC, where every region has equal representation, but the larger regions have superior numbers in the House of Dukes, thus being fair to their greater populations. It would be easy for XLANDIA to have the House of Dukes because their landscape is already divided up into different regions. Everyone wants fair representation and the two houses would provide it for XLANDIA.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Australia, Phil, South Africa, UK, Uruguay.

2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?

Reason:The members of legislature should be selected by popular vote because this way, the people would get to vote for who they wanted to represent them. The special guarantees given for the minority group representation should be that they are a certain number of seats in each house because the legislature would be bicameral, there would be a group dedicated to representing the minority group because the Higher Representatives Committee is neutral. Furthermore, the House of Dukes would be based on population, standing for the majority. This way, both groups are heard and represented in different ways to make sure that no side is favored.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, Uruguay

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?
Reason: The members of the Supreme Court should be chosen by the Executive with approval from the Legislative branch because it would allow Legislature to question the candidate. These questions would allow the Legislature to make sure that the Executive is not picking the people that he wants, who have the same intentions as him. The Legislature would make it so that the courts have different view points and are diverse. XLANDIA's previous courts were corrupted due to the fact that they were being ruled by a dictator. This would be a fair court so no one would have to worry about being tried unfairly.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, South Africa, Ukraine, Uruguay

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?
Reason: Yes, the Supreme Court should be independent and have the power of judicial review, because the Supreme Court should not be in the hands of the President. Instead the citizens of XLANDIA should be able to vote in who gets to be in the Supreme Court. And with the power of the judicial review, the Supreme Court will be able to have some control of the other branches of the Government.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay.

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?

Reason:The political party system in XLANDIA should be multiple-party. We decided on a multiple-party because there could be issues that not everyone agrees on, which would then result in a conclusive decision with the legislature being diverse. XLANDIA is already forming to to two parites but other small ones are sprouting. The first major party would be of the upper-class elite and the second one would be of the urban poor/non-European. The other small parties would be those of the original tribes. Each one would be able to elect officials that meet their wants.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, Uruguay.

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?
Reason: Elections should be held once every three years using a compulsory system because in a compulsory voting system everyone will have to vote, which will give everyone a say. Once a citizen of Xlandia turns the age eighteen, they will have to participate in every election. There will be consequences if a citizen chooses not to participate such as fines or jail time. Having an election every three years will give Xlandia the opportunity to control their leaders.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Australia and Uruguay.

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy

Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

a. Strong Middle Class
A strong middle class is required in order for the government to have someone to tax and to run the economy. Middle class groups are more literate and are able to stand on their own in society, so that there are people that can work in the government too. The people in the middle class will be the ones running the economy running the roles of doctors, lawyers, law enforcers, teachers and other that will build the society.

b. Classless Education System
Everyone should be able to educate themselves and when the people are more literate then they are more capable of building a better government and economy. In order to build a successful economy the people of the nation all need to have a general education in order to understand the government. This will not be hard for XLANDIA to accomplish because they already have a successful education program in which there is a 75% literacy rate.

c. Understanding Democratic Principles
In understanding democratic principles, one must know what a democracy is and entails. To begin this process of understanding a democracy we must begin to teach the young in school, that way we have a strong country and many participants. This will give us a large range of future leaders who fully understand democratic concepts. The main aspect to understand in a democracy would be what a democracy is, the people are allowed to choose their representatives based on political preferences by electing leaders who they feel exemplify their beliefs. In a democracy, “a system of government in which political power rests with the majority through its capacity to choose representative in free and open elections” (lecture notes). Voting is considered a fundamental responsibility in a democracy because this allows citizens to participate in the most prominent way. The citizens are electing who they want to represent them first hand.

d. Political Consensus
Political consensus is the majority, if not all of the people in accordance of the principles being imposed upon them. It is necessary for the leaders of XLANDIA to make sure that all of their people are completely informed and educated in the democratic standards. In order to have a functioning and well running democracy, two requirements are commitment and participation. If the people of XLANDIA are informed about these principles at an early age, they will grow to understand them better, furthermore allowing them to growing economy is required in order to increase the number of people in the middle class. When an economy is growing then the budget for the nation will increase resulting in more money left to rebuild and improve the country. XLANDIA was previously ruled under a dictatorship, meaning that there is a chance that the landscapes of the country are wasted and need to be reconstructed and farms need to be built. A better economy will result in a better standard of living for the people and more public services.

f. Support From Other Nations
Support of other nations is important, when building a new nation, because having any support is always good for international trade that can aid the growth of the economy and be useful in a time of war. It is a disadvantage to have enemies when building a new government because the country would be total anarchy while the government is being decided and other strong nations could invade. XLANDIA's neighboring countries have kept to themselves seeing that they are also struggling to sustain a democratic government in their country. If XLANDIA is successful in delivering a democratic government, then other countries may be inspired to do it. They would each be allies for each other.

g. Free Press
A free press is required to spread the word about what is going on in the government and the economy so that the people can adjust and vote for the right people to be in power. When the government is hiding information of its doings from the public, then it is not a democracy anymore because a democracy entails that the people run the government. If the people do not know what is going on then they cannot rule or vote properly. XLANDIA had a press that was controlled by the dictator. The press was full of propaganda in favor of him. This would give the citizens of XLANDIA the information that they need in regards to what their government is doing.

h. Professional Military
A professional military is required to defend against other nations especially when an undeveloped nation is trying to rebuild. There are still other dictatorship nations that are around and would take advantage and invade. In XLANDIA there are currently two major groups fighting for the control of the country, a military could keep the people in check. A coalition of foreign Armies can be assembled that will train the formal Xlandian Army and security forces, and double-up as a peacekeeping Task Force. Nations like the US, Britain, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, France, Italy among other world powers will likely be willing to participate in such military manuevers.

ARFX Committee Concerns 2C

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:14:15 CST

The following members of the ARFX Committee will hear your presentation:

1. Aref Pech, leader of the Allied Rebellion Forces. A former army general with many loyal troops, Pech claims to want democracy and admires the U.S. Constitution, but isn’t sure the country is ready at this point in time. Aware that the rebellion was fought by a collection of groups who might not be easily united under a strong national government, Pech wonders if a loosely-governed “federation” might be more likely to succeed.

2. Moran Lofay, a wealthy businessperson and member of the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion. Lofay is fearful of losing power to “the masses,” and probably would favor a strong central government or even a “more benevolent” dictator.

3. Chay Sorom, a peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers. Sorom wants a democracy but knows that many peasants insist the rich should not be given the chance to gain power again in the new government. Concerned about giving the executive too much power, Sorom even questions the value of a representative government since direct voting by the people seems to be “fairest.”

4. Myself as U.N. liaison. While the nation I come from has a parliamentary system, I am open to other ways of organizing a government, as long as the nation becomes stable and is governed efficiently and fairly for all citizens. I will act as moderator for the committee during the presentation.

Please respond to one question from each committee members.
Write your answers below the question, and please italic the answer.
Note: The U.N. Task Force members need clarification on basic terms and concepts.

Aref Pech, leader of Allied Rebellion Forces
1. We have several different regions in our country—and different groups in those regions—who might not want to be controlled by a central government, as they were for so long under BB Sonto. So wouldn’t a federation of regional provinces or states be better than a unitary system?

2. I like the United States Constitution. What are the good things about it that we should include in ours? Does it have any weaknesses?
One good thing about the constitution of the United States is that in it is an embedded Bill of Rights, which garuntees the rights of the citizens of the country, including minorities. A written constitution is an effective way to regulate a country by creating a solid framework for the purpose of government and how exactly it should go about fulfilling its purpose. It is also advantageous (especially to a nation transferring its government from an authoritarian dictatorship to a democracy) because it creates multiple branches of government; the overall power that the federal government is given by the people is split among these 3 branches (legislative, Executive, and Judicial), thus ensuring that no single person or department can take total control of the country. In addition, in American democracy, most members of government are voted into power by the majority (with the exception of the electoral college's selection during presidential elections) so whoever is in charge is there because the majority want him there, not because he is a blood relative to a member of the old monarchy, and not because he has influence in the military and has the power to overthrow his current government. There are certain weaknesses, like that fact that justice can't always be served totally 100% fair (in terms of law), the inevitable existence of corruption among politicians. Lobbying, special interest groups in the legislature that can sway politicians away from doing the right thing for the country and instead doing the right thing for their wallet. No government can be 100% perfect, but American Democracy has somehow managed to thrust the US into being the most influentially, economically, politically and militarily powerful nation in the world today.
http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/constitution.html

3. Is our country ready for democracy? What conditions do we need to develop in order for democracy to be successful? Can we simply adopt some other country’s form of government? How quickly should we move toward democratic government?

Moran Lofay, wealthy businessperson in the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion
1. This country was held together by the Sonto family for many decades, and before that by our European rulers. How can we be sure our national government remains strong enough to prevent us from breaking apart?

2. Couldn’t we have some sort of permanent head of state, or at least have a 10-year term of office for that person? If we choose the right person, he or she wouldn’t necessarily turn out to be as bad as Sonto. Otherwise, won’t there be instability when the government changes?

3. If we allow everyone to vote for our leaders every few years, can we trust that they will vote reasonably? Shouldn’t we at least have a literacy test or property-owning requirement in order to vote?
We cannot entirely trust that all the people will vote reasonably, which is precisely why we recommend that each citizen should take a literacy test to prove that they are minimally educated and able to make a reasonable and logical decision on whom to vote for based on their opinions. Property owning is different, unlike in the case of young America, we believe people who don't own property within Xlandia should able to vote. An Xlandian is an Xlandian, no matter whether they own 100 acres of land or none. The country already has a high literacy rate so taking a test shouldn't be a disqualifier for the vast majority of Xlandians that are eligible to vote.

Chay Sorom, peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers
1. Shouldn’t the people vote directly to decide our laws and national policies? Isn’t that the fairest system?

2. If we elect representatives to make the laws for us, how can we be sure they won’t be corrupted by power?

3. What do I tell people who ask why we must have another “supreme national leader” in Xlandia City? Can’t we just have a “people’s assembly” to govern us?

4. How can my followers be assured that the rich will not, once again, have too much power in this new government? Why must the landowners get a guaranteed share of power?
It cannot be completely assured, but the new system, if it works correctly, should limit a single person’s ability to take advantage of the government. In Legislature, no single man can pass a bill because he needs the support of the majority, the president and his Executive branch can’t do much without the support of the Legislature, and the Judicial branch is only able to interpret law, which is a right that can possibly be abused, but that Is left up to the people trusting the presidents judgment when he chooses the supreme court, and trust the judgments of the legislature when they vote to approve him. Honestly; it will most likely be well-educated and fairly wealthy people that will take the presidency, but the foundation of his power is rooted in the common middle-class Xlandian. Landowners are not officially guaranteed a share of power, the thing is that it will most likely be the wealthy and the educated that will end up being representatives in government, so they are “unofficially” almost guaranteed a position in power.

Reedi Chohari, U.N. liaison and moderator of the committee
1. Doesn’t a parliamentary system have certain advantages over a presidential system?

2. The system in the United States seems so inefficient—what benefits does it have?
Your question is not clear, do you mean money, control, position as world leader? As for what we can say, the U.S's aim is to to have a high rate of economic growth, a high rate of literacy, and a high rate of satisfied citizen's. All those criteria have been satisfied, that is why the government of the U.S. has been able to last over two centuries. There is no government that is perfect, but the U.S.'s government has more pros than cons and so it is a good way to run a government. Another benefit is that the people are able to vote for who they want to be in office and who they want to represent their beliefs.

3. I agree that Xlandia may be in danger of breaking apart into separate regions if there is not a strong enough central government. Doesn’t that mean it should have a unitary, not a federal, system?

4. How can we address the concerns of the group of wealthy agricultural families? Xlandia cannot afford to let them leave or harm the exports that the economy desperately needs.

White Paper 1C

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:14:06 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

Constitution

1. Should it be written or unwritten?
(The Constitution for XLANDIA should be … Because …)

Reason:
The constitution should be written because the citizens of Xlandia had a ruler who would make and change laws as he pleased, so if they have a written constitution, then no leader would be able to change it and the citizens would know their true rights.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uruguay

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?
(XLANDIA should establish a … because ….)

Reason:
A unitary system should be established because the country being small with its main economy being Agriculture doesn’t need to have such a big government.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Philippines, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?
(XLANDIA should establish a … because …. )

Reason:
A presidential system should be established because the people want to vote for their leaders and not have their leaders being elected.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Philippines, Ukraine, Uruguay

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?
(XLANDIA can protect the rights of minorities and individuals by … because ….)

Reason:
Ways that the new government should help the people is, since most of the citizens are farmers, the government should create benefits for them, for example, if there is a drought during the whole farming season, then the government could help by giving Aid such as welfare.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?
(The relationship between the military and civilian leadership should be … because….)

Reason:
The citizens of Xlandia should have the right to control the army with minimal involvement from the government because if controlled by the government, then there is a risk that they will ruin the country from all that power.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Turkey, Uruguay

6. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?
(The chief executive should be selected by … because …)

Reason:
Since over 75% of the people are literate and the people wish to choose who their leaders are, there should be a direct polpular vote.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Philippines, Ukraine, Uruguay

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?
(The executive’s role should be …because...This role should be played by … because …)

Reason:
The executives branch should have the following roles: overall control of the military, the power to veto laws, and the power to nominate people to the supreme court.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Legistaltive Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?

Reason:
Since Xlandia is quite small compared to other countires we decided to give it a unicameral legislature because a bicameral wouldn't be good for a smaller country.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Australia, Ukraine, Turkey

2. Should the members if the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?

Reason:
Having the legislature voted by a popular vote would make it more fair because then there wouldn't be the chance of a legislature getting less votes becoming the leader.

Task force nations that have this feature:
All

3. Other features we recommend:

Reason:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?
(The members of the Supreme Court should be selected by … because …. )

Reason:
The members of the supreme court should be nominated by the executive branch; We believe that it’s the executive branch’s duty to select the Supreme Court, for the executive branch would be selected by the people of the nation, we also believe that the person the people select as the executive branch will also choose the best for their nation.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Ukraine

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?
(The Supreme Court should be…. Because…. Or have… because….)

Reasons:
We think the Supreme Court should be independent and have the power of judicial review because, they should make decision based on what the law says, instead of following the government laws. We believe that the Supreme Court should follow the constitution, and be independent form the government.

Task force nations that have this feature:
All except: Ukraine and Uruguay

3. Other features we recommend:

Reason:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?
(The political party system in XLANDIA should be …. Because ….)

Reason:
We believe that the political party system for Xlandia should be a two-party system, since Xlandia is a small country. A multiple party could be too much chaos for such a small country.

Task force nations that have this feature:

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?
(Elections should be held ….. because ….. Voting should be …… because …..)

Reason:
The elections should be held every 5 years, with voluntary voting. Xlandia is literate enough to chose what they want to represent them as a nation. Voluntary voting would be more accurate, since people are voting for what they really want. Unlike compulsory voting, people would just be voting without actually taking candidates into consideration, and review what their plans are for the nation.

Task force nations that have this feature:
All except: Australia and Uruguay

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy

Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

A. Strong Middle Class
Since the wealthy agricultural families continue to be wealthy they should offer jobs to the lower and less fortunate families. This would insure that they’ll have a higher source of income. This would help create a stronger middle class for Xlandia.

B. Classless Education System
Everyone should have a right to a free education and to learn no matter what class they’re categorized in. Education is a big part of a person’s life.

C. Understanding democratic principles
The new government of Xlandia should give out lectures and pamphlets to all citizens of Xlandia in order for all to understand their rights, schools should also begin to teach students of their democratic rights and how they can exercise them.

D. Political consensus
The government of Xlandia should find an agreement between them and the citizens, something that would definitely keep the country stable while making everyone happy.

E. Growing economy
Xlandia should find other ways to create a growing stable economy because farming will not make the economy as strong as if they had other things to back it up.

F. Support from other nations
Xlandia’s government should only receive help only when needed, it also help other countries in need only until they have a stable economy.

G. Free press
A free press should not have any government involvement and should have the right to print out what it pleases, they should have the right to freedom of speech.

H. Professional military
A professional army is needed to keep a democracy strong because a strong army means no surrounding area will harm you, also a strong army will be able defend its citizens. The governments involvement should be minimal, basically its only involvement should be to upgradethe military, to make better weapons creating a stronger defense for the country.

ARFX Committee Cocerns 1C

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:13:56 CST

The 19th amendment, giving the right for women to vote. A fair poll of voters includes ALL citizens. Discrimination leads to minority groups having less rights.
The 12th amendment, election of the president and vice president. This will eliminate the power of an authoritarian leader who comes to power by force.
The 2nd amendment, the right to bear arms. Allows all people to protect themselves from an oppressive rebellion.

Section 10 of Article I: would displease citizens because it restricts the states and authority comes from the national government. This would simulate an atmosphere of total rule, just as they had before, that is what we are trying to stray away from.

this is an example of what people can own to bear arms.

3. Is our country ready for democracy? What conditions do we need to develop in order for democracy to be successful? Can we simply adopt some other country’s form of government? How quickly should we move toward democratic government?

Moran Lofay, wealthy businessperson in the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion
1. This country was held together by the Sonto family for many decades, and before that by our European rulers. How can we be sure our national government remains strong enough to prevent us from breaking apart?

2. Couldn’t we have some sort of permanent head of state, or at least have a 10-year term of office for that person? If we choose the right person, he or she wouldn’t necessarily turn out to be as bad as Sonto. Otherwise, won’t there be instability when the government changes?

3. If we allow everyone to vote for our leaders every few years, can we trust that they will vote reasonably? Shouldn’t we at least have a literacy test or property-owning requirement in order to vote?

Yes, we can trust that the Xlandian people will vote reasonably because everyone’s been fed up with the government they’ve had so far. They just want the best for themselves. Also they shouldn’t have a literacy test in order to vote because 75% of the people there are literate. A property-owning requirement is also not needed because everyone should have a say in who they want their leader to be, they shouldn’t have to own property in order to have a say in what’s going on in the government.

this is an example of how we don't want a dictatorship in Xlandia.

Chay Sorom, peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers
1. Shouldn’t the people vote directly to decide our laws and national policies? Isn’t that the fairest system?

We believe that the people should vote directly to decide the laws and national policies, because they are one whole nation, and everyone has a right to project their own ideas for a fair government system. As we are recommending a democracy for Xlandia, we believe that all voters in a Democracy can indicate an order of preference among the candidates that are running for election, thus meaning they get to vote for whom they wish. There will be different people running for president who have been in a country that has not had any form of government . They have not been around a steady form of government, so they will all have different ideas of what a well working government should look like. So allowing the people vote for whom they choose to govern them, would be the fairest way to choose whom they want.

this is showing how people can put in their own vote for who they want to be their leader.

this is a picture of how the votes are going into the people's heads so it's showing how everyone has different thoughts and their own opinions.

2. If we elect representatives to make the laws for us, how can we be sure they won’t be corrupted by power?

3. What do I tell people who ask why we must have another “supreme national leader” in Xlandia City? Can’t we just have a “people’s assembly” to govern us?

4. How can my followers be assured that the rich will not, once again, have too much power in this new government? Why must the landowners get a guaranteed share of power?

Reedi Chohari, U.N. liaison and moderator of the committee
1. Doesn’t a parliamentary system have certain advantages over a presidential system?

2. The system in the United States seems so inefficient—what benefits does it have?

3. I agree that Xlandia may be in danger of breaking apart into separate regions if there is not a strong enough central government. Doesn’t that mean it should have a unitary, not a federal, system?

4. How can we address the concerns of the group of wealthy agricultural families? Xlandia cannot afford to let them leave or harm the exports that the economy desperately needs.

Xlandia's main form of economic income comes form their agricultural system. many families in the area have become wealthy due to their contribution to the system.The families who have become wealthy should continue to be wealthy. We want the government to be fair for all.(Everyone is of an equal class.) We know that with out the people that have helped the country's economy, the country would be no where. Those people who are not wealthy, have not helped out in their agricultural system. Thus they wouldn't know how to run the system if they were giving the chance. The wealthy people are like a "firm", they give goods by providing a service to the people. The people then benefit from those goods and services, so in return they give the "firm" money for what they are receiving. So its simple, they should continue to do their parts in the agriculture system because with out them the country would be in desperate needs.

these are both examples of agricultural work.

White Paper 4B

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:13:41 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

1. Should it be written or unwritten?

The Constitution for XLANDIA should be written in order to keep the party in power from changing the laws as they wish. In addition, XLANDIA's literacy rate is 77%, so a written constitution would make sense since they could read it.

Task force nations that have this feature:
-Australia, Philippines, United States, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uruguay.

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?

XLANDIA should establish a federalist systembecause the country has many different tribes and divisions, so if they federalist system, each tribe would be able to have its own government (like state govt), making it to fit their needs.

Task force nations that have this feature:
-United States and Australia.

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?

XLANDIA should establish a parliamentary system because this type of system has been proved to be more efficient than a presidency; also, previous ruler was a dictator, and since many different groups are fighting for power at this time, preventing another dictatorship is very important.

Task force nations that have this feature:
-Australia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom.

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?

XLANDIA can protect the rights of minorities and individuals by including a set of civil rights into the constitution so that all civilians have the same rights, regardless of class, sex, religion, or race.

Task force nations that have this feature:
-United States, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?

The relationship between the military and civilian leadership should be strong, and the military should be under civilian government rule to ensure that the military doesn't try to bring the country into war without civilian consent.

Task force nations that have this feature:
-United States

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?

The chief executive should be selected by the legislative branch.

Reason:This is because XLANDIA’s citizens have little experience with voting, also we suggested that XLANDIA have a parliamentary system. If the citizens of XLANDIA were to vote they might not know exactly what would make a good leader, therefore if the Legislature votes for the Prime Minister than there would be less conflict within the legislature creating a more efficient environment.

Task force nations that have this feature:
-United States, Philippines, and Ukraine.

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?

For XLANDIA the executive's role should be only to carry out the laws that the legislature produces and passes. This role should be spread out between multiple people

Reason:XLANDIA's past governmental system had a tendency to abuse its powers, therefore if the role is spread out among multiple figures than the chances of the power being abused is less likely than if it is only one person controlling the power bestowed on them.

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?

The legislature should be kept bicameral because we are recommending a parliamentary system of government, and it requires that the majority must rule in order for laws to pass.

Reason:
Some of the reasons to keep a bicameral legislature is that by presentation of two chambers it will have a ability to represent the varied population.The chambers will keep a check on the mistakes or failures of the executive branch,this way the chamber can advice to the executive branches so there are less mistakes thought it does not have a right to change things in the executive branch.Bicameral legislature will also act a a check upon each other.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States,Australia,Philippines,South Africa,United Kingdom and Uruguay.

2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?

The members of the legislature should be selected by popular vote because the elected members will make and pass law for the publics own good. The special guarantees given for minority group representation should be 10% because the county has a large no. of tribal population so their representation should be guaranteed.

Reason:T
he members of the legislature should be selected by popular vote because the people of XLANDIA should be the ones choosing who is going to be representing them. The special guarantees given for minority groups representation should be that every tribe in XLANDIA is promised a Representative, based on the tribes population.

Task force nations that have this feature:
- United States, Australia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?

The members of the Supreme Court should be selected by executive with legislative approval because this will keep checking on the corruption.The country due to its dictatorship is stricken with corruption so it should be made sure that this branch has efficient members who can fulfill the job given to them.

Reason:
This branch is responsible to maintain law and order in the country so it is important that this branch is not corrupted and there are measures to keep it free from it.People here will indirectly select the members of this branch as they will elect the members of the legislative branch who will select members of judicial branch.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, South Africa, and Ukraine.

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?

The Supreme Court should be kept free from judicial review Because then this power will keep the branch superior than others Or should have a right to conduct trials against accused from the other branches because the people in other branches may break a law.

Reason:
The right of conducting trials against the members from the other branches should be given as this will keep a check of corruption.A member of legislative or executive branch is also a citizen of the country and should obey the law.If they are accused then it is a right of the judicial branch to conduct a trail and decide.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Philippines,Ukraine,United Kingdom,Uruguay

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?
The political party system in XLANDIA should be Multiple-Party system because there would be choices to choose between different parties and the most efficient party will be elected.

Reason:
In order to get elected each party will have to commit themselves towards the people and keep them happy to earn their votes. This will allow competition between parties which will keep committed towards helping the people.The party will have to be show active participation in social work to earn the votes.If the party system is dominated by one or two parties then they would not remain committed towards the people.

Task force nations that have this feature:
- Philippines, Turkey, and Ukraine.

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?
Elections should be held voluntarily every 4 years because the country does not have an experienced political background.Voting should be compulsory for the first year and then it should be kept voluntary because this will allow each individual get get some basic knowledge about voting as they have no voting experience.

Reason:
Voting or choosing for a leader who can lead the people to live successful lives should have been their right since birth.Their voting will determine how the future of the county will be.They should be completely independent in whom to choose.If voting is made compulsory then the people who do not care about the government will choose random leader which can lead the country in problems.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States,Australia,Philippines,South Africa,Turkey,Ukraine,United Kingdom,Uruguay

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy

Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

a. Strong Middle Class
In order for XLANDIA to remain a democracy, certain principles must be upheld. XLANDIA must understand that in order for them to be successful, they must "export democracy", or try to spread it to their neighboring countries. "Exporting democracy" means to rid the country of a dictator, writing a constitution, and holding elections. In order for the export, or spread, of democracy to work, a country must have a strong middle class. A middle class is a large percentage of the people of a country who pay taxes and who wish to have a say in their government. This large middle class of people will be the base support for helping people serve as leaders. Since most of XLANDIA revolves around agriculture, and 48% of the work force is based around agriculture, then it will be fairly easy to establish this "middle class". XLANDIA may want to consider that it could be difficult at first, as they have been previously separated based on geographical differences. This could create territories wanting to rebel, which would not help the development of their middle class as a whole.

b. Classless Education System
Another aspect in upholding the spread of democracy is to have a classless education system. We do not think that this area will prove to be a problem for XLANDIA, as they have a literacy rate of 75%. However, it is crucial that the minorities are not excluded. The working class as well as the poor must have access to a say in their political system. This means that education should be highly encouraged, as it provides a better understanding of political issues. The decisions that are made in XLANDIA can not only be made by an elite. Democracy includes the involvement of everyone. Since XLANDIA has been oppressed by an authoritative ruler for so long, it will be difficult for them to understand how to make the correct decisions. We recommend that the 75% of individuals who are highly educated work together to spread education and be the original base for starting this democracy.

c. Understanding democratic principles
In order to teach democratic principles to the young, it will require for XLANDIA to have a a strong support base as well as a group of leaders and political participants. Democracy evolved from the Enlightenment period in Europe. Modern and scientific ideas and beliefs from philosophers, such as John Locke, are what started the fundamentals of democratic principles. A democracy is when citizens either directly elect their leader through voting or through a chosen representative. The leaders which they are free to elect represent their political preference and beliefs. XLANDIA must keep in mind that, unlike an authoritative rule, a democratic system puts the power in the hands of the majority and not one or a small group of individuals. We recommend that XLANDIA review the principle of understanding a democracy that are listed below.

d. Political consensus
In order for this democracy to function properly, the people of XLANDIA must adapt the democratic principles and be willing and excepting. Democracy is not a forceful type of government, which is what makes it so different from and authoritative government system. XLANDIA developed different tribal loyalties as a result of the Sonto rule. Some of these tribal loyalties still exist and therefore certain groups think that they deserve more political power than others. While many of these groups are now more open and willing to accepting democratic principles after the defeat of the Sonto rule, it is important to keep this issue in mind in order to insure that one group does not attempt to take power from another. We have recommended that voting be mandatory for the first year alone in order to familiarize the people of XLANDIA with voting, as they have no prior experience. However, the principles of democracy are that individuals must be entirely willing to participate. So, mandatory voting will be expelled after the first year of implementing democracy. The choice will then be left to the citizen so that they can experience political freedom.

e. Growing economy
An important factor for XLANDIA to understand is that upholding a democracy is much more expensive than an authoritarian rule. This is due to the fact that a democracy involves a variety of campaigns and elections in which the whole nation will partake (of course by their own free will). The authoritative system in which XLANDIA was ruled under was much less expensive, as the decisions were made by the Sonto family alone. This elite, or controlling party, was unwilling to share the wealth of XLANDIA with its people. In a democracy, everyone should expect to have equal economic access and opportunity. XLANDIA, in order to effectively incorporate and maintain a democracy, must diversify their economy and provide economic opportunities to all classes (upper, lower, and middle). In turn, the wealth of XLANDIA will be shared by the people.

f. Support from other nations
For XLANDIA it is imperative that they have strong support from other nations, this will prevent it from crumbling down upon itself. If you have other nations supporting you, you will have the encouragement your government lacks. It can prevent corruption within the government because other nations around your country will be watching, making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. this will also help the economy. If nations are supporting you they will also do so by trading with your country, giving your country a better outlet for goods. which means a wider spectrum of competition which always boosts the economy. Some ways to get support from other nations are to make treaties with them, or trade with them.

g. Free press
Unlike the Sonto dictatorship where there was complete control taken over the press and the radio, a democracy requires free press where individuals are allowed to report what the government is doing. The citizens are advised to participate in this wisely and not report convoluted information. In order to do so, citizens must be well educated on current events in their government. This way the government, citizens and politicians will benefit from the critiques and advice given. A free press helps to keep the government from taking too much power and making decision that could potentially hurt the people and the nation. If it is utilized correctly, free press will seek to support the truth and report it in an efficient manner for the better of a society.

h. Professional military
In a democracy, the military does not serve to threaten or repress the people of its nation. Unlike the Sonto dictatorship where the military was the only defense towards their rule, the new military for XLANDIA will not be involved in politics. The leaders of the military in a democracy do not control any jobs of the executive or the legislative branches. This is called a professional military which serves the people and is in control by the civilian elected elite. Because the group in power is selected by the people, then it will be trusted that the leaders of the nation will not abuse military power.

ARFX Committee Concerns 4B

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:13:31 CST

The following members of the ARFX Committee will hear your presentation:

1. Aref Pech, leader of the Allied Rebellion Forces. A former army general with many loyal troops, Pech claims to want democracy and admires the U.S. Constitution, but isn’t sure the country is ready at this point in time. Aware that the rebellion was fought by a collection of groups who might not be easily united under a strong national government, Pech wonders if a loosely-governed “federation” might be more likely to succeed.

2. Moran Lofay, a wealthy businessperson and member of the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion. Lofay is fearful of losing power to “the masses,” and probably would favor a strong central government or even a “more benevolent” dictator.

3. Chay Sorom, a peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers. Sorom wants a democracy but knows that many peasants insist the rich should not be given the chance to gain power again in the new government. Concerned about giving the executive too much power, Sorom even questions the value of a representative government since direct voting by the people seems to be “fairest.”

4. Myself as U.N. liaison. While the nation I come from has a parliamentary system, I am open to other ways of organizing a government, as long as the nation becomes stable and is governed efficiently and fairly for all citizens. I will act as moderator for the committee during the presentation.

Please respond to one question from each committee members.
Write your answers below the question, and please italic the answer.
Note: The U.N. Task Force members need clarification on basic terms and concepts.

Aref Pech, leader of Allied Rebellion Forces
1. We have several different regions in our country—and different groups in those regions—who might not want to be controlled by a central government, as they were for so long under BB Sonto. So wouldn’t a federation of regional provinces or states be better than a unitary system?

- A federalist system would work very well for XLANDIA right now considering the position that this country is in. In a unitary system, the people may not have a republican type of government meaning that they wont be able to vote. The citizens of XLANDIA should be able to vote for the people in office rather than have a system so similar to the type of government that they previously had. Also, in a federalist system, the central government could not get rid of the state government, and vis versa. This is an advantage to XLANDIA because differenet areas are able to adjust the laws to what the people there want, as well as have a strong central government that can hold the whole country together.

2. I like the United States Constitution. What are the good things about it that we should include in ours? Does it have any weaknesses?

3. Is our country ready for democracy? What conditions do we need to develop in order for democracy to be successful? Can we simply adopt some other country’s form of government? How quickly should we move toward democratic government?

The country is not yet ready for the democracy,though measures are taken to get people understand and used to a system of government which they never had before.Measures such as compulsory voting for the first year,making a strong educational system,focusing more on progress of rural and middle class,making sure that the rights of each and every individual from rural to upper class are protected.By taking these measures the people will understand and realize the governmental system and its job.Though we cannot adopt other countries form of government as the political,economical and social background are different from others,but we can adopt sucessful features of those governments which can perfectly fit in XLANDIAN government.We need to move towards making the government quick as the country now is free from any kind of law,rights or system,which i dangerous for the people.

Moran Lofay, wealthy businessperson in the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion
1. This country was held together by the Sonto family for many decades, and before that by our European rulers. How can we be sure our national government remains strong enough to prevent us from breaking apart?

2. Couldn’t we have some sort of permanent head of state, or at least have a 10-year term of office for that person? If we choose the right person, he or she wouldn’t necessarily turn out to be as bad as Sonto. Otherwise, won’t there be instability when the government changes?
-By appointing a permanent head of state or having extensive terms of office, we would be setting up another unwanted dictatorship. At this point in time, many people are fighting to gain power in XLANDIA, and if the wrong person is chosen to rule for a long time, it will be much easier for them to create the same government that was in progress before, and that proved to not be successful.

3. If we allow everyone to vote for our leaders every few years, can we trust that they will vote reasonably? Shouldn’t we at least have a literacy test or property-owning requirement in order to vote?

Chay Sorom, peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers
1. Shouldn’t the people vote directly to decide our laws and national policies? Isn’t that the fairest system?

2. If we elect representatives to make the laws for us, how can we be sure they won’t be corrupted by power?

3. What do I tell people who ask why we must have another “supreme national leader” in Xlandia City? Can’t we just have a “people’s assembly” to govern us?

4. How can my followers be assured that the rich will not, once again, have too much power in this new government? Why must the landowners get a guaranteed share of power?
In the type of government that we are recomending for XLANDIA, everyone is garunteed a say in the way the country is run and have power, regardless of their social class. The wealthy will not be able to currupt the government beause many parties are being represented in the government and not just the rich. By having frequent elections, every three or four years, it will make it harder for people in office to gain too much power.

Reedi Chohari, U.N. liaison and moderator of the committee
1. Doesn’t a parliamentary system have certain advantages over a presidential system?
-Yes it does.In a parliamentary system, there is minimal conflict between the executive and the legilature, and it is much more efficient becuase they are able to accomplish more and make decisions much more quickly than a presidential system. It also allows for multiple parties

2. The system in the United States seems so inefficient—what benefits does it have?
-The benefits that the United States system has is that the people get the right to vote for a president. There system also protects the rights of individuals and minority groups are assured in the constitution. The constitiution gives a base to work on. All the laws are based on this constitution.

3. I agree that Xlandia may be in danger of breaking apart into separate regions if there is not a strong enough central government. Doesn’t that mean it should have a unitary, not a federal, system?

4. How can we address the concerns of the group of wealthy agricultural families? Xlandia cannot afford to let them leave or harm the exports that the economy desperately needs.

White Paper 3B

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:13:22 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

1. Should it be written or unwritten?

The Constitution for XLANDIA should be written.

Reason:

A written constitution would be the backbone of the democracy. It needs to be written on paper so there will not be any debate on interpretations of what the constitution entails. This will also allow the people to be able to refer back to a doucument as well as organize the structure of the government.

Task force nations that have this feature:

U.S, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Uraguay.

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?

XLANDIA should establish federalist system.

Reason:

Xlandias regions think of themselves as distinct from one another they could be unified with a federalist goverment that would centralize the federal goverment.In smaller political units, individuals can participate more directly than in a unitary government. Federalism will help to secure democracy and the rights of the people. In a federalist system, each tribe would be able to have its own government as well making it to fit their needs, but overall all under one central power.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Philipines, South Africa, and U.S.

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?

XLANDIA should establish a parliamentary system.

Reason:

Xlandia is an old country with many traditions, and because they have no previous knowledge on voting and rights a parlimentary will have this established for them. They would only have to vote for the legislature who would then make the decision of who is to hold executive power. This system allows for quicker legislative action, and has many features that would be benefited by a nation that is divided, by land, race, or idealogy, such as Xlandia.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Australia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?

XLANDIA can protect the rights of minorities and individuals by having rights written into the constitution.

Reason:

This way rights are written in stone, they can not be taken away, and must be protected because the government revolves around this body of paper.

Task force nations that have this feature:

U.S.

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?

The relationship between the military and civilian leadership should be that the branches of the military be under civilian control, with the president being commander in chief.

Reason:

Having the military under miliary leaders you risk the fact that they may ignore the democratic decision-making process, and use physical force, or the threat of this to achieve what they want; in the worse cases, this may lead to a military dictatorship.

"The purpose of civilan control is to make security subordinate to the larger purposes of the nation, rather than the other way around"

Task force nations that have this feature:

United States.

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?

The chief executive should be selected by the legislative branch.

Reason:

This way the legislative branch and the executive branch can work closer and more effeciently, and in addition the people do not have experience in voting and so voting in the less direct manner of having the legislative choose who is to be appointed executive power, well create a better informed decision, the legislature will take in the peoples wants into account and choose what would is best for the nation.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Australia, Turkey.

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?

The executive’s role should be military control and carrying out the laws. This role should be played by two individuals: the president/governer-general and prime minister.

Reason:

The tasks will be divided between two individuals, they will be able to work together and come up with more solutions as well as share views. With a collegial executive, power is more divided.

Task force nations that have this feature:

U.S, Australia, Turkey, U.K., Uraguay.

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?

The legislature should be bicameral because we are going for a federal system.

Reason:

Federal systems are often bicameral, with the upper house typically represinting state or regional intrest in the national legislative federal system usally allow for the creation of subnational legislatures with jurisdiction over particular kinds of legislation. Some powers are stated between the two levels of government. the regions may want a legislative that is based on there population and the other regions may want a equal number of representives for the legislative branch. Bicameral branch will satisfy the both wants.

Task force nations that have this feature:

U.S, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, U.K, Uraguay.

2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?

Members of the legislature should be selected by popular vote.

Reason:

We need people to be more involved in the process of the making of the government, through voting for the representitives there voices are heard and acknowleged in this parliamentary form of government.

Task force nations that have this feature:

U.S, Australia, South Africa, Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Uraguay.

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?

Supreme Court should be appointed by the executive and approved by the legislature.

Reason:

The legislative branch or the executive branch does not get full control in the judiical branch making them more influential in the sentual government.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Ukraine, Uraguay, U.S.

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?

The supreme court should have power over the judicial review.

Reason:

This way they become an independent branch and they can check and balance the other branches in order to prevent them for violating the constitution or any other powers. We want to prevent as much corruption and distribuatuon of power as we can.

Task force nations that have this feature:

U.S, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Uraguay.

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?

The political system should consist of multiple-parties.

Reason:

The people of Xlandia do not have much political experience when trying to form parties they will most likely end up with multiple parties with significant differences in ideology for how the government should run.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Uraguay.

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?

Elections should be compulsary, held every three to four years

Reason:

Although ideally one would like voluntary elections, the people would not vote because they are so inexperienced. Making it mandatory for them to gain insight and knowledge in their government and then making an informed vote will not only benefit them but the whole nation, this way votes are fully representative of the people.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Australia, South Africa, Uraguay.

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy

Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

a. Strong Middle Class
A strong Middle Class includes a big group of people who pay taxes and would like a say in the way their government is run. Because of this large group of people you have a lot of support and help from your country. The best thing Xlandia can do to keep this Middle Class strong is by providing a significant amount of jobs, with minimum wages.

b. Classless Education System
In a relatively classless system decisions cannot be made soley by an elite or an elite working with the middle class. Large working classes and the poor must have access to oppurtunity and ability to affect the political system.

c. Understanding democratic principles
The youth of the Nation will most likely be responsible for learning democratic principles through the opportunity of public education, hopefully provided by the national government. The older generations older responsibility is to pick adequate leaders to run their government or the leaders will be the elites of the country until they are confident enough to run a stable democracy.

d. Political consensus
The people need to believe that the government exists for their well-being. Democracy will help them through their willingness to participate in electing representatives that will work and protect their interests.

e. Growing economy
Providing economic opportunity for the middle, working and lower classes keeps the democracy strong by sharing the wealth. A democracy is expensive because it requires group decision making, lobbying, and campaigning, and works best when it is supported by a strong economy. The transition from an authoritarian system to a democratic system benefits the people because the nations wealth is shared instead of being held by an elite class.

f. Support from other nations
Support from other nations is necessary to having a prosperous economy and government because it allows trading preferences of resources and services. However, the UN would be Xlandia’s main support because all of its neighboring countries are dictatorship.

g. Free press
The press helps to limit a government’s corruption. It can share the opinions of the people who are against the present government or just want to share their views. A democracy requires a free press that is allowed to report the any information about what the governnment is doing. In order for a succesful democracy to work, the press must not have any biest opinions or any corruption.

h. Professional military
The purpose of the military is to serve the people and also to protect the freedom and beliefs of a nation. The military can support the democracy by enforcing their points of view to other countries that are oppressed by their dictator.

ARFX Committee Concerns 3B

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:13:15 CST

The following members of the ARFX Committee will hear your presentation:

1. Aref Pech, leader of the Allied Rebellion Forces. A former army general with many loyal troops, Pech claims to want democracy and admires the U.S. Constitution, but isn’t sure the country is ready at this point in time. Aware that the rebellion was fought by a collection of groups who might not be easily united under a strong national government, Pech wonders if a loosely-governed “federation” might be more likely to succeed.

2. Moran Lofay, a wealthy businessperson and member of the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion. Lofay is fearful of losing power to “the masses,” and probably would favor a strong central government or even a “more benevolent” dictator.

3. Chay Sorom, a peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers. Sorom wants a democracy but knows that many peasants insist the rich should not be given the chance to gain power again in the new government. Concerned about giving the executive too much power, Sorom even questions the value of a representative government since direct voting by the people seems to be “fairest.”

4. Myself as U.N. liaison. While the nation I come from has a parliamentary system, I am open to other ways of organizing a government, as long as the nation becomes stable and is governed efficiently and fairly for all citizens. I will act as moderator for the committee during the presentation.

Please respond to one question from each committee members.
Write your answers below the question, and please italic the answer.
Note: The U.N. Task Force members need clarification on basic terms and concepts.

Aref Pech, leader of Allied Rebellion Forces
1. We have several different regions in our country—and different groups in those regions—who might not want to be controlled by a central government, as they were for so long under BB Sonto. So wouldn’t a federation of regional provinces or states be better than a unitary system?

2. I like the United States Constitution. What are the good things about it that we should include in ours? Does it have any weaknesses?
The recommendations from the United States Constitutions are the Bill of Rights and other constitutional amendments: giving people rights that are protected by the government such as voting. New amendments can be added, modified, or voided, usually by representatives acting to the will of the people. Another recommendation is having a set amount of terms and years for each branch of government and what duties and power, such as laws and punishment, each branch has. If a person or group with authority in the government, is unable to fulfill their responsibilities or is abuses their power is removed from office and punished, if necessary. The disadvantages are the lesser political parties are usually unable to get representatives in the governments since the system are dominated by two groups. The constitution can be interpreted in various ways by different peoples.

3. Is our country ready for democracy? What conditions do we need to develop in order for democracy to be successful? Can we simply adopt some other country’s form of government? How quickly should we move toward democratic government?

In order to begin an election and export democracy their most be the riding of a dictator, helping an elite write a constitution, and holding elections. A large middle class needs to be maintained, in order to have a large pool paying taxes, and wanting a say in how the government will be run. This leads to large support and people who will potentially serve as leaders. And secondly there needs to be a relatively classless education system, with the large working class and poor having access to opportunity and ability to affect the political system. Decisions must also be made by an elite or elite working with the middle class. One cannot simply adopt another country's democracy, even if it seems works best, every country and its people are different. The basis of a democracy must be laid out first and then a democracy can begin to form based on the situation the people are under. Movement towards democracy must begin as soon as a dictator is overrun, laws, constitutions which are all the basis of a democratic government must be implemented quickly, so their will not be any risk of a dictator rising, or any other form of government that could hurt the people, and create chaos once again.

Moran Lofay, wealthy businessperson in the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion
1. This country was held together by the Sonto family for many decades, and before that by our European rulers. How can we be sure our national government remains strong enough to prevent us from breaking apart?

The country will be held by a federalist system, with a constitution, and minority rights put down on paper, and protected. Power will be systematically placed, with checks and balances preventing any chamber from containing to much power.

2. Couldn’t we have some sort of permanent head of state, or at least have a 10-year term of office for that person? If we choose the right person, he or she wouldn’t necessarily turn out to be as bad as Sonto. Otherwise, won’t there be instability when the government changes?

We want to have a democracy that runs along through election, by having the people vote for the legislature and then in turn having them vote for executive power. this legislature needs to have a limited number of years in terms so when people can change possible executive power if they feel it to be unfit. Although we can chose a right qualified person to run 10 years, there is with that the probability that we are left with someone the people dislike.

3. If we allow everyone to vote for our leaders every few years, can we trust that they will vote reasonably? Shouldn’t we at least have a literacy test or property-owning requirement in order to vote?

The people of XLANDIA should have the right to vote for the leaders and their vote should be trusted so long as the people are satisfied with their decision. A literacy test will be a waste of afford since 75% of the population up to the age of 16 years are literate. A property-owning requirement will cause farther separation between the rich and poor population. The method will give a small quantity of people power over the government which is a fear throughout most of the people of XLANDIA.

Chay Sorom, peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers
1. Shouldn’t the people vote directly to decide our laws and national policies? Isn’t that the fairest system?

In theory, a direct voting system might be the fairest system, but it will be disorganized and unstable. Since laws and policies are made, renewed, and revised on a daily basis, to get people to participate voting and run the government is the main predicament. People may not vote since they have their own problems to deal with and not have time or the constant voting may make people want to do something. With fewer people voting then control is given to a smaller group of people resulting in a dictatorship. Collecting and counting votes takes time and money making the system slow and less effective. In addition, most of the country was not much experience voting and starting this system may have a troubled start. However, a direct voting for representatives to run government, democracy, is more effective.

2. If we elect representatives to make the laws for us, how can we be sure they won’t be corrupted by power?

3. What do I tell people who ask why we must have another “supreme national leader” in Xlandia City? Can’t we just have a “people’s assembly” to govern us?

A leader, will be supported by branches, that are elected by the people, the people of Xlandia are lacking in the knowledge to create a peoples assembly that can make informed decisions or decisions as big as those made in the head of a government. A peoples assembly lacks structure, it will simply consist of representatives that may not be suitable to make such decisions.

4. How can my followers be assured that the rich will not, once again, have too much power in this new government? Why must the landowners get a guaranteed share of power?

All the people must and will have the opportunity to vote, the working class has just if not more power to elect officials who will protect and make decisions for their benefit. Checks and balances are also created so laws are passed wisely and slowly and all views and representatives can come to an agreement and compromise.

Reedi Chohari, U.N. liaison and moderator of the committee
1. Doesn’t a parliamentary system have certain advantages over a presidential system?

The parliamentary has some unique advantages over the presidential system such as having multiple parties. Multiple parties have seats in the legislature branch meaning each political party has their voice heard in legislature. In addition, these different parties usually work together and form a union, coalitions. Another advantage is the relations between the legislature and executive. The executive is elected by the legislature so there is less conflict between the two branches. In addition, the executive is chosen by a coalition of the parties in legislature so the political parties, theoretically, does not feel biased or ignored by the executive. In theory, these advantages make the parliamentary system more effective than the presidential system.

2. The system in the United States seems so inefficient—what benefits does it have?

Direct mandate — in a presidential system, the president is generally elected directly by the people. To some, this makes the president's power more legitimate than that of a leader appointed indirectly.

Separation of powers — a presidential system establishes the presidency and the legislature as two parallel structures. Supporters claim that this arrangement allows each structure to supervise the other, preventing abuses.

Speed and decisiveness — some argue that a president with strong powers can usually enact changes quickly. However, others argue that the separation of powers slows the system down.

Stability — a president, by virtue of a fixed term, may provide more stability than a prime minister who can be dismissed at any time.

3. I agree that Xlandia may be in danger of breaking apart into separate regions if there is not a strong enough central government. Doesn’t that mean it should have a unitary, not a federal, system?

In a government using the federal system, the powers of the governments are shared between the central government and the more local or regional governments. Both of the national and regional governments are directly tied to the people, the basis of a democracy. In a federal system, the balance of power goes in hand with a constitution that allows local government direct authority over the people. In a unitary government, people are strongly concerned with gaining control whereas in a federal government, people focus on national and state issues.

4. How can we address the concerns of the group of wealthy agricultural families? Xlandia cannot afford to let them leave or harm the exports that the economy desperately needs.

White Paper 2B

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:13:06 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

Constitution

1. Should it be written or unwritten?

Reason: The constitution for Xlandia should be written because a written constitution can be referred to when there is a dispute about interpretation and it also acts as a concrete document that cannot be altered or changed by word of mouth.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?

Reason: Xlandia should establish a unitary system because it works better in smaller countries, whereas federalist systems tend to work better for larger countries.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?

Reason: It would be beneficial for Xlandia to establish a parlimentary system close to Australia's because there is a healthy relationship between the Legislative and Executive branshes which helps establish new policies quickly which would be good for a recovering country.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Australia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?

Reason: Xlandia should protect the rights of minorities and individuals by mentioning it in the constitution and making it common law to practice it by creating a strong middle class. Doing this is helpful because having a strong middle class that works to help the minorities and individuals creates a stable society.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?

Reason: The relationship between the milkitary and civilian leadership should be very limited due to the fact that the military should not control the people, it is the people who should control the military.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Australia, Philippines, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?

The Prime Minister should be selected by legislative branch because the U.N. Task establish a parliamentary system, and based on that system the legislative branch elects the prime minister in office to represent the people all over the nation.

Reason: The Legislative will know and understand the people's needs and opinions and they will take it into consideration during the process of electing the right leader for Xlandia.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Turkey

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?

The executive’s role should be to carry out laws and protected those laws because it is the executive primary role. This role should be played by more than one because there will be more opinions and different ideas invovled in the process. This should also promote checks and balances between the executive and legislative branch and will help aviod dictatorship.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Turkey, South Africa, United States

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?

Reason: The legislature should be unicameral because it is more efficient than bicameral for the reason that the bicameral legislature has two houses that some times differ in oppinions and that makes it hard for them to make good decisions even though they use almost the same methods than a unicameral they migthgh fail at making decisions because the two houses differ. So thats why is better to have a unicameral legislature because the decision making is easier.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, Philippines, Puerto rico,and others.

2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?

Reason: The members of the legislature should be selected by popular vote Because that would make the people be more aware of whats going on in the legislature and how much knowlodge does the knew member being elected have about it. The special guarantees given for minority group representation should be special education, Empowerment, and Ecual participation because this would make it possible for minority groups to elect representatives of their choice.

Task force nations that have this feature:
United States, and New Zealand

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?

Reason: The members of the Supreme Court should be selected by a Judicial Nominating Commission consisting of attorneys and non-attorneys because they have experience and professional merit to choose the people that is appropriated and would have knowledge of what they are doing.

Task force nations that have this feature: Nebraska, Utah

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?

Reason: The Supreme Court should have the power of judicial review because it could threaten rights and freedoms. Hence, along with ideas like separation of powers and checks and balances, judicial review emerged as a linchpin of ensuring constitutional supremacy.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Canada, Australia

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?

Reason: The political party system in XLANDIA should be a multiple-party system because it would give different options to pick from when people electing their representatives, also it would bring a balance for the type of democracy we are looking for. A multiple-party system is essential for a representative democracy because it would prevent the exclusive leadership of one political party with no challenge in campaigns. We want the people to be able to distinguish different ideologies therefore they will realize that life is full of diversity. In comparison between a two party system and the system we are proposing we can see that a two-party system stops for growing, organizing or presenting voters for alternatives, something that would not contribute for the progress of a nation with a need of a quick progress.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?

Reason: Elections should be held compulsory according to the proposed parliamentary system. The people would vote for the legislature. Something important to emphasize is that we, as a UN Task Force, based on XLANDIA features can figure out some future circumstances to happen in this country; there will be two major opposition political parties, one representing the rural communities and other one representing European ancestry, but there will be the chance for other parties to develop themselves according to the new necessities that the population would come out with. That is why we decided to make compulsory voting, because it would be essential to people to get familiarized with democratic aspects; also it would be an immediate measure to get enough people rapidly in government places contributing to an efficient democracy. Perhaps in the future elections would be held voluntary, in a point when people are ready to get involved by them to a democracy that they will know perfectly already.

Task force nations that have this feature:
Australia, Uruguay

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy

Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

a. Strong Middle Class
To achieve a decently strong middle class, the first thing that needs to happen is stability in the country's society. The wealth must be distributed around to bring the standard of living for many familes up to a average level. It is only after the people of the country are, for the most part, brought to the same level that it is possible to create a strong class. Following a leveling off of classes, it would then be a difficult job to ensure that there is extra housing that is made available for the families that were living in the lowest of classes in order to keep them from falling back into the lower classes. Once living conditions are established, there needs to be a set range of income for the new class. It should be ensured that each family has an income that will be sufficient enough to live off of. Once there is a balance between the living conditions and the average income, it is only then that the population can start to show strength in the middle class.

b. Classless Education System
To put into effect a strong classless Education System, there would need to be a free public school system that all kids can go to and receive a standard education up to the 12th grade. If the poor were to be left out of an education then there would be no up rise in a strong middle class there would only be a poor and a rich class. This is why it is prudent that we have a strong classless education system where all can receive an education and the country can obtain a middle class.

c. Understanding democratic principles
In order for a democracy to work correctly, there needs to be a wide spread knowledge of how the government works and how the people can affect and alter it. The people of Xlandia need to know that the government is there to protect their rights and provide help, but they also need to realize that a democratic government can not control their lives and run society as it sees fit, otherwise the government would be considered authoritarian once more. There should be small programs to educate the population through classes to make sure that the people of Xlandia understand the functions of government and have the ability to vote wisely when it comes time to appoint a leader.

d. Political consensus
For everyone to get a strong Political consensus for the type of government that we are to help set up in this nation, it would be wise for all high school kids that reach the 12th grade would be mandate to take a government class, to learn about there countries government and how it works. In turn it would help the people to support and believe in the government and if this happens the government will be backed by the people which would make the country stronger as a whole.

e. Growing economy
Following the distribution of housing and income, the population should become stable enough to start focusing on their economy. As stated in the profile of Xlandia, the country is suited for a massive agricultural market. The elected leader can appoint areas sectioned off for the production of crops that the country can then export and sell to other countries. Seeing that the country is 68% agricultural, there would be a surplus of land to cultivate multiple crops and have year round circulations of fertile soil. Other forms of income such as the press and media could then be resurrected due to the fact that they are no longer being used as tools for the dictatorship. Newspapers could get back into circulation and radio and television could go back into regular programming. The combined components of agriculture and media would be enough to get the country working towards a new future.

f. Support from other nations
If Xlandia wants a strong form of government it is going to need support from other nations. As Xlandia is forming its new government it will need financial aid, resources and military protection from any rebellion in the uprising of the new government. If other nations give Xlandia the protection and recourses to help start it off then it has the potential to be a strong country with a strong government.

g. Free press
The free press helps to limit government corruption in its finest form, seeks the truth and shares with citizens new arguments. In order for people to do what they want they need to be free from the government, and using the free press will allow people to participate in the society. Providing democracy will have to allow the free press because its on of the democracy’s requirements. Representatives should vote and pass a bill to the 2 houses providing information about how the country would be with the free press. A free press law should be put in the constitution to secure the people’s opinions and educate the people about the way that the country is going.

h. Professional military
Professional military is away to serve the people and help to secure them, it’s controlled by the civilian elite-the chief executive and the legislature. Military leaders are not involved or have the control over everything, for example they don’t have the chance or ability to control or be occupied in politics. Military leaders don’t not hold or control the legislative or executive functions. Overall the military is not used as an oppressive force against its own citizens. Establishing the military to be in the constitution is not easy, we might have to make votes to see whether the military should take control over the citizens, but most likely groups and individual will vote for citizens to have power over the military. This process will take a long time to be processed, so the plan is to keep the power the way it is until the law or the bill gets passed, that way it will keep the country safe and organized.

ARFX Committee Concerns 2B

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:12:58 CST

A Bill of Rights is included in the constitution (a list of rights that belong to the people)

· The Constitution sets up the government. It is split into three branches. The first is the Legislative. The second is the Executive. The third is the Judiciary. Each one has its own role in how the law is made and used. · The Legislature makes the law. The legislature is called the Congress. It is split into two parts. The first is the House of Representatives. The second is the Senate. · When the Congress wants to pass a law, both the House and the Senate must agree to the exact same law. If they cannot agree, then the law cannot pass.

Before a law becomes a law, the President must agree to it. If he does not agree, he rejects, or vetoes, the law. When he vetoes a law, he sends it back to the Congress.
It reflects the desires of the Framers to improve on the government they currently had (to be "more perfect" than the Articles of Confederation), to ensure that that government would be just, and would protect its citizens from internal strife and from attack from the outside. It would be of benefit to the people, rather than to its detriment. And, perhaps as importantly, it intended to do the same for the future generations of Americans.

Check and Balances

Weaknesses of the US Constitution: · Federal Reserve System consisting of powerful families such as the Rockefellers, Rothschilds, Astors, and and DuPonts, controls all our lives through their complete banking domination. Every month, you’re forced to send payments in to their banks that report to our central bank. · Plutocracy, meaning the wealthy rule over the poor. · It had not phase-out of slavery over several decades. · There are loop-holes that have allowed the Bush regime to take
over the government. As the fallowing video suggests: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwnFOcpC9f4

Moran Lofay, wealthy businessperson in the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion

3. If we allow everyone to vote for our leaders every few years, can we trust that they will vote reasonably? Shouldn’t we at least have a literacy test or property-owning requirement in order to vote?
An effective way to make sure people is doing their voting in a good reasonably way is to prove by different methods that the people have not be convicted of a felony. If people had have a problem with law or negative actions within the community is important to clarify the mental status of that person based of those actions that had took place in the past.

Chay Sorom, peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers

4. How can my followers be assured that the rich will not, once again, have too much power in this new government? Why must the landowners get a guaranteed share of power?

The rich will not be allowed to gain an excess of power in the government due to the fact that the country of Xlandia will work to establish a very strong middle class. This will allow the middle class to have the majority of the votes through their representatives, enabling them to make the big decisions that will directly affect them. With this power, the middle class will not be overshadowed by the higher class land owners, which restricts the power of the higher class. The aim of the new government will be to bring the lower class to the middle class through distribution of wealth and land, and build up the strength of the middle class so that they are living in a higher standard of living than they were in the past.

Reedi Chohari, U.N. liaison and moderator of the committee

3. I agree that Xlandia may be in danger of breaking apart into separate regions if there is not a strong enough central government. Doesn’t that mean it should have a unitary, not a federal, system?

Unitary or federal systems don’t have anything to do with Xlandia breaking down parts. Even though the unitary system makes all state and local governments subordinate to the central government, it doesn’t mean that it should be established to avoid the breaking down of Xlandia. Federalist system might have good points also, it provides for greater regional autonomy and balance between regional interest and national interest. Deciding which system it should established should be voted by the citizens because they want to have their own way of living different than the old way they have lived.

White Paper 1B

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:12:34 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

Complete your UN Task Force’s suggestions for each area of a government for Xlandia, provide the reasons for these recommendations, and list the task force nations that have a similar feature in their system of government. At the end, explain the conditions that keep democracy strong, and advice on how to help Xlandia develop them.

Constitution

1. Should it be written or unwritten?
The Constitution for Xlandia should, without question, be in writing, for Xlandia is a newly formed democracy, and it will be in constant need to have a formal document on the basis of its new foundation that is set in concrete to help satisfy and create stable country, and functional government.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uruguay.

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?
Xlandia should establish a Unitary System because it will be centrally governed. This allows its citizens to create or abolish sub-governmental units at a much faster pace. This government is new and must adapt to today's world at a much faster rate than already stable and functioning governments, which is why more accessibility to change must be in the hands of Xlandia's people and their government.

Task force nations that have this feature: Philippines,Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay.

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?
Xlandia should establish a parliamentary system because the citizens of Xlandia need a sense of flexibility and responsiveness, which will help them shift towards their new government.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, South Africa, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?
Xlandia can protect the rights of minorities and individuals by assuring their rights in Xlandia's constitution, therefore the people’s rights would be legally bound, and concrete by the judicial branch's standards.

Task force nations that have this feature: South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay.

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?
The relationship between the military and civilian leadership should be that the military is under the control of the civilians because if a political leader was controlling the military, it could be used against the citizens. Since it will be only under the control of the people, it can only be used for protection.

Task force nations that have this feature: Turkey

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?
The chief executive should be appointed by the Legislative Branch because a legislative congress would make presidential elections simpler, and the campaigns would be centered more on actual changes and policies that the president would actually be interested in. And because the Legislative Branch is chosen by the people to represent the people, the citizens of Xlandia, while choosing their representatives, they will be choosing people who would vote for their chief executive. This is also because we suggested that Xlandia's legislature should be unicameral, which allows more of an open, direct voting process.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?
The executive’s role should be a leader, and also should be the voice of the countries government. The executive’s role should be one person, for the decisions that are to be made are much easier to make when there is a head executive role. Also, if there is a good balance of power between the three branches of government, having one person in the executive position would be a better choice for Xlandia and its citizens. If there is a group of people in the executive role, the executive branch might gain too much power causing a relapse of Xlandia’s previous totalitarianism.

Task force nations that have this feature:Australia, South Africa, and Turkey.

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?
The legislature should be unicameral because, one, the concern over the idea that a bicameral legislature might be corrupt is too much of a danger for a newly formed government, which has just risen from a defeated dictatorship that held no functioning structure. Most new democracies accept a unicameral system in legislature because of this reason. Supporters of this system state that it eliminates certain dislodging products of a bicameral legislature, such as the conference committee. This is the place where both chambers meet in secret to organize, and discuss certain compromises, and may insert special interest amendments. A unicameral system lacks this, which allows legislature to be much more honest and open to the public. Also, this will allow laws and amendments to be passed at a much quicker pace, for this is a newly formed government, and many errors will need to be corrected through this direct and more efficient system. Other pros would be the cost of running a unicameral system, to which a country could save by only having one legislative body. A unicameral legislature also works best for small governments, such as the United States’ local governing bodies, to which relates to Xlandia’s size. This also serves as our reasoning for choosing a unitary/centralist government, for the concern over the size of the government compared to the size of the country.

Task force nations that have this feature: Turkey and Ukraine

2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?
The members of the legislature should be selected by Xlandia’s citizens because a government’s legislature should represent its people if the people’s legislature are responsible for adopting its country’s laws, making decisions on its country’s budget, and declaring war that its people will eventually take part in participating in. These members of Congress shall represent Xlandia, and its people. Furthermore, the special guarantees given for all minority group’s representation should be in the form of assigned seats in Congress. This ensured for the minorities that might not receive attention in any other branch of government, and is too small to do so itself. All of Xlandia shall be heard.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, & Uruguay.

3. Other features we recommend:
Congress will be given the power to adopt bills and strategies on how to process the country’s budget, as well as the power to declare war. The Prime Minister will hold the power to check over this branch, as well as Congress having the power to check over the Prime Minister’s decisions.

Reasons: This allows a well checked and balanced system to operate.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?
The members of the Supreme Court should be selected by the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister nominates who he believes should be in the Supreme Court, and Congress votes on whether the individual gets the seat or not.

Task force nations that have this feature: The Philippines, Ukraine, Uruguay.

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?
The Supreme Court should be independent because it will easier to determine the problems and their solutions.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine.

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?
The political party system in Xlandia should be a multiple party, because the country has several different regions with different beliefs so having multiple parties would be ideal, so all citizens and their beliefs are fairly represented.

Task force nations that have this feature: Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?
Elections for the prime minister should be held every two years because two years is a reasonable amount of time to allow the government to work out a plan, but also, a short enough amount of time to allow the people to elect a new leader if they are unsatisfied with his newly placed policies.
Elections for the legislature should be held every four years to ensure that leaders create laws based on a rationality that is strategic, and well thought out, and not one that is just for a popularity vote.
Voting should be compulsory because Xlandia is going to have a new democracy and there should be 100% citizen participation, so that all citizens fairly represent themselves.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, Uruguay

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy
Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

a. Strong Middle Class
A strong middle class will help to ensue that voter’s power and influence will be distributed evenly. A strong middle class is a necessity to a democracy because a large percentage of voters come from the middle class.

b. Classless Education System
A democracy thrives on people participating in their government by voting, citizens need to be educated and have a sufficient knowledge of their government and political issues. An education is required to fully understand their democratic system. The right to understand and participate should not be restricted by economic barriers.

c. Understanding democratic principles It is necessary for the citizens of Xlandia to understand democratic principles so that they are not taken advantage of. If they can fully understand what is and is not acceptable in a democracy. Because of their past leaders were dictators, they need to know when they are being taken advantage of.

d. Political consensus It is important for the people of Xlandia to have political consensus because that is another defense against being trapped under another dictator. Political consensus helps to ensure that no one group has more of an influence than another group.

e. Growing economy
A growing economy is quintessential for a new democracy, for it is a foundation that allows new organizations and aid to branch from. A country needs to support its citizens through a number of different subjects, from aiding the poor, to paying the educators. A growing economy will satisfy the needs of all citizens, but a stable economy will secure a country's future.

f. Support from other nations
When you have support from other nations, you gain a sense of peace, to which might aid a country when in of time and of concentration. Xlandia needs to concentrate on its country and people. Foreign affairs must be kept up with, but no enemies should be made. When you have good relations, you gain an arm to aid with exports and imports that a new governing body and country might desperately need to boost its economy.

g. Free press
No country is truly non-oppressive unless its press is free from governing rule. This allows the press to inform its citizens of all current events, both national and international. A free press can inform a country's citizens of harmful laws, politicians, and groups that might want to take control. After a country, such as Xlandia, which has been governed with an oppressive hand, rises out of its turmoil, a free press is mandatory for its democracy's survival.

h. Professional military
A professional military should include all able citizens who are willing to contribute to their country's defense. The military's affairs should stem from local, national, to foreign, international relations. Not all countries have a system of democracy, and in time of defense, a country should have a strong military to support themselves. A professional military can also be used for peaceful matters, like aiding another country in matters of protection and refugee aid.

ARFX Committee Concerns 1B

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:12:11 CST

Questions:

Aref Pech, leader of Allied Rebellion Forces

1. We have several different regions in our country—and different groups in those regions—who might not want to be controlled by a central government, as they were for so long under BB Sonto. So wouldn’t a federation of regional provinces or states be better than a unitary system?
Response: The vast majority of the world's smaller countries, with the exception of China, are unitary states mainly because most of them are not large enough to warrant a separation into distinct internal territories. Since Xlandia is a smaller country, we feel it is not large enough to be in need of a federal system of government.

Moran Lofay, wealthy businessperson in the urban elite who helped fund the rebellion

2. Couldn’t we have some sort of permanent head of state, or at least have a 10-year term of office for that person? If we choose the right person, he or she wouldn’t necessarily turn out to be as bad as Sonto. Otherwise, won’t there be instability when the government changes?
Response: If Xlandia had a permanent head of state or a ten-year term of office, you can’t be assured that the leader you elect won’t be as bad Sonto. There have been many instances in democracies where “bad” leaders were elected. However, one of the benefits of a democracy where leaders are elected every few years is that a new, better leader can be elected later. Or, if the leader is very inefficient, he/she can be overthrown in a peaceful way. There is a chance of a slight instability when a new leader is elected, only because new ideas are being offered to the people, but not so unstable that the government can’t function.

Chay Sorom, peasant leader who contributed many of the ARFX foot soldiers

1. Shouldn’t the people vote directly to decide our laws and national policies? Isn’t that the fairest system?
Response: It might be the fairest system, but representatives are elected by the people to create laws that are best for the country. If people voted directly, laws might be made based on an unfair popular vote that may go against certain citizen's rights, instead of laws that would allow the government to run more efficiently, and guarantee equal protection under the law.

Reedi Chohari, U.N. liaison and moderator of the committee

3. I agree that Xlandia may be in danger of breaking apart into separate regions if there is not a strong enough central government. Doesn’t that mean it should have a unitary, not a federal, system?
Response: We agree with your suggestion, which is why we have included a unitary system in our recommendation. Compulsory voting ensures that all regions are represented, while the country is unified under a unitary system.

White Paper 4A

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:11:49 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

1. Should it be written or unwritten?

Reason: The Constitution for XLANDIA should be a written document because within Xlandia there is a high literacy rate. This enables the government and the people to refer back to it if there were any government issues that needed to be resolved or confirmed.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States , Australia , Philippines , South Africa , Turkey , Ukraine , Uruguay

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?

Reason: XLANDIA should establish a Federal System because it would create a separation between state and national governments which in return would keep a balance within their government. Furthermore, it allows those of indigenous tribal descent, mixed native-European descent and those of different religious affiliations to all have equal representations and regional independence. This creates a system were all our able to unite under a higher power.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States , Australia and South Africa

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?

Reason: XLANDIA should establish a Presidential system because it enables the people to experience a full democracy. Such as voting, political debate and protection of there rights in which they are inexperienced due to a lack of fair representation and previous dictatorship rule.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Philippines , Ukraine and Uruguay

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?

Reason: XLANDIA can protect the rights of minorities and individuals by creating laws under the constitution that guarantee natural rights and minority rights because it makes citizens knowledgeable of their rights and it serves as a guideline for governments.The laws eliminate the government’s potential violation and discrimination against minority groups as well as individual citizens. Xlandians are inexperienced with protection of individuals and minority group rights, so these laws becomes a guideline for them.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States,Turkey,Uruguay, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Ukraine.

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?

Reason: The military should be under the control of civilian government but independent at the same time, because military should not influence civilian leaderships. However, in times of devastations, the military should help protect and aid the country.Xlandian military in the past had helped overthrow their dictators, but such rebellious actions are unnecessary now. Xlandia in general is quite peaceful so there is no need for a military based government. The military shouldn’t influence the government’s decisions because its main purpose is to defend the country. Therefore, military should be kept under the control of civilian leaders but politically independent.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Turkey and Australia.

6. Other features we recommend: A written Bill of Rights

Reasons:Xlandia should have a Bill of Rights included under its constitution, because this protects citizen’s natural rights from the infringement by other people and the government. Xlandians are inexperienced in protection of individual rights, and without a written Bill of Rights, they wouldn’t know their capabilities. A Bill of Rights will serve as a written guideline for law processors and citizens in general.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?

Reason: The chief executive should be selected by direct popular vote.Direct popular vote will insure that citizens have a say in who runs their government. In having a say people will be more involved and want to learn and be more knowledgeable when it comes to the governing of their country. For many years the people of XLANDIA could not vote because of the dictator in power, yet XLANDIA has a very high literacy rate and smart citizens that deserve the right to vote for there leader.

Task force nations that have this feature: United Sates, Philippines, Ukraine, and Uruguay.

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?

Reason: The executive’s role should be to make laws, run the military, and over see that the people of the country are healthy and happy. This role should be played by only one person. The executive should only have to make laws, run military and make sure the citizens are happy. If the executive we to try and enforce the laws the government could turn into a totalitarian form of government and that’s what we are trying to stay away from. If there was more then one executive role then there could be a struggle for power and in turn unstability in the government. In XLANDIA there is now a separation of powers among the federal and nation government, therefore XLANDIA needs a strong leader chosen by the people who leads the country into a better future.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

3. Other features we recommend: No Prime Minister

Reason:In making the government for XLANDIA we do not want a Prime Minister along with a house of lords and a house of commons.
Reasons: The House of lords is chosen through blood line and if there is a horrible son born into power there is no way of getting rid of him. In having both houses the power is separated and there could be fights and struggles among the two separate houses ending up in bad governmental decisions. XLANDIA already had a dictator and in making the new government for XLANIDA we are making sure there can never be a chance for that to happen again.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Turkey, Ukraine, Philippines, South Africa, and Uruguay.

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?

Reason: The Legislature should be bicameral because this legislature consists of a chamber and a house which can divide responsibilities for this country. The former government with the help of its military abused its power by treating its citizens unconstitutionally, but later realized that everything was not right and wanted to resolve this problem. It would also be better for Xlandia to have a bicameral system since its former government was ruled by a dictator, who abused his powers and eventually overthrown.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Uruguay.

2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?

Reason: The members of the legislature should be selected by popular vote because people should have a say on their own government. Xlandia wants to have an election but they are very inexperienced and uneducated about certain aspects of democracy, because of its former government. The special guarantees given for minority group representation should be a great amount of equality since Xlandia is composed of different types of ethnic groups and religious groups which should have a say on the government since they were deprived of the freedom of democracy because of its former government.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay

3. Other features we recommend: Separation of powers between different branches

Reasons: Xlandia just came from a dictatorship, and separating powers between branches could eliminate this threat.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Uruguay.

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?

Reason: The members of the Supreme Court should be appointed by the executive branch with legislative approval because this would enable the system of checks and balances. The power of the government would be equally managed between the branches and one branch wouldn’t have total power over the other. In Xlandia, plans to hold elections were repeatedly delayed and opposition political parties were outlawed. This led to Xlandia’s lack of experience in voting and political debate.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?

Reason: The Supreme Court should be independent and have the power of judicial review because they should be able to make their own decisions and not have to depend on the government to make the decisions for them. It is also the judicial branch’s job to interpret the law, so they will have the say on what is beneficial and non beneficial for the government of Xlandia. Under the rule of a dictatorship, Xlandia has no control over the decisions that are made for the country.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Australia, Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?

Reason: The political party system in XLANDIA should be a multiple-party because it will give people a freedom of choice and more options, rather than only one. In the past, XLANDIA was under the rule of a dictatorship and citizens were not happy and satisfied, so we do not want to take a chance of that happening again by establishing a one-party system which may gain too much power and start becoming a totalitarian system. We believe a multiple-party system would be best because there are a variety of political parties making inputs and there will be an array of contributions made.

Task force nations that have this feature: Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?

Reason: Elections should be held every 4 years like the United States because it gives each President a fair amount of time to do well for their country. This also gives the people a chance to get new leadership frequently because they may not be happy with the current president. Making each term 4 years also makes sure that a president doesn’t gain to much power and turn into a dictator. Voting should be voluntary because making voting compulsory undermines fundamental ideals of freedom and individual choices. Also not everybody is educated or informed about who they are voting for and that may result in electing someone they may not like or isn’t good at the job.

Task force nations that have this feature: United States, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy

Explain the conditions that help keep a democracy strong. Include any advice you have about how the leaders of XLANDIA should start to develop these conditions as they move from an authoritarian past to a democratic future.

a. Strong Middle Class-A strong middle class is essential to Xlandia’s economic grow and the maintenance of an effective system of government. The government receives most of its taxation from the middle class, so in order to keep their program funds; the middle class has to be strong. Agriculture has been the main source of income in Xlandia. The government should help create export factories, where indigenous products could be processed in the factories and ship abroad for trading. This creates a new source of income in Xlandia and at the same time, the factories create middle class jobs for Xlandians. The government could help expand other trade related factories by giving them aid in forms of less taxation. When the factories are up and running, it creates more middle class citizens, and also brings in more demand in the country because the standard of living gets higher. The increasing demand could then bring in more factories for products such as electronic devices and automobiles. The ongoing demand in the country will keep the middle class strong in the future.

b. Classless Education System-Every citizen in Xlandia should have the access to education regardless of its family status. A higher education level has the potential to lead a country into a higher standard of living in the future. In order to create such conditions, a mandatory education up to the age 16 is necessary. Also, Xlandia should set up education standards for all schools from K to 12 grades in both public and private schools. Forty percent of the tax money should go straight into education. This way, Xlandia would be able to maintain a public school system. A student who went onto a higher education level using government loan could pay off the debt by working in the department of education after he or she graduates. Part of the local school budget would be funded by the property tax of the surrounding areas. This way, schools will have sufficient funding to provide for the children.

c. Understanding democratic principles - Democracy is a government for the people, in which they vote for their representatives, and leaders. Xlandia’s citizens have little background on voting and democracy in general. Future leader of Xlandia should explain how democracy works and what democracy is comprised of. Xlandia’s leaders should also inform its citizens about the new form of government by giving out fliers or educating them about democracy.

d. Political consensus- In order for XLANDiA to run smoothly and keep a strong democracy there must be political consensus. If XLANDIA's political parties can not come up with consensus the parties will not be strong enough to win elections and run a country. Political consensus helps keep parties together and gives them a platform to pose to the people. without a platform the parties will have no strength and will never be anything more then the authoritarian government of before. People running the government and those who are in charge need to find ways to come to general agreements about how to run the government.

e. Growing economy- The growing economy is also an important to help keep a democracy strong. For Xlandia, People has to keep their profits in the field of agriculture as well as developing new sources of possible incomes. In the past, agriculture has been the main source of income in Xlandia. It remains Xlandia's main source of employment, wealth, and exports. Xlandia needs develop a work aid program which helps Xlandians locate work resources according to their education levels. Most developing countries became richer and richer by working in industries. It is a good and fast way to make money and to make a country strong. The government should help develop new industries in the country and provide more jobs for its citizens. This in the long run would keep the economy strong and growing.

f. Support from other nations- In order for Xlandia to gain support from other nations it needs to become friends with its neighboring countries. They can start by communicating with each other to make sure there are no conflicts between them. They can develop a system of trade so they can get goods they both might not have. Loans can also help if they use them for a good cause, for example education and health services for the people of Xlandia. They can be used for building schools, school supplies, building hospitals, hospital supplies, medication, etc. Building roads would also be helpful so people can travel from country to country faster. The type of support that would be best for Xlandia is direct support, which is when advisers are sent during elections, because the people of Xlandia have little experience in voting and political debate.

g. Free press- In order to have a stable and successful democracy, XLANDIA should have a free press. Democracy requires a free press so it is allowed to report information about what the government is doing. In order for citizens to participate intelligently, they must have information and the ability to evaluate the work of the government. A free press helps limit government corruption and also gives citizens new ideas and arguments for the future. XLANDIA's first step to create and sustain democracy through free press is to make sure the media puts out the information that they are aware of about the government. To maintain this they should have reporters from all political parties giving information they receive. Everybody should also have access to the news and this can be done by giving out free newspapers and reporting new information as soon as possible. Without this information the citizens will have no idea what is going on in their government or the actions it is taking. To avoid a downfall of the government, the media has to put out information continuously and has to make sure they give accurate and truthful news.

h. Professional military- In order for XLANDIA to protect the people and its government it will need a strong and professional military that will up hold and help carry out the developing of a democratic nation. With in a newly developing democratic government it is essential for the military to be supportive of its government. As well as to keep a separation between the military and government powers. To have a strong military and more involvement in serving for Xlandia’s military it should offer such benefits as scholarships, apprenticeships, loans for college and job training. In times of war it is important for citizens and soldiers to be supportive by either serving in the military or volunteering to help in other ways. In addition, a strong and professional military could also exemplify to the neighboring nations the benefits to having a strong military and how to protect the rights of the people.

ARFX Committee Concerns 4A

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:11:41 CST

White Paper 3A

mfichera — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:11:27 CST

U.N. TASK FORCE ON XLANDIA’S GOVERNMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLIED REBELLION FORCES OF XLANDIA

1. Should it be written or unwritten?

Reason:

The constitution of XLANDIA should be a written because a written constitution clearly states all the rights of the citizens and what is expected from the government. Having a written constitution creates a stable system of government and prevents sudden change of laws or rights. For example, the American constitution states the role of each branch of the government, the limitations of the authority and the majority and the amendments. A country like XLANDIA would greatly appreciate this type of constitution due to that the country was under a dictatorship for a long time and with a written constitution, it will not only structure the government but it should also establish trust between the government and the people

Task force nations that have this feature:

Every task forced nation but the United Kingdom

2. Should it establish a federalist system or a unitary system?

Reason:

XLANDIA should establish a Federalist system because there are different areas in the country. Although it is small geographically, the country is divided between an agricultural region and an industrialized area as well. XLANDIA also has different tribes within their land which brings varied interests and culture. Having a Federalist system would mean that they would have representatives from each area to discuss troubles or suggestions through out the legislature. The people of XLANDIA are somewhat familiar with this system because as a starting colony, sections of the country were dissected into regions led by different chiefs. Although during the dictatorship the regions were lead as a whole, they still think differently of themselves from the others.

Task force nations that have this feature:

United States, Australia, South Africa

3. Should it establish a parliamentary system or a presidential system?

Reason:

XLANDIA should establish a Parliamentary system because having this system ensures representatives for each area of the country and also to represent any minority groups present. A parliamentary system distributes the power of the government equally to prevent a dictatorship. XLANDIA has tribes that would greatly appreciate representatives that would bring in suggestions and opinions that could benefit them. For example, United States does not have a Parliamentary system which limits the Green party from communicating with the government. If the Green party was to be established in United Kingdom, the majority could vote and possibly ensure the Green party number of seats in the legislature which they can use to suggest laws and incorporate their opinions that they can all agree upon.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Australia, South Africa, Turkey and United Kingdom

4. How should it protect the rights of minorities and individuals?

Reason:

XLANDIA can protect the rights of minorities and individuals by having the rights incorporated within the constitution. The citizens of XLANIDIA deserve the right to know their rights and what they are entitled to. This will protect the citizens from the government trying to take advantage of their rights. It may have some religious conflicts within the tribes and the some of the rural urban areas, but the country’s population is mainly catholic and will greatly appreciate their newly accounted freedom.

Task force nations that have this feature:

United States, South Africa, Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine and Uruguay

5. What should be the relationship between the military and civilian leadership?

The relationship between the military and civilian leadership should be that the civilian government has authority over the military because it should prevent an authoritarian system of government to form again. The military would have to have the consent of the legislature to be able to invade a country and start a war. This will not allow the military to try and overthrow the president once again. Military leaders will not be involved into any political issue and will not be used against the citizens of XLANDIA. Having the civilian government's power over the military will be appreciated by the people of XLANDIA because it would be that the military is serving the people not threatening them.

Task force nations that have this feature:

United States, Australia, Philippines and Turkey.

6. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Executive Power

1. Should the chief executive be selected by direct popular vote, appointed by a monarch, or appointed by the legislative branch?

Reason:

The Prime Minister should be elected by the legislative branch because the legislature represents the people all over the nation. The legislature will know and understand the people’s different needs and opinions and they will take it into consideration during the process of electing the right leader for XLANDIA.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Australia, South Africa, Turkey and United Kingdom.

2. What should the executive’s role be? Should one person play that role, or should it be shared by more than one?
(The executive’s role should be …because...This role should be played by … because …)

Reason:

The executive's role should be to carry out laws because it is the executive's primary role. This role should be played by more than one because there will be more opinions and different ideas involved. This should also promote checks and balances between the executive and legislative branch and will help avoid dictatorship again.

Task force nations that have this feature:

United States, Philippines, South Africa and Turkey.

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Legislative Power

1. Should the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?
(The legislature should be … because …. )

Reason:

The legislature should be bicameral because the people of XLANDIA need as much representation that they can get because not only do they have a divided country due to their lifestyle and geographic situation but they also have different minority groups that should be considered. Having a two-house legislature guarantees at least 80 seats to represent the people. The two houses should have different representation to contribute more views and ideas. Having a bicameral legislature will also prevent a dictatorship from occurring again.

Task force nations that have this feature:

United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom and Uruguay

2. Should the members of the legislature be selected by popular vote, by appointment, or in some combination? Should any special guarantees be given for minority group representation?
(The members of the legislature should be selected by…. Because … . The special guarantees given for minority group representation should be … because …)

Reason:

The members of the legislature should be selected by a popular voting system because having the majority vote for who they think can represent them the most and would understand their needs will be a key for the executive and the entire government to function properly and understand what needs to be done. The people of XLANDIA should vote based on their residing area. With this system the leader that is elected to represent the people will have a great understanding on what that specific area needs and will contribute any ideas that could benefit not only that region but also the entire country as well. The special guarantees given for minority group representation should be an ensured number of seats in the legislature because not everyone is willing to participate when it comes to minority groups. It is both the divided opinions and different views on a certain manner that leads to an irreconcilable solution of a problem.

Task force nations that have this feature:

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Judicial Power

1. How should the members of the Supreme Court be selected?
(The members of the Supreme Court should be selected by … because …. )

Reason:

The members of the Supreme Court should be selected by the executive with the legislature’s approval because this will prevent the executive from choosing someone that could help him form another dictatorship. With the legislature’s approval, they will examine and carefully take into consideration what the people of XLANDIA want for their Supreme Court. This system of selection promotes checks and balances. For example, in the United States, the president appoints the head of the Supreme Court, but the legislative branch needs to review why and examine if this individual deserves the position and that the president did not elect this individual for any other purpose.

Task force nations that have this feature:

United States and Uruguay

2. Should the Supreme Court be independent and have the power of judicial review?
(The Supreme Court should be…. Because…. Or have… because….)

Reason:

The Supreme Court should be independent and have the power of judicial review because the Supreme Court is apart from the main government which enables them to focus on what they really have to do. Having an independent Supreme Court enforces the system of checks and balances and prevents interference of the other branches of the government.

Task force nations that have this feature:

United States, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine and Uruguay

3. Other features we recommend:

Reasons:

Task force nations that have this feature:

Citizen Participation

1. Though difficult to plan for or write into a constitution, should the political party system ideally be a multiple-party, one-party, or two-party system?
(The political party system in XLANDIA should be …. Because ….)

Reason:

The political party system in XLANDIA should be a two-party system because the people of XLANDIA is not familiar with the voting system just yet and by having a two- party system will make it easier for them to lay out their choices. It will also give a chance for the minority groups to represent themselves. This gives a chance for the Xlandians to have a say and contribute in the formation of the government.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine and Uruguay.

2. How often should elections be held, and should voting be compulsory or voluntary?
(Elections should be held ….. because ….. Voting should be …… because …..)

Reason:

Elections should be held every three years because it will help familiarize the Xlandians on how the voting system works. Voting should be compulsory voting because this gives a chance for everyone in XLANDIA to select what they truly want. After going through a long time under a dictatorship, the Xlanidians deserve the right be able to have an input on the leaders of their future government.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Australia and Uruguay

3. Other features we recommend:

Compulsory voting starts at the age of 18 and everyone, no matter what ethnic background should be allowed to vote.

Reasons:

The U.N. task force nations believes that making the compulsory voting start at the age of 18, is fair and justified because the majority of people that reach the age of 18 are aware of the political issues and would be able to make a rightful decision regarding their government. Having everyone vote no matter what ethnicity they are, would give a chance for everyone to be able to vote and this would not cause any issues towards the government. For example, in the United States, around the 1960's the civil rights movement occurred which had the government amend the constitution which then allowed the African Americans to vote. Having this feature included will prevent an issue like this from occurring.

Task force nations that have this feature:

Conditions and Advice for Developing Democracy

- The middle class provides most of the money for the government. In order to have a strong middle class, the central government should create a system in order to tax the nation to equally redistribute the money through out the people. During the dictatorship, the privileged civilians had almost all of the money of the nation. To be able to start of, that money should be fairly distributed to the nation or begin to establish any aid for the people. Another problem is that, the government cannot tax the people if they do not have jobs. Therefore, the government should provide jobs for the lower class.

b. Classless Education System

Coming form the topic of taxing people, a portion of it should go towards the education of the Xlandians. Xlandia should create a compulsory education from first grade through twelfth grade. In order to produce a classless education system, XLANDIA should create a public school system; this will allow any class to have access to education. The government could get a portion of money from the redistributed money of the elites and have the taxation of the people support the program. If worse comes to worst, XLANDIA could borrow money from other nations and this should be their last choice because XLANDIA cannot afford to be in debt.

c. Understanding democratic principles

Understanding democratic principles are important to the population of a nation because it helps them to better understand and know how their government works. It is important to incorporate these principles into the education curriculum because the younger generation should learn about information regarding democracy. The younger generation will be the participants and the leaders of the future. For the mean time, the government can inform the Xlandians by organizing small seminars or publishing articles about it on the newspapers.

d. Political consensus

Same as the understanding of democratic principles, this aspect should also be incorporated through education. The population must know and believe that having a democratic government will be good and will give them benefits that an authoritarian government fails to provide. They also need to be aware that having a constitution will cause fewer issues and will maintain a peaceful and harmonized nation.

e. Growing economy

In order for a democracy to work, it should be supported by an economy that is stable and running. The lower class population must be given an opportunity to be able to open up businesses. There should be bank loans available to the citizens and this will allow the Xlandians to be able to start off businesses. Also, the elites have owned majority of the major companies of XLANDIA and should be redistributed and have the lower class to run companies which should promote growth and innovation for the nation.

f. Support from other nations

The countries surrounding Xlandia have a similar system of government. It is either they are also starting up or have established their system of government. This makes it easier for Xlandia to communicate to their neighboring countries and be able to loan money, trade and share similar interest. Xlandia has a strong agricultural background and this will be a good way to start off trading with other countries to widen their communicating through out the world.

g. Free press

A free press is now very important to XLANDIA. This will be a way for the people to know what is going on with their government. By having a free-press would open up radio stations, television stations and the newspapers to now serve the people and inform the people of their government. By opening up these media tools, it will also open up job opportunities for the people of XLANDIA

h. Professional military

Having a professional military prevents the military from turning against the government and be used to suppress the people of XLANDIA. This system promotes checks and balances between the government and the military. The civilian elite have the power over the military which limits the action the military can take upon themselves. This feature prevents a dictatorship form occurring again