User:CK/Terra Pacis

Terra Pacis is a Jedi-run city-state located somewhere on the Antarctic continent. It is completely controlled and ruled at the whim of the Jedi Council, though they usually don't get involved in the nation's politics and instead appoint a leader that answers to them. The original intent of creating a Jedi-led nation was so that the Order wasn't forced to be aligned with or answer to any specific government, able to remain peaceful and neutral. Once the nation was created from lands ceded by the South Pole Council, the amount of space offered the option to make a welfare state. So, a city was built, large enough to house thousands of displaced creatures, initially Shopper refugees, until they could move onto new homes in other nations.

Tourism and economic aid account for most of the nation's income, which is used to take care of its residents and continue expanding the nation. A majority of creatures in the nation have approved "resident" status, meaning they are temporarily living in Terra Pacis and intend to eventually move to a country they can reside in permanently, or gain citizenship in Terra Pacis. Residents are mostly refugees, creatures seeking asylum, and other low-income emigrants temporarily living in Terra Pacis while they wait to be approved for immigration by another country. Most official "citizens" of the nation are Jedi, living separated from everyone else and self-sustained by themselves and the government. For the most part, there is a distinct divide between Jedi facilities and the main city/civilian sectors, to help defend against possible security threats.

Government
Terra Pacis is technically an oligarchy, as the highest power rests with a small group of individuals, the Jedi High Council. New members of the council are elected by the rest of the council, regardless of outside opinions from other Jedi or the citizens of Terra Pacis. Members can serve life sentences on the council unless they retire or are voted out of the council by fellow members.

The Jedi Council are also considered the highest court of the land, and any decisions or announcements made by the council are enforced by the Supreme Chancellor. Unlike the separation of powers in the USA, the official lines are very blurry in Terra Pacis, and most of the power rests with the Jedi Council. The Council can appoint a Supreme Chancellor at their whim, who acts as the head of the nation's executive branch. They report directly to the Council, acting on their behalf, and handle the nation's political affairs as well as oversee the legislative body. The Supreme Chancellor also chooses judges to try convicted creatures and interpret the law. Although common sense and intent are a focal point of trials in Terra Pacis, if the Jedi Council disagrees with a court ruling they may put legislation forth to change the law, or pass a law themselves. The following table shows every known Supreme Chancellor of Terra Pacis:

The legislative body of Terra Pacis is the Senate. It is made up of citizens of Terra Pacis, mostly excluding the Jedi, who speak on behalf of all of the citizens and temporary residents. Their job is to make the will of the people known and draft new laws. The Supreme Leader can veto proposed laws, and the senate can appeal to the Jedi Council to review it. However, the Council usually denies the appeals as the Supreme Leader's opinions align with their own. Members of the Senate are elected by the citizens they represent, are paid a standard wage by the government for the hours they serve in the Senate, and are replaced if they don't attend Senate gatherings for a certain period of time.

The fact that the Senate doesn't have much real power, as everything they do could be vetoed by the Supreme Leader which could be supported by the Jedi Council, has upset some residents. However, those who have chosen citizenship choose to stay because they believe the Jedi have the nation's best interests in mind, as well as their own.

Constitution
The constitution of Terra Pacis was written by the Jedi in late 2027 and early 2028 as a framework for the government and governing of the new nation. It will be officially published on the first Force Day in 2028. Some of the topics included are:


 * All creatures showing "exceptional intelligence", as determined by judges, such as penguins and "free puffles", have rights pertaining to the constitution.
 * Marriage can be granted in the nation by an appropriate authority as long as the two creatures involved are "intelligent" and can consent, are of age according to biological and emotional maturity, and are not currently in an active marriage. This is regardless of the creatures' species or genders.
 * Residents will not be restricted from partaking in any cultural or likewise rituals that they wish, as long as they do not promote or act on causing harm to others.
 * All residents and facilities will be respected, and any theft, misuse of facilities such as vandalism or violence is considered a crime.
 * The eyes of the law are forgiving to law enforcers in times of necessity, excluding unnecessary use of force against suspects and law breakers.


 * Mabel Clause: The Von Injoface family of puffles are allowed in Terra Pacis and have the same rights as all other intelligent puffles until proven guilty of a crime.
 * For anything not covered by this constitution, consult the Constitution of the United States of Antarctica and its amendments.

Culture
Though there aren't classes or an official caste system in Terra Pacis among residents, there is a clear separation between the Jedi and everyone else. The Jedi have stated that although everyone is equal in Terra Pacis, the nation is a Jedi-led state, as an explanation of government funds supporting the Order, and that they must remain separated for security purposes and to fully live by the Jedi code with less temptations. Many citizens and residents hold the Jedi to a higher standard and see them as heroes.

Awards
Terra Pacis has a few awards that can be given at the discretion of the Supreme Chancellor or the Senate, and is awarded by the former. The "Citizen Service Medal" (Servitium Civitale insigne) is awarded to citizens and residents of Terra Pacis that is recognizable for having served their community and/or the nation in an honorable fashion, including but not limited to protection, generosity and kindness. The "Friend of the Nation Medal" (Amicus Nationis insigne) is awarded to those that are considered an ally or friend to Terra Pacis, typically foreigners. The first recipients of this award were Chill57181, Dps04, Snowstormer, and a few Councillors that were crucial to the creation of Terra Pacis.

Holidays
The residents of Terra Pacis, including the Jedi, are a fun bunch that like to party and celebrate as much as everyone else. Force Day takes place on May 4th, and is the day the country was officially created. However, it is controversial among some as May 4th is also International Orange Juice Day. Other national holidays include Kermit's Birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.

Unofficial holidays can also be seen being celebrated by residents at any given time due to Terra Pacis' salad bowl of mixed cultures. Some examples include Valentine's Day, Pi Day, St Patrick's Day, April Fools' Day, and Easter Egg Hunts. Parties are also seen commonly in neighborhoods, to celebrate new arrivals or those leaving soon for a better life.

Significant figures

 * Jaxson Pingu
 * Penquino- Jedi Master Penquino is known through Terra Pacis and Antarctica for his involvement in the nation's creation and government. He was the lead proponent in the USA for creating a Jedi-controlled state after the fall of Shops Island, saw to its creation and later served as its first Supreme Chancellor. He also served as a leading member of the Jedi Council for decades after reviving the Order in secret in the 2010s, and will serve as Terra Pacis' representative in the Free Republic Union for some time.
 * Yed'ah

Places
Jedi facilities are distinct and separated from the rest of Terra Pacis, to better protect both parties from potential dangers, and also to ensure the Jedi can stay secluded and avoid temptations. Not far from Jedi facilities are the Museum of the Force and Memorial plaza, with statues and areas dedicated to memorializing victims of the Shops Civil War, and Jedi killed during the Khanzem War.

Large supermarkets and retail stores are heavily discouraged in Terra Pacis by being taxed significantly more. The intended result became a reality, as a majority of businesses in the city are small businesses. This was meant to help those small business owners save up money before moving to settle down, while also providing for the community.

As the city rapidly filled, it began carving vast hallways and residences underground in the ice, and sections of stone from the mountains. This is where most new residents go, as open igloos in the city are quickly filled. Despite a lack of windows, these homes are often kept lively with colorful paintings, carpets and draperies.

Surrounding area
Not far from the border of Terra Pacis lies a town named Benobi. It was founded by a number of Shopper refugees who were allowed into the USA, but wished to stay close to TP or didn't yet have enough money to move further away. As Benobi grew, it also helped to grow the Pacificus economy due to more trade opportunities between the fledgling communities.

Membership in international bodies

 * Freerepublicflag.png Free Republic Union - Immediately after being created, Terra Pacis became a member of the Union as a requirement from the USA, having ceded the land it's situated on. After that, it became an involved and vocal member of the FRU, advocating for peace and diplomatic solutions to problems (except in the SPC's weekly paintball matches, in which case the Jedi representative is often seen as a serious threat to the opposing team).
 * ShopsCoatOfArms.png Shops Union - Terra Pacis was also accepted into the Shops Union shortly after it was created. Their first Supreme Chancellor, Penquino, and the Jedi were also heavily involved in the formation of the Union in 2027, a year prior to Terra Pacis.
 * UAN flag.PNG United Antarctic Nations - Terra Pacis joined the UAN to get involved in international diplomacy and advocating for peaceful solutions to problems. In addition, they send Jedi under the guise of the nation's "Defense Force" to contribute to the UAN's peacekeeping forces, mostly as negotiators.

Trivia

 * There is no law stating the Supreme Leader must be a Jedi, though they usually are members of the Jedi Order.
 * Similar to Shops Island, Terra Pacis banned official party politics in an attempt to prevent division between citizens and the volatile attitude, mudslinging and corruption associated with politics.