Constitution of the Libertarian Socialist Federationedit
From the Cyber Nations Wiki, the wiki dedicated to the Cyber Nations Game.
This is a Libertarian Socialist Federation associated article.
When the LSFers still had access to their old forums (before the hacking incident), an idea of adopting a constitution came about during the NoV-LSF War. In turn, a member of the LSF, Palachinov, drafted a constitution in early November which went through a lengthy period of discussion and re-drafting. However, by the time the final draft was comprised, the old forums suddenly got hacked by an unknown rogue[1].
As a result, the constitution went into limbo for a number of months until it was finally found and brought up unexpectedly again. It was not until 29 May 2008 that, after a voting process, the constitution was adopted and its articles activated. At the same time, positions of Co-Ordinators were also nominated and elections began for the first time for recognised positions in the alliance. This constitution however does not give the LSF a Representative government, it is still directly governed by the membership through the form of the Delegates Council.
It was finally announced on June 13, 2008 by the newly elected Public Announcer of the LSF.[2]
A copy can also be found in the Sign Up Thread on the LSF Forums, as well as in the Delegates Council.
[edit] Controversy and The "Constitutional Crisis"
In late 2008, to early 2009, the LSF saw itself take a direction towards stagnation, as an internal battle between two opposing camps of the Federation ensued. The controversy was around the Constitution and whether to keep it or not, as such an Anti-Federalist Bloc as well as a "Platformist Bloc" had formed. Not all members, and not even all active (on the forums) members organised themselves into these two blocs, but due to the nature of the Federation, the work of those unaligned members was largely hampered due to the debates, antagonisms and resignations of members.
[edit] Arguments of the Anti-Federalists
The 'Anti-Federalists' had organised themselves into the Anti-Federalist Bloc, and had argued against, not only the adoption and continuance of the Constitution, but also of the existence of the Co-Ordinator system. They argued that the Co-Ordinator roles were useless and could be replaced with simply a Committee system, not only that but the Anti-Federalist Bloc also saw the introduction of Co-Ordinators into the alliance as one of an introduction of a move towards the centralisation of the means of governing (in the case of the LSF it would be in the form of the Delegates' Council, comprised of every member) as well as the reduction of authority that the Delegates' Council has, replacing authority lost with that of the Co-Ordinators.
As well as this idea, what else was proposed was the introduction of Consensus decision making into the alliance, this would replace the democratic process within the alliance, but would give greater representation to the individuals within the alliance, so that a tyranny of the majority does not ensue.
[edit] The Constitution
[edit] Article I. : (The Ideals of the Libertarian Socialist Federation and the expectations of her members)
i. The Libertarian Socialist Federation aims to promote political, economic and social equality on Planet Bob.
ii. The Libertarian Socialist Federation is a revolutionary leftist alliance, based around the ideals of Libertarian Socialism, such as Anarchism and Council Communism.
iii. The Libertarian Socialist Federation is comprised of sovereign member communes and states. Each commune or state need not be run individually on a Libertarian Socialist basis, however, is expected to be revolutionary leftist and anti-ultra authoritarian at the very least.
iv. The Libertarian Socialist Federation expects her members to work for the common goal of the betterment of the alliance, to act collectively and help one another to pursue social, economic and political advances and equality within the alliance.
v. The Libertarian Socialist Federation cannot be disbanded through the voting process, or by any one authoritative figure. As long as there is one commune or state flying the banner of the Libertarian Socialist Federation, the alliance exists under this Constitution.
vi. All members of the Libertarian Socialist Federation will act in accordance to this Constitution and the Charter, whether they support every aspect of it or not, this does not mean that there cannot be any amendments to the Charter or the Constitution.
[edit] Article II. : (Outlining the role of the Delegates Council)
i. The Delegates Council of the Libertarian Socialist Federation is consisted of all members of the alliance
ii. The Delegates Council of the Libertarian Socialist Federation is the most powerful body within the alliance, and is entirely sovereign.
iii. The Delegates Council of the Libertarian Socialist Federation is run on a directly democratic basis which cannot be compromised whatever the situation.
iv. All proposed legislation must pass with a majority vote in the Delegates Council before it can be enacted.
v. All offensive alliance war declarations must be passed with a majority vote in the Delegates Council (excluding treaty obligations).
vi. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation have the ability to propose the following;
1) Legislation
2) Offensive Wars
3) Initiate a vote of no confidence in co-ordinators
4) Expulsion of individual members from the alliance
vii. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation have the right to nominate themselves during electoral periods for a co-ordinator position.
viii. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation have the right to nominate themselves to be a member of the administration team at any time.
ix. The Delegates Council of the Libertarian Socialist Federation cannot, under any circumstances, be dissolved, unless the alliance as a whole is disbanded.
[edit] Article III. : (The Voting Process)
i. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation has the ability to propose votes which must be made in the Delegates Council.
ii. Members have the right to change their vote and/or abstain from voting.
iii. Votes will be conducted openly, with no secret ballots. “There is nothing to be ashamed of.”
iv. Voting on separate, unrelated [to the Charter or Constitution] policies, treaties, expulsions, nominations for co-ordinators and votes of no confidence will run for 48 hours, unless the result of a vote reaches the necessary quorum (see Article III), or unless the vote is “controversial” (see Article II. vii. [b:).
v. Voting on an amendment to the Charter or Constitution will run for 96 hours, unless the result of a vote reaches the necessary quorum, or unless the vote is “controversial”.
vi. Offensive war declarations must go through a discussion thread for a period of 24 hours before voting may proceed, at which point the vote will run for a further 48 hours, unless the result of a vote reaches the necessary quorum, or unless the vote is “controversial”.
vii. [a: For a vote to pass, it must reach a majority of 50% (+1) of the total votes.
vii. [b: “Controversial” votes can be called by any member of the Delegates Council during a voting process on any vote. If this occurs, a maximum extension of 24 hours is given.
[edit] Article IV. : (Quorums)
i. The quorum can only be enacted after voting has gone through a minimum time period of 3 hours in times of crises. Otherwise, on domestic issues and issues which do not require a level of urgency, the minimum time period is 12 hours.
ii. The first qualification for a quorum to be reached is; a clear majority of 80% of the already given votes.
iii. The second qualification for a quorum to be reached is; if the vote reaches a 50% (+1) majority within the whole alliance.
[edit] Article V. : (The choosing of co-ordinators)
i. All co-ordinators must be voted in with a majority in the Delegates Council.
ii. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation can nominate themselves to be a co-ordinator.
1) In the possible event that there are no nominees for a position of co-ordinator, the Delegates Council shall act as a collective co-ordinator.
2) In the possible event that there is only one nominee for a position of co-ordinator, they must still go through the Delegates Council with a majority of “in favour” votes.
3) If no nominees are chosen to be a co-ordinator, the Delegates Council shall act as a collective co-ordinator. If those who voted to abstain gain the majority, no co-ordinator will be chosen.
iii. Co-ordinators shall hold their position for a period of 6 weeks, and can nominate themselves for the former position as many times as they wish.
iv. If a co-ordinator is recalled after a vote of no confidence, they must wait for a period of 3 months before they are permitted to re-nominate themselves for a position of any co-ordinator.
Point v. replaced by 2nd Amendment adopted on 24 November 2008
v. All co-ordinators are members of the administration team. If and when they are voted out or step down from their position, their administration abilities are removed, unless they were a member of the administration team previous to their election into their co-ordinator position.
[edit] Article VI [a:. : (The Co-ordinator of Foreign Affairs [Co-FA])
i. The Co-ordinator of Foreign Affairs will henceforth be referred to as Co-FA.
ii. The Co-FA is in charge of the running of the embassies of the Libertarian Socialist Federation.
iii. In times of crises, the Co-FA must direct themselves to the alliances involved in the crisis situation, so as to attempt to solve any problems diplomatically.
iv. The Co-FA cannot promise anything on behalf of the Delegates Council of the Libertarian Socialist Federation, unless the promise has passed through the Delegates Council already.
v. The Co-FA must act in a civil manner when dealing with other alliances.
vi. The Co-FA have the right to recall, without going through a voting process, an LSF diplomat if they deem them unfit for diplomatic purposes.
vii. The Co-FA have the right to ban a member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation from posting in an embassy in a given time, if the Co-FA believed that that person is detrimental to a diplomatic process due to uncivil behaviour. (subject to appeal in the Delegates Council)
viii. The Co-FA however, cannot restrict a member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation from criticising, in a civil manner, a legislative issue, the hostility or conduct of foreign alliances, or a treaty proposal.
[edit] Article VI [b:. : (The Rights and Role of the Diplomats of the Libertarian Socialist Federation)
i. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation can nominate themselves to be a diplomat to other alliances.
ii. There is no limit to the number of alliances a diplomat can apply to.
iii. A Diplomat has the right to refuse to go to an alliance, even if it is suggested by the Co-FA.
iv. The Diplomat is directly accountable to the whole alliance, as well as primarily to the disciplinary action of the Co-FA and the Delegates Council.
v. If a Diplomat is removed unwillingly from a diplomatic position by the Co-FA, and they feel that it was an unfair recall. They may make an appeal for their case in the Delegates Council.
[edit] Article VII. [a:. : (The Co-ordinator of War Preparation [Co-WP])
i. The Co-ordinator of War Preparation will henceforth be referred to as Co-WP.
ii. The Co-WP is responsible for the organisation of the military aspects within the Libertarian Socialist Federation in times of peace. This includes, the training for possible war strategies, the organisation of individual bodies within the military (Divisions and so forth), military quotas and the disciplining of “unruly” members.
iii. The Co-WP should work with the Co-FA and Co-M to prevent any unnecessary inter-alliance wars.
iv. The Co-WP can nominate members of the Libertarian Socialist Federation to act as Divisional Organisers, who are subject to recall from the Co-WP.
v. The Co-WP is directly accountable to the Delegates Council of the Libertarian Socialist Federation.
vi. Any hostile move against the alliance will lead to their permanent ban from the alliance, and the sentencing of the Co-WP to permanent-ZI.
[edit] Article VII. [b:. : (The Rights and Role of the Divisional Organisers of the Libertarian Socialist Federation)
i. Divisional Organisers are ordinary members of the Libertarian Socialist Federation, nominated by the Co-WP to help organise Military Divisions during times of peace and war.
ii. Nominated members can choose not to accept a position of Divisional Organiser if they so wish.
iii. Divisional Organisers can decide to resign from their position at any time.
iv. Divisional Organisers are first a foremost directly accountable to the Delegates Council of the Libertarian Socialist Federation, and then to the Co-WP and Co-M.
[edit] Article VIII. : (The Co-ordinator of Military)
i. The Co-ordinator of Military will henceforth be referred to as the Co-M.
ii. The Co-M, unlike the Co-WP, is primarily responsible for the running of the Military of the Libertarian Socialist Federation in times of war. This includes the efficient mobilisation of the Military, the assigning of enemy targets, and ensuring that military orders are followed.
iii. They are directly accountable to the Delegates Council, and every action they make must be made in the best interests of the alliance.
iv. The Co-M must work with the Co-WP if the latter wishes to participate in organisation and co-ordination of attacks/defence.
v. The Co-M can make use of Divisional Organisers during war time. However, they can only recall the Divisional Organisers with the permission of the Delegates Council after a voting process.
vi. The Co-M is in charge of disciplining members who choose not to follow a Military Order, unless the member in question appeals directly to the Delegates Council against the actions of the Co-M.
vii. Any hostile move against the alliance will lead to their permanent ban from the alliance, and the sentencing of the Co-M to permanent-ZI.
[edit] Article IX. : (The Co-ordinator of Economics [Co-E])
i. The Co-ordinator of Economics will henceforth be referred to as the Co-E.
ii. The Co-E is responsible for the economic progress and sustainability of the alliance. Their roles include the following.
1) Ensuring that members are made aware of economic plans which help boost individual nation’s economies.
2) Ensuring that there is a steady supply of financial aid to weaker members of the alliance.
3) Organising economic deals with other alliances, such as technology deals, and war reparations.
4) Organising bank nations and aid chains.
5) Organising trade guilds. The Co-E should work with the Co-FA in order to set up trade guilds with other alliances.
iii. In addition, the Co-E can employ experienced helpers to help out with economic planning.
[edit] Article X. : (The Public Announcer of the Libertarian Socialist Federation [Puba])
i. The Public Announcer of the Libertarian Socialist Federation will henceforth be referred to as Puba.
ii. The Puba is not a co-ordinator within the alliance.
iii. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation can nominate themselves to be the Puba for a given period of 4 weeks.
iv. The Puba will be elected through voting processes within the Delegates Council. Voting for the Puba will begin 48 hours before the 4 week period is over.
v. The role of the Puba is to announce publicly, whether they agree or disagree with the announcement, any new alliance policies, legislation, war declarations or treaties.
vi. The Puba will remain personally objective on an issue in their announcement post, but may criticise/show support in the following posts.
vii. The Puba can be recalled at any time by the Delegates Council.
[edit] Article XI. [a:. : (The Co-ordinator of Alliance Security [Co-AS])
i. The Co-ordinator of Alliance Security will henceforth be referred to as the Co-AS.
ii. The responsibility of the Co-AS is primarily to ensure the safety and security of the alliance, ensuring that no foreign spies enter into the alliance and are able to gather information.
iii. In addition, the Co-AS is to ensure that no member of the alliance acts in a way which might be detrimental to the alliance, such as spying, impersonation or sabotage.
iv. The Co-AS may recruit members of the alliance to the Security force to aid them in their work.
v. The Co-AS is directly accountable to the Delegates Council first and foremost. Any hostile move against the alliance will lead to their permanent ban from the alliance, and the sentencing of the Co-AS in question to permanent-ZI.
[edit] Article XI. [b:. : (The Security force of the Libertarian Socialist Federation)
i. The Security force of the Libertarian Socialist Federation is recruited by the Co-AS.
ii. They cannot be dismissed directly by the Co-AS, only the Delegates Council have the right to dismiss members of the Security force. They are therefore subject to recall.
iii. Their responsibility is to aid the Co-AS in gathering information in order to ensure the security of the alliance.
iv. Members of the Security force are directly accountable first and foremost to the Delegates Council of the Libertarian Socialist Federation, and then and only then, to the Co-AS.
v. The identity of members of the Security force must be revealed to the whole alliance.
vi. Any hostile move against the alliance will lead to the permanent ban from the alliance, and the sentencing of the member of the Security force in question to permanent-ZI.
[edit] Article XII. : (The Administration Team)
Replaced by the 2nd Amendment adopted on 24 November 2008
i. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation is permitted to join the administration team.
ii. The administration team is responsible for the running of the alliance forums. Their roles include the following.
1) The masking and unmasking of members, diplomats and foreign visitors to the alliance forums.
2) The archiving or closure of threads at the Original Poster’s request.
3) The moving of threads to their necessary forum position.
iii. The administration team will work alongside the Co-AS to ensure alliance security, such as inspecting emails, IP addresses and so forth.
iv. Administrators shall not use their forum abilities for their own personal gain, and are subject to recall, and possibly expulsion if they are caught doing so.
v. Any hostile move against the alliance will lead to their permanent ban from the alliance, and the sentencing of the administrator in question to permanent-ZI.
vi. The members who sign this constitution advise that future alliance members only permit those who are respected and experienced within the alliance to join the administration team.
[edit] Article XIII. : (The Right of Every Alliance Member to Recall)
i. The right to recall is a fundamental right of every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation.
ii. Every member, if they feel disillusioned with a co-ordinator, Puba, helper, or a member of the administration team, may call a vote of no confidence in the Delegates Council.
iii. A vote of no confidence shall last for a period of 48 hours, unless the result of a vote reaches the necessary quorum, or unless the vote is “controversial”. (see Article II. iv.)
iv. This right to recall can be utilised during periods of war to remove any co-ordinator, Puba, helper of a member of the administration team.
[edit] Article XIV. : (The Expulsion of Members from the Libertarian Socialist Federation)
i. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation can propose the expulsion of a member from the alliance.
ii. A reasonable explanation must be given for the vote of expulsion of a member, otherwise the vote of expulsion will be considered null and void.
iii. Members under review for expulsion from the alliance have the full right to appeal to the Delegates Council against the motion for their expulsion.
iv. Members under review for expulsion from the alliance must be treated like every suspect; innocent until proven guilty.
v. Members expelled from the alliance are forbidden from reapplying to join the alliance for a minimum period of 1 month, unless otherwise stated in the expulsion document.
vi. The vote of expulsion shall last for 48 hours, unless the result of a vote reaches the necessary quorum, or unless the vote is “controversial”.
[edit] Article XIV. : (The Amendment of the Charter and/or Constitution)
i. The minimum time period before a quorum can be enacted on a vote to amend the Charter or Constitution of the Libertarian Socialist Federation is 12 hours.
ii. The vote to amend the Charter or Constitution of the Libertarian Socialist Federation can run for a maximum time period of 120 hours.
iii. If the quorum is not reached for the amendment, there must be a supermajority (75% + 1) of votes in favour of the amendment(s).
[edit] Amendments
[edit] 1st Amendment. : (The forbidding of tech raiding) [4th November 2008]
i. Henceforth, the act of tech raiding, that being an act of war against a sovereign nation with the purpose of stealing technology, is declared forbidden by the Delegates Council.
ii. Any member caught tech raiding will undergo review by the Delegates Council, and a fair punishment will follow.
iii. Any member accused of tech raiding have the full right to make a defence for themselves within the Delegates Council, and may not be expelled from the alliance unless the Delegates Council decides as a collective mass to expel the accused from the allaince. This may only happen after the necessary voting processes.
The 2nd Amendment replaced Articles XII, and Point v. of Article V.
[edit] 2nd Amendment. : (The Administration Team) [24th November 2008]
i. A new Administrator is voted in upon 2 successful votes.
1) The first vote is started when the Delegate Council passes a policy stating the need for more Administrators, this vote contains no nominees.
2) Upon successful passing of the fist vote (i.1.) a second vote containing nominees begins. The nominee with the most votes becomes an Admin. Upon the failure of this vote the process must start again from the beginning of the first vote.
ii. Every member of the Libertarian Socialist Federation is permitted to join the Administration team.
iii. The Administration team is responsible for the running of the alliance forums. Their roles include the following.
1) The masking and unmasking of members, diplomats and foreign visitors to the alliance forums.
2) The archiving or closure of threads at the Original Poster’s request.
3) The moving of threads to their necessary forum position.
iv. The Administration team will work alongside the Co-AS to ensure alliance security, such as inspecting emails, IP addresses and so forth.
v. Administrators shall not use their forum abilities for their own personal gain, and are subject to recall, and possibly expulsion if they are caught doing so.
vi. Any hostile move against the alliance will lead to their permanent ban from the alliance, and the sentencing of the Administrator in question to permanent-ZI.
vii. The members who sign this constitution advise that future alliance members only permit those who are respected and experienced within the alliance to join the Administration team.
