Government and History
Parliamentary monarchy is the form of government that rules the land. The parliament and the leader, the Prime Minister, exercise their power with the monarchs. The King or Queen serves as a head of state and their power is restricted by the constitution. The King or Queen selects the Prime Minister, and the parliament approves the nomination with a two thirds majority vote. The parliament can remove the Prime Minister from office with a two thirds majority and force the King or Queen to nominate a new Prime Minister. The parliament is elected by the people, and they create and pass legislation. The Prime Minister has the power to introduce new legislation and veto it. He or she also makes sure all laws are followed according to the constitution. The King and Queen are politically neutral, but they provide advice to the Prime Minister. The King and Queen represent the government at State functions, appoint the Prime Minister, and bestow honors to deserving citizens.
Förstår has a capitalist economy. The government's major source of income is from taxing the people to maintain modern infrastructure and pay for public services (police, military, etc.). The government's role is to provide basic services such as police and fire protection, and enforce the laws to maintain the people’s rights.
Some of the rights of the people are:
1. The right to vote for 18 year olds and up.
2. The freedom to bear arms.
3. The right to a trial with a judge. There are no jury trials.
4. The freedom of speech.
5. The freedom of religion.
Law and Order
The police enforces the laws in Förstår. If a citizen breaks a law, they will be subjected to either a fine or arrest. If someone is arrested, they get trial with a judge, but no jury. If they are convicted, they are sent to prison where they must earn their keep. There is no death penalty in Förstår.
Some of the basic laws are:
- Any child below the age of 15 is not allowed to have a paying job.
- No company is permitted to force someone to work more than 12 hours a day.
- Anyone convicted of murder will spend a lifetime in prison.
- Theft is not allowed.
- Slandering another person is not permitted.
History
Long ago, Förstår colonized a few countries around the world. Förstår wanted control over these countries because they wanted to add more territory to their empire, and they wanted to benefit their economy from the territories resources. The first country to be colonized was Feuerundeis in 950 A.D. by the Vikings. Förstår gained territory and was able to improve their own economy from colony's resources. Over the years, Feuerundeis threatened a revolution to gain independence from Förstår. The country couldn’t afford a war with the territory because a famine devastated their country. Förstår gave them their independence in 1046.
Later on, Förstår colonized New Genovia in 1635. Over the years, nationalism rose in New Genovia, and the people dragged Förstår into a war that lasted 6 months. Since Förstår was highly unprepared for war, they surrendered after 3 battles and New Genovia gained its independence in 1710.
The last territory that was colonized was Kamathia in 1806. Förstår didn’t have much control over Kamathia, because the people in Förstår were revolting against the monarchy. Förstår lost control of Kamathia in 1876, and Kamathia became independent. The attempted revolution in Förstår led to the parliamentary monarchy government that is in place today.
Citizenship Test
1.What type of government exists in Förstår?
a. Democracy - A type government in which citizens hold political power either directly or through elected representatives.
b. Communist - A system in which the government holds nearly all political power and the means of production.
c. Parliamentary monarchy - The governing powers of the monarchy are reduced by the constitution.
d. Theocracy - A form of government in which religious leaders control the government, relying on religious law and consultation with religious scholars.
Reason:
The monarchy remains head of state, and doesn’t have much governing power. The parliament and the prime minister make more of the governing decisions under the constitution.
2. What is the voting age in Förstår?
a.19
b.20
c.21
d.18
Reason:
The age for serving in Forstar’s military is 18 years old. Those who are old enough to fight for their country are allowed to have a voice in their government.
3.What are the more commonly spoken traditional languages?
Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and Danish, and English
Reason:
Most of the languages spoken in Forstar are based on the North Germanic languages. English is also spoken because of trade agreements and partnerships.
4.What is one of the major exports of Förstår?
a. Oil and Natural Gas
b. Coal
c. Gold
d. Fresh Fruit
Reason:
Forstar claimed ownership of many of the oil and natural gas reservoirs in the North Sea. Oil and gas exploration and production is a booming industry that fuels the economy.
5. Which amendment gives citizens the freedom of speech?
a. 8th
b. 4th
c. 15th
d. 5th
Reason:
European countries like Forstar support freedom of speech and expression. Citizens are not allowed to use their freedom of speech to commit fraud, slander another individual, or violate person's privacy.
6.Who is the head of the government?
a. President
b. King or Queen
c. Dictator
d. Prime Minister
Reason:
The Prime Minister is the head of the government as defined by the country's constitution. His powers are limited by the constitution.
7.Which countries did Förstår colonize?
Feuerundeis, Kamathia, and New Genovia
Reason:
They colonized these countries for their natural resources of oil and fish. They also wanted to expand their territory.
8.What is NOT one of the reasons why Förstårians rebelled against the government?
a. People who practiced certain religions were persecuted.
b.Tariffs were too high.
c. Industrialization was modernizing the country.
d. The King sentenced citizens to death for minor offenses.
Reason:
During the industrialization period, the monarchy was not being fair to the people of Förstår by putting high taxes on imported goods and were persecuting certain religious groups. The people began to revolt and the monarch lost power. They established a parliamentary monarchy to reduce the monarch's power.
9.How do we show our loyalty to Förstår?
Speak our pledge to our flag and by learning and singing our national anthem.
Reason:
Citizens of Forstar should be proud of their country and honor it by showing reverence to the flag and national anthem. The flag and anthem not only represent the country, but those who gave their lives defending it.
10. How long does is a prime minister serve?
a. 3 years
b. 7 years
c. 8 years
d. 5 years
Reason:
A new Prime Minister is nominated by the King or Queen and approved by parliament every 5 years. The Prime Minister can only serve 2 terms.