Difference between revisions of "Free Worlds League"

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==Government==
 
==Government==
The government of the Free Worlds League is a representative democracy operating under martial law. The individual members of the parliament are determined by planetary governments. Consequently, the Free Worlds League's parliament may include elected representatives and representatives appointed by planetary dictators as well. This results in a mixture of regional and federal authorities. The individuals within the overlapping layers of bureaucracy continually vie for prominence.<ref name=HBHM78>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 78</ref>
+
The government of the Free Worlds League was ostensibly a federal republic, with each province accorded a measure of self-rule while the representative Parliament served as the supreme federal authority, though for much of its history it operated under the martial law of a Captain-General. Membership within Parliament was determined by the amount of taxes paid into the Treasury, although every province was guaranteed at least one Member of Parliament (MP).  Parliamentary districts or 'wards' were based on wealth, population and other factors, with the Supreme Court overseeing redistricting every ten years.  Most MPs were determined through democratic principals, though given the wide variety of planetary governments and traditions within the League - from military dictatorships to theocracies - that did not hold true for all. This mixture of regional and federal authorities, with some individuals holding multiple positions within the overlapping layers of bureaucracy, lead to a continual struggle for prominence.<ref name=HMTFWL59>''House Marik: The Free Worlds League'', p. 59</ref><ref name=HBHM78>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 78</ref>
  
At the federal level, a struggle for power between the legislative (Parliament) and executive (the Captain-General) existed almost as soon as the nation was formed. The relative dominance of either side waxed and waned over the centuries, though, in general, the Captain-General accrued more and more authority.<ref name=HBHM78 />
+
At the federal level, a struggle for power between the legislative (Parliament) and executive (the Captain-General) existed almost as soon as the nation was formed. The relative dominance of either side waxed and waned over the centuries, though, in general, the Captain-General accrued more and more authority.<ref name=HMTFWL59/><ref name=HBHM78 />
  
 
===Parliament===
 
===Parliament===
 
[[File:FWL Parliament.jpg|right|thumb|The Marik Parliament]]
 
[[File:FWL Parliament.jpg|right|thumb|The Marik Parliament]]
According to the [[Treaty of Marik]], Parliament is the supreme governing body of the Free Worlds League. Parliament has the power to pass laws, create taxes, and decide on appropriations. In each two-year session, Parliament elects a speaker. The speaker then selects ministers to oversee the various standing committees. The Speaker and nine Ministers form the League Council. Among the nine ministers, at least one must come from each of the founding League provinces. Though any Member of Parliament (MP) can propose legislation, bills that come from the council are more likely to be voted on.<ref name=HBHMP>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 78 & 82-84, "Parliament"</ref>
+
According to the [[Treaty of Marik]], Parliament was the supreme governing body of the Free Worlds League. Parliament had the power to pass laws, create taxes, and decide on appropriations. In each two-year session, Parliament elected a Speaker, who then appointed Ministers to oversee the nine federal agencies: Communications, Defense, Energy, Foreign Affairs, Human Services, Intelligence, Justice, Taxation and Trade. These appointments had to be ratified by Parliament, though compared to the fights over the Speakership many of these votes were perfunctory.  The Speaker and nine Ministers formed the League Council, which enjoyed customary powers.  Although any MP could introduce any bill, tradition dictated that only the League Council introduce treaties, budget proposals, and tariff bills.  Additionally, League Council members were guaranteed a hearing by Parliament and so more likely to be voted on. Per the Act of Incorporation, at least one of the nine Ministers had to come from each of the three founding League provinces.<ref name=HBHMP>''Handbook: House Marik'', pp. 78 & 82-84, "Parliament"</ref>
  
In addition to the main Parliamentary body, the League also has the non-constitutional Lords of the Realm, a body composed of [[Nobility#Free Worlds League|nobles]] who are at least planetary rulers. This body functions in an advisory role to Parliament and cannot vote. The Lords are not paid for their service, so few choose to actually attend any given session. Nonetheless, the prominence of the members and their presence at court ensure the Lords are given more media attention than the importance of the body merits.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 84, "Lords of the Realm"</ref>
+
In addition to the main Parliamentary body, the League also had the non-constitutional Lords of the Realm, a body composed of [[Nobility#Free Worlds League|nobles]] who were at least planetary rulers. This body functioned in an advisory role to Parliament and could not vote. The Lords were not paid for their service, so few choose to actually attend any given session. Nonetheless, the prominence of the members and their presence at court ensured the Lords were given more media attention than the importance that the body merited.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 84, "Lords of the Realm"</ref>
  
 
===Captain-General===
 
===Captain-General===
 
{{Main|Captain-General}}
 
{{Main|Captain-General}}
Constitutionally, the [[Captain-General]] has only the power to oversee military matters when so appointed by Parliament. The Captain-General originally held a one-year term that could be renewed indefinitely. Eight centuries of Parliamentary acts resulted in much greater power for the Captain-General.<ref name=HBHMCG>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 78, "The Captain-General"</ref>
+
Constitutionally, the [[Captain-General]] had only the power to oversee military matters when so appointed by Parliament. The Captain-General originally held a one-year term that could be renewed indefinitely. However, eight centuries of Parliamentary acts resulted in much greater power for the Captain-General.<ref name=HBHMCG>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 78, "The Captain-General"</ref>
  
House Marik has a virtual stranglehold on the Captain-Generalcy, though there is no constitutional authority behind that, only historical precedent. Only two non-Marik Captain-Generals were ever appointed, and they were disastrous. The [[Succession Act of 2310]] essentially allows House Marik the ability to select a member of their family to be Captain-General.<ref name=HBHMCG />
+
House Marik has a virtual stranglehold on the Captain-Generalcy, though there was no constitutional authority behind that, only historical precedent. Only two non-Marik Captain-Generals were ever appointed, and both were disastrous. The [[Succession Act of 2310]] essentially allowed House Marik the ability to select a member of their family to be Captain-General.<ref name=HBHMCG />
  
The formation of the [[Star League]] made the Captain-General a permanent position. Because of an agreement with [[House Cameron]], the Marik Captain-General was recognized as the Council Lord from the Free Worlds League.<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 18, "Forging the New Alliance"</ref> Following the fall of the Star League, Parliament passed [[Resolution 288]], which gave the Captain-General broad power "for the duration of the crisis". These powers included the ability to convene and dismiss Parliament, supreme authority over the Free Worlds League Military, the right to choose one's successor, and the authority to nationalize industries associated with military production.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 81, "Resolution 288: Key Points"</ref><ref name=HBHMCG />
+
The formation of the [[Star League]] made the Captain-General a permanent position. Because of an agreement with [[House Cameron]], the Marik Captain-General was recognized as the Council Lord from the Free Worlds League on the [[Star League High Council]].<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 18, "Forging the New Alliance"</ref> Following the fall of the Star League, Parliament passed [[Resolution 288]], which gave the Captain-General broad powers "for the duration of the crisis". These powers included the ability to convene and dismiss Parliament, supreme authority over the Free Worlds League Military, the right to choose one's successor, and the authority to nationalize industries associated with military production.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 81, "Resolution 288: Key Points"</ref><ref name=HBHMCG />
  
 
Two laws passed in the 3030s gave the Captain-General unprecedented power. The [[Internal Emergency Act of 3030]] was passed in response to the [[Andurien Secession]]. The law stripped all of the provinces except the [[Duchy of Oriente]] and [[Principality of Regulus]] of their autonomy, subjecting them to the rule of the Captain-General.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 81, "The Internal Emergency Act of 3030: Key Points"</ref> The [[Addendum to the Incorporation]], passed in [[3037]] at the insistence of Captain-General [[Thomas Marik]], removed the ability of Parliament to use finances as a measure of checking the Captain-General's power and gave him veto power over every law passed by Parliament.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 81, "Addendum to the Incorporation: Key Points"</ref><ref name=HBHMCG />
 
Two laws passed in the 3030s gave the Captain-General unprecedented power. The [[Internal Emergency Act of 3030]] was passed in response to the [[Andurien Secession]]. The law stripped all of the provinces except the [[Duchy of Oriente]] and [[Principality of Regulus]] of their autonomy, subjecting them to the rule of the Captain-General.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 81, "The Internal Emergency Act of 3030: Key Points"</ref> The [[Addendum to the Incorporation]], passed in [[3037]] at the insistence of Captain-General [[Thomas Marik]], removed the ability of Parliament to use finances as a measure of checking the Captain-General's power and gave him veto power over every law passed by Parliament.<ref>''Handbook: House Marik'', p. 81, "Addendum to the Incorporation: Key Points"</ref><ref name=HBHMCG />
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====Duchy of Andurien====
 
====Duchy of Andurien====
Once a minor member of the League, the [[Duchy of Andurien]] was initially partitioned off to the Capellan Confederation during the Star League era, only to be reborn during the First Succession War and become one of the strongest in the Free Worlds League.  Chaffing under the rule of the transplanted House Humphrey and the federal government, the fiercely independent Anduriens would make their bid for independence in the [[Andurien Secession]].  The ten-year conflict resulted in the province's forceful reintegration into the League and the disbandment of its military, along with an increase presence of [[SAFE]] operatives.
+
Once a minor member of the League, the [[Duchy of Andurien]] was initially partitioned off to the Capellan Confederation during the Star League era, only to be reborn during the First Succession War and become one of the strongest in the Free Worlds League.  Chaffing under the rule of the transplanted House Humphrey and the federal government, the fiercely independent Anduriens would make their bid for independence in the [[Andurien Secession]].  The ten-year conflict resulted in the province's forceful reintegration into the League and the disbandment of its military, along with an increased presence of [[SAFE]] operatives.
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====Other Provinces of Note====
 +
The [[Stewart Commonality]] was the first to be annexed by the nascent Free Worlds League, whereafter it became a strong supporter of the Marik Commonwealth.  The [[Duchy of Graham-Marik]] was also a stalwart friend of House Marik, being related by blood, and the province was created from a small part of the Commonwealth as thanks to House Graham's support.  The [[Abbey District]] was also historically a Marik ally, coming to prominence after the discovery of valuable rare earths within its territory, as was the [[Border Protectorate]] (not to be confused with the [[Protectorate]], formerly ruled by [[Anton Marik]] until his [[Anton Marik's Revolt|failed rebellion]] caused the province to come under direct federal rule).  The [[Duchy of Tamarind]], while often positioning itself as a swing vote in Parliament, was often friendly to the Marik government.
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 +
After the scourging of the Regulan Principality, several new provinces were created.  The [[Rim Commonality]] maintained close ties with Regulus and was a frequent opponents of the Mariks in Parliament.  The [[Principality of Gibson]] was ardently hostile to Regulus, although this cooled somewhat following the discovery of SAFE infiltrators within the Gibson government.  Conversely, the [[Free Regulan States]] were successfully infiltrated by Regulan agents, which turned the pro-Marik government into an ardent supporter of Regulus.
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 +
The [[Duchy of Orloff]] was once a part of the Oriente before gaining independence in a peaceable split and with whom it maintained friendly relations.  The [[Sirian Concordance]] was formerly of the [[Terran Hegemony]] until their seizure during the Succession Wars.  While having strong democratic traditions, Sirian MPs frequently quarreled with each other, preventing any sort of unified bloc.  Both the [[Zion]] and [[Ohrensen]] provinces were gained via subterfuge at House Liao's expense, although at times their loyalty to the League was questioned.
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While not exactly a province, the [[Silver Hawks]] was a coalition of independent worlds with common interests.  Comprised of [[Danais]], [[Shiloh]], [[Amity]], [[Callison]], and [[Kalidasa]], the Silver Hawks frequently voted as a bloc in Parliament, typically in opposition to military adventures directed at the Lyran and Capellan states.
  
 
==Manufacturing Centers==
 
==Manufacturing Centers==

Revision as of 12:00, 6 May 2016

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200px
Free Worlds League
Faction Profile
Time period: 2271
Classification: Successor State
Controlled systems: 330+
Capital world: Atreus
Ruler title: Captain-General
Military: Free Worlds League Military
Secret Service: SAFE

The Free Worlds League is one of the five Successor States of the Inner Sphere. Its capital is Atreus and the League is ruled by a Captain-General, leaders of House Marik.

The Free Worlds League is notable as the first successor state founded in the Inner Sphere. It is multicultural, with strong European, Oriental, American and Hindu influences. It also traditionally offered great autonomy to its component regions, like the Duchy of Oriente, Principality of Regulus, and Duchy of Andurien.

History

The Free Worlds League was founded in 2271 with the signing of the Treaty of Marik between the Marik Republic, Federation of Oriente, and Regulan Principality. The new nation came together when it conquered the Stewart Commonality in 2293.

The League found tougher opponents in the Capellan Confederation and Lyran Commonwealth. The League warred with the Capellans over Andurien and the worlds near it time and time again. The Age of War began as a conflict over Andurien, and the peace that ended the Third Andurien War paved the way for the creation of the Star League.

House Marik took great pride in the Star League, but it was destroyed in the Amaris coup. The five Successor States fought three Succession Wars from 2785 to 3025 to determine who would become the next First Lord, each more inconclusive then the last. The League was forced to largely stay out of the conflicts of the early 31st century because of internal problems, including the Marik Civil War and the Andurien Crisis.

The Clan Invasion proved a boon to the Free Worlds, as its industry provided the war material the other Inner Sphere powers needed to stave off the Clans. Even when Captain-General Thomas Marik launched a punitive invasion in 3057 for the death of his son, the League earned a quick victory and settled back down to peace.

The Word of Blake Jihad tore the Free Worlds asunder, both from within and without. The provinces warred with one another and split apart in the 3080s, though they still banded together for mutual defense. In 3139, Jessica Marik reunited some of the former Free Worlds provinces under her leadership.

Military

The Free Worlds League has a strong emphasis on combined-arms tactics, with almost all of their regiments featuring a large number of infantry, armor, and aerospace assets, as well as one of the largest navies in the Inner Sphere. The focus on BattleMechs, however, does exist within their elite regiments, including the Knights of the Inner Sphere.

Government

The government of the Free Worlds League was ostensibly a federal republic, with each province accorded a measure of self-rule while the representative Parliament served as the supreme federal authority, though for much of its history it operated under the martial law of a Captain-General. Membership within Parliament was determined by the amount of taxes paid into the Treasury, although every province was guaranteed at least one Member of Parliament (MP). Parliamentary districts or 'wards' were based on wealth, population and other factors, with the Supreme Court overseeing redistricting every ten years. Most MPs were determined through democratic principals, though given the wide variety of planetary governments and traditions within the League - from military dictatorships to theocracies - that did not hold true for all. This mixture of regional and federal authorities, with some individuals holding multiple positions within the overlapping layers of bureaucracy, lead to a continual struggle for prominence.[1][2]

At the federal level, a struggle for power between the legislative (Parliament) and executive (the Captain-General) existed almost as soon as the nation was formed. The relative dominance of either side waxed and waned over the centuries, though, in general, the Captain-General accrued more and more authority.[1][2]

Parliament

The Marik Parliament

According to the Treaty of Marik, Parliament was the supreme governing body of the Free Worlds League. Parliament had the power to pass laws, create taxes, and decide on appropriations. In each two-year session, Parliament elected a Speaker, who then appointed Ministers to oversee the nine federal agencies: Communications, Defense, Energy, Foreign Affairs, Human Services, Intelligence, Justice, Taxation and Trade. These appointments had to be ratified by Parliament, though compared to the fights over the Speakership many of these votes were perfunctory. The Speaker and nine Ministers formed the League Council, which enjoyed customary powers. Although any MP could introduce any bill, tradition dictated that only the League Council introduce treaties, budget proposals, and tariff bills. Additionally, League Council members were guaranteed a hearing by Parliament and so more likely to be voted on. Per the Act of Incorporation, at least one of the nine Ministers had to come from each of the three founding League provinces.[3]

In addition to the main Parliamentary body, the League also had the non-constitutional Lords of the Realm, a body composed of nobles who were at least planetary rulers. This body functioned in an advisory role to Parliament and could not vote. The Lords were not paid for their service, so few choose to actually attend any given session. Nonetheless, the prominence of the members and their presence at court ensured the Lords were given more media attention than the importance that the body merited.[4]

Captain-General

Constitutionally, the Captain-General had only the power to oversee military matters when so appointed by Parliament. The Captain-General originally held a one-year term that could be renewed indefinitely. However, eight centuries of Parliamentary acts resulted in much greater power for the Captain-General.[5]

House Marik has a virtual stranglehold on the Captain-Generalcy, though there was no constitutional authority behind that, only historical precedent. Only two non-Marik Captain-Generals were ever appointed, and both were disastrous. The Succession Act of 2310 essentially allowed House Marik the ability to select a member of their family to be Captain-General.[5]

The formation of the Star League made the Captain-General a permanent position. Because of an agreement with House Cameron, the Marik Captain-General was recognized as the Council Lord from the Free Worlds League on the Star League High Council.[6] Following the fall of the Star League, Parliament passed Resolution 288, which gave the Captain-General broad powers "for the duration of the crisis". These powers included the ability to convene and dismiss Parliament, supreme authority over the Free Worlds League Military, the right to choose one's successor, and the authority to nationalize industries associated with military production.[7][5]

Two laws passed in the 3030s gave the Captain-General unprecedented power. The Internal Emergency Act of 3030 was passed in response to the Andurien Secession. The law stripped all of the provinces except the Duchy of Oriente and Principality of Regulus of their autonomy, subjecting them to the rule of the Captain-General.[8] The Addendum to the Incorporation, passed in 3037 at the insistence of Captain-General Thomas Marik, removed the ability of Parliament to use finances as a measure of checking the Captain-General's power and gave him veto power over every law passed by Parliament.[9][5]

Provinces

The number of provinces within the Free Worlds League grew dramatically from its founding, from just 15 in 2571 to 154 in 3025. Except for expansion into the former Terran Hegemony though, most of this growth came about from the fragmentation of larger polities. The vast majority of provinces also contained no more than one or two planets.[10] By 3067 the League had increased to 161, but for the most part was still dominated by the major provinces of the realm.[11]

Marik Commonwealth

One of the three original founders of the League, the Marik Commonwealth was the personal demesne of House Marik and the heart of the League. Its capital, Atreus, served as the headquarters for the military and the federal government. Safeguarded from the ravages of the Succession Wars, the Marik Commonwealth became the richest of the provinces, with a dynamic economy and vibrant culture. Within Parliament, the Commonwealth had the largest (and most unified) number of MPs.

Principality of Regulus

Second of the founding members, the Principality of Regulus was originally a mercantile alliance ruled over by House Selaj, until their growing opposition to House Marik's rule (culminating in their support for the infamous "Scourge of Death" terrorist group), instigated their forced deposition by Captain-General Geralk Marik. The succeeding House Cameron-Jones was initially loyal to House Marik, though they too eventually grew apart over time and Regulans once again became known for their regionalism. The Principality was second only to the Marik Commonwealth in terms of economic output.

Duchy of Oriente

The Duchy of Oriente was the third founder of the League. Formerly the technological and industrial center of the League, the Duchy of Oriente was ravaged during the Succession Wars, especially by the Capellan Confederation. House Allison once ruled the Duchy until their last heir died fighting against House Liao in 2845; their position was later taken up by House Halas, a MechWarrior family endorsed by House Marik. A desire for revenge against the Capellans often saw Oriente MPs allying with the Marik Commonwealth in Parliment, though they were not above wielding their power as a "swing vote" between the Commonwealth and Regulus for their own purposes.

Duchy of Andurien

Once a minor member of the League, the Duchy of Andurien was initially partitioned off to the Capellan Confederation during the Star League era, only to be reborn during the First Succession War and become one of the strongest in the Free Worlds League. Chaffing under the rule of the transplanted House Humphrey and the federal government, the fiercely independent Anduriens would make their bid for independence in the Andurien Secession. The ten-year conflict resulted in the province's forceful reintegration into the League and the disbandment of its military, along with an increased presence of SAFE operatives.

Other Provinces of Note

The Stewart Commonality was the first to be annexed by the nascent Free Worlds League, whereafter it became a strong supporter of the Marik Commonwealth. The Duchy of Graham-Marik was also a stalwart friend of House Marik, being related by blood, and the province was created from a small part of the Commonwealth as thanks to House Graham's support. The Abbey District was also historically a Marik ally, coming to prominence after the discovery of valuable rare earths within its territory, as was the Border Protectorate (not to be confused with the Protectorate, formerly ruled by Anton Marik until his failed rebellion caused the province to come under direct federal rule). The Duchy of Tamarind, while often positioning itself as a swing vote in Parliament, was often friendly to the Marik government.

After the scourging of the Regulan Principality, several new provinces were created. The Rim Commonality maintained close ties with Regulus and was a frequent opponents of the Mariks in Parliament. The Principality of Gibson was ardently hostile to Regulus, although this cooled somewhat following the discovery of SAFE infiltrators within the Gibson government. Conversely, the Free Regulan States were successfully infiltrated by Regulan agents, which turned the pro-Marik government into an ardent supporter of Regulus.

The Duchy of Orloff was once a part of the Oriente before gaining independence in a peaceable split and with whom it maintained friendly relations. The Sirian Concordance was formerly of the Terran Hegemony until their seizure during the Succession Wars. While having strong democratic traditions, Sirian MPs frequently quarreled with each other, preventing any sort of unified bloc. Both the Zion and Ohrensen provinces were gained via subterfuge at House Liao's expense, although at times their loyalty to the League was questioned.

While not exactly a province, the Silver Hawks was a coalition of independent worlds with common interests. Comprised of Danais, Shiloh, Amity, Callison, and Kalidasa, the Silver Hawks frequently voted as a bloc in Parliament, typically in opposition to military adventures directed at the Lyran and Capellan states.

Manufacturing Centers

A list of some Free Worlds League manufacturing centers.

Heavy Aerospace Industry[12]

3067

Major Defense Industries[13]

3067

Era Maps Gallery

Historical Maps

See Also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 House Marik: The Free Worlds League, p. 59
  2. 2.0 2.1 Handbook: House Marik, p. 78
  3. Handbook: House Marik, pp. 78 & 82-84, "Parliament"
  4. Handbook: House Marik, p. 84, "Lords of the Realm"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Handbook: House Marik, p. 78, "The Captain-General"
  6. House Marik (The Free Worlds League), p. 18, "Forging the New Alliance"
  7. Handbook: House Marik, p. 81, "Resolution 288: Key Points"
  8. Handbook: House Marik, p. 81, "The Internal Emergency Act of 3030: Key Points"
  9. Handbook: House Marik, p. 81, "Addendum to the Incorporation: Key Points"
  10. House Marik: The Free Worlds League, p. 62
  11. Handbook: House Marike, p. 62-68
  12. Strategic Operations, p. 14
  13. Tactical Operations, p. 14

Bibliography