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Line 1: − {{Update Needed|[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)]]|[[Shattered Fortress]]}} + {{Update Needed|[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)]], [[Shattered Fortress]]}} {{InfoBoxState {{InfoBoxState | image = Taurian_Concordat_1.jpg | image = Taurian_Concordat_1.jpg Line 13:
Line 13: | army = [[Taurian Defense Force]] (TDF) | army = [[Taurian Defense Force]] (TDF) | navy = | navy = − | mintel = [[Taurian Ministry of Intelligence]] (TMI) + | mintel = [[Taurian Ministry of Intelligence]] }} }} The '''Taurian Concordat''' is an interstellar nation located in the [[Periphery]]. Founded as a constitutional monarchy under the leadership of [[House Calderon]], the Taurian Concordat is one of the oldest surviving realms since the collapse of the [[Terran Alliance]]. Taurian citizens enjoy extensive freedoms guaranteed by the Concordat Charter and take pride in defending those freedoms through compulsory service. The Taurian Concordat has had an antagonistic relationship with the [[Inner Sphere]], particularly against the [[Federated Suns]], and is driven by a desire to expand its borders through colonization and protect its hard-won freedoms from outside aggression. The '''Taurian Concordat''' is an interstellar nation located in the [[Periphery]]. Founded as a constitutional monarchy under the leadership of [[House Calderon]], the Taurian Concordat is one of the oldest surviving realms since the collapse of the [[Terran Alliance]]. Taurian citizens enjoy extensive freedoms guaranteed by the Concordat Charter and take pride in defending those freedoms through compulsory service. The Taurian Concordat has had an antagonistic relationship with the [[Inner Sphere]], particularly against the [[Federated Suns]], and is driven by a desire to expand its borders through colonization and protect its hard-won freedoms from outside aggression. Line 19:
Line 19: ==History== ==History== {{main|History of the Taurian Concordat}} {{main|History of the Taurian Concordat}} − The Taurian Concordat traces its beginnings to [[Samantha Calderon]], a woman whose family was murdered by the [[Terran Alliance]] and soon found herself in dire straits when that government's collapse left the Outer Reaches in chaos. After securing sufficient funding for a deep-space exploration effort, the Calderon Expedition left known space in [[2250]]. Nearly two years later, they reached the [[Hyades Cluster]], with Samantha the first to step foot on [[Taurus]] on 23 January, [[2253]]. Over the next century the Taurians thrived in their isolation, expanding out to colonize the rest of the Hyades Cluster and outlying systems, while at the same time running into refugees fleeing war and oppression in the [[Inner Sphere]]. In [[2335]], [[Richard Calderon (24th c.)|Richard Calderon]] announced the creation of the Taurian Concordat, allowing those systems which joined to maintain their internal affairs while pledging to come to the common defense of all. + The Taurian Concordat traces its beginnings to [[Samantha Calderon]], a woman whose family was murdered by the [[Terran Alliance]] and soon found herself in dire straits when that government's collapse left the Outer Reaches in chaos. After securing sufficient funding for a deep-space exploration effort, the Calderon Expedition left known space in [[2250]]. Nearly two years later, they reached the [[Hyades Cluster]], with Samantha the first to step foot on [[Taurus]] on 23 January, [[2253]]. Over the next century the Taurians thrived in their isolation, expanding out to colonize the rest of the Hyades Cluster and outlying systems, while at the same time running into refugees fleeing war and oppression in the [[Inner Sphere]]. In [[2335]], [[Richard Calderon (24th c.)|Richard Calderon]] formally announced the creation of the Taurian Concordat, allowing those systems which joined to maintain their internal affairs while pledging to come to the common defense of all. − As the Concordat expanded, so did it come into more regular contact with the Inner Sphere. Due to a series of unfortunate events involving the [[Capellan Confederation]] and the [[Federated Suns]], the Concordat became embroiled in conflict with the Federation, an event which would spark centuries of animosity towards House Davion. After the [[Great Houses]] banded together to form the [[Star League]] in [[2570]], they tried to convince the Taurian Concordat and other major powers of the [[Periphery]] to join as well, an offer which was politely but strongly declined. Eventually, the Star League gave them a final choice: [[Pollux Proclamation|join us or else]]. The Periphery refused, and for twenty-five years the [[Reunification War]] raged, causing immense destruction within the Concordat as both the Taurians and Star League fought with every tool at their disposal, including [[nuclear weapon]]s. By the conflict's end, one in five Taurians were dead and the Concordat was made a Territorial State of the Star League. + As the Concordat expanded, so did it come into more regular contact with the Inner Sphere. Due to a series of unfortunate events involving the [[Capellan Confederation]] and the [[Federated Suns]], the Concordat became embroiled in conflict with the Federation, an event which would spark centuries of animosity towards House Davion. After the [[Great Houses]] banded together to form the [[Star League]] in [[2570]], they tried to convince the Taurian Concordat and other major powers of the [[Periphery]] to join as well, an offer which was politely but strongly declined. Eventually, the Star League gave them a final choice: [[Pollux Proclamation|join us or else]]. The Periphery refused, and for twenty-five years the [[Reunification War]] raged, causing immense destruction within the Concordat as both the Taurians and Star League fought with every tool at their disposal, including [[nuclear weapon]]s. By the conflict's end, one in every five Taurians was dead and the Concordat was made a Territorial State of the Star League. The Taurian Concordat chafed under the rule of the Star League: slight increases in living standards and fewer pirate attacks were not worth the cost of being exploited and oppressed by distant masters. When [[Stefan Amaris]] of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] approached the other Periphery leaders about a conspiracy to win their freedom, they agreed. The [[New Vandenberg Uprising]] began in [[2765]] when [[Nicoletta Calderon]] allowed several Concordat worlds to secede from the Star League, an act which would lead directly to the [[Star League Civil War]]. Though Stefan Amaris went back on his word and tried to retain the Periphery in his new "Amaris Empire," in the end the dissolution of the Star League in [[2780]] finally won the Concordat its freedom. The Taurian Concordat chafed under the rule of the Star League: slight increases in living standards and fewer pirate attacks were not worth the cost of being exploited and oppressed by distant masters. When [[Stefan Amaris]] of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] approached the other Periphery leaders about a conspiracy to win their freedom, they agreed. The [[New Vandenberg Uprising]] began in [[2765]] when [[Nicoletta Calderon]] allowed several Concordat worlds to secede from the Star League, an act which would lead directly to the [[Star League Civil War]]. Though Stefan Amaris went back on his word and tried to retain the Periphery in his new "Amaris Empire," in the end the dissolution of the Star League in [[2780]] finally won the Concordat its freedom. Line 37:
Line 37: The [[Protector of the Realm]], or simply the '''Protector''', is the chief executive officer of the Concordat and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. A title bestowed upon the eldest member of House Calderon, the Protector is responsible for all matters foreign and domestic. To guard against tyranny, all statutes passed by the Protector are subject to periodic review by the Concordat Courts, which have the power to strike down any deemed unconstitutional, though during times of war the Protector can evoke temporary emergency powers which grant them supreme authority.<ref name=TP71/><ref name=HMPS105/> The [[Protector of the Realm]], or simply the '''Protector''', is the chief executive officer of the Concordat and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. A title bestowed upon the eldest member of House Calderon, the Protector is responsible for all matters foreign and domestic. To guard against tyranny, all statutes passed by the Protector are subject to periodic review by the Concordat Courts, which have the power to strike down any deemed unconstitutional, though during times of war the Protector can evoke temporary emergency powers which grant them supreme authority.<ref name=TP71/><ref name=HMPS105/> − Advising the Protector is the [[Privy Council (Taurian Concordat)|Privy Council]], which meets on a monthly basis to review matters of state and recommend courses of action for the Protector to take. At first the Council was composed of the original financiers of the Calderon expedition, but evolved to be composed of representatives from each of the major government departments as well as personal appointees by the Protector.<ref name=TP71/><ref name=HMPS105/> In the event a suitable member of House Calderon is not available, the Privy Council also has the power (in consultation with the planetary governments) to choose a Protector themselves, as was the case with [[Grover Shraplen]].<ref name=HMPS105/> + Advising the Protector is the '''Privy Council''', which meets on a monthly basis to review matters of state and recommend courses of action for the Protector to take. At first the Council was composed of the original financiers of the Calderon expedition, but evolved to be composed of representatives from each of the major government departments as well as personal appointees by the Protector.<ref name=TP71/><ref name=HMPS105/> In the event a suitable member of House Calderon is not available, the Privy Council also has the power (in consultation with the planetary governments) to choose a Protector themselves, as was the case with [[Grover Shraplen]].<ref name=HMPS105/> The government bureaucracy's primary goal is to ensure the individual liberty and general welfare of every Taurian citizen. Civil servants are known as "functionaries" and generally divided into two groups: Masters of Request who handle most government affairs, and Auditors who operate as inspectors general. The major government departments include:<ref name=TP72>''The Periphery'', p. 72</ref><ref name=HMPS106>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 106</ref> The government bureaucracy's primary goal is to ensure the individual liberty and general welfare of every Taurian citizen. Civil servants are known as "functionaries" and generally divided into two groups: Masters of Request who handle most government affairs, and Auditors who operate as inspectors general. The major government departments include:<ref name=TP72>''The Periphery'', p. 72</ref><ref name=HMPS106>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 106</ref> Line 51:
Line 51: An extensive court system upholds Taurian law and ensures the rights of the Concordat's citizens. For every ten thousand citizens there are civil courts on every member planet, while a Planetary Court of Appeal for every three worlds serves an appellate function. A separate Court of Judicial Review, known as the '''Concordat Courts''', periodically reviews all statues passed by the Protector or any government department. If any are determined to be a threat to individual liberty, such legislation can be struck down.<ref name=TP72/><ref name=HMPS107/> An extensive court system upholds Taurian law and ensures the rights of the Concordat's citizens. For every ten thousand citizens there are civil courts on every member planet, while a Planetary Court of Appeal for every three worlds serves an appellate function. A separate Court of Judicial Review, known as the '''Concordat Courts''', periodically reviews all statues passed by the Protector or any government department. If any are determined to be a threat to individual liberty, such legislation can be struck down.<ref name=TP72/><ref name=HMPS107/> − The Concordat Constabulary, in addition to its role of protecting against foreign intrusion, works alongside local police units to enforce the law on member worlds. While there are variations in what different municipalities and provinces determine is legal and illegal, all major crimes (e.g. murder) have uniform definitions.<ref name=TP72/><ref name=HMPS107/> + The Concordat Constabulary, in addition to its role of protecting against foreign intrusion, works alongside local police units to enforce the law on member worlds. While there are variations in what different municipalities and provinces determine is legal and illegal, all major crimes (i.e. murder) have uniform definitions.<ref name=TP72/><ref name=HMPS107/> ===Citizenship=== ===Citizenship=== Line 59:
Line 59: The [[Taurian Defense Force]] is a well-organized, well-trained and highly motivated military, especially by Periphery standards. The military-industrial capacity of the Taurian Concordat, combined with the Taurian pride shown in the TDF, ensured that the TDF has traditionally been the largest and best-equipped army in the Periphery. The [[Taurian Defense Force]] is a well-organized, well-trained and highly motivated military, especially by Periphery standards. The military-industrial capacity of the Taurian Concordat, combined with the Taurian pride shown in the TDF, ensured that the TDF has traditionally been the largest and best-equipped army in the Periphery. − The arrangement of the TDF is modeled after that of the Napoleonic armies, with a [[thirty-first-century]] feel: [[BattleMech]]s, infantry, and armor assets are divided into operational Corps, with naval elements, primarily utilized for transportation and defense, attached directly to and under the command of the Corps commanders. The Concordat Constabulary, a paramilitary force used for intelligence gathering and internal security, can be mobilized to supplement the TDF during times of war. Finally there are a variety of armed groups, from planetary militias to the private armies of various nobles and corporations, which might lack in uniform quality and equipment but will not waver in coming to the defense of the realm.<ref>''The Periphery'', p. 74</ref><ref>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 112</ref> + The arrangement of the TDF is modeled after that of the Napoleonic armies, with a 31st century feel: [[BattleMech]]s, infantry, and armor assets are divided into operational Corps, with naval elements, primarily utilized for transportation and defense, attached directly to and under the command of the Corps commanders. The Concordat Constabulary, a paramilitary force used for intelligence gathering and internal security, can be mobilized to supplement the TDF during times of war. Finally there are a variety of armed groups, from planetary militias to the private armies of various nobles and corporations, which might lack in uniform quality and equipment but will not waver in coming to the defense of the realm.<ref>''The Periphery'', p. 74</ref><ref>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 112</ref> − The Taurian Defense Force has not maintained a fleet of [[WarShip]]s since the Reunification War, only possessing a single surviving (barely functional) WarShip, the ''[[Vincent (WarShip class)|Vincent Mk 39]]''-class [[Vandenberg (Individual Vincent-class WarShip)|TCW ''Vandenberg'']], which survived by hiding in the Hyades asteroid field. + The Taurian Defense Force has not maintained a fleet of [[WarShip]]s since the Reunification War, only possessing a single surviving (barely functional) WarShip, the ''[[Vincent|Vincent Mk 39]]''-class [[Vandenberg|TCW ''Vandenberg'']], which survived by hiding in the Hyades asteroid field. ==Society and Culture== ==Society and Culture== Line 75:
Line 75: The Taurian economy can in many ways be described as "capitalism with a human face." When it comes to monetary policy the Concordat adopts a ''laissez-faire'' approach, with government bodies like the Bank of Taurus and the Taurian Treasury Reserve there only to ensure monetary stability or directly intervene in the most unusual of circumstances. However, strong regulations exists to ensure fair play and protect the rights of workers: a living wage, pensions, unemployment assistance and other benefits are guaranteed by the Concordat Charter. Businesses are largely accepting of these rules, partly out of their own self-interest, and partly from the memories of rampant, predatory exploitation which occurred during the waning years of the Star League when regulatory safeguards were removed.<ref name=TP83>''The Periphery'', p. 83</ref><ref name=HMPS117-118>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', pp. 117–118</ref><ref name=ER2750>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 65</ref> There also exists a strong belief within Taurian society that too great of a wealth disparity is destructive to a free democracy.<ref name=HMPS107>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 107</ref> The Taurian economy can in many ways be described as "capitalism with a human face." When it comes to monetary policy the Concordat adopts a ''laissez-faire'' approach, with government bodies like the Bank of Taurus and the Taurian Treasury Reserve there only to ensure monetary stability or directly intervene in the most unusual of circumstances. However, strong regulations exists to ensure fair play and protect the rights of workers: a living wage, pensions, unemployment assistance and other benefits are guaranteed by the Concordat Charter. Businesses are largely accepting of these rules, partly out of their own self-interest, and partly from the memories of rampant, predatory exploitation which occurred during the waning years of the Star League when regulatory safeguards were removed.<ref name=TP83>''The Periphery'', p. 83</ref><ref name=HMPS117-118>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', pp. 117–118</ref><ref name=ER2750>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 65</ref> There also exists a strong belief within Taurian society that too great of a wealth disparity is destructive to a free democracy.<ref name=HMPS107>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 107</ref> − The Taurian economy is built on a strong manufacturing sector, colonial expansion, and intra-Periphery trade in key technologies, with its largest trading partner historically being the [[Magistracy of Canopus]]. For many years trade with the [[Inner Sphere]] was severely curtailed and viewed as politically undesirable, but that began to change during the thirty-first century, particularly with the signing of the [[Trinity Alliance]]. By [[3067]], Taurian trading firms had succeeded in penetrating the markets in the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Free Worlds League]], while (to the Magistracy's annoyance) exploratory efforts were made at increasing trade with the budding [[Marian Hegemony]].<ref name=TP83>''The Periphery'', p. 83</ref><ref name=HMPS117-118>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', pp. 117–118</ref> + The Taurian economy is built on a strong manufacturing sector, colonial expansion, and intra-Periphery trade in key technologies, with its largest trading partner historically being the [[Magistracy of Canopus]]. For many years trade with the [[Inner Sphere]] was severely curtailed and viewed as politically undesirable, but that began to change during the [[31st century]], particularly with the signing of the [[Trinity Alliance]]. By [[3067]], Taurian trading firms had succeeded in penetrating the markets in the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Free Worlds League]], while (to the Magistracy's annoyance) exploratory efforts were made at increasing trade with the budding [[Marian Hegemony]].<ref name=TP83>''The Periphery'', p. 83</ref><ref name=HMPS117-118>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', pp. 117–118</ref> ===Manufacturing Centers=== ===Manufacturing Centers===
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| − | {{Update Needed|[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)]] | + | {{Update Needed|[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)]], [[Shattered Fortress]]}} |
{{InfoBoxState | {{InfoBoxState | ||
| image = Taurian_Concordat_1.jpg | | image = Taurian_Concordat_1.jpg | ||
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| army = [[Taurian Defense Force]] (TDF) | | army = [[Taurian Defense Force]] (TDF) | ||
| navy = | | navy = | ||
| − | | mintel = [[Taurian Ministry of Intelligence]] | + | | mintel = [[Taurian Ministry of Intelligence]] |
}} | }} | ||
The '''Taurian Concordat''' is an interstellar nation located in the [[Periphery]]. Founded as a constitutional monarchy under the leadership of [[House Calderon]], the Taurian Concordat is one of the oldest surviving realms since the collapse of the [[Terran Alliance]]. Taurian citizens enjoy extensive freedoms guaranteed by the Concordat Charter and take pride in defending those freedoms through compulsory service. The Taurian Concordat has had an antagonistic relationship with the [[Inner Sphere]], particularly against the [[Federated Suns]], and is driven by a desire to expand its borders through colonization and protect its hard-won freedoms from outside aggression. | The '''Taurian Concordat''' is an interstellar nation located in the [[Periphery]]. Founded as a constitutional monarchy under the leadership of [[House Calderon]], the Taurian Concordat is one of the oldest surviving realms since the collapse of the [[Terran Alliance]]. Taurian citizens enjoy extensive freedoms guaranteed by the Concordat Charter and take pride in defending those freedoms through compulsory service. The Taurian Concordat has had an antagonistic relationship with the [[Inner Sphere]], particularly against the [[Federated Suns]], and is driven by a desire to expand its borders through colonization and protect its hard-won freedoms from outside aggression. | ||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
{{main|History of the Taurian Concordat}} | {{main|History of the Taurian Concordat}} | ||
| − | The Taurian Concordat traces its beginnings to [[Samantha Calderon]], a woman whose family was murdered by the [[Terran Alliance]] and soon found herself in dire straits when that government's collapse left the Outer Reaches in chaos. After securing sufficient funding for a deep-space exploration effort, the Calderon Expedition left known space in [[2250]]. Nearly two years later, they reached the [[Hyades Cluster]], with Samantha the first to step foot on [[Taurus]] on 23 January, [[2253]]. Over the next century the Taurians thrived in their isolation, expanding out to colonize the rest of the Hyades Cluster and outlying systems, while at the same time running into refugees fleeing war and oppression in the [[Inner Sphere]]. In [[2335]], [[Richard Calderon (24th c.)|Richard Calderon]] announced the creation of the Taurian Concordat, allowing those systems which joined to maintain their internal affairs while pledging to come to the common defense of all. | + | The Taurian Concordat traces its beginnings to [[Samantha Calderon]], a woman whose family was murdered by the [[Terran Alliance]] and soon found herself in dire straits when that government's collapse left the Outer Reaches in chaos. After securing sufficient funding for a deep-space exploration effort, the Calderon Expedition left known space in [[2250]]. Nearly two years later, they reached the [[Hyades Cluster]], with Samantha the first to step foot on [[Taurus]] on 23 January, [[2253]]. Over the next century the Taurians thrived in their isolation, expanding out to colonize the rest of the Hyades Cluster and outlying systems, while at the same time running into refugees fleeing war and oppression in the [[Inner Sphere]]. In [[2335]], [[Richard Calderon (24th c.)|Richard Calderon]] formally announced the creation of the Taurian Concordat, allowing those systems which joined to maintain their internal affairs while pledging to come to the common defense of all. |
| − | As the Concordat expanded, so did it come into more regular contact with the Inner Sphere. Due to a series of unfortunate events involving the [[Capellan Confederation]] and the [[Federated Suns]], the Concordat became embroiled in conflict with the Federation, an event which would spark centuries of animosity towards House Davion. After the [[Great Houses]] banded together to form the [[Star League]] in [[2570]], they tried to convince the Taurian Concordat and other major powers of the [[Periphery]] to join as well, an offer which was politely but strongly declined. Eventually, the Star League gave them a final choice: [[Pollux Proclamation|join us or else]]. The Periphery refused, and for twenty-five years the [[Reunification War]] raged, causing immense destruction within the Concordat as both the Taurians and Star League fought with every tool at their disposal, including [[nuclear weapon]]s. By the conflict's end, one in five Taurians | + | As the Concordat expanded, so did it come into more regular contact with the Inner Sphere. Due to a series of unfortunate events involving the [[Capellan Confederation]] and the [[Federated Suns]], the Concordat became embroiled in conflict with the Federation, an event which would spark centuries of animosity towards House Davion. After the [[Great Houses]] banded together to form the [[Star League]] in [[2570]], they tried to convince the Taurian Concordat and other major powers of the [[Periphery]] to join as well, an offer which was politely but strongly declined. Eventually, the Star League gave them a final choice: [[Pollux Proclamation|join us or else]]. The Periphery refused, and for twenty-five years the [[Reunification War]] raged, causing immense destruction within the Concordat as both the Taurians and Star League fought with every tool at their disposal, including [[nuclear weapon]]s. By the conflict's end, one in every five Taurians was dead and the Concordat was made a Territorial State of the Star League. |
The Taurian Concordat chafed under the rule of the Star League: slight increases in living standards and fewer pirate attacks were not worth the cost of being exploited and oppressed by distant masters. When [[Stefan Amaris]] of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] approached the other Periphery leaders about a conspiracy to win their freedom, they agreed. The [[New Vandenberg Uprising]] began in [[2765]] when [[Nicoletta Calderon]] allowed several Concordat worlds to secede from the Star League, an act which would lead directly to the [[Star League Civil War]]. Though Stefan Amaris went back on his word and tried to retain the Periphery in his new "Amaris Empire," in the end the dissolution of the Star League in [[2780]] finally won the Concordat its freedom. | The Taurian Concordat chafed under the rule of the Star League: slight increases in living standards and fewer pirate attacks were not worth the cost of being exploited and oppressed by distant masters. When [[Stefan Amaris]] of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] approached the other Periphery leaders about a conspiracy to win their freedom, they agreed. The [[New Vandenberg Uprising]] began in [[2765]] when [[Nicoletta Calderon]] allowed several Concordat worlds to secede from the Star League, an act which would lead directly to the [[Star League Civil War]]. Though Stefan Amaris went back on his word and tried to retain the Periphery in his new "Amaris Empire," in the end the dissolution of the Star League in [[2780]] finally won the Concordat its freedom. | ||
| Line 37: | Line 37: | ||
The [[Protector of the Realm]], or simply the '''Protector''', is the chief executive officer of the Concordat and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. A title bestowed upon the eldest member of House Calderon, the Protector is responsible for all matters foreign and domestic. To guard against tyranny, all statutes passed by the Protector are subject to periodic review by the Concordat Courts, which have the power to strike down any deemed unconstitutional, though during times of war the Protector can evoke temporary emergency powers which grant them supreme authority.<ref name=TP71/><ref name=HMPS105/> | The [[Protector of the Realm]], or simply the '''Protector''', is the chief executive officer of the Concordat and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. A title bestowed upon the eldest member of House Calderon, the Protector is responsible for all matters foreign and domestic. To guard against tyranny, all statutes passed by the Protector are subject to periodic review by the Concordat Courts, which have the power to strike down any deemed unconstitutional, though during times of war the Protector can evoke temporary emergency powers which grant them supreme authority.<ref name=TP71/><ref name=HMPS105/> | ||
| − | Advising the Protector is the | + | Advising the Protector is the '''Privy Council''', which meets on a monthly basis to review matters of state and recommend courses of action for the Protector to take. At first the Council was composed of the original financiers of the Calderon expedition, but evolved to be composed of representatives from each of the major government departments as well as personal appointees by the Protector.<ref name=TP71/><ref name=HMPS105/> In the event a suitable member of House Calderon is not available, the Privy Council also has the power (in consultation with the planetary governments) to choose a Protector themselves, as was the case with [[Grover Shraplen]].<ref name=HMPS105/> |
The government bureaucracy's primary goal is to ensure the individual liberty and general welfare of every Taurian citizen. Civil servants are known as "functionaries" and generally divided into two groups: Masters of Request who handle most government affairs, and Auditors who operate as inspectors general. The major government departments include:<ref name=TP72>''The Periphery'', p. 72</ref><ref name=HMPS106>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 106</ref> | The government bureaucracy's primary goal is to ensure the individual liberty and general welfare of every Taurian citizen. Civil servants are known as "functionaries" and generally divided into two groups: Masters of Request who handle most government affairs, and Auditors who operate as inspectors general. The major government departments include:<ref name=TP72>''The Periphery'', p. 72</ref><ref name=HMPS106>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 106</ref> | ||
| Line 51: | Line 51: | ||
An extensive court system upholds Taurian law and ensures the rights of the Concordat's citizens. For every ten thousand citizens there are civil courts on every member planet, while a Planetary Court of Appeal for every three worlds serves an appellate function. A separate Court of Judicial Review, known as the '''Concordat Courts''', periodically reviews all statues passed by the Protector or any government department. If any are determined to be a threat to individual liberty, such legislation can be struck down.<ref name=TP72/><ref name=HMPS107/> | An extensive court system upholds Taurian law and ensures the rights of the Concordat's citizens. For every ten thousand citizens there are civil courts on every member planet, while a Planetary Court of Appeal for every three worlds serves an appellate function. A separate Court of Judicial Review, known as the '''Concordat Courts''', periodically reviews all statues passed by the Protector or any government department. If any are determined to be a threat to individual liberty, such legislation can be struck down.<ref name=TP72/><ref name=HMPS107/> | ||
| − | The Concordat Constabulary, in addition to its role of protecting against foreign intrusion, works alongside local police units to enforce the law on member worlds. While there are variations in what different municipalities and provinces determine is legal and illegal, all major crimes (e | + | The Concordat Constabulary, in addition to its role of protecting against foreign intrusion, works alongside local police units to enforce the law on member worlds. While there are variations in what different municipalities and provinces determine is legal and illegal, all major crimes (i.e. murder) have uniform definitions.<ref name=TP72/><ref name=HMPS107/> |
===Citizenship=== | ===Citizenship=== | ||
| Line 59: | Line 59: | ||
The [[Taurian Defense Force]] is a well-organized, well-trained and highly motivated military, especially by Periphery standards. The military-industrial capacity of the Taurian Concordat, combined with the Taurian pride shown in the TDF, ensured that the TDF has traditionally been the largest and best-equipped army in the Periphery. | The [[Taurian Defense Force]] is a well-organized, well-trained and highly motivated military, especially by Periphery standards. The military-industrial capacity of the Taurian Concordat, combined with the Taurian pride shown in the TDF, ensured that the TDF has traditionally been the largest and best-equipped army in the Periphery. | ||
| − | The arrangement of the TDF is modeled after that of the Napoleonic armies, with a | + | The arrangement of the TDF is modeled after that of the Napoleonic armies, with a 31st century feel: [[BattleMech]]s, infantry, and armor assets are divided into operational Corps, with naval elements, primarily utilized for transportation and defense, attached directly to and under the command of the Corps commanders. The Concordat Constabulary, a paramilitary force used for intelligence gathering and internal security, can be mobilized to supplement the TDF during times of war. Finally there are a variety of armed groups, from planetary militias to the private armies of various nobles and corporations, which might lack in uniform quality and equipment but will not waver in coming to the defense of the realm.<ref>''The Periphery'', p. 74</ref><ref>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 112</ref> |
| − | The Taurian Defense Force has not maintained a fleet of [[WarShip]]s since the Reunification War, only possessing a single surviving (barely functional) WarShip, the ''[[Vincent | + | The Taurian Defense Force has not maintained a fleet of [[WarShip]]s since the Reunification War, only possessing a single surviving (barely functional) WarShip, the ''[[Vincent|Vincent Mk 39]]''-class [[Vandenberg|TCW ''Vandenberg'']], which survived by hiding in the Hyades asteroid field. |
==Society and Culture== | ==Society and Culture== | ||
| Line 75: | Line 75: | ||
The Taurian economy can in many ways be described as "capitalism with a human face." When it comes to monetary policy the Concordat adopts a ''laissez-faire'' approach, with government bodies like the Bank of Taurus and the Taurian Treasury Reserve there only to ensure monetary stability or directly intervene in the most unusual of circumstances. However, strong regulations exists to ensure fair play and protect the rights of workers: a living wage, pensions, unemployment assistance and other benefits are guaranteed by the Concordat Charter. Businesses are largely accepting of these rules, partly out of their own self-interest, and partly from the memories of rampant, predatory exploitation which occurred during the waning years of the Star League when regulatory safeguards were removed.<ref name=TP83>''The Periphery'', p. 83</ref><ref name=HMPS117-118>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', pp. 117–118</ref><ref name=ER2750>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 65</ref> There also exists a strong belief within Taurian society that too great of a wealth disparity is destructive to a free democracy.<ref name=HMPS107>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 107</ref> | The Taurian economy can in many ways be described as "capitalism with a human face." When it comes to monetary policy the Concordat adopts a ''laissez-faire'' approach, with government bodies like the Bank of Taurus and the Taurian Treasury Reserve there only to ensure monetary stability or directly intervene in the most unusual of circumstances. However, strong regulations exists to ensure fair play and protect the rights of workers: a living wage, pensions, unemployment assistance and other benefits are guaranteed by the Concordat Charter. Businesses are largely accepting of these rules, partly out of their own self-interest, and partly from the memories of rampant, predatory exploitation which occurred during the waning years of the Star League when regulatory safeguards were removed.<ref name=TP83>''The Periphery'', p. 83</ref><ref name=HMPS117-118>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', pp. 117–118</ref><ref name=ER2750>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 65</ref> There also exists a strong belief within Taurian society that too great of a wealth disparity is destructive to a free democracy.<ref name=HMPS107>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 107</ref> | ||
| − | The Taurian economy is built on a strong manufacturing sector, colonial expansion, and intra-Periphery trade in key technologies, with its largest trading partner historically being the [[Magistracy of Canopus]]. For many years trade with the [[Inner Sphere]] was severely curtailed and viewed as politically undesirable, but that began to change during the | + | The Taurian economy is built on a strong manufacturing sector, colonial expansion, and intra-Periphery trade in key technologies, with its largest trading partner historically being the [[Magistracy of Canopus]]. For many years trade with the [[Inner Sphere]] was severely curtailed and viewed as politically undesirable, but that began to change during the [[31st century]], particularly with the signing of the [[Trinity Alliance]]. By [[3067]], Taurian trading firms had succeeded in penetrating the markets in the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Free Worlds League]], while (to the Magistracy's annoyance) exploratory efforts were made at increasing trade with the budding [[Marian Hegemony]].<ref name=TP83>''The Periphery'', p. 83</ref><ref name=HMPS117-118>''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', pp. 117–118</ref> |
===Manufacturing Centers=== | ===Manufacturing Centers=== | ||