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Ideology
Orissian Classical Conservatism
Summary
In conjunction with the fundamental ideals and values of the pure democracy of Orissa, a vein of classical conservatism is also embraced by Orissians. The fundamental values of freedom, independence, and equal consent are paired with and balanced by the ideological values of security, order, stability, and harmony. Orissian classical conservatism provides a framework that cultivates a strong sense of solidarity, collective moral responsibility (and thereby individual moral responsibility), the demand of honorable civil service, and a commitment to upholding and defending the fundamental values previously mentioned.
The Problem
The founding of Orissa as a pure democracy gave cause for several thinkers to be wary of whether the regime would succeed in averting the violent conflict that plagued the region previously. Although the founding of the regime had noble intentions, they agree with Aristotle’s analysis that, “… [in democracy] The common people will recklessly pursue their own interests by taking property, wealth, and power from the few with little or no regard for the peace and stability of the polis as a whole. But this serves their interests only in the short run, and in the end they will bring chaos, and ultimately tyranny…” (Ball et al., 2017, p. 23). In response, Orissian classical conservatism developed, providing a conceptual framework that cultivates a strong sense of solidarity, collective moral responsibility, and honorable civil service. In effect, Orissian classical conservatism acts as both a balancing force and a protection of the weak points of pure democracy.
The Ideology
Humans by both nature and necessity are cooperative rather than competitive as they form societies to provide for the welfare and protection of their members against forces, both human-made and natural, that could otherwise threaten their security and survival. In addition, all humans are inherently cultural as we share in values and beliefs, knowledge, wisdom, norms, resources, and responsibilities to each other. Because we are fundamentally cultural and cooperative, it is thus incoherent for a social contract to begin with the individual alone who supposedly consents implicitly to a social contract of society. On this point, Edmund Burke argues that, “this atomistic conception of humans and society… loses sight of the many important ways in which individuals are connected to and depend upon one another… [society is] a living and changing organism, a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts” (Ball et al., 2017, p. 114). Thus, we contend that it is the whole of society which commonly agrees to form a more robust social covenant that consists of a partnership in all things including virtues, governance, science, art, etc. It is also for this reason that the rule of law is imperative, for it is through government that members of society are legally obligated to adhere to laws that incorporate mores that prescribe and proscribe behaviors therein, guarding against potentially destructive passions of the people. This does not preclude, however, the possibility of disagreement or dissention among its members. It also does not preclude the possibility of reforms that might be proposed as well. On the contrary, such possibilities are also consistent with these fundamental assumptions about human nature as the necessity for consideration of alternatives that may better society is clear. It is for these reasons that the pure democracy of Orissa institutionally facilitates a formal public forum to house orderly, well-reasoned discussion, debate, and ultimately the political and legal decision-making process. Interconnectivity and interdependence necessitate collective moral responsibility. Furthermore, we believe that it is the state that is the source of rights and privileges which are granted to its citizens through law. Also, this framework implies that strong social bonds between societies is possible, and that they should be pursued for the sake of accomplishing international security, stability, and peace.
And to the potential objector, assuming ‘competition’ or ‘conflict’ to be inherently human makes the mistake of ascribing false cause as it ignores the social and political systems that facilitate and produce such outcomes. This means that because they contradict human nature, those specific systems are therefore “unnatural” and counterproductive to all values, norms, and systems that are otherwise compatible with human nature. Thus, we reject these assumptions as they are false.
On Freedom
To be free does not mean that one is without social and moral obligations to others, especially to family, community, state, and at the most basic level, humanity and the natural environment. On the contrary, one is free precisely because they are a citizen of a given state as they benefit from the social bonds, services, resources, and protection provided therein, against ‘enemies’ that might arise both within and without its borders. This is an ancient conception of ‘freedom’. Indeed, were it not for the state and communal ties, ‘freedom’ would be an impossibility. The state provides both the means by which an individual may pursue sanctioned actions while also benefitting from the protection against any forces that might inhibit or impede those actions. Such is the case for all citizens of other societies as well, at least in this context. However, Orissian society is unique because it recognizes the need for giving voice to all who are affected by its politics and governance, and we believe that all perspectives in their diversity ought to help inform and shape the actions and governance of Orissa, all of which is subject to the rule of law. Having the possibility to shape the collective actions and governance of Orissian society, under the rule of law, thus grants another level of ‘freedom’. So, in this sense, we are free because we are Orissian.
On Independence
This value refers not so much to personal independence but rather more to the collective independence of Orissa from both internal and external threats. That is, we assert that independence is defined by the ability and flexibility of Orissa to pursue whatever ends it sees as best benefitting its polity, either for most or all its citizens. In this way, Orissian ideology employs a certain rule-utilitarian flavor.
On Equal Consent
Contrary to what one might think that ‘equal consent’ might imply, it does not imply that unanimity is a required condition for the political process in Orissa. Rather, ‘equal consent’ refers to the ideal of political equality through the one citizen-one vote system in the pure democracy of Orissa. This best reflects the belief that all citizens share an equal stake in the security, order, stability, and harmony of Orissian society, and therefore have the right and moral responsibility to help influence its collective trajectory and governance to these ends.
On Security, Order, Stability and Harmony
The state, through popular consent of its people, provides for the general security, order, stability, and harmonious arrangement of social and political relations of its citizenry, both domestically and internationally. Therefore, it is the right and moral responsibility of all those who qualify as its citizens, both men and women, to participate in the political life of Orissa to govern and direct it collectively, according to the legal rules provided by the Constitution.
On The Natural Environment
Ecocentrism is also consistent with Orissian classical conservatism as it is necessarily implied by the values and ideals therein. Human societies do not exist in vacuums. They are not set apart from their natural environments in which they occupy and on which they depend. Ecosystem services and stability are just as essential as social and political systems are to human society. Therefore, we must pay close attention to how we impact our natural environments, and we ought to seek to maintain the stability and security of ecosystems and the biosphere overall.
Conclusion
Orissian classical conservatism emphasizes the collective moral responsibility of all Orissian citizens, the need for ensuring Orissa’s security, order, stability and societal harmony, and upholding and defending the fundamental values of its pure democracy - freedom, independence, and equal consent.
Ball, T., Dagger, R., & O’Neill, D. (Ed.). (2017). Political ideologies and the democratic ideal. (10th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Created by: [Jared Iverson, Chief Diplomat/UN Ambassador]
Leadership
Democratic Council Moderator- Sophia Campbell
Chief Diplomat/UN Ambassador- Jared Iverson
Joint Chief Economists- Sarah Meyers, John Shiver
Environmental Science Officer- John Shiver
Press Secretary- Sarah Meyers
Security Chief- Jacob Wingett
Regime Structure
The Orissian Constitution - Overview
The State of Orissa acts as a pure democracy, with the Orissian Civil Citizens acting as the highest and most sovereign form of governance. The Constitution of Orissa derives its laws from the guiding principles of Freedom, Independence, and Equal Consent, where it aims to give the citizens autonomy in governance. As a pure democracy the legality of government has been set up in a fashion that institutes the changing needs of citizens, this is seen in the yearly Vote, with elections of Civil Sector Leaders and bills. As the Orissian Civil Citizens are the sole electors and legislators, Orissa requires the yearly Vote to ensure that the concerns of the people are constantly heard. Within our Constitution itself we have derived our laws from the classical conservative ideology of our state. Orissians have the utmost value for state service, and strong community ties. As we believe in the freedom of the people, we dually believe in the commitment to fellow Orissians to ensure security, stability, peace, and harmony. Hence enacting our standards to engage in civic governance for all Orissians requires a two year period of civil service. Although, this is presented as a choice to Orissians to ensure the peoples equal consent. Secondly, we took inspiration for Ancient Athenian democracy to include Ostracisms. This is a reflection of the people's will within the state, for the most severe punishment to those who aim to jeopardize our nation and people. Ostracisms serve to exile traitors who betray the sovereign will of the Orissian citizens. Our constitution acts as a legal force to demand Freedom, Independence, and Equal Consent for all Orissa. The state of Orissa's first and foremost goal is to serve the people of Orissa and enact their sovereign will.
The Orissian Constitution
The free state of Orissa is populous fought for and governed thereby the citizens of Orissa. Our civil citizens are the grandest level and sole highest level of governance. We utmost uphold the founding values of Freedom, Independence, and Equal Consent from which all governing actions derive. Orissa is a nation for the people, by the people, through the power of the people. You are Free because you are Orissian.
Article 1:
All governing votes by the Orissian Civil Citizens who hold the highest level of governance will take place on the first of every year. This includes and it is not limited to; proposed Bills, election of the Democratic Council Moderator, the election of Civil Sector Leaders, and all Ostrachims.
Section 1: All votes made by the Orissian Civil Citizens are final supreme governmental decisions, until the next yearly Vote where they may be proposed change.
Section 2: Changes made by the Orissian Civil Citizens to government decisions must and can only take place during the yearly Vote.
Section 3: The Vote will take place through the national Orissa voting App, so it is accessible to all Civil Orissan Citizens.
Article 2:
The Orissian supreme governing body is derived from that of the Orissian Civil Citizens, who are the sole authority in the votes cast. Orissian Civil Citizens are the only Orissians who may participate within the Vote.
Section 1: To attain the status of Civil Citizen, a citizen of Orissa must serve a two year period of service within the government, this is a choice that may only be made by the individual if they so choose. The citizens of Orissa may choose any section within the government of Orissa to serve their two year period.
Section 2: This opportunity may only become available to that of natural born Orissian citizens at the age of 18, ensuring the youngest one may become a Civil Citizen is that of 20 years of age.
Section 3: All natural born Orissian citizens are eligible.
Article 3:
All proposed Bills and legislative changes to the Orissian government must be proposed through the national Orissa voting app three months prior to that of the yearly Vote on the first of every year. Proposed Bills and legislative changes must pass by the Orissian Civil Citizens with a ⅔ majority in order to move on to the Vote.
Section 1: Only Orissian Civil Citizens may propose Bills and legislative changes.
Section 2: The propositions made must be voted on before the Vote, in the prior 3 month period.
Section 3: For Bills and legislative changes to pass in the Vote they must have a 75% approval rate.
Article 4:
The supreme governing authority of Orissian Civil Citizens each year in the Vote will elect the Civil Sector Leaders and the Democratic Council Moderator. The Civil Section Leaders act as the heads of each governing Section within the state of Orissa, with the authority granted by the Orissian people to properly govern their elected Section. The Democratic Council Moderator acts as the head council leadership position to successfully moderate all government process.
Section 1: The Civil Section Leaders and the Democratic Council Moderator positions may be run for only by the existing Orissian Civil Citizens.
Section 2: Positions may be held for one year, and may be reelected during the yearly Vote.
Section 3: Within the governing Sections of the state of Orissa, Sections will follow the governing structure of the elected Civil Sector Leader. The Section body itself will be made of willingly consenting citizens who chose to act in the role of public service.
Section 4: The military of Orissa will be solely operated by that of Civil Sector Leaders and the Democratic Moderator, who wield single authority in all military governing action.
Article 5:
Ostracism is the action of a citizen in Orissa of treason, sedition, and conspiracy as an act against the state, people, and history of Orissa. Ostracism is the will of the people to banish any individual in the state of Orissa for their actions against the sovereign people of Orissa. Ostracisms will take place during the yearly Vote by the Orissian Civil Citizens.
Section 1: Ostracisms must be proposed 3 months prior to the yearly Vote, and passed by the a ⅔ majority of the Orissian Civil Citizens to move on to the Vote. Votes will take place in the national Orissa voting app.
Section 2: Only Orissian Civil Citizens may propose Ostracism, but must provide reasoning.
Section 3: Any individual citizen of Orissa and Orissa Civil Citizen may be proposed for Ostracism.
Section 4: In order for an Ostracism to pass in the yearly Vote the action must pass by a percentage no less than 90%.
Section 5: When Ostracism is passed the individual is stripped of the status of Civil Citizen and is banished from the State of Orissa for a 5 year period.
Section 6: Upon the return of the 5 year period the individual may return to Orissa, but to regain the status of Civil Citizen he or she must serve a new two year period of service.
Article 6:
The state of Orissa welcomes immigrants from the fellow nations of Zemia. Immigrants who wish to become Orissian must serve a 7 year residency period to become a citizen of the state of Orissa. Once this period is completed they will be granted the title of Foreign National of Orissa and equal to that of Orissian citizens.
Section 1: For Foreign Nationals to attain the status of Orissian Civil Citizen they will be able to serve a two year period of service within the government, this is a choice that may only be made by the individual if they so choose. The citizens of Orissa may choose any section within the government of Orissa to serve their two year period.
Section 2: In accordance to becoming a Orissian Civil Citizen the Foreign National must renounce citizenship to the former nation and become fully Orissian.
Created by:[Sophia Campbell, Democratic Council Moderator]
People and Culture
The region was plagued by clan wars for centuries, long before the founding of the pure democracy that is Orissa today, which was established in response to the destruction of those wars. Orissa was designed as a pure democracy in an effort to hopefully avoid such violent internal conflict permanently. However, shortly after its founding some were skeptical of whether the regime would be successful as they feared that certain segments of the population with strong links to the old clans, and their prejudices, might easily slip back into violent conflict once more, given the right motivations and conditions. So, a classical conservative ideology formed among early Orissian thinkers, and resulted in the ideology that dominates Orissa today. Together, both pure democracy and classical conservatism has empowered and protected Orissian society, allowing it to flourish through measured reform and progress over the years. And with the help of the prosperous financial sector, Orissa has seized upon technological advances that enable the Orissian people to thrive.
Political participation and civic virtue are hallmarks of Orissa. Families and society build a respect for the civil service requirement that broadens civic awareness and sense of responsibility to the evolution of the state from a young age. Orissian civic virtue includes bilingual attainment and cross-cultural literacy, which develops an appreciation for our domestic culture as well as those of other nations in Zemia.
Our value system focuses on equal opportunity for immigrants and citizens alike, political equality, freedom, collective independence, equal consent, order, stability, and harmony. We value our multicultural make-up and draw strength from it. We aim to have the best education in Zemia, and we boast a myriad of work opportunities that increase the collective standard of living and health of our inhabitants. Let it be known that Orissa promotes the importance of hard work, wealth creation, and frugality.
Our unique subcultures include the Fishing Coast and the Financial Center. The Fish Coast has become a tourist hot spot for visitors to Orissa. Our Financial Center promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, where our researchers, bankers, and lenders are constantly creating a stream of creative ideas for new products and services.
The practice of elections is a cornerstone of our people and culture, and is even ritualized. Election day, the first of each year, is a national holiday.
Created by: Sarah Meyers, Press Secretary/Joint Chief Economist
Flag and Motto:
Motto: "Power of the People"
Created by: John Shiver, Environmental Science Officer/Joint Chief Economist
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