Reijia: Difference between revisions
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Merchants and shipowners very quickly became a powerful class in Reijian society. Initially, a Senate composed of appointees by the King served as a legislature. As the Senate became populated with more and more merchants, the merchant class was able to gradually establish itself as a political power. The governmental system changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional-style monarchy, with the King serving a figurehead role. In 1753, when King Anao XI died without heir, the Senate agreed to adopt a republican system of government. A Constitutional Charter was drafted and then approved by the Senate that changed the Senate into the Council of Freeholders and Burgesses, which would hold the legislative power of the state. The House would elect two of its own to serve as Co-Consuls, who would together be head of state. This charter is still in effect in the present day, with some amendments.
Reijia endeavored to remain neutral in world affairs, especially during the Great War. It specifically permitted ships of both sides to pass through its waters for any reason, in order to prevent any side from blockading it. It was a founding member of the [[International Forum]] in 1921 and of the [[Alliance of Northwest Gondwana]], a regional trade bloc, in 2018. Otherwise, Reijia typically attempts to remain unaligned in global events. One exception is the defense relationship Reijia has with [[Acronis]]. The two countries signed an agreement in 1920 in which Acronis would assist Reijia in policing the strait and in Reijia's defense, and the Reijians would give Acronis preferential trade treatment, free passage through the strait, and would annually reimburse Acronis for a certain percentage of its defense-related costs. (Both countries' membership in the Alliance of Northwest Gondwana now renders the first two of those items moot.)
==Government==
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