Developing a Constitution
The first thing that you must do before your island can be launched is that you must write a constitution. Due to the fact that you have had World History your fellow islanders have chosen you as the most qualified to write the constitution that will govern everyone. The constitution you develop will be voted on by all the citizens of the island so you must be able to discuss and explain the choices you make. A constitution is a complicated document and you must consider all possibilities. The first choice to make is what type of government you want? Remember you can mix various aspects of different forms of government and create something new.
Once you have chosen the basic form of government you are ready to write the introduction to your constitution. The introduction should explain the ideals that your society is based on and tell what kind of government you have chosen. Read the preamble to the sample constitutions at the bottom of this page for ideas.
After you have written your introduction you are ready to write the articles(individual parts) of your constitution. Your constitution should have nine articles and cover the following topics. Your goal is to create a stable government that can withstand the test of time. Use the sample constitutions for ideas but put them in your own words. The following articles and ideas are a minimum for your constitution. To receive a grade of "A" on the constitution assignment your group will need to show that they have considered more than just the basic ideas I have listed.
1.Citizenship
How is citizenship granted on your island nation? Can citizenship be revoked? Will you allow immigration? Will there be citizens and aliens with different rights?
2.Who is allowed to vote
What is the criteria for the right to vote? What is the age for voting? Is there a literacy test or some other qualification for voting? Is voting mandatory or voluntary?
3.How are the leaders chosen
Are the leaders chosen through voting? Are there hereditary positions? What are the elected positions? Does the strongest rules?
4.What basic rights do people have
What rights are guaranteed by the government?(freedom of speech, right to private property etc.)
5.How is the judicial system organized
Is there a jury system? Is there a judge who decides cases? Are there different levels of courts? How can you appeal a conviction? What happens to the rights of those convicted of crimes, do they loose their citizenship?
6.How is the government funded
Will the government have the right to make taxes? Will the government control businesses and use that money to run the Island?
7.What property rights do people have
Can people own homes, businesses, land, etc.?
8.What provisions are there for changing the constitution?
Can the constitution be amended? If you want to change things do you have to scrap the whole thing and start over? Who decides on changes?
9.How are treaties decided
Will the government have the right to make military and economic treaties and alliances with other islands? Can other islands join your island in a united island state?