GOVERNMENT:

   With ratification of the Articles of the Republic in 3075 order was finally triumphant over anarchy.  Eager to have opportunity to be free from the predations of lawless bands of pirates, the civilian populace of the Tortuga Dominions embraced the offer presented by the Blackhawks High Command to convene a convention of Torugan delegates and Blackhawk representatives to draft a constitution and establish a new legitimate state.

   The Articles of the Republic established the new nation now known as the Tortuga Republic and the structure of its governing bodies, military as well as the conditions of citizenship and the rights of citizens and residents of the Republic.  In basic terms, the Tortuga Republic can be called a "democratic meritocracy".  The Tortugan people enjoy a free and open society with guaranteed rights and freedoms outlined and protected by the Articles of the Republic, the supreme law of the Republic.

   The central foundation of the Republic is that of 'citizenship'.  Although all residents of the Republic enjoy the same basic rights and freedoms, only Citizens are permitted to vote or serve as an elected or appointed official.
CONDITIONS OF CITIZENSHIP:

   In contrast to other contemporary societies that extend citizenship to all by simple virtue of being born and then "conscripting" those citizens into service to the state as a condition of keeping full citizenship, Tortugan Citizenship is contingent on service to the state.  This service is strictly voluntary and is open to all residents of the Republic that seek it. Upon completing a four  year term of military or designated Civil Service, the honor and responsibilities of Citizenship are conferred enabling participation in the governance of the Republic.

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE:

   The Tortugan Government is divided into three branches of authority and responsibility. The Executive Ministry, the Tortugan Parliament, and the Ministry of Justice.

EXECUTIVE MINISTRY:

   The aptly named Executive Ministry serves as the executive branch of the Tortugan government.  The chief responsiblity of the Executive Ministry is defense and security of the Tortugan state.  The secondary responsibilty of the Ministry is the oversight and operation of the Civil Service Ministries created as needed by the Tortugan Parliament.
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