National Pact (Urcea): Difference between revisions

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| colorcode = #0031C0
| colorcode = #0031C0
| chairperson =  
| chairperson =  
| leader2_title = [[Concilium Daoni]] leader
| leader2_title = [[Conshilía Daoni]] leader
| leader2_name = [[Caelian Agricola]]
| leader2_name = [[Caelian Agricola]]
| founders =  
| founders =  
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*{{wp|Fusionism}}
*{{wp|Fusionism}}
| colors = Blue
| colors = Blue
| seats1_title = [[Concilium Daoni]]
| seats1_title = [[Conshilía Daoni]]
| seats1 = {{composition bar|207|500|hex=#0031C0}}  
| seats1 = {{composition bar|242|500|hex=#0031C0}}  
| country = Urcea
| country = Urcea
}}
}}


The '''National Pact''' is the second largest [[Political parties in Urcea|political party]] in the [[Urcea|Apostolic Kingdom of Urcea]], and the oldest. Though the party has been described as a large coalition by some, it is one of the strongest advocate for continuing the traditional [[Constitution of Urcea|constitutional balance]] in Urcea, which it played a large role in founding, and the party describes itself as [[Crown Liberalism|Crown Liberal]] and as the historical champion of the [[Concilium Daoni]]. Its economic policy is somewhat to the right of the traditional mainstream system and has, since the end of the 20th century, trended more towards a laissez faire position. Though the party was traditionally suspicious of foreign entanglements, during the Procuratorship of [[James Dynan]] the party supported a relatively limited intervention in [[Crona]] that laid the foundation for [[The Deluge]]. Since the beginning of the Deluge, the party has been fiercely divided on the issue of foreign affairs, with both the Cronaskeptic and "Commonwealth Values" factions of the party being evenly split.
The '''National Pact''' is the second largest [[Political parties in Urcea|political party]] in the [[Urcea|Apostolic Kingdom of Urcea]], and the oldest. Though the party has been described as a large coalition by some, it is one of the strongest advocate for continuing the traditional [[Constitution of Urcea|constitutional balance]] in Urcea, which it played a large role in founding, and the party describes itself as [[Crown Liberalism|Crown Liberal]] and as the historical champion of the [[Conshilía Daoni]]. Its economic policy is somewhat to the right of the traditional mainstream system and has, since the end of the 20th century, trended more towards a laissez faire position. Though the party was traditionally suspicious of foreign entanglements, during the Procuratorship of [[James Dynan]] the party supported a relatively limited intervention in [[Crona]] that laid the foundation for [[The Deluge]]. Since the beginning of the Deluge, the party has been fiercely divided on the issue of foreign affairs, with both the Cronaskeptic and "Commonwealth Values" factions of the party being evenly split.


== History ==
== History ==
The National Pact was officially formed on January 19th, 1791, in Urceopolis, as the "National Pact for the Settlement of the Constitution", as a loose association of faction leaders of the [[Concilium Daoni]] in the period before political parties. The National Pact initially was made up of [[Kilikas Enlightenment]]-influenced liberal [[Social class in Urcea|privilegiata]], supporters of the powers of the Daoni over that of the King, moderate reformers, and a small faction of nationalists and other compatible Delegates from the Daoni. Some of these factions had existed since the beginning of the [[War of the Caroline Succession]] some forty years prior. Together, these disparate groups formed the cohesive ideology of [[Crown Liberalism]], the guiding philosophy of the National Pact.
The National Pact was officially formed on January 19th, 1791, in Urceopolis, as the "National Pact for the Settlement of the Constitution", as a loose association of faction leaders of the [[Conshilía Daoni]] in the period before political parties. The National Pact initially was made up of [[Kilikas Enlightenment]]-influenced liberal [[Social class in Urcea|privilegiata]], supporters of the powers of the Daoni over that of the King, moderate reformers, and a small faction of nationalists and other compatible Delegates from the Daoni. Some of these factions had existed since the beginning of the [[War of the Caroline Succession]] some forty years prior. Together, these disparate groups formed the cohesive ideology of [[Crown Liberalism]], the guiding philosophy of the National Pact.


Rather than following the lead of some other foreign-influenced factions and Delegates, the members of the National Pact considered themselves loyal subjects of the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]], and that they abhorred revolution or disloyalty. Instead, the Pact sought gradual reform within existing institutions. Throughout the 19th century's constitutional settlements, the National Pact scored many key victories for the power of the [[Concilium Daoni]], and thus the common people in general, in relation to the King. During this time, in which the party was unofficially known as the '''Party of Order''', the Pact coalesced from a loose coalition into a more unified and disciplined political organization with a clear ideology of modernization and industrialization with liberalization, and the party was led by primarily optimates as well as privilegiata in the commercial sphere. The Party of Order era saw the National Pact support the King against more revolutionary types during the latter half of the 19th Century, a period in which they controlled substantial Daoni majorities. The so-called Party of Order also won elections for all of Urcea's seats in the [[Imperial Diet]] during the period. The 19th century included the period of enmity now referred to by historians as the [[Recess of the Julii]], which led to the National Pact practicing political abstentionism in the Diet.
Rather than following the lead of some other foreign-influenced factions and Delegates, the members of the National Pact considered themselves loyal subjects of the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]], and that they abhorred revolution or disloyalty. Instead, the Pact sought gradual reform within existing institutions. Throughout the 19th century's constitutional settlements, the National Pact scored many key victories for the power of the [[Conshilía Daoni]], and thus the common people in general, in relation to the King. During this time, in which the party was unofficially known as the '''Party of Order''', the Pact coalesced from a loose coalition into a more unified and disciplined political organization with a clear ideology of modernization and industrialization with liberalization, and the party was led by primarily optimates as well as privilegiata in the commercial sphere. The Party of Order era saw the National Pact support the King against more revolutionary types during the latter half of the 19th Century, a period in which they controlled substantial Daoni majorities. The so-called Party of Order also won elections for all of Urcea's seats in the [[Imperial Diet]] during the period. The 19th century included the period of enmity now referred to by historians as the [[Recess of the Julii]], which led to the National Pact practicing political abstentionism in the Diet.


Initially tepidly supporting the Crown Regency of [[Gréagóir FitzRex]], the Pact quickly embraced restoration of the normal order and supported [[Patrick III of Urcea|King Patrick III]]'s efforts to that end. The Pact won many of the by-elections upon the restoration in 1902 and was compelled by the King to form a national unity government with its first major rival, the [[Commonwealth Union (Urcea)|Commonwealth Union]]. However, controversies such as [[The Enabling]] divided the Pact as it lost the support of the [[Ionian Plateau]] and was embroiled in scandal.
Initially tepidly supporting the Crown Regency of [[Gréagóir FitzRex]], the Pact quickly embraced restoration of the normal order and supported [[Patrick III of Urcea|King Patrick III]]'s efforts to that end. The Pact won many of the by-elections upon the restoration in 1902 and was compelled by the King to form a national unity government with its first major rival, the [[Commonwealth Union (Urcea)|Commonwealth Union]]. However, controversies such as [[The Enabling]] divided the Pact as it lost the support of the [[Ionian Plateau]] and was embroiled in scandal.
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The National Pact was founded in the 1790s as a [[Crown Liberalism|Crown Liberal]] political organization, a somewhat more moderate version of other contemporary liberal movements.
The National Pact was founded in the 1790s as a [[Crown Liberalism|Crown Liberal]] political organization, a somewhat more moderate version of other contemporary liberal movements.


Though not a specific policy plank, the Pact has long been associated with [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] and has a reputation as the party of upper class urbanites in the Archcathedral City. Accordingly, many Urceans perceive the Pact to be somewhat "centralist" and "Urceopolitanizing", though these are characterizations that many party members and leaders would dispute. Conversely, the Pact is also strongly associated with the [[Ómestaderoi]] (many of whom originated in Urceopolis) and their descendants, making it the majority party in the [[Urcean frontier]] and elsewhere.
Though not a specific policy plank, the Pact has long been associated with [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] and has a reputation as the party of upper class urbanites in the Archcathedral City. Accordingly, many Urceans perceive the Pact to be somewhat "centralist" and "Urceopolitanizing", though these are characterizations that many party members and leaders would dispute. National Pact members traditionally interpret issues of {{wp|subsidiarity}} and {{wp|local control}} in the [[Society_of_Urcea#Local_government_and_central_authority|framework of a stronger central government relative to the provinces]]. Conversely, the Pact is also strongly associated with the [[Ómestaderoi]] (many of whom originated in Urceopolis) and their descendants, making it the majority party in the [[Urcean frontier]] and elsewhere.


=== Constitutional policy ===
=== Constitutional policy ===
The National Pact argues for strict adherence to the system of laws, customs, and institutions known as the [[Constitution of Urcea]], arguing that the democratic institutions under the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]] is Urcea's fundamental "great idea" and that the system must be maintained, including the current distribution of executive powers among the [[Procurator]] and [[Chancellor and Temporary President]]. The Pact views itself as largely responsible for the Constitution and the party's central philosophical tenet is its maintenance, both against explicit changes to it as well as what it views as implicit "usurpations" by any one part of the Constitutional system. The Pact believes in strong, but separated and balanced, parts of the [[Government of Urcea]], a position which traditionally meant limitation of the powers of the Apostolic King but also increasingly has meant opposing the growth of the powers of the [[Concilium Daoni]] as advocated for by the [[Solidarity Party (Urcea)|Solidarity Party]].  
The National Pact argues for strict adherence to the system of laws, customs, and institutions known as the [[Constitution of Urcea]], arguing that the democratic institutions under the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]] is Urcea's fundamental "great idea" and that the system must be maintained, including the current distribution of executive powers among the [[Procurator]] and [[Chancellor and Temporary President]]. The Pact views itself as largely responsible for the Constitution and the party's central philosophical tenet is its maintenance, both against explicit changes to it as well as what it views as implicit "usurpations" by any one part of the Constitutional system. The Pact believes in strong, but separated and balanced, parts of the [[Government of Urcea]], a position which traditionally meant limitation of the powers of the Apostolic King but also increasingly has meant opposing the growth of the powers of the [[Conshilía Daoni]] as advocated for by the [[Solidarity Party (Urcea)|Solidarity Party]].  


Many pundits and analysts in the 2030s have observed that the National Pact's adherence to a strict constitutional order has put it in a politically untenable position, as it explicitly opposes an expansion of the powers of the legislature while implicitly opposing the expansion of the authority of the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]], functionally giving the party no clear constituency beyond the office of Procurator. This politcal position, as well as the administrations of both [[James Dynan]] and [[Bridget Farrell]], have increasingly associated the Pact with the Procuratorship.
Many pundits and analysts in the 2030s have observed that the National Pact's adherence to a strict constitutional order has put it in a politically untenable position, as it explicitly opposes an expansion of the powers of the legislature while implicitly opposing the expansion of the authority of the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]], functionally giving the party no clear constituency beyond the office of Procurator. This politcal position, as well as the administrations of both [[James Dynan]] and [[Bridget Farrell]], have increasingly associated the Pact with the Procuratorship.
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=== Economic policy ===
=== Economic policy ===
Members of the National Pact believe that free markets and individual achievement are the primary factors behind economic prosperity. Despite pledges to roll back government spending, National Pact administrations have, since the late 1980s, sustained previous levels of government spending. The modern National Pact advocates the theory of supply side economics, which holds that lower tax rates increase economic growth. Many party members oppose higher tax rates for higher earners, which they believe are unfairly targeted at those who create jobs and wealth. They believe private spending is more efficient than government spending. Pact lawmakers have also sought to limit funding for tax enforcement and tax collection. Inversely, the National Pact has put forward several proposals to create a "universal" tax scheme, as they believe the differences in tax structures between provinces, states, and crownlands inhibits the growth of free enterprise and creates confusion for business owners. The National Pact believes, to the extent possible, that the middle class and small business owners are drivers of the economy and must be empowered, both through low taxes and reduced regulation, to ensure national prosperity.
Members of the National Pact believe that free markets and individual achievement are the primary factors behind economic prosperity. Despite pledges to roll back government spending, National Pact administrations have, since the late 1980s, sustained previous levels of government spending. The modern National Pact advocates the theory of supply side economics, which holds that lower tax rates increase economic growth. Many party members oppose higher tax rates for higher earners, which they believe are unfairly targeted at those who create jobs and wealth. They believe private spending is more efficient than government spending. Pact lawmakers have also sought to limit funding for tax enforcement and tax collection. Inversely, the National Pact has put forward several proposals to create a "universal" tax scheme, as they believe the differences in tax structures between provinces, states, and crownlands inhibits the growth of free enterprise and creates confusion for business owners. These efforts culminated in the [[Royal and Provincial Tax Act of 2020]], which was unpopular but ultimately has remained law. The National Pact believes, to the extent possible, that the middle class and small business owners are drivers of the economy and must be empowered, both through low taxes and reduced regulation, to ensure national prosperity.


Members of the National Pact believe individuals should take responsibility for their own circumstances. They also believe the private sector is more effective in helping the poor through charity than the government is through welfare programs and that social assistance programs often cause government dependency. Specifically, the Pact aims to increase the "range and scope" of [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] charity programs while reducing public programs for the same purpose via a policy known as "National-Church Partnership".  
Members of the National Pact believe individuals should take responsibility for their own circumstances. They also believe the private sector is more effective in helping the poor through charity than the government is through welfare programs and that social assistance programs often cause government dependency. Specifically, the Pact aims to increase the "range and scope" of [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] charity programs while reducing public programs for the same purpose via a policy known as "National-Church Partnership".  
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{{Main|Crown Liberalism}}
{{Main|Crown Liberalism}}
====Constitution Abroadites====
====Constitution Abroadites====
The Constitution Abroadite faction is the portion of Crown Liberals within the National Pact who are skeptical of Urcea's involvement in [[Crona]] specifically while also generally retaining some of the anti-foreign entanglement views of the traditional National Pact. This faction believes Urcean interference in Crona has generally been to the benefit of the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]], who has accreted significant independent powers in [[NSTA]] and [[New Harren]] apart from the [[Government of Urcea]]. They argue that these independent powers are a threat to the [[Constitution of Urcea]], as it empowers the King to act politically and geopolitically apart from the constitutional government which restrains him. Accordingly, the Abroadites are not isolationist in the traditional sense, but view Crona specifically as an existential threat to the Urcean system, and consequently oppose what they call the "Cronanization" of Urcean political life. Generally speaking, the Abroadites are careful to draw a distinction between the negative effects of Cronan intervention and the monarchy itself; they portray themselves, rather, as the defenders of the "traditional monarchy" and the "traditional place of the King" and are careful not to directly attack [[Riordan VIII]], but instead present an accumulation of power as a natural and to some extent understandable impulse. Accordingly, the Abroadites focus on the draw of Crona, rather than the behavior of the Crown, as the direct problem with Cronan intervention.
The Constitution Abroadite faction is the portion of Crown Liberals within the National Pact who are skeptical of Urcea's involvement in [[Crona]] specifically while also generally retaining some of the anti-foreign entanglement views of the traditional National Pact. This faction believes Urcean interference in Crona has generally been to the benefit of the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]], who has accreted significant independent powers in [[NSTA]] and [[New Harren]] apart from the [[Government of Urcea]]. They argue that these independent powers are a threat to the [[Constitution of Urcea]], as it empowers the King to act politically and geopolitically apart from the constitutional government which restrains him. Accordingly, the Abroadites are not isolationist in the traditional sense, but view Crona specifically as an existential threat to the Urcean system, and consequently oppose what they call the "[[Cronanization]]" of Urcean political life. Generally speaking, the Abroadites are careful to draw a distinction between the negative effects of Cronan intervention and the monarchy itself; they portray themselves, rather, as the defenders of the "traditional monarchy" and the "traditional place of the King" and are careful not to directly attack [[Riordan VIII]], but instead present an accumulation of power as a natural and to some extent understandable impulse. Accordingly, the Abroadites focus on the draw of Crona, rather than the behavior of the Crown, as the direct problem with Cronan intervention.


The Abroadites comprised a majority of the Pact's elected leaders during the period between the [[2020 Urcean elections]] and the [[2035 Urcean elections]]. In particular, the leadership of [[List_of_Urcean_officials#Salderio%2C_Conner_Scipio|Conner Scipio Salderio]] (2026-34), leader of the Abroadites faction, is identified as their peak. They remain a large faction within the party but have lost their definitive hold on party institutions, which are now evenly split.
The Abroadites comprised a majority of the Pact's elected leaders during the period between the [[2020 Urcean elections]] and the [[2035 Urcean elections]]. In particular, the leadership of [[List_of_Urcean_officials#Salderio%2C_Conner_Scipio|Conner Scipio Salderio]] (2026-34), leader of the Abroadites faction, is identified as their peak. They remain a large faction within the party but have lost their definitive hold on party institutions, which are now evenly split.