Free state (Monsilva)
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A free state (Monsilvan: 自由州; pinyin: zìyóu zhōu) is the designation given to Shaoyu by the government of Monsilva. Unlike Monsilva’s other states, free states have additional powers that grant it greater autonomy. The status was officially introduced in December 2023, and first granted to Shaoyu upon its admission as Monsilva’s fifteenth state on 27 January 2024.
While free states do not have constitutional independence from Monsilva, they are permitted to reject legislation, or pass their own legislation, that may violate existing federal legislation as long as it is not deemed unconstitutional. Free states can also behave as if they are sovereign states in many international contexts, such as joining international organizations. Monsilva is still principally responsible for the defense and foreign affairs of free states.
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Definition
The term ‘free state’ (自由州; zìyóu zhōu) was officially defined by the government of Monsilva in the Free State Status Act 2023 which was an amendment to the Federal State Act 1983, which is a constitutional act defining the status of Monsilva’s other states. It was introduced in preparation for the admission of Shaoyu as a state in January 2024.
The status was officially defined in the act as the following:
Powers and limitations
Free states have more internal autonomy and their own constitution, being capable of passing state legislation that opposes existing federal legislation, and have the power to refuse to follow federal legislation. Additionally, free states have a stronger representation internationally, being granted the ability to behave as if they are sovereign states in certain international contexts. For example, free states are permitted to join international organizations such as ROKO as independent members to Monsilva.
However, free states are still obliged to follow the constitution of Monsilva and state legislation can be challenged by the federal justice system if deemed unconstitutional. Free states are also unable to fully represent themselves internationally or be recognized diplomatically as sovereign states. In many contexts, free states will still be internationally represented by Monsilva, such as with defense or certain foreign affairs situations.
Compared with federated states
While federated states are capable of self-governance, state legislation in federated states, in contrast with free states, can be overridden by federal legislation. Federated states are also incapable of independent international representation.
