Liminal State - User contributions [en]

Step 2: Voter Rolls

2026-11-05T03:55:27Z

Mr Fox:

Assuming the entire Liminal State framework has been thoroughly and completely mapped out and is ready for real world use, the first step in creating a new instance in the real world would be to register the voters. How this happens in practice will most likely vary widely based on the existing/previous government in place and the relationship the citizens have with that government. Another factor to consider is if this would be the very first iteration of the Liminal State or if there are other Liminal States in existence that can serve as a model.

Despite all this, there will certainly be some commonalities to anticipate, such as the need for publicity/citizen education and initial citizen involvement. Despite the heavy reliance on web-based enrollment, there will need for representatives on the streets to search out those people that are frequently underrepresented within the government and to aid anyone without the ability or equipment to complete the web-based enrollment process.

All of this will be accomplished in conjunction with a census and should be completed within the first three years.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Step 1: Elected Leaders|← Step 1: Elected Leaders]] | [[Step 2: Voter Rolls]] | [[Step 3: Executive Group|Step 3: Executive Group →]]

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[[Category:Procedures]]
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Step 1: Elected Leaders

2026-11-05T02:05:15Z

Mr Fox:

Because the Liminal State uses long, staggered terms with multiple elected leaders per post, there needs to be a procedure in place to bootstrap this within a new Liminal State. While the following special procedures would be used for a true new instance of the Liminal State, they also serve as the procedures for new branches and departments created within an existing Liminal State or when there are multiple vacant seats to fill due to impeachment, etc.

Whether filling all five seats of the ''Executive Group,'' selecting the three leaders of a ''Branch'', ''Department'', ''Ambassador Group'', or ''Delegate Team'', or filling multiple open seats due to impeachments, the basic process remains the same:

The following formula is used to immediately fill all open seats using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting.'' The formula determines how long each winning candidate will serve, based on their position in the ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' results.
(4 * X - Y * 4) years
Where '''“X”''' is equal to the number of total leaders needed to fill the group and '''"Y"''' is the position from the first choice, starting with '''0''' (and where the 4 is equal to the number of years between elections).

For example, to select the three leaders for the ''Branch Officials'':
X = 3 | Y = [0|1||2]
The top winner in the ''Proportional-Rank Choice Vote'' will serve 12 years (and will be classified as the senior member, only when filling multiple seats):
(4 * 3 - 0 * 4) = 12 years
The runner up will serve 8 years (and will be classified as the middle member, only when filling multiple seats):
(4 * 3 - 1 * 4) = 8 years
And the third and final candidate will serve 4 years (and will be classified as the junior member, when filling multiple seats):
(4 * 3 - 2 * 4) = 4 years
Every consecutive four years there will be a new candidate chosen who will fill the most junior leader from the ''Year 0'' election until each of these initial election winners has been replaced with newly elected leaders that will serve the normal full term.

Another way to consider this is that the ''Year 0'' election winner will be the last one replaced and is the only initial candidate to serve a full term. The runner up is the second to last to be replaced, and so on.
=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Preamble|← Preamble]] | [[Step 1: Elected Leaders]] | [[Step 2: Voter Rolls|Step 2: Voter Rolls →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Procedures]]
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Intrinsic Branch: International Affairs

2026-11-04T18:29:27Z

Mr Fox:

The International Affairs Branch is in charge of maintaining relationships with foreign countries and entities. This ''Branch'' is special in that a three member ''Ambassador Unit'' represents the Liminal State to every nation, with each member serving 12 year terms, staggered every 4 years. The ''Branch Officials'' of the International Affairs Branch appoints the members of the ''Ambassador Units'' using ''Proportional Rank Choice Voting'' from among the qualified and willing candidates.

Candidates for an ''Ambassador Unit'' must have 8 years of experience within the ''Branch'', including at least four years of relevant work specific to the nation they would be assigned to, and be between the ages of 31 and 52 at the start of their assignment.

The objective of these ''Ambassador Units'' is to serve the interests of the ''Citizens'' of the Liminal State via that relationship with the other state. These ''Ambassador Units'' function similar to ''Branch Officials'', where the vote among them decides minor decisions, such as staffing requirements at the foreign embassies. For major decisions, those which impact the entire Liminal State, the ''Ambassador Unit'' reports directly to the ''Executive Group'' and are charged with educating all the members of the important factors concerning that relationship so the ''Executive Group'' can make the best decision. The ''Executive Group'' are the only ones authorized to make decisions regarding international relationships that affect the entire Liminal State, so the ambassadors are to err on the side of caution in their decisions and bring all important matters to the ''Executive Group''.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Intrinsic Branch: Infrastructure|← Intrinsic Branch: Infrastructure]] | [[Intrinsic Branch: International Affairs]] | [[Intrinsic Branch: Justice|Intrinsic Branch: Justice →]]

[[Intrinsic Branches|← Intrinsic Branches]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Intrinsic Branch]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Intrinsic Branch</categorytree>

Intrinsic Branch: Infrastructure

2026-11-04T18:26:26Z

Mr Fox:

The Infrastructure Branch is in charge of the built environment within the Liminal State. From ensuring fiber optic internet connections reach every rural community and fast charging stations are ubiquitous and standardized, the Infrastructure Branch is always looking to the future so the ''Citizens''' needs are accounted for and delivered upon. This means that this ''Branch'' heads up new infrastructure builds while existing infrastructure is maintained and modernized.

The ''Infrastructure Branch'' will work with many ''Lateral Branches'' to accomplish it's purpose, for example with the Environment and Progress Lateral Branches to take advantage of wind and solar resources, along with the buildout of battery backups to increase the reliability and robustness of the electrical grid.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Intrinsic Branch: Health|← Intrinsic Branch: Health]] | [[Intrinsic Branch: Infrastructure]] | [[Intrinsic Branch: International Affairs|Intrinsic Branch: International Affairs →]]

[[Intrinsic Branches|← Intrinsic Branches]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Intrinsic Branch]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Intrinsic Branch</categorytree>

Intrinsic Branch: Health

2026-11-04T18:24:45Z

Mr Fox:

The Health Branch is tasked with promoting the best mental and physical health of the ''Citizens''. It regulates mental health professionals and monitors food safety. It promotes the research and development of safe vaccines and regulates the pharmaceutical industry. It pushes social activity and sports in schools and engages with the food producers for transparency in labeling.

A physically and mentally healthy population is good for the people and good for the Liminal State, so this Branch works to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent avoidable health challenges, and provide appropriate care to any Citizen in need. It ensures children start life off right to become healthy and well adjusted adults, mothers and fathers are set up for success, and the aging population is in in excellent mental and physical shape to enjoy retirement without expensive and time consuming care.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Intrinsic Branch: Environment|← Intrinsic Branch: Environment]] | [[Intrinsic Branch: Health]] | [[Intrinsic Branch: Infrastructure|Intrinsic Branch: Infrastructure →]]

[[Intrinsic Branches|← Intrinsic Branches]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Intrinsic Branch]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Intrinsic Branch</categorytree>

Intrinsic Branch: Environment

2026-11-04T18:22:44Z

Mr Fox:

The Environment Branch is special in that its focus isn't specifically on promoting the needs of current ''Citizens'', but instead prioritizes the environment first. This is necessary because the current ''Citizens'' may want to use the environment in such a way that eliminates future ''Citizens''' ability to use it. Or some uses may impact people beyond the borders. This doesn't mean that the entire environment must be left pristine, for none to use, but that resource use must be considered with a wide perspective.

The Environment Branch weighs the needs of the current and future ''Citizens'' (commercial, recreational, and natural use), wildlife habitats, resource rejuvenation possibilities, non-restorable damage, cross-border contamination, etc. These are complicated, and often conflicting considerations, so this ''Branch'' is charged with making the tough choices to protect the environment in such a way as to ensure the environment is available and usable far into the future. Additionally, all uses are weighed against the potential long term health consequences of the ''Citizens''.

Using the example of the ''Neighborhood'', consider an apartment building housing many families. Those families will someday move on, so that means that the highest priority is taking care of the building itself, not ensuring that the happiness is maximized of each family currently living in the apartment. When there are other families already living in the unit and future families that will someday move in, the current families will have to make compromises, like not being allowed to knock down a wall to create a bigger living room or setting up a temporary swimming pool indoors that will leak into the units below.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Intrinsic Branch: Entertainment|← Intrinsic Branch: Entertainment]] | [[Intrinsic Branch: Environment]] | [[Intrinsic Branch: Health|Intrinsic Branch: Health →]]

[[Intrinsic Branches|← Intrinsic Branches]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Intrinsic Branch]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Intrinsic Branch</categorytree>

Laws & Freedom: In Practice

2026-11-01T21:46:41Z

Mr Fox:

At the very top there exists the fundamental rights that the laws of the Liminal State must not violate. These are inherent, universal, and inalienable rights belonging to every ''Conscious Being'', simply by virtue of being conscious, and are detailed under current international law as ''[https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights] ('''UDHR''')''.

'''''Note:''' the Liminal State recognizes the language replacement of “Human Being", "Person", or "All” with “Conscious Being,” and enforcement is upheld to this standard. Any references within the Liminal State documentation to “people” assumes “Conscious Beings.”''

The following are expansions, additions, and modification to the '''''UDHR''''' under the Liminal State, and apply to ''Citizens'' and ''Non-Citizens'' alike:

==== '''Article 1 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State regards all people as inherently equal and all must be treated with absolute equality in public, business, and government matters (with specific narrow exceptions).
## No laws may be enacted that overtly or in effect targets a subset of one or more of the pre-defined groups. These groups are ''Non-Citizens'', ''Protected Citizens'', and ''Emancipated Citizens''.
### The Liminal State reserves the right to assign tax responsibilities as necessary and in the best interest of the nation, even if this requires unequal taxation of different income brackets.
### This exception cannot be used to target subgroups outside of income or other general financial determinations.
## In no case shall the delineation of these pre-defined groups be used as pretext to deprived any person of their intrinsic rights given them by virtue of the UDHR.
### The ''Citizens'' may choose to limit their own freedoms for the benefit of their community. They will be given wide latitude when it comes to laws impacting ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' within their communities, so long as these laws respect the fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
### The Liminal State will be entirely responsible for any laws governing ''Non-Citizens'', as this group cannot vote and does not have representation, therefore they are considered a protected group.
## All businesses must serve the ''Citizens'' equally.
### Only by virtue of the ''Citizens'' (via their power vested in the government) are businesses authorized to exist and operate, therefore business are prohibited from limiting service to any subset of the predefined groups.
### ''Protected Citizens'' may have additional rights and protections in regards to business practices.
## Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate businesses must be applicable to all related businesses. Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate a class of busiensses must not directly or indirectly impact a sub-group of ''Citizens''.
Example 1: No law may specifically target ''TikToc'', though a law targeting all social media would be allowed.

==== '''Article 3 Modification''' ====
# Any person or entity that would sue another individual or entity must first go through the following steps before a lawsuit will be permitted to move forward:
## The plaintiff must prove to the court that they have a reasonable chance of winning.
## If successful, the defendant must then be given 60 days following their notification to file a rejection of the claim on the grounds that it is an attempt at harassment, silencing free or protected speech, intimidating the defendant, or for some other unlawful reason.
## If the defendant is successful in this action, the plaintiff must pay to the defendant whichever of the following is the greatest amount:
### 10x the amount of fees paid by the defendant for legal council.
### 10x the fees that would have been paid at the average community rate, whether the defendant retained council or not.
### 10x the amount the plaintiff paid to their lawyers to take this unlawful action.
# The Liminal State, as the representation of society's will, may require certain actions that could be interpreted as a violation of a person's right to security where this overlaps with society's other rights and welfare.
## Only society may over-rule an ''Emancipated Citizen's'' right to security of person using the 80% rule - for example in the case of vaccine requirements.
### Communities have the right to pass laws that restrict the behavior of outsiders within their community, even if that outsider has that right in their own community.
### Communities have the right to restrict access to their community only in vary narrow circumstances where the physical health of that community could be adversely impacted by the entrance of non-conforming outside ''Citizens'', and only after review and pre-approval by the ''Justice Branch''.
#### For example, if one community requires all residents receive a vaccine, then entrance by outsiders could be restricted to only those who have also received the vaccine, even if the outsider's community does not require the vaccine.
#### The community restricting access to outsiders must provide the remedy for the restriction to outsiders.
##### Example 1: outsiders not having taken a vaccine could take the vaccine and follow appropriate protocol before entering the community.
##### Example 2: if a community does not allow guns in their community, then outsiders must be allowed to lock up their guns at the ''Political Boundary'' of that community and retrieve them on their way back out.
## The Liminal State is the final authority on safeguarding the ''Non-Citizen's'' and ''Protected Citizen's'' security of person.

==== '''Article 5 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will only use compassion, empathy, and rehabilitation in conjunction with violations of the law.
# Execution and physical, mental, or social punishments will never be used on ''Citizens'' or ''Non-Citizens''.

==== '''Article 7 Expansion''' ====
# All people before the law have the right to communicate in their native language, therefore interpreters (people or artificial) shall be made available to anyone in need.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as ''Citizens'' in regards to violations of the law.
# All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to test and see if they qualify as ''Emancipated'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.

==== '''Article 10 Expansion''' ====
# Detention facilities shall immediately allow the detainee to notify (without charge) a family member or closest contact, based on the detainee's preference, of their detention and be provided reasonably immediate access. The detainee may contact as many people as necessary until contact has been successful.
# A detainee will meet with a group of three (a lawyer, a social worker, and a health worker) within 24 hours of their detainment.
## The three shall assess the situation and provide appropriate help and resources.
### Under the law, detainees are afforded the same protections in regards to these three as is currently the case with a lawyer.
#### These three may never be compelled to testify against the detainee.
#### These three are to keep anything the detainee tells them in strict confidence, except as necessary to render appropriate care (in which case those included in that care are also bound to confidence).
### The first step in rehabilitation will be to determine the circumstances prompting the individual to violate the law and then to get them whatever help is necessary to ensure further violations don't continue (rehab, counseling, financial services, etc.).
### The primary goal of this methodology is to catch ''Citizens'' in need before they fall, and prevent additional crimes and societal costs that might come of their otherwise diminished situations.
# The detained shall not be moved to another facility outside the local ''Political Boundary'' unless found guilty and then by court order, or if the three deem it in the best interest of the detainee for their rehabilitation and with the agreement of the detainee.
# No legal processes may begin against a detainee until the detainee has met with the three and then with their lawyer present.
# Law enforcement will not question a detainee following their arrest without their lawyer present.
# A detainee who has not met with the three within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# A detainee who has not been seen by a judge within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# Monetary bonds will never be used.
# A detainee may only be held longer if:
## The courts have deemed the detainee an immediate threat to themselves or others and no technological remedy exists to prevent that threat.
## The rehabilitation experts have deemed the detainee in need of immediate rehabilitation and have reasonable evidence (as judged by the ''Justice Branch'') that the detainee will not follow through with the rehabilitation if released.
## The detainee has violated the terms of a personal recognizance bond for any open case.

==== '''Article 11 Expansion''' ====
# '''Protection Against Self-Incrimination''' - The accused will not be forced to testify against themselves nor shall anyone be forced to incriminate themselves.
# '''Family Testimonial Privilege''' - The immediate family of the accused will not be forced to testify against the accused.
# '''Right To The Best Council''' - There are no public defenders in the Liminal State to ensure the very best legal representation for all defendants, regardless of situation or their status. All lawyers, permitted to practice law by virtue of the Liminal State, are obligated to provide counsel to defendants.
## A lottery system will be used among all registered defense lawyers within the district to determine which lawyer will represent a defendant.
## Lawyers of defendants will be paid by the Liminal State the industry average wage within that community, which will be updated and set at least twice a year.
## Defendants may choose to employ other/additional counsel at their discretion and expense.

==== '''Article 12 Expansion''' ====
# There will be no use of general surveillance within the Liminal State.
## The Liminal State, or any third party acting on behalf of the Liminal State, may never use general surveillance or general data collection of the people.
### Personalized data may only be collected in connection with the delivery of public services, law enforcement, and to carry out administrative responsibilities (i.e.: voter rolls, driver license issuance, benefit distribution, birth and death certificates, etc.), and only at the time service is rendered.
#### No person shall otherwise be compelled to provide their personalized information.
#### Any personalized data collected will be prohibited from external access and searches.
#### All internal access or searches will be for official purposes only.
##### Access and searches will require the confirmation from three authorized people.
##### All access and searches will be logged, with that logged data being immutable.
##### The person searched shall be immediately notified if this action is not directly relate to a service they are requesting.
### Non-personally identifiable information may be collected from the people in aggregate as part of normal government functions, such as issuing census reports, population information, and other statistical data.
## The Liminal State shall always work to collect less or no data rather than using lawful justifications to collect more.
# Businesses operating within the Liminal State may not sell personally identifiable information, or any information (in part or aggregate) that could be used to personally identify individuals without the person's prior knowledge and approval.
## The government will maintain an opt-in database for ''Citizens'' that will obfuscate personally identifiable information for participating ''Citizens''.
### Businesses will be compelled to use this database to verify age, city, or other general information about ''Citizens'', thereby not having to collect this data from the ''Citizens'' directly.
### The database will be protected from being wide-searchable by the government or businesses, and personal information will be modifiable only by the ''Citizens'' themselves.
## The collection of data must always be an opt-in feature with a clear explanation of usage.
## The government will maintain an opt-out database on behalf of the ''Citizens'' that wish to have their information removed from business databases, and in which businesses must regularly check (no less than once a month) to remain compliant with regulations.
# ''Citizens'' may not publish personally identifiable information about other ''Citizens'' without that person’s prior explicit permission.
# ''Non-Citizens'' or businesses or other entities not entirely based and operating within the Liminal State may not collect nor publish any personally identifiable information about Liminal State ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 16 Expansion''' ====
# All ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' or ''Citizens'' of legal age have a right to marry any other ''Emancipated Citizen'' or ''Citizen'' of legal age.
# All married ''Citizens'' have the right to divorce.
# All married ''Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' have a right to adopt children. Further, non-discriminatory, qualifications are understood.
# No person shall be compelled to have children.

==== '''Article 17.2 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State reserves the right to redefine real estate property ownership in order to utilize a form of [[wikipedia:Land_value_tax|Land(Location) Value Tax (LVT)]] in lieu of collecting other taxes.
# Under no circumstances shall a person be deprived of their property by the Liminal State to specifically benefit commercial purposes or other businesses.
# Should the Liminal State deem it necessary to deprive a person or business of real estate property belonging to them, the person or business shall be compensated at 200% of the current appraised market value.
## If the purpose is in lieu of collecting other taxes (17.2.1), that person or business will be given first right of use.
## In any other case, should the use not be fulfilled as provided for in the eminent domain action and the property remain unused, the person or business will again be given their property back and without the requirement of (re)payment.
# No person or business shall otherwise be arbitrarily deprived of lawfully possessed property.

==== '''Article 18 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will protect the right of free thought and practice of all religions and beliefs, whether formally recognized or not, so long as those beliefs and practices do not promote violence or violate any fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, the Liminal State will never embrace any religion, officially or unofficially, overtly or covertly.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, no expression of religion will adorn any state building or state or public property, nor will prayer or other religious practice or observance be allowed within any state building or on any state or public property.
### Should the Liminal State assume ownership and management of property in lieu of collecting other taxes, this restriction does not apply to the private homes, businesses, or religious institutions upon this previously privately held property.
### The display of traditionally recognized religious symbols are limited to historically significant artifacts and may only be displayed in museums as a scholarly exercise.
### To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, any educational institution receiving public funds may only teach religion as a scholarly exercise, and only when taught alongside and equally with multiple other religions and perspectives.
### Any use within the state that raises public questions will be prohibited as to err on the side of caution.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of religious beliefs and thoughts.
# The Liminal State will protect everyone's right to the freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.
## The Liminal State will never limit the study, expansion, teaching, or promotion of alternative government philosophies.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.

==== '''Article 19 Expansion''' ====
# The freedom of the people's speech shall not be limited by the government, except under special circumstances:
## Speech that incites violations of law, violates the rights of others, or violates any fundamental rights under the Liminal State shall be prohibited.
## Defamation, fraud and perjury are prohibited.
## Further restrictions to speech may be applicable when the audience includes or could include ''Protected Citizens''.
## Additional restrictions may apply to businesses and other entities serving the ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 20 Expansion''' ====
# Peaceful assembly and demonstrations are protected at the highest levels.
## Any demonstrators that uses violence, riotous actions, or vandalism will be specifically targeted by law enforcement actions.
## Any unlawful actions of the few shall not be construed as the actions of the whole, and are not to be used as justification to infringe upon this freedom of assembly.
# A ''Citizen's'' associations shall not be used alone as condemnation or evidence of criminal intent.

==== '''Article 21 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State may be instantiated with or without the ''80% Rule''.
## The ''80% Rule'' requires ''Emancipated Citizens'' to take an empathy test to become an ''Eligible Voter'', and only the top 80% of most empathetic people will be eligible to vote. For any laws to pass, 80% of these 80% of ''Citizens'' must vote in favor of that law.
### There can only be one justification for limiting the pool of voters, and that is if this smaller pool contains only the most empathetic.
### Empathy tests are highly accurate, not manipulatable, and when administered by experts and transparently monitored, they can be relied upon to be an effective way of managing the voter pool.
### Limiting the pool of voters makes voting a privilege instead of an obligation and will encourage greater participation.
### When considering the low general voter turnouts for most democratic elections, this builds in a mechanism for consideration of those that do not or cannot vote.
### Limiting voting to the 80% most empathetic organically promotes a more thoughtful society overall with possible positive generational effect.
## Using the ''80% Rule'' does create a narrow possible path for intentional voter disenfranchisement if not done openly and fairly, and is therefore not a requirement for a Liminal State.
### Without this rule, all ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to vote.
### All laws still require an 80% affirmative vote to pass.
### Any potential candidates for a ''Leadership Groups'', management, or publicly facing positions (such as educators) are still required to first pass an ''Empathy Test'' to ensure that leaders and others in these critical roles are naturally thoughtful of the people's needs over their own, in regards to their decisions and actions.

==== '''Article 26.3 Modification''' ====
# While parents shall have the right to choose the kind of education their child receives, the Liminal State reserves the right to ensure that education meets minimum requirements for the good of society and that child's future. These minimum requirements may include:
## Levelized test scores.
## Subject breadth and depth.
## Normal opportunities for socialization.
## Overview by Liminal State education representatives to monitor progress.

==== '''UDHR Additions''' ====
# The interests of the Liminal State will be prioritized as:
## ''Citizens''
## All people
## Ecosystems/All living things
## Everything else
## These shall not be prioritized to the exclusion of the others, but rather in concert and consideration of the others.
# The Liminal State will foster compassion and empathy with victims, rather than vengeance and punishment, and society, via the Liminal State, will initially shoulder the costs of all crimes suffered by victims in exchange for the victim's compassion and empathy.
## As society will overtly be paying for the costs of crime, society will determine the ''Restitution'' owed to victims and from convicted violators.
## The ''Judicial Branch'' will guide and moderate the determined ''Restitution''.
## Convicted violators will be obligated to repay ''Restitution'' back to society via the Liminal State.
## There are no standard or mandatory minimum sentences in the Liminal State. Convicted violators of the law will be allowed back into society only after:
### They have successfully completed any rehabilitation required of them.
### They have demonstrated to the Liminal State and the ''Citizens'' that they will no longer be a detriment to society.
### They demonstrate a willingness and ability to repay all ''Restitution'' owed.
## Victims will be compensated by society prior to any court actions, and therefore even if there is no conviction.
# Prison will be reserved exclusively for the very few individuals that cannot be rehabilitated and where there is no technology yet available to protect society from them if released.
## Prisons will no longer serve as punishment or deterrent, but rather the last recourse when rehabilitation fails.
## Prisons will be transformed so that those incarcerated can live as comfortably and freely as possible, without endangering society.
## Only the Liminal State can, as the representation of order in society, take responsibility for its ''Citizens''' welfare and safety. Therefore there will be no private prisons in the Liminal State. In the extreme situation where someone has been deemed unfit to return to society and therefore society must strip that person of certain freedoms, then that society, via the government, must take responsibility for that person’s continued wellbeing.
# ''Protected Citizens'' will never be tried as adults.
## Any apparent adult that hasn’t taken the ''Emancipation Test'' will be required to take it prior to any court action.
## Any ''Protected Citizen'' may voluntarily take the ''Emancipation Test'' if they choose prior to any court action.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as a ''Citizen'' in regards to violations of the law within the Liminal State.
## All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to take the ''Emancipation Test'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.
## ''Non-Citizens'' in violation of the law will be excluded from asylum opportunities.
# As the Liminal State provides the authority and authorization for lawyers to practice law, judges and the ''Justice Branch'' therefore have direct authority over lawyers in regards to misbehavior, faulty representation, etc.
# The press shall be free of any government influence or interference except where there is critical public interest. Critical public interests must be defined prior to Liminal State instantiation or after with a public vote using the ''80% Rule.''
## An example of a preexisting critical public interest applies to limited public commodities regulated by the Liminal State, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, in which any public use must conform to the same rules that are foundational to the Liminal State. In addition to these fundamental rules, programming that takes advantage of these public commodities will also be restricted in the following ways:
### “News” programs will convey accurate, non-partisan information.
### Partisan rhetoric shall be clearly labeled as opinion and must not be construed as news.
## The internet shall never be considered a public commodity that could be regulated in the same way as the electromagnetic spectrum. Only limited resources that must be delegated to businesses for public uses qualify.
## The ''Citizens'' may also restrict what content is available within their communities through a vote, regardless of delivery medium, in general or specifically to ''Protected Citizens''.
# As there is no practical division between the Liminal State and its ''Citizens'', the Liminal State will not restrict government information from the ''Citizens'' by default. Exceptions to this may be employed in specific situations as follows or specified elsewhere within the official Liminal State documentation.
## All information collected or produced on behalf of the Liminal State, excluding personally identifiable or other specifically protected information, will immediately be made available for public consumption.
## All interactions between government officials in a leadership positions or that interact directly with the public will be recorded with audio and visual components, streamed, and archived in it's entirety for all ''Citizens'' to access immediately and indefinitely.
### An exception exists for any recordings of ''Protected Citizens'', in which case the recordings may be limited to relevant guardians and necessary officials (i.e.: classrooms - with recordings/streaming available only to parents and school officials, and law enforcement in the case of a suspected crimes).
### An exception also exists in the case of any law enforcement activity which include an arrest for suspected crimes - only upon conviction shall any information regarding a crime and details of the convicted individual(s) be made public, and only then when necessary as provided by law.
#### For government accountability, a minimum of three independent non-governmental organizations or ''Independent Departments'' will have full insight and access to regularly review recordings and be aware of every person held in suspicion of a crime, their location, etc.
##### If enough public support does not organically provide the necessary resources for the non-governmental organizations, the government will fully or partially fund these organizations as necessary. Regardless, the government will have no involvement in their operations.
##### These organizations exist to ensure public visibility into otherwise hidden detentions, but as this process is necessary to maintain privacy of those not convicted, they may never release information outside of the specific and highly regulated routes provided to ensure government accountability.
## All members of the government, speaking in their official capacity, while on duty, or by virtue of their position represent the authority of the Liminal State, are forbidden from making knowingly false or misleading statements.
## Members of the government at all levels are encouraged to speak with the press, with applicable exclusions applying.
### There will be no direct or indirect interference by anyone within the government to suppress this protected speech.
### There will be no consequences for any ''Government Personnel'' speaking the truth with any other ''Citizen''.
## The financial information of all ''Government Personnel'' will be publicly available at all times.
### All ''Government Personnel'' will be paid exceptionally well, relative to the private sector.
### In exchange for above average salaries, no ''Government Personnel'' may hold other jobs or have any other sources of income.
#### All ''Government Personnel'' will have access to a blind investment pool.
#### All direct relationships of ''Government Personnel'' will have access to the same blind investment pool as ''Government Personnel''.
### The finances of all direct relationships will also be made public.
#### This includes parents, siblings, spouses, and emancipated children.
#### The finances of extended family, friends, and acquaintances of ''Government Personnel'' will be regularly scrutinized by the Liminal State but will not be made public automatically.
#### Suspicion of inappropriate behavior by ''Government Personnel'' in association with any of these relationships will put both sides in legal jeopardy.
### Former ''Government Personnel'' having held management positions or been part of a ''Leadership Group'' are forbidden from working for any company that has had ''Standing'' with their ''Branch(es)''. Former ''Executive Group'' members are forbidden from holding positions in the public sector, whether officially or unofficially.
# No infrastructure or public spaces shall be named for any ''Government Personnel'', nor shall statues, money or other objects bear their likeness, whether live or dead.
# ''All laws that are passed within the Liminal State remain in effect for a period of eight years by default. In the seventh year they will again be available to vote on, except they will automatically renew unless the Citizens vote using the 80% Rule to remove it. This subsequent vote in review of a law is called a Review Vote.''
## ''Laws may explicitly specify a shorter time period for renewal, with the lower limit being four years. In these cases a Review Vote is still required the year prior to expiration.''
## ''No law may explicitly last longer than eight years.''
## ''Any laws written to last less than four years will automatically expire after that time and without need of a Review Vote.''
## ''Any proposed law that does not pass with the 80% Rule may be put up for another vote, using any wording with a similar proposed outcome, in the following circumstances:''
### ''After a year has elapsed if it received more than 55% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After three years have elapsed if it received more than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After eight years have passed if it received less than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### In any case, the new proposed law would still require a ''Justice Branch Review'' and the requisite ''Citizen Signatures'' as a new ''Citizen Initiative''.
# Any population that wishes to incorporate into the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the existing Liminal State voters and an 80% affirmative vote by the total proposed new population.
## The vote by the population wishing to incorporate is a vote for adhering to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## The vote by the existing Liminal State voters is a vote of confidence that the new population, at a minimum, will adhere to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## This requires a total of at least 80% of the new ''Emancipated'' population to vote yes, not an 80% affirmative from a smaller pool of voters within the entire voting population.
## All the rules that apply to voting within the Liminal State must be followed by the new population for the incorporation vote to be valid.
## Cross-border campaigning or other activities from either side in an effort to affect the vote is forbidden.
## The Liminal State shall monitor the vote and all activities leading up to the vote to ensure these requirements are met.
## If either 80% vote fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted until eight years have elapsed.
# Any population that wishes to secede from the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the total seceding population.
## The seceding population must ensure that it will adhere to the minimum fundamental laws that the Liminal State is based on if granted secession.
## The seceding population must be composed of a contiguous area.
### When continent-bound, this area must contain at least 750,000 people or have a legitimate historical claim to a common heritage if smaller.
### An island (chain) or any non-continental contiguous area of any size is eligible.
## This action requires the entire seceding population of ''Emancipated Citizens'' to vote, not the 80% rule.
## This action does not require nor allow for a vote against this action by the non-seceding population.
## There must be no campaigning within the proposed seceding area by the Liminal State or other entities in an effort to influence the vote.
## Should a successful vote of secession take place, there will be a eight year overlap period where the seceding area implements its statehood and the Liminal State and the seceding area negotiate trade, immigration, and other necessary terms of the future mutual relationship.
## These same rules apply when an area within the Liminal State wishes to be incorporated into another existing entity instead of forming their own.
### This additionally requires the other entity to first approve of this incorporation of the seceding area, using whatever methodology that government uses to make these official decisions.
### There shall be no cross-border campaigning from either the Liminal State nor the other entity in an effort to affect the seceding areas vote.
## If the 80% vote of secession fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted again until eight years have elapsed.
# The Liminal State shall focus it's attention on the activities of running the state, managing those aspects that generally affect the welfare, prosperity, and stability of the ''Citizens'' as a whole.
## The ''Citizens'' will be empowered to formulate the rules regarding the social issues that impact their local communities.
## The Liminal State will have final authority on all issues, especially those that overlap these two perspectives and primarily to ensure that all people are treated equally and fairly within society.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Laws & Freedom: In Practice

2026-11-01T21:37:38Z

Mr Fox:

At the very top there exists the fundamental rights that the laws of the Liminal State must not violate. These are inherent, universal, and inalienable rights belonging to every ''Conscious Being'', simply by virtue of being conscious, and are detailed under current international law as ''[https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights] ('''UDHR''')''.

'''''Note:''' the Liminal State recognizes the language replacement of “Human Being", "Person", or "All” with “Conscious Being,” and enforcement is upheld to this standard. Any references within the Liminal State documentation to “people” assumes “Conscious Beings.”''

The following are expansions, additions, and modification to the '''''UDHR''''' under the Liminal State, and apply to ''Citizens'' and ''Non-Citizens'' alike:

==== '''Article 1 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State regards all people as inherently equal and all must be treated with absolute equality in public, business, and government matters (with specific narrow exceptions).
## No laws may be enacted that overtly or in effect targets a subset of one or more of the pre-defined groups. These groups are ''Non-Citizens'', ''Protected Citizens'', and ''Emancipated Citizens''.
### The Liminal State reserves the right to assign tax responsibilities as necessary and in the best interest of the nation, even if this requires unequal taxation of different income brackets.
### This exception cannot be used to target subgroups outside of income or other general financial determinations.
## In no case shall the delineation of these pre-defined groups be used as pretext to deprived any person of their intrinsic rights given them by virtue of the UDHR.
### The ''Citizens'' may choose to limit their own freedoms for the benefit of their community. They will be given wide latitude when it comes to laws impacting ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' within their communities, so long as these laws respect the fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
### The Liminal State will be entirely responsible for any laws governing ''Non-Citizens'', as this group cannot vote and does not have representation, therefore they are considered a protected group.
## All businesses must serve the ''Citizens'' equally.
### Only by virtue of the ''Citizens'' (via their power vested in the government) are businesses authorized to exist and operate, therefore business are prohibited from limiting service to any subset of the predefined groups.
### ''Protected Citizens'' may have additional rights and protections in regards to business practices.
## Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate businesses must be applicable to all related businesses. Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate a class of busiensses must not directly or indirectly impact a sub-group of ''Citizens''.
Example 1: No law may specifically target ''TikToc'', though a law targeting all social media would be allowed.

==== '''Article 3 Modification''' ====
# Any person or entity that would sue another individual or entity must first go through the following steps before a lawsuit will be permitted to move forward:
## The plaintiff must prove to the court that they have a reasonable chance of winning.
## If successful, the defendant must then be given 60 days following their notification to file a rejection of the claim on the grounds that it is an attempt at harassment, silencing free or protected speech, intimidating the defendant, or for some other unlawful reason.
## If the defendant is successful in this action, the plaintiff must pay to the defendant whichever of the following is the greatest amount:
### 10x the amount of fees paid by the defendant for legal council.
### 10x the fees that would have been paid at the average community rate, whether the defendant retained council or not.
### 10x the amount the plaintiff paid to their lawyers to take this unlawful action.
# The Liminal State, as the representation of society's will, may require certain actions that could be interpreted as a violation of a person's right to security where this overlaps with society's other rights and welfare.
## Only society may over-rule an ''Emancipated Citizen's'' right to security of person using the 80% rule - for example in the case of vaccine requirements.
### Communities have the right to pass laws that restrict the behavior of outsiders within their community, even if that outsider has that right in their own community.
### Communities have the right to restrict access to their community only in vary narrow circumstances where the physical health of that community could be adversely impacted by the entrance of non-conforming outside ''Citizens'', and only after review and pre-approval by the ''Justice Branch''.
#### For example, if one community requires all residents receive a vaccine, then entrance by outsiders could be restricted to only those who have also received the vaccine, even if the outsider's community does not require the vaccine.
#### The community restricting access to outsiders must provide the remedy for the restriction to outsiders.
##### Example 1: outsiders not having taken a vaccine could take the vaccine and follow appropriate protocol before entering the community.
##### Example 2: if a community does not allow guns in their community, then outsiders must be allowed to lock up their guns at the ''Political Boundary'' of that community and retrieve them on their way back out.
## The Liminal State is the final authority on safeguarding the ''Non-Citizen's'' and ''Protected Citizen's'' security of person.

==== '''Article 5 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will only use compassion, empathy, and rehabilitation in conjunction with violations of the law.
# Execution and physical, mental, or social punishments will never be used on ''Citizens'' or ''Non-Citizens''.

==== '''Article 7 Expansion''' ====
# All people before the law have the right to communicate in their native language, therefore interpreters (people or artificial) shall be made available to anyone in need.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as ''Citizens'' in regards to violations of the law.
# All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to test and see if they qualify as ''Emancipated'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.

==== '''Article 10 Expansion''' ====
# Detention facilities shall immediately allow the detainee to notify (without charge) a family member or closest contact, based on the detainee's preference, of their detention and be provided reasonably immediate access. The detainee may contact as many people as necessary until contact has been successful.
# A detainee will meet with a group of three (a lawyer, a social worker, and a health worker) within 24 hours of their detainment.
## The three shall assess the situation and provide appropriate help and resources.
### Under the law, detainees are afforded the same protections in regards to these three as is currently the case with a lawyer.
#### These three may never be compelled to testify against the detainee.
#### These three are to keep anything the detainee tells them in strict confidence, except as necessary to render appropriate care (in which case those included in that care are also bound to confidence).
### The first step in rehabilitation will be to determine the circumstances prompting the individual to violate the law and then to get them whatever help is necessary to ensure further violations don't continue (rehab, counseling, financial services, etc.).
### The primary goal of this methodology is to catch ''Citizens'' in need before they fall, and prevent additional crimes and societal costs that might come of their otherwise diminished situations.
# The detained shall not be moved to another facility outside the local ''Political Boundary'' unless found guilty and then by court order, or if the three deem it in the best interest of the detainee for their rehabilitation and with the agreement of the detainee.
# No legal processes may begin against a detainee until the detainee has met with the three and then with their lawyer present.
# Law enforcement will not question a detainee following their arrest without their lawyer present.
# A detainee who has not met with the three within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# A detainee who has not been seen by a judge within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# Monetary bonds will never be used.
# A detainee may only be held longer if:
## The courts have deemed the detainee an immediate threat to themselves or others and no technological remedy exists to prevent that threat.
## The rehabilitation experts have deemed the detainee in need of immediate rehabilitation and have reasonable evidence (as judged by the ''Justice Branch'') that the detainee will not follow through with the rehabilitation if released.
## The detainee has violated the terms of a personal recognizance bond for any open case.

==== '''Article 11 Expansion''' ====
# '''Protection Against Self-Incrimination''' - The accused will not be forced to testify against themselves nor shall anyone be forced to incriminate themselves.
# '''Family Testimonial Privilege''' - The immediate family of the accused will not be forced to testify against the accused.
# '''Right To The Best Council''' - There are no public defenders in the Liminal State to ensure the very best legal representation for all defendants, regardless of situation or their status. All lawyers, permitted to practice law by virtue of the Liminal State, are obligated to provide counsel to defendants.
## A lottery system will be used among all registered defense lawyers within the district to determine which lawyer will represent a defendant.
## Lawyers of defendants will be paid by the Liminal State the industry average wage within that community, which will be updated and set at least twice a year.
## Defendants may choose to employ other/additional counsel at their discretion and expense.

==== '''Article 12 Expansion''' ====
# There will be no use of general surveillance within the Liminal State.
## The Liminal State, or any third party acting on behalf of the Liminal State, may never use general surveillance or general data collection of the people.
### Personalized data may only be collected in connection with the delivery of public services, law enforcement, and to carry out administrative responsibilities (i.e.: voter rolls, driver license issuance, benefit distribution, birth and death certificates, etc.), and only at the time service is rendered.
#### No person shall otherwise be compelled to provide their personalized information.
#### Any personalized data collected will be prohibited from external access and searches.
#### All internal access or searches will be for official purposes only.
##### Access and searches will require the confirmation from three authorized people.
##### All access and searches will be logged, with that logged data being immutable.
##### The person searched shall be immediately notified if this action is not directly relate to a service they are requesting.
### Non-personally identifiable information may be collected from the people in aggregate as part of normal government functions, such as issuing census reports, population information, and other statistical data.
## The Liminal State shall always work to collect less or no data rather than using lawful justifications to collect more.
# Businesses operating within the Liminal State may not sell personally identifiable information, or any information (in part or aggregate) that could be used to personally identify individuals without the person's prior knowledge and approval.
## The government will maintain an opt-in database for ''Citizens'' that will obfuscate personally identifiable information for participating ''Citizens''.
### Businesses will be compelled to use this database to verify age, city, or other general information about ''Citizens'', thereby not having to collect this data from the ''Citizens'' directly.
### The database will be protected from being wide-searchable by the government or businesses, and personal information will be modifiable only by the ''Citizens'' themselves.
## The collection of data must always be an opt-in feature with a clear explanation of usage.
## The government will maintain an opt-out database on behalf of the ''Citizens'' that wish to have their information removed from business databases, and in which businesses must regularly check (no less than once a month) to remain compliant with regulations.
# ''Citizens'' may not publish personally identifiable information about other ''Citizens'' without that person’s prior explicit permission.
# ''Non-Citizens'' or businesses or other entities not entirely based and operating within the Liminal State may not collect nor publish any personally identifiable information about Liminal State ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 16 Expansion''' ====
# All ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' or ''Citizens'' of legal age have a right to marry any other ''Emancipated Citizen'' or ''Citizen'' of legal age.
# All married ''Citizens'' have the right to divorce.
# All married ''Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' have a right to adopt children. Further, non-discriminatory, qualifications are understood.
# No person shall be compelled to have children.

==== '''Article 17.2 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State reserves the right to redefine real estate property ownership in order to utilize a form of [[wikipedia:Land_value_tax|Land(Location) Value Tax (LVT)]] in lieu of collecting other taxes.
# Under no circumstances shall a person be deprived of their property by the Liminal State to specifically benefit commercial purposes or other businesses.
# Should the Liminal State deem it necessary to deprive a person or business of real estate property belonging to them, the person or business shall be compensated at 200% of the current appraised market value.
## If the purpose is in lieu of collecting other taxes (17.2.1), that person or business will be given first right of use.
## In any other case, should the use not be fulfilled as provided for in the eminent domain action and the property remain unused, the person or business will again be given their property back and without the requirement of (re)payment.
# No person or business shall otherwise be arbitrarily deprived of lawfully possessed property.

==== '''Article 18 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will protect the right of free thought and practice of all religions and beliefs, whether formally recognized or not, so long as those beliefs and practices do not promote violence or violate any fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, the Liminal State will never embrace any religion, officially or unofficially, overtly or covertly.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, no expression of religion will adorn any state building or state or public property, nor will prayer or other religious practice or observance be allowed within any state building or on any state or public property.
### Should the Liminal State assume ownership and management of property in lieu of collecting other taxes, this restriction does not apply to the private homes, businesses, or religious institutions upon this previously privately held property.
### The display of traditionally recognized religious symbols are limited to historically significant artifacts and may only be displayed in museums as a scholarly exercise.
### To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, any educational institution receiving public funds may only teach religion as a scholarly exercise, and only when taught alongside and equally with multiple other religions and perspectives.
### Any use within the state that raises public questions will be prohibited as to err on the side of caution.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of religious beliefs and thoughts.
# The Liminal State will protect everyone's right to the freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.
## The Liminal State will never limit the study, expansion, teaching, or promotion of alternative government philosophies.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.

==== '''Article 19 Expansion''' ====
# The freedom of the people's speech shall not be limited by the government, except under special circumstances:
## Speech that incites violations of law, violates the rights of others, or violates any fundamental rights under the Liminal State shall be prohibited.
## Defamation, fraud and perjury are prohibited.
## Further restrictions to speech may be applicable when the audience includes or could include ''Protected Citizens''.
## Additional restrictions may apply to businesses and other entities serving the ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 20 Expansion''' ====
# Peaceful assembly and demonstrations are protected at the highest levels.
## Any demonstrators that uses violence, riotous actions, or vandalism will be specifically targeted by law enforcement actions.
## Any unlawful actions of the few shall not be construed as the actions of the whole, and are not to be used as justification to infringe upon this freedom of assembly.
# A ''Citizen's'' associations shall not be used alone as condemnation or evidence of criminal intent.

==== '''Article 21 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State may be instantiated with or without the ''80% Rule''.
## The ''80% Rule'' requires ''Emancipated Citizens'' to take an empathy test to become an ''Eligible Voter'', and only the top 80% of most empathetic people will be eligible to vote. For any laws to pass, 80% of these 80% of ''Citizens'' must vote in favor of that law.
### There can only be one justification for limiting the pool of voters, and that is if this smaller pool contains only the most empathetic.
### Empathy tests are highly accurate, not manipulatable, and when administered by experts and transparently monitored, they can be relied upon to be an effective way of managing the voter pool.
### Limiting the pool of voters makes voting a privilege instead of an obligation and will encourage greater participation.
### When considering the low general voter turnouts for most democratic elections, this builds in a mechanism for consideration of those that do not or cannot vote.
### Limiting voting to the 80% most empathetic organically promotes a more thoughtful society overall with possible positive generational effect.
## Using the ''80% Rule'' does create a narrow possible path for intentional voter disenfranchisement if not done openly and fairly, and is therefore not a requirement for a Liminal State.
### Without this rule, all ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to vote.
### All laws still require an 80% affirmative vote to pass.
### Any potential candidate for a ''Leadership Group'' or management position is still required to first pass an ''Empathy Test'' to ensure that leaders are naturally thoughtful of the people's needs over their own, in regards to their decisions and actions.

==== '''Article 26.3 Modification''' ====
# While parents shall have the right to choose the kind of education their child receives, the Liminal State reserves the right to ensure that education meets minimum requirements for the good of society and that child's future. These minimum requirements may include:
## Levelized test scores.
## Subject breadth and depth.
## Normal opportunities for socialization.
## Overview by Liminal State education representatives to monitor progress.

==== '''UDHR Additions''' ====
# The interests of the Liminal State will be prioritized as:
## ''Citizens''
## All people
## Ecosystems/All living things
## Everything else
## These shall not be prioritized to the exclusion of the others, but rather in concert and consideration of the others.
# The Liminal State will foster compassion and empathy with victims, rather than vengeance and punishment, and society, via the Liminal State, will initially shoulder the costs of all crimes suffered by victims in exchange for the victim's compassion and empathy.
## As society will overtly be paying for the costs of crime, society will determine the ''Restitution'' owed to victims and from convicted violators.
## The ''Judicial Branch'' will guide and moderate the determined ''Restitution''.
## Convicted violators will be obligated to repay ''Restitution'' back to society via the Liminal State.
## There are no standard or mandatory minimum sentences in the Liminal State. Convicted violators of the law will be allowed back into society only after:
### They have successfully completed any rehabilitation required of them.
### They have demonstrated to the Liminal State and the ''Citizens'' that they will no longer be a detriment to society.
### They demonstrate a willingness and ability to repay all ''Restitution'' owed.
## Victims will be compensated by society prior to any court actions, and therefore even if there is no conviction.
# Prison will be reserved exclusively for the very few individuals that cannot be rehabilitated and where there is no technology yet available to protect society from them if released.
## Prisons will no longer serve as punishment or deterrent, but rather the last recourse when rehabilitation fails.
## Prisons will be transformed so that those incarcerated can live as comfortably and freely as possible, without endangering society.
## Only the Liminal State can, as the representation of order in society, take responsibility for its ''Citizens''' welfare and safety. Therefore there will be no private prisons in the Liminal State. In the extreme situation where someone has been deemed unfit to return to society and therefore society must strip that person of certain freedoms, then that society, via the government, must take responsibility for that person’s continued wellbeing.
# ''Protected Citizens'' will never be tried as adults.
## Any apparent adult that hasn’t taken the ''Emancipation Test'' will be required to take it prior to any court action.
## Any ''Protected Citizen'' may voluntarily take the ''Emancipation Test'' if they choose prior to any court action.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as a ''Citizen'' in regards to violations of the law within the Liminal State.
## All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to take the ''Emancipation Test'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.
## ''Non-Citizens'' in violation of the law will be excluded from asylum opportunities.
# As the Liminal State provides the authority and authorization for lawyers to practice law, judges and the ''Justice Branch'' therefore have direct authority over lawyers in regards to misbehavior, faulty representation, etc.
# The press shall be free of any government influence or interference except where there is critical public interest. Critical public interests must be defined prior to Liminal State instantiation or after with a public vote using the ''80% Rule.''
## An example of a preexisting critical public interest applies to limited public commodities regulated by the Liminal State, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, in which any public use must conform to the same rules that are foundational to the Liminal State. In addition to these fundamental rules, programming that takes advantage of these public commodities will also be restricted in the following ways:
### “News” programs will convey accurate, non-partisan information.
### Partisan rhetoric shall be clearly labeled as opinion and must not be construed as news.
## The internet shall never be considered a public commodity that could be regulated in the same way as the electromagnetic spectrum. Only limited resources that must be delegated to businesses for public uses qualify.
## The ''Citizens'' may also restrict what content is available within their communities through a vote, regardless of delivery medium, in general or specifically to ''Protected Citizens''.
# As there is no practical division between the Liminal State and its ''Citizens'', the Liminal State will not restrict government information from the ''Citizens'' by default. Exceptions to this may be employed in specific situations as follows or specified elsewhere within the official Liminal State documentation.
## All information collected or produced on behalf of the Liminal State, excluding personally identifiable or other specifically protected information, will immediately be made available for public consumption.
## All interactions between government officials in a leadership positions or that interact directly with the public will be recorded with audio and visual components, streamed, and archived in it's entirety for all ''Citizens'' to access immediately and indefinitely.
### An exception exists for any recordings of ''Protected Citizens'', in which case the recordings may be limited to relevant guardians and necessary officials (i.e.: classrooms - with recordings/streaming available only to parents and school officials, and law enforcement in the case of a suspected crimes).
### An exception also exists in the case of any law enforcement activity which include an arrest for suspected crimes - only upon conviction shall any information regarding a crime and details of the convicted individual(s) be made public, and only then when necessary as provided by law.
#### For government accountability, a minimum of three independent non-governmental organizations or ''Independent Departments'' will have full insight and access to regularly review recordings and be aware of every person held in suspicion of a crime, their location, etc.
##### If enough public support does not organically provide the necessary resources for the non-governmental organizations, the government will fully or partially fund these organizations as necessary. Regardless, the government will have no involvement in their operations.
##### These organizations exist to ensure public visibility into otherwise hidden detentions, but as this process is necessary to maintain privacy of those not convicted, they may never release information outside of the specific and highly regulated routes provided to ensure government accountability.
## All members of the government, speaking in their official capacity, while on duty, or by virtue of their position represent the authority of the Liminal State, are forbidden from making knowingly false or misleading statements.
## Members of the government at all levels are encouraged to speak with the press, with applicable exclusions applying.
### There will be no direct or indirect interference by anyone within the government to suppress this protected speech.
### There will be no consequences for any ''Government Personnel'' speaking the truth with any other ''Citizen''.
## The financial information of all ''Government Personnel'' will be publicly available at all times.
### All ''Government Personnel'' will be paid exceptionally well, relative to the private sector.
### In exchange for above average salaries, no ''Government Personnel'' may hold other jobs or have any other sources of income.
#### All ''Government Personnel'' will have access to a blind investment pool.
#### All direct relationships of ''Government Personnel'' will have access to the same blind investment pool as ''Government Personnel''.
### The finances of all direct relationships will also be made public.
#### This includes parents, siblings, spouses, and emancipated children.
#### The finances of extended family, friends, and acquaintances of ''Government Personnel'' will be regularly scrutinized by the Liminal State but will not be made public automatically.
#### Suspicion of inappropriate behavior by ''Government Personnel'' in association with any of these relationships will put both sides in legal jeopardy.
### Former ''Government Personnel'' having held management positions or been part of a ''Leadership Group'' are forbidden from working for any company that has had ''Standing'' with their ''Branch(es)''. Former ''Executive Group'' members are forbidden from holding positions in the public sector, whether officially or unofficially.
# No infrastructure or public spaces shall be named for any ''Government Personnel'', nor shall statues, money or other objects bear their likeness, whether live or dead.
# ''All laws that are passed within the Liminal State remain in effect for a period of eight years by default. In the seventh year they will again be available to vote on, except they will automatically renew unless the Citizens vote using the 80% Rule to remove it. This subsequent vote in review of a law is called a Review Vote.''
## ''Laws may explicitly specify a shorter time period for renewal, with the lower limit being four years. In these cases a Review Vote is still required the year prior to expiration.''
## ''No law may explicitly last longer than eight years.''
## ''Any laws written to last less than four years will automatically expire after that time and without need of a Review Vote.''
## ''Any proposed law that does not pass with the 80% Rule may be put up for another vote, using any wording with a similar proposed outcome, in the following circumstances:''
### ''After a year has elapsed if it received more than 55% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After three years have elapsed if it received more than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After eight years have passed if it received less than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### In any case, the new proposed law would still require a ''Justice Branch Review'' and the requisite ''Citizen Signatures'' as a new ''Citizen Initiative''.
# Any population that wishes to incorporate into the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the existing Liminal State voters and an 80% affirmative vote by the total proposed new population.
## The vote by the population wishing to incorporate is a vote for adhering to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## The vote by the existing Liminal State voters is a vote of confidence that the new population, at a minimum, will adhere to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## This requires a total of at least 80% of the new ''Emancipated'' population to vote yes, not an 80% affirmative from a smaller pool of voters within the entire voting population.
## All the rules that apply to voting within the Liminal State must be followed by the new population for the incorporation vote to be valid.
## Cross-border campaigning or other activities from either side in an effort to affect the vote is forbidden.
## The Liminal State shall monitor the vote and all activities leading up to the vote to ensure these requirements are met.
## If either 80% vote fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted until eight years have elapsed.
# Any population that wishes to secede from the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the total seceding population.
## The seceding population must ensure that it will adhere to the minimum fundamental laws that the Liminal State is based on if granted secession.
## The seceding population must be composed of a contiguous area.
### When continent-bound, this area must contain at least 750,000 people or have a legitimate historical claim to a common heritage if smaller.
### An island (chain) or any non-continental contiguous area of any size is eligible.
## This action requires the entire seceding population of ''Emancipated Citizens'' to vote, not the 80% rule.
## This action does not require nor allow for a vote against this action by the non-seceding population.
## There must be no campaigning within the proposed seceding area by the Liminal State or other entities in an effort to influence the vote.
## Should a successful vote of secession take place, there will be a eight year overlap period where the seceding area implements its statehood and the Liminal State and the seceding area negotiate trade, immigration, and other necessary terms of the future mutual relationship.
## These same rules apply when an area within the Liminal State wishes to be incorporated into another existing entity instead of forming their own.
### This additionally requires the other entity to first approve of this incorporation of the seceding area, using whatever methodology that government uses to make these official decisions.
### There shall be no cross-border campaigning from either the Liminal State nor the other entity in an effort to affect the seceding areas vote.
## If the 80% vote of secession fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted again until eight years have elapsed.
# The Liminal State shall focus it's attention on the activities of running the state, managing those aspects that generally affect the welfare, prosperity, and stability of the ''Citizens'' as a whole.
## The ''Citizens'' will be empowered to formulate the rules regarding the social issues that impact their local communities.
## The Liminal State will have final authority on all issues, especially those that overlap these two perspectives and primarily to ensure that all people are treated equally and fairly within society.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Laws & Freedom: In Practice

2026-10-20T01:40:53Z

Mr Fox:

At the very top there exists the fundamental rights that the laws of the Liminal State must not violate. These are inherent, universal, and inalienable rights belonging to every ''Conscious Being'', simply by virtue of being conscious, and are detailed under current international law as ''[https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights] ('''UDHR''')''.

'''''Note:''' the Liminal State recognizes the language replacement of “Human Being", "Person", or "All” with “Conscious Being,” and enforcement is upheld to this standard. Any references within the Liminal State documentation to “people” assumes “Conscious Beings.”''

The following are expansions, additions, and modification to the '''''UDHR''''' under the Liminal State, and apply to ''Citizens'' and ''Non-Citizens'' alike:

==== '''Article 1 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State regards all people as inherently equal and all must be treated with absolute equality in public, business, and government matters (with specific narrow exceptions).
## No laws may be enacted that overtly or in effect targets a subset of one or more of the pre-defined groups. These groups are ''Non-Citizens'', ''Protected Citizens'', and ''Emancipated Citizens''.
### The Liminal State reserves the right to assign tax responsibilities as necessary and in the best interest of the nation, even if this requires unequal taxation of different income brackets.
### This exception cannot be used to target subgroups outside of income or other general financial determinations.
## In no case shall the delineation of these pre-defined groups be used as pretext to deprived any person of their intrinsic rights given them by virtue of the UDHR.
### The ''Citizens'' may choose to limit their own freedoms for the benefit of their community. They will be given wide latitude when it comes to laws impacting ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' within their communities, so long as these laws respect the fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
### The Liminal State will be entirely responsible for any laws governing ''Non-Citizens'', as this group cannot vote and does not have representation, therefore they are considered a protected group.
## All businesses must serve the ''Citizens'' equally.
### Only by virtue of the ''Citizens'' (via their power vested in the government) are businesses authorized to exist and operate, therefore business are prohibited from limiting service to any subset of the predefined groups.
### ''Protected Citizens'' may have additional rights and protections in regards to business practices.
## Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate businesses must be applicable to all related businesses. Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate a class of busiensses must not directly or indirectly impact a sub-group of ''Citizens''.
Example 1: No law may specifically target ''TikToc'', though a law targeting all social media would be allowed.

==== '''Article 3 Modification''' ====
# Any person or entity that would sue another individual or entity must first go through the following steps before a lawsuit will be permitted to move forward:
## The plaintiff must prove to the court that they have a reasonable chance of winning.
## If successful, the defendant must then be given 60 days following their notification to file a rejection of the claim on the grounds that it is an attempt at harassment, silencing free or protected speech, intimidating the defendant, or for some other unlawful reason.
## If the defendant is successful in this action, the plaintiff must pay to the defendant whichever of the following is the greatest amount:
### 10x the amount of fees paid by the defendant for legal council.
### 10x the fees that would have been paid at the average community rate, whether the defendant retained council or not.
### 10x the amount the plaintiff paid to their lawyers to take this unlawful action.
# The Liminal State, as the representation of society's will, may require certain actions that could be interpreted as a violation of a person's right to security where this overlaps with society's other rights and welfare.
## Only society may over-rule an ''Emancipated Citizen's'' right to security of person using the 80% rule - for example in the case of vaccine requirements.
### Communities have the right to pass laws that restrict the behavior of outsiders within their community, even if that outsider has that right in their own community.
### Communities have the right to restrict access to their community only in vary narrow circumstances where the physical health of that community could be adversely impacted by the entrance of non-conforming outside ''Citizens'', and only after review and pre-approval by the ''Justice Branch''.
#### For example, if one community requires all residents receive a vaccine, then entrance by outsiders could be restricted to only those who have also received the vaccine, even if the outsider's community does not require the vaccine.
#### The community restricting access to outsiders must provide the remedy for the restriction to outsiders.
##### Example 1: outsiders not having taken a vaccine could take the vaccine and follow appropriate protocol before entering the community.
##### Example 2: if a community does not allow guns in their community, then outsiders must be allowed to lock up their guns at the ''Political Boundary'' of that community and retrieve them on their way back out.
## The Liminal State is the final authority on safeguarding the ''Non-Citizen's'' and ''Protected Citizen's'' security of person.

==== '''Article 5 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will only use compassion, empathy, and rehabilitation in conjunction with violations of the law.
# Execution and physical, mental, or social punishments will never be used on ''Citizens'' or ''Non-Citizens''.

==== '''Article 7 Expansion''' ====
# All people before the law have the right to communicate in their native language, therefore interpreters (people or artificial) shall be made available to anyone in need.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as ''Citizens'' in regards to violations of the law.
# All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to test and see if they qualify as ''Emancipated'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.

==== '''Article 10 Expansion''' ====
# Detention facilities shall immediately allow the detainee to notify (without charge) a family member or closest contact, based on the detainee's preference, of their detention and be provided reasonably immediate access. The detainee may contact as many people as necessary until contact has been successful.
# A detainee will meet with a group of three (a lawyer, a social worker, and a health worker) within 24 hours of their detainment.
## The three shall assess the situation and provide appropriate help and resources.
### Under the law, detainees are afforded the same protections in regards to these three as is currently the case with a lawyer.
#### These three may never be compelled to testify against the detainee.
#### These three are to keep anything the detainee tells them in strict confidence, except as necessary to render appropriate care (in which case those included in that care are also bound to confidence).
### The first step in rehabilitation will be to determine the circumstances prompting the individual to violate the law and then to get them whatever help is necessary to ensure further violations don't continue (rehab, counseling, financial services, etc.).
### The primary goal of this methodology is to catch ''Citizens'' in need before they fall, and prevent additional crimes and societal costs that might come of their otherwise diminished situations.
# The detained shall not be moved to another facility outside the local ''Political Boundary'' unless found guilty and then by court order, or if the three deem it in the best interest of the detainee for their rehabilitation and with the agreement of the detainee.
# No legal processes may begin against a detainee until the detainee has met with the three and then with their lawyer present.
# Law enforcement will not question a detainee following their arrest without their lawyer present.
# A detainee who has not met with the three within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# A detainee who has not been seen by a judge within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# Monetary bonds will never be used.
# A detainee may only be held longer if:
## The courts have deemed the detainee an immediate threat to themselves or others and no technological remedy exists to prevent that threat.
## The rehabilitation experts have deemed the detainee in need of immediate rehabilitation and have reasonable evidence (as judged by the ''Justice Branch'') that the detainee will not follow through with the rehabilitation if released.
## The detainee has violated the terms of a personal recognizance bond for any open case.

==== '''Article 11 Expansion''' ====
# '''Protection Against Self-Incrimination''' - The accused will not be forced to testify against themselves nor shall anyone be forced to incriminate themselves.
# '''Family Testimonial Privilege''' - The immediate family of the accused will not be forced to testify against the accused.
# '''Right To The Best Council''' - There are no public defenders in the Liminal State to ensure the very best legal representation for all defendants, regardless of situation or their status. All lawyers, permitted to practice law by virtue of the Liminal State, are obligated to provide counsel to defendants.
## A lottery system will be used among all registered defense lawyers within the district to determine which lawyer will represent a defendant.
## Lawyers of defendants will be paid by the Liminal State the industry average wage within that community, which will be updated and set at least twice a year.
## Defendants may choose to employ other/additional counsel at their discretion and expense.

==== '''Article 12 Expansion''' ====
# There will be no use of general surveillance within the Liminal State.
## The Liminal State, or any third party acting on behalf of the Liminal State, may never use general surveillance or general data collection of the people.
### Personalized data may only be collected in connection with the delivery of public services, law enforcement, and to carry out administrative responsibilities (i.e.: voter rolls, driver license issuance, benefit distribution, birth and death certificates, etc.), and only at the time service is rendered.
#### No person shall otherwise be compelled to provide their personalized information.
#### Any personalized data collected will be prohibited from external access and searches.
#### All internal access or searches will be for official purposes only.
##### Access and searches will require the confirmation from three authorized people.
##### All access and searches will be logged, with that logged data being immutable.
##### The person searched shall be immediately notified if this action is not directly relate to a service they are requesting.
### Non-personally identifiable information may be collected from the people in aggregate as part of normal government functions, such as issuing census reports, population information, and other statistical data.
## The Liminal State shall always work to collect less or no data rather than using lawful justifications to collect more.
# Businesses operating within the Liminal State may not sell personally identifiable information, or any information (in part or aggregate) that could be used to personally identify individuals without the person's prior knowledge and approval.
## The government will maintain an opt-in database for ''Citizens'' that will obfuscate personally identifiable information for participating ''Citizens''.
### Businesses will be compelled to use this database to verify age, city, or other general information about ''Citizens'', thereby not having to collect this data from the ''Citizens'' directly.
### The database will be protected from being wide-searchable by the government or businesses, and personal information will be modifiable only by the ''Citizens'' themselves.
## The collection of data must always be an opt-in feature with a clear explanation of usage.
## The government will maintain an opt-out database on behalf of the ''Citizens'' that wish to have their information removed from business databases, and in which businesses must regularly check (no less than once a month) to remain compliant with regulations.
# ''Citizens'' may not publish personally identifiable information about other ''Citizens'' without that person’s prior explicit permission.
# ''Non-Citizens'' or businesses or other entities not entirely based and operating within the Liminal State may not collect nor publish any personally identifiable information about Liminal State ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 16 Expansion''' ====
# All ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' or ''Citizens'' of legal age have a right to marry any other ''Emancipated Citizen'' or ''Citizen'' of legal age.
# All married ''Citizens'' have the right to divorce.
# All married ''Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' have a right to adopt children. Further, non-discriminatory, qualifications are understood.
# No person shall be compelled to have children.

==== '''Article 17.2 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State reserves the right to redefine real estate property ownership in order to utilize a form of [[wikipedia:Land_value_tax|Land(Location) Value Tax (LVT)]] in lieu of collecting other taxes.
# Under no circumstances shall a person be deprived of their property by the Liminal State to specifically benefit commercial purposes or other businesses.
# Should the Liminal State deem it necessary to deprive a person or business of real estate property belonging to them, the person or business shall be compensated at 200% of the current appraised market value.
## If the purpose is in lieu of collecting other taxes (17.2.1), that person or business will be given first right of use.
## In any other case, should the use not be fulfilled as provided for in the eminent domain action and the property remain unused, the person or business will again be given their property back and without the requirement of (re)payment.
# No person or business shall otherwise be arbitrarily deprived of lawfully possessed property.

==== '''Article 18 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will protect the right of free thought and practice of all religions and beliefs, whether formally recognized or not, so long as those practices do not violate any fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, the Liminal State will never embrace any religion, officially or unofficially, overtly or covertly.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, no expression of religion will adorn any state building or state or public property, nor will prayer or other religious practice or observance be allowed within any state building or on any state or public property.
### Should the Liminal State assume ownership and management of property in lieu of collecting other taxes, this restriction does not apply to the private homes, businesses, or religious institutions upon this previously privately held property.
### The display of traditionally recognized religious symbols are limited to historically significant artifacts and may only be displayed in museums as a scholarly exercise.
### To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, any educational institution receiving public funds may only teach religion as a scholarly exercise, and only when taught alongside and equally with multiple other religions and perspectives.
### Any use within the state that raises public questions will be prohibited as to err on the side of caution.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of religious beliefs and thoughts.
# The Liminal State will protect everyone's right to the freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.
## The Liminal State will never limit the study, expansion, teaching, or promotion of alternative government philosophies.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.

==== '''Article 19 Expansion''' ====
# The freedom of the people's speech shall not be limited by the government, except under special circumstances:
## Speech that incites violations of law, violates the rights of others, or violates any fundamental rights under the Liminal State shall be prohibited.
## Defamation, fraud and perjury are prohibited.
## Further restrictions to speech may be applicable when the audience includes or could include ''Protected Citizens''.
## Additional restrictions may apply to businesses and other entities serving the ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 20 Expansion''' ====
# Peaceful assembly and demonstrations are protected at the highest levels.
## Any demonstrators that uses violence, riotous actions, or vandalism will be specifically targeted by law enforcement actions.
## Any unlawful actions of the few shall not be construed as the actions of the whole, and are not to be used as justification to infringe upon this freedom of assembly.
# A ''Citizen's'' associations shall not be used alone as condemnation or evidence of criminal intent.

==== '''Article 21 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State may be instantiated with or without the ''80% Rule''.
## The ''80% Rule'' requires ''Emancipated Citizens'' to take an empathy test to become an ''Eligible Voter'', and only the top 80% of most empathetic people will be eligible to vote. For any laws to pass, 80% of these 80% of ''Citizens'' must vote in favor of that law.
### There can only be one justification for limiting the pool of voters, and that is if this smaller pool contains only the most empathetic.
### Empathy tests are highly accurate, not manipulatable, and when administered by experts and transparently monitored, they can be relied upon to be an effective way of managing the voter pool.
### Limiting the pool of voters makes voting a privilege instead of an obligation and will encourage greater participation.
### When considering the low general voter turnouts for most democratic elections, this builds in a mechanism for consideration of those that do not or cannot vote.
### Limiting voting to the 80% most empathetic organically promotes a more thoughtful society overall with possible positive generational effect.
## Using the ''80% Rule'' does create a narrow possible path for intentional voter disenfranchisement if not done openly and fairly, and is therefore not a requirement for a Liminal State.
### Without this rule, all ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to vote.
### All laws still require an 80% affirmative vote to pass.
### Any potential candidate for a ''Leadership Group'' or management position is still required to first pass an ''Empathy Test'' to ensure that leaders are naturally thoughtful of the people's needs over their own, in regards to their decisions and actions.

==== '''Article 26.3 Modification''' ====
# While parents shall have the right to choose the kind of education their child receives, the Liminal State reserves the right to ensure that education meets minimum requirements for the good of society and that child's future. These minimum requirements may include:
## Levelized test scores.
## Subject breadth and depth.
## Normal opportunities for socialization.
## Overview by Liminal State education representatives to monitor progress.

==== '''UDHR Additions''' ====
# The interests of the Liminal State will be prioritized as:
## ''Citizens''
## All people
## Ecosystems/All living things
## Everything else
## These shall not be prioritized to the exclusion of the others, but rather in concert and consideration of the others.
# The Liminal State will foster compassion and empathy with victims, rather than vengeance and punishment, and society, via the Liminal State, will initially shoulder the costs of all crimes suffered by victims in exchange for the victim's compassion and empathy.
## As society will overtly be paying for the costs of crime, society will determine the ''Restitution'' owed to victims and from convicted violators.
## The ''Judicial Branch'' will guide and moderate the determined ''Restitution''.
## Convicted violators will be obligated to repay ''Restitution'' back to society via the Liminal State.
## There are no standard or mandatory minimum sentences in the Liminal State. Convicted violators of the law will be allowed back into society only after:
### They have successfully completed any rehabilitation required of them.
### They have demonstrated to the Liminal State and the ''Citizens'' that they will no longer be a detriment to society.
### They demonstrate a willingness and ability to repay all ''Restitution'' owed.
## Victims will be compensated by society prior to any court actions, and therefore even if there is no conviction.
# Prison will be reserved exclusively for the very few individuals that cannot be rehabilitated and where there is no technology yet available to protect society from them if released.
## Prisons will no longer serve as punishment or deterrent, but rather the last recourse when rehabilitation fails.
## Prisons will be transformed so that those incarcerated can live as comfortably and freely as possible, without endangering society.
## Only the Liminal State can, as the representation of order in society, take responsibility for its ''Citizens''' welfare and safety. Therefore there will be no private prisons in the Liminal State. In the extreme situation where someone has been deemed unfit to return to society and therefore society must strip that person of certain freedoms, then that society, via the government, must take responsibility for that person’s continued wellbeing.
# ''Protected Citizens'' will never be tried as adults.
## Any apparent adult that hasn’t taken the ''Emancipation Test'' will be required to take it prior to any court action.
## Any ''Protected Citizen'' may voluntarily take the ''Emancipation Test'' if they choose prior to any court action.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as a ''Citizen'' in regards to violations of the law within the Liminal State.
## All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to take the ''Emancipation Test'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.
## ''Non-Citizens'' in violation of the law will be excluded from asylum opportunities.
# As the Liminal State provides the authority and authorization for lawyers to practice law, judges and the ''Justice Branch'' therefore have direct authority over lawyers in regards to misbehavior, faulty representation, etc.
# The press shall be free of any government influence or interference except where there is critical public interest. Critical public interests must be defined prior to Liminal State instantiation or after with a public vote using the ''80% Rule.''
## An example of a preexisting critical public interest applies to limited public commodities regulated by the Liminal State, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, in which any public use must conform to the same rules that are foundational to the Liminal State. In addition to these fundamental rules, programming that takes advantage of these public commodities will also be restricted in the following ways:
### “News” programs will convey accurate, non-partisan information.
### Partisan rhetoric shall be clearly labeled as opinion and must not be construed as news.
## The internet shall never be considered a public commodity that could be regulated in the same way as the electromagnetic spectrum. Only limited resources that must be delegated to businesses for public uses qualify.
## The ''Citizens'' may also restrict what content is available within their communities through a vote, regardless of delivery medium, in general or specifically to ''Protected Citizens''.
# As there is no practical division between the Liminal State and its ''Citizens'', the Liminal State will not restrict government information from the ''Citizens'' by default. Exceptions to this may be employed in specific situations as follows or specified elsewhere within the official Liminal State documentation.
## All information collected or produced on behalf of the Liminal State, excluding personally identifiable or other specifically protected information, will immediately be made available for public consumption.
## All interactions between government officials in a leadership positions or that interact directly with the public will be recorded with audio and visual components, streamed, and archived in it's entirety for all ''Citizens'' to access immediately and indefinitely.
### An exception exists for any recordings of ''Protected Citizens'', in which case the recordings may be limited to relevant guardians and necessary officials (i.e.: classrooms - with recordings/streaming available only to parents and school officials, and law enforcement in the case of a suspected crimes).
### An exception also exists in the case of any law enforcement activity which include an arrest for suspected crimes - only upon conviction shall any information regarding a crime and details of the convicted individual(s) be made public, and only then when necessary as provided by law.
#### For government accountability, a minimum of three independent non-governmental organizations or ''Independent Departments'' will have full insight and access to regularly review recordings and be aware of every person held in suspicion of a crime, their location, etc.
##### If enough public support does not organically provide the necessary resources for the non-governmental organizations, the government will fully or partially fund these organizations as necessary. Regardless, the government will have no involvement in their operations.
##### These organizations exist to ensure public visibility into otherwise hidden detentions, but as this process is necessary to maintain privacy of those not convicted, they may never release information outside of the specific and highly regulated routes provided to ensure government accountability.
## All members of the government, speaking in their official capacity, while on duty, or by virtue of their position represent the authority of the Liminal State, are forbidden from making knowingly false or misleading statements.
## Members of the government at all levels are encouraged to speak with the press, with applicable exclusions applying.
### There will be no direct or indirect interference by anyone within the government to suppress this protected speech.
### There will be no consequences for any ''Government Personnel'' speaking the truth with any other ''Citizen''.
## The financial information of all ''Government Personnel'' will be publicly available at all times.
### All ''Government Personnel'' will be paid exceptionally well, relative to the private sector.
### In exchange for above average salaries, no ''Government Personnel'' may hold other jobs or have any other sources of income.
#### All ''Government Personnel'' will have access to a blind investment pool.
#### All direct relationships of ''Government Personnel'' will have access to the same blind investment pool as ''Government Personnel''.
### The finances of all direct relationships will also be made public.
#### This includes parents, siblings, spouses, and emancipated children.
#### The finances of extended family, friends, and acquaintances of ''Government Personnel'' will be regularly scrutinized by the Liminal State but will not be made public automatically.
#### Suspicion of inappropriate behavior by ''Government Personnel'' in association with any of these relationships will put both sides in legal jeopardy.
### Former ''Government Personnel'' having held management positions or been part of a ''Leadership Group'' are forbidden from working for any company that has had ''Standing'' with their ''Branch(es)''. Former ''Executive Group'' members are forbidden from holding positions in the public sector, whether officially or unofficially.
# No infrastructure or public spaces shall be named for any ''Government Personnel'', nor shall statues, money or other objects bear their likeness, whether live or dead.
# ''All laws that are passed within the Liminal State remain in effect for a period of eight years by default. In the seventh year they will again be available to vote on, except they will automatically renew unless the Citizens vote using the 80% Rule to remove it. This subsequent vote in review of a law is called a Review Vote.''
## ''Laws may explicitly specify a shorter time period for renewal, with the lower limit being four years. In these cases a Review Vote is still required the year prior to expiration.''
## ''No law may explicitly last longer than eight years.''
## ''Any laws written to last less than four years will automatically expire after that time and without need of a Review Vote.''
## ''Any proposed law that does not pass with the 80% Rule may be put up for another vote, using any wording with a similar proposed outcome, in the following circumstances:''
### ''After a year has elapsed if it received more than 55% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After three years have elapsed if it received more than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After eight years have passed if it received less than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### In any case, the new proposed law would still require a ''Justice Branch Review'' and the requisite ''Citizen Signatures'' as a new ''Citizen Initiative''.
# Any population that wishes to incorporate into the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the existing Liminal State voters and an 80% affirmative vote by the total proposed new population.
## The vote by the population wishing to incorporate is a vote for adhering to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## The vote by the existing Liminal State voters is a vote of confidence that the new population, at a minimum, will adhere to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## This requires a total of at least 80% of the new ''Emancipated'' population to vote yes, not an 80% affirmative from a smaller pool of voters within the entire voting population.
## All the rules that apply to voting within the Liminal State must be followed by the new population for the incorporation vote to be valid.
## Cross-border campaigning or other activities from either side in an effort to affect the vote is forbidden.
## The Liminal State shall monitor the vote and all activities leading up to the vote to ensure these requirements are met.
## If either 80% vote fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted until eight years have elapsed.
# Any population that wishes to secede from the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the total seceding population.
## The seceding population must ensure that it will adhere to the minimum fundamental laws that the Liminal State is based on if granted secession.
## The seceding population must be composed of a contiguous area.
### When continent-bound, this area must contain at least 750,000 people or have a legitimate historical claim to a common heritage if smaller.
### An island (chain) or any non-continental contiguous area of any size is eligible.
## This action requires the entire seceding population of ''Emancipated Citizens'' to vote, not the 80% rule.
## This action does not require nor allow for a vote against this action by the non-seceding population.
## There must be no campaigning within the proposed seceding area by the Liminal State or other entities in an effort to influence the vote.
## Should a successful vote of secession take place, there will be a eight year overlap period where the seceding area implements its statehood and the Liminal State and the seceding area negotiate trade, immigration, and other necessary terms of the future mutual relationship.
## These same rules apply when an area within the Liminal State wishes to be incorporated into another existing entity instead of forming their own.
### This additionally requires the other entity to first approve of this incorporation of the seceding area, using whatever methodology that government uses to make these official decisions.
### There shall be no cross-border campaigning from either the Liminal State nor the other entity in an effort to affect the seceding areas vote.
## If the 80% vote of secession fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted again until eight years have elapsed.
# The Liminal State shall focus it's attention on the activities of running the state, managing those aspects that generally affect the welfare, prosperity, and stability of the ''Citizens'' as a whole.
## The ''Citizens'' will be empowered to formulate the rules regarding the social issues that impact their local communities.
## The Liminal State will have final authority on all issues, especially those that overlap these two perspectives and primarily to ensure that all people are treated equally and fairly within society.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Laws & Freedom: Abstract

2026-10-20T01:31:12Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Layers of Paint''' ===
It may be surprising that many nations currently have laws originating from medieval precedence, the Magna Carta, the Quran, the Bible, or even the Code of Hammurabi. Our understanding of the world, society, the government, and ourselves has changed dramatically over the last 4000 years, so shouldn't our jurisprudence? It could be argued that the interpretation of those laws have evolved, but instead of adding a new coat of paint to a dilapidated structure, sometimes it's best to tear it all down and build new.

=== '''Building New''' ===
The Liminal State instead deconstructs these sources, takes lessons from history, philosophy, science, psychology, sociology, etc., and ultimately asks “what do we really need to coexist in a modern society?” In essence, the Liminal State starts with a blank slate and builds up; using a unique and far more equitable method among existing democracies for creating new laws and and shaping our communities.

To begin with, the laws ensuring universal equality and basic freedoms, those expected of any modern society, are set from the start and are immutable. Communities then decide for themselves what limitations they wish to impose upon themselves within this framework, with the Liminal State focusing on those aspects of governance that fall outside the scope of social issues. While there is some gray area here, this generally means that the Liminal State will first ensure all are treated fairly and with equality of opportunity, then focus on maintain infrastructure, the regulations affecting the economy, business practices, etc. On the other hand, the ''Citizens'' will shape the laws that impact their local communities based on their own values.

This philosophy makes the Liminal State the only government intentionally designed from inception to accommodate vast populations with unique perspectives and cultures, and perhaps therefore the only governmental structure that could ever work at an international level.

=== '''Summation''' ===
In the Liminal State, all people start with complete freedom. Foundational laws then create a level playing field by ensuring all are treated equally and the people are prioritized above all else. ''Citizens'' then pass subsequent laws to restrict these freedoms for themselves in the most limited ways possible, until there is an ideal balance between freedoms and the limits on those freedoms, and a balanced social construct has been reached where everyone can live and work together in this healthy, productive, and fulfilled society.

=== '''Fundamentals''' ===

Because this approach is taken, laws may never target only a portion of the population, overtly or covertly, unless they apply to a specific pre-defined group as a whole. This requirement exists with ''Citizen Initiative''s as well as law originating from the government of the Liminal State (with certain very narrow exceptions, such as taxation brackets). The Liminal State recognizes three pre-defined groups: ''Non-Citizens'', ''Protected Citizens'' (children, some with an intellectual disability, etc.), and ''Emancipated Citizens'' (adults). Any laws specifically applied to one of these groups must still work within the minimum legal framework of the Liminal State.
Example 1: A law forbidding men from owning guns would not be allowed, but a law that prevents ''Protected Citizens'' from owning guns would be.
Even if a law uses ambiguous or misleading language which overtly doesn’t appear to target a specific sub-group, yet by virtue of the way enforcement would need to be applied still would, that too would be illegal. It is prohibited for any laws to be written in any way that would, in practice, disproportionately affect a subgroup within one of these pre-defined groups.
Example 2: A law that allows only those people with low average levels of testosterone to own guns would not be allowed, even if some minority population of men could still be eligible under this law.
While guns could theoretically be outlawed, in the Liminal State laws may only be implemented using the ''80% Rule''. This means 80% eligible voters would be required to vote in favor to limit this freedom.

It may seem unlikely that 80% of a voting population would agree on anything, but this highlights the greatest advantage of the Liminal State. Only very common sense laws with the widest support of the population should be applied to the whole population. Instead of an entire nation forced to accept a rule that passes with 50% + 1 vote, where clearly half the nation opposes, the ''80% Rule'' forces populations to check themselves from forcing unpopular laws on an unwilling population.

=== '''Local Self-Determination''' ===
On the other hand, local communities have much more power over their own lives within the Liminal State. A town, for example, may pass laws to restrict their freedoms however they wish (within the minimum legal framework of the Liminal State). They would still be forbidden from passing a law banning men from owning guns, but they could ban all gun ownership within their community, while the next town over may allow gun ownership across all pre-defined groups.

In this way ''Citizens'' can mold their communities the way they see fit and all communities can learn from one another. With the previous example, surrounding communities could watch and see how these laws regarding gun ownership affect the school shootings, personal defense, domestic violence, inconvenience to hunters, etc. in those communities. The same goes for abortion limitations, vaccines mandates, transgendered bathrooms, etc. All these hot-button social issues that are currently being debated nationally would be better addressed locally, and only within the Liminal State is it possible to do this. When these ideas get tried locally and real data behind the effects of these laws becomes available, those winning ideas from the local level will gain additional support and get proposed at a higher level. Only the best ideas and laws will rise to the top, and through demonstrable data and popular support will the best ideas become national laws.

=== '''Citizen Control''' ===
''Citizens'' affect their communities and the Liminal State in direct ways. In addition to a government, via the Liminal State, that inherently protects and promotes the ''Citizens'' by insuring their total well-being above all else, ''Citizens'' also impact their communities in direct ways that are uniquely provided by the Liminal State.

The ''Citizen Initiative'' is a process by which the people can gather signatures to address any important issue facing thier community. This may be in response to a regulation enacted by a ''Branch'' that the ''Citizens'' wish to challenge, a new law the ''Citizens'' wish to enact, or any situation that the ''Citizens'' wish to investigate that may have been neglected by an ''Enforcement Agency''. In all cases, the process is the same:

# The regulation in question must be identified, the language of a new potential law developed, or a summary of the requested investigation formalized. In all cases the wording must pass the scrutiny of the J''ustice Department'' to be ballot ready.
# The ''Citizens'' must gather at least 10% of the ''Emancipated Citizens''' signatures within that ''Political Boundary''. The legal framework of the ''Citizen Initiative'' protects this process from outside or corporate influence, meaning that only the ''Citizens'' within a ''Political Boundary'' can participate in the process, and no money may be paid to gather signatures nor to promote the cause.
# With the wording of the ballot measure passing the scrutiny of the ''Justice Department'' and enough signatures gathered, the issue is automatically added to the next ballot to be voted on by the ''Eligible Voters'' within this ''Political Boundary''. It also activates the next step, the instantiation of a ''Citizen Jury''.
# Before the next election, 99 ''Emancipated Citizens'' from within the ''Political Boundary'' will be selected at random to convene as the ''Citizen Jury''.
## The purpose of this jury is not to decide the matter, but rather to hear all the available evidence on behalf of the wider community and allow those ''Citizens'' comprising the ''Citizen Jury'' to investigate, call witnesses and experts, and ask questions regarding the regulation, law, or investigation being scrutinized.
## The authority of the 99 jurors to investigate the matter is not limited, and they will also be discussing among themselves and their own respective communities, as the jury will convene on weekends and as availability permits, meaning the process may take weeks or months.
# The purpose of the ''Citizen Jury'' is to provide a venue for the discussion of relevant details of the issue, law, or regulation, the impacts on the community, and any other factors that the ''Eligible Voters'' within the ''Political Boundary'' might need answered to make an informed vote.
## Using the jury ensures the issues are heard without censorship from every side and all jury members have the ability to ask questions on behalf of the public at large.
## The jury is composed of 99 random ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' to ensure there is enough people to have a large enough sample of the population that every important question can be asked and there is no chance of corrupting the jury, but not so big that the process and format is unweildly.
## The entire process is recorded and available to the public so they may inform their own decisions when it comes time to vote.

Example 1: In the case of a challenge to a regulation, the experts who enacted the regulation from the responsible ''Branch'' will defend their decision and provide relevant information for the basis of that decision. At the same time those that oppose the regulation will present their information and defend their position.

Example 2: With the Epstein situation in the US, where the elites are apparently using all their power and influence to keep the information from going public, in the Liminal State the ''Citizens'' could collect the required signatures to convene a ''Citizen Jury'', which would then have total investigative and subpoena powers to thoroughly and publicly investigate the issue. Ultimately this would ensure a vote on the matter, which if successful, would force the government to take action. Of course with the absolute transparency provided in the Liminal State, something monstrous like this should never happen in the first place, but at least the ''Citizens'' have the power to act should elected leaders or the bureaucracy fail.
This is the main mechanism used by ''Citizens'' to shape their communities the way they want, since the Liminal State as a government instead focuses on the big-picture issues, like international relations, regulation of businesses to protect the ''Citizens'' from harmful or unfair practices, environmental protection to ensure the ''Citizens'' health and well-being, etc. Yet the Citizens always have direct control over their government through this process, even if it is to push back against the experts. At the very least, this process will educate the Citizens so their vote is always intelligently placed and well informed.

=== '''Conclusion''' ===
While the ''Justice Branch'' of the Liminal State first ensures all potential laws meet a minimum legal standard before there is ever a vote, there’s nothing like a Supreme Court that could overturn existing laws. The Liminal State is truly a government by and for the people, and that means that the people’s votes truly and directly determine the rules of the land, and only by a massively popular vote among ''Eligible Voters'' can a law be enacted or removed.

The key understanding here is that smaller groups of ''Citizens'' may have specific freedoms they would like to forfeit for the good of their community. Instead of having to fight for important laws to get passed at the national level, where half of the population will then immediately work to reverse it, ''Citizens'' can mold their communities with their neighbors the way they see fit for themselves.

This is how people are provided the freedom to live the lives they want, based on their values, while allowing other citizens to live the lives that they want. It’s an ideal compromise; getting to live life the way you truly desire, and only giving up the ability to force others to live that same way.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Laws & Freedom: In Practice

2026-10-18T19:53:17Z

Mr Fox:

At the very top there exists the fundamental rights that the laws of the Liminal State must not violate. These are inherent, universal, and inalienable rights belonging to every ''Conscious Being'', simply by virtue of being conscious, and are detailed under current international law as ''[https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights] ('''UDHR''')''.

'''''Note:''' the Liminal State recognizes the language replacement of “Human Being", "Person", or "All” with “Conscious Being,” and enforcement is upheld to this standard. Any references within the Liminal State documentation to “people” assumes “Conscious Beings.”''

The following are expansions, additions, and modification to the '''''UDHR''''' under the Liminal State, and apply to ''Citizens'' and ''Non-Citizens'' alike:

==== '''Article 1 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State regards all people as inherently equal and all must be treated with absolute equality in public, business, and government matters.
## No laws may be enacted that overtly or in effect targets a subset of one or more of the pre-defined groups. These groups are ''Non-Citizens'', ''Protected Citizens'', and ''Emancipated Citizens''.
## In no case shall the delineation of these pre-defined groups be used as pretext to deprived any person of their intrinsic rights given them by virtue of the UDHR.
### The ''Citizens'' may choose to limit their own freedoms for the benefit of their community. They will be given wide latitude when it comes to laws impacting ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' within their communities, so long as these laws respect the fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
### The Liminal State will be entirely responsible for any laws governing ''Non-Citizens'', as this group cannot vote and does not have representation, therefore they are considered a protected group.
## All businesses must serve the ''Citizens'' equally.
### Only by virtue of the ''Citizens'' (via their power vested in the government) are businesses authorized to exist and operate, therefore business are prohibited from limiting service to any subset of the predefined groups.
### ''Protected Citizens'' may have additional rights and protections in regards to business practices.
## Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate businesses must be applicable to all related businesses. Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate a class of busiensses must not directly or indirectly impact a sub-group of ''Citizens''.
Example 1: No law may specifically target ''TikToc'', though a law targeting all social media would be allowed.

==== '''Article 3 Modification''' ====
# Any person or entity that would sue another individual or entity must first go through the following steps before a lawsuit will be permitted to move forward:
## The plaintiff must prove to the court that they have a reasonable chance of winning.
## If successful, the defendant must then be given 60 days following their notification to file a rejection of the claim on the grounds that it is an attempt at harassment, silencing free or protected speech, intimidating the defendant, or for some other unlawful reason.
## If the defendant is successful in this action, the plaintiff must pay to the defendant whichever of the following is the greatest amount:
### 10x the amount of fees paid by the defendant for legal council.
### 10x the fees that would have been paid at the average community rate, whether the defendant retained council or not.
### 10x the amount the plaintiff paid to their lawyers to take this unlawful action.
# The Liminal State, as the representation of society's will, may require certain actions that could be interpreted as a violation of a person's right to security where this overlaps with society's other rights and welfare.
## Only society may over-rule an ''Emancipated Citizen's'' right to security of person using the 80% rule - for example in the case of vaccine requirements.
### Communities have the right to pass laws that restrict the behavior of outsiders within their community, even if that outsider has that right in their own community.
### Communities have the right to restrict access to their community only in vary narrow circumstances where the physical health of that community could be adversely impacted by the entrance of non-conforming outside ''Citizens'', and only after review and pre-approval by the ''Justice Branch''.
#### For example, if one community requires all residents receive a vaccine, then entrance by outsiders could be restricted to only those who have also received the vaccine, even if the outsider's community does not require the vaccine.
#### The community restricting access to outsiders must provide the remedy for the restriction to outsiders.
##### Example 1: outsiders not having taken a vaccine could take the vaccine and follow appropriate protocol before entering the community.
##### Example 2: if a community does not allow guns in their community, then outsiders must be allowed to lock up their guns at the ''Political Boundary'' of that community and retrieve them on their way back out.
## The Liminal State is the final authority on safeguarding the ''Non-Citizen's'' and ''Protected Citizen's'' security of person.

==== '''Article 5 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will only use compassion, empathy, and rehabilitation in conjunction with violations of the law.
# Execution and physical, mental, or social punishments will never be used on ''Citizens'' or ''Non-Citizens''.

==== '''Article 7 Expansion''' ====
# All people before the law have the right to communicate in their native language, therefore interpreters (people or artificial) shall be made available to anyone in need.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as ''Citizens'' in regards to violations of the law.
# All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to test and see if they qualify as ''Emancipated'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.

==== '''Article 10 Expansion''' ====
# Detention facilities shall immediately allow the detainee to notify (without charge) a family member or closest contact, based on the detainee's preference, of their detention and be provided reasonably immediate access. The detainee may contact as many people as necessary until contact has been successful.
# A detainee will meet with a group of three (a lawyer, a social worker, and a health worker) within 24 hours of their detainment.
## The three shall assess the situation and provide appropriate help and resources.
### Under the law, detainees are afforded the same protections in regards to these three as is currently the case with a lawyer.
#### These three may never be compelled to testify against the detainee.
#### These three are to keep anything the detainee tells them in strict confidence, except as necessary to render appropriate care (in which case those included in that care are also bound to confidence).
### The first step in rehabilitation will be to determine the circumstances prompting the individual to violate the law and then to get them whatever help is necessary to ensure further violations don't continue (rehab, counseling, financial services, etc.).
### The primary goal of this methodology is to catch ''Citizens'' in need before they fall, and prevent additional crimes and societal costs that might come of their otherwise diminished situations.
# The detained shall not be moved to another facility outside the local ''Political Boundary'' unless found guilty and then by court order, or if the three deem it in the best interest of the detainee for their rehabilitation and with the agreement of the detainee.
# No legal processes may begin against a detainee until the detainee has met with the three and then with their lawyer present.
# Law enforcement will not question a detainee following their arrest without their lawyer present.
# A detainee who has not met with the three within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# A detainee who has not been seen by a judge within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# Monetary bonds will never be used.
# A detainee may only be held longer if:
## The courts have deemed the detainee an immediate threat to themselves or others and no technological remedy exists to prevent that threat.
## The rehabilitation experts have deemed the detainee in need of immediate rehabilitation and have reasonable evidence (as judged by the ''Justice Branch'') that the detainee will not follow through with the rehabilitation if released.
## The detainee has violated the terms of a personal recognizance bond for any open case.

==== '''Article 11 Expansion''' ====
# '''Protection Against Self-Incrimination''' - The accused will not be forced to testify against themselves nor shall anyone be forced to incriminate themselves.
# '''Family Testimonial Privilege''' - The immediate family of the accused will not be forced to testify against the accused.
# '''Right To The Best Council''' - There are no public defenders in the Liminal State to ensure the very best legal representation for all defendants, regardless of situation or their status. All lawyers, permitted to practice law by virtue of the Liminal State, are obligated to provide counsel to defendants.
## A lottery system will be used among all registered defense lawyers within the district to determine which lawyer will represent a defendant.
## Lawyers of defendants will be paid by the Liminal State the industry average wage within that community, which will be updated and set at least twice a year.
## Defendants may choose to employ other/additional counsel at their discretion and expense.

==== '''Article 12 Expansion''' ====
# There will be no use of general surveillance within the Liminal State.
## The Liminal State, or any third party acting on behalf of the Liminal State, may never use general surveillance or general data collection of the people.
### Personalized data may only be collected in connection with the delivery of public services, law enforcement, and to carry out administrative responsibilities (i.e.: voter rolls, driver license issuance, benefit distribution, birth and death certificates, etc.), and only at the time service is rendered.
#### No person shall otherwise be compelled to provide their personalized information.
#### Any personalized data collected will be prohibited from external access and searches.
#### All internal access or searches will be for official purposes only.
##### Access and searches will require the confirmation from three authorized people.
##### All access and searches will be logged, with that logged data being immutable.
##### The person searched shall be immediately notified if this action is not directly relate to a service they are requesting.
### Non-personally identifiable information may be collected from the people in aggregate as part of normal government functions, such as issuing census reports, population information, and other statistical data.
## The Liminal State shall always work to collect less or no data rather than using lawful justifications to collect more.
# Businesses operating within the Liminal State may not sell personally identifiable information, or any information (in part or aggregate) that could be used to personally identify individuals without the person's prior knowledge and approval.
## The government will maintain an opt-in database for ''Citizens'' that will obfuscate personally identifiable information for participating ''Citizens''.
### Businesses will be compelled to use this database to verify age, city, or other general information about ''Citizens'', thereby not having to collect this data from the ''Citizens'' directly.
### The database will be protected from being wide-searchable by the government or businesses, and personal information will be modifiable only by the ''Citizens'' themselves.
## The collection of data must always be an opt-in feature with a clear explanation of usage.
## The government will maintain an opt-out database on behalf of the ''Citizens'' that wish to have their information removed from business databases, and in which businesses must regularly check (no less than once a month) to remain compliant with regulations.
# ''Citizens'' may not publish personally identifiable information about other ''Citizens'' without that person’s prior explicit permission.
# ''Non-Citizens'' or businesses or other entities not entirely based and operating within the Liminal State may not collect nor publish any personally identifiable information about Liminal State ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 16 Expansion''' ====
# All ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' or ''Citizens'' of legal age have a right to marry any other ''Emancipated Citizen'' or ''Citizen'' of legal age.
# All married ''Citizens'' have the right to divorce.
# All married ''Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' have a right to adopt children. Further, non-discriminatory, qualifications are understood.
# No person shall be compelled to have children.

==== '''Article 17.2 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State reserves the right to redefine real estate property ownership in order to utilize a form of [[wikipedia:Land_value_tax|Land(Location) Value Tax (LVT)]] in lieu of collecting other taxes.
# Under no circumstances shall a person be deprived of their property by the Liminal State to specifically benefit commercial purposes or other businesses.
# Should the Liminal State deem it necessary to deprive a person or business of real estate property belonging to them, the person or business shall be compensated at 200% of the current appraised market value.
## If the purpose is in lieu of collecting other taxes (17.2.1), that person or business will be given first right of use.
## In any other case, should the use not be fulfilled as provided for in the eminent domain action and the property remain unused, the person or business will again be given their property back and without the requirement of (re)payment.
# No person or business shall otherwise be arbitrarily deprived of lawfully possessed property.

==== '''Article 18 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will protect the right of free thought and practice of all religions and beliefs, whether formally recognized or not, so long as those practices do not violate any fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, the Liminal State will never embrace any religion, officially or unofficially, overtly or covertly.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, no expression of religion will adorn any state building or state or public property, nor will prayer or other religious practice or observance be allowed within any state building or on any state or public property.
### Should the Liminal State assume ownership and management of property in lieu of collecting other taxes, this restriction does not apply to the private homes, businesses, or religious institutions upon this previously privately held property.
### The display of traditionally recognized religious symbols are limited to historically significant artifacts and may only be displayed in museums as a scholarly exercise.
### To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, any educational institution receiving public funds may only teach religion as a scholarly exercise, and only when taught alongside and equally with multiple other religions and perspectives.
### Any use within the state that raises public questions will be prohibited as to err on the side of caution.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of religious beliefs and thoughts.
# The Liminal State will protect everyone's right to the freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.
## The Liminal State will never limit the study, expansion, teaching, or promotion of alternative government philosophies.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.

==== '''Article 19 Expansion''' ====
# The freedom of the people's speech shall not be limited by the government, except under special circumstances:
## Speech that incites violations of law, violates the rights of others, or violates any fundamental rights under the Liminal State shall be prohibited.
## Defamation, fraud and perjury are prohibited.
## Further restrictions to speech may be applicable when the audience includes or could include ''Protected Citizens''.
## Additional restrictions may apply to businesses and other entities serving the ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 20 Expansion''' ====
# Peaceful assembly and demonstrations are protected at the highest levels.
## Any demonstrators that uses violence, riotous actions, or vandalism will be specifically targeted by law enforcement actions.
## Any unlawful actions of the few shall not be construed as the actions of the whole, and are not to be used as justification to infringe upon this freedom of assembly.
# A ''Citizen's'' associations shall not be used alone as condemnation or evidence of criminal intent.

==== '''Article 21 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State may be instantiated with or without the ''80% Rule''.
## The ''80% Rule'' requires ''Emancipated Citizens'' to take an empathy test to become an ''Eligible Voter'', and only the top 80% of most empathetic people will be eligible to vote. For any laws to pass, 80% of these 80% of ''Citizens'' must vote in favor of that law.
### There can only be one justification for limiting the pool of voters, and that is if this smaller pool contains only the most empathetic.
### Empathy tests are highly accurate, not manipulatable, and when administered by experts and transparently monitored, they can be relied upon to be an effective way of managing the voter pool.
### Limiting the pool of voters makes voting a privilege instead of an obligation and will encourage greater participation.
### When considering the low general voter turnouts for most democratic elections, this builds in a mechanism for consideration of those that do not or cannot vote.
### Limiting voting to the 80% most empathetic organically promotes a more thoughtful society overall with possible positive generational effect.
## Using the ''80% Rule'' does create a narrow possible path for intentional voter disenfranchisement if not done openly and fairly, and is therefore not a requirement for a Liminal State.
### Without this rule, all ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to vote.
### All laws still require an 80% affirmative vote to pass.
### Any potential candidate for a ''Leadership Group'' or management position is still required to first pass an ''Empathy Test'' to ensure that leaders are naturally thoughtful of the people's needs over their own, in regards to their decisions and actions.

==== '''Article 26.3 Modification''' ====
# While parents shall have the right to choose the kind of education their child receives, the Liminal State reserves the right to ensure that education meets minimum requirements for the good of society and that child's future. These minimum requirements may include:
## Levelized test scores.
## Subject breadth and depth.
## Normal opportunities for socialization.
## Overview by Liminal State education representatives to monitor progress.

==== '''UDHR Additions''' ====
# The interests of the Liminal State will be prioritized as:
## ''Citizens''
## All people
## Ecosystems/All living things
## Everything else
## These shall not be prioritized to the exclusion of the others, but rather in concert and consideration of the others.
# The Liminal State will foster compassion and empathy with victims, rather than vengeance and punishment, and society, via the Liminal State, will initially shoulder the costs of all crimes suffered by victims in exchange for the victim's compassion and empathy.
## As society will overtly be paying for the costs of crime, society will determine the ''Restitution'' owed to victims and from convicted violators.
## The ''Judicial Branch'' will guide and moderate the determined ''Restitution''.
## Convicted violators will be obligated to repay ''Restitution'' back to society via the Liminal State.
## There are no standard or mandatory minimum sentences in the Liminal State. Convicted violators of the law will be allowed back into society only after:
### They have successfully completed any rehabilitation required of them.
### They have demonstrated to the Liminal State and the ''Citizens'' that they will no longer be a detriment to society.
### They demonstrate a willingness and ability to repay all ''Restitution'' owed.
## Victims will be compensated by society prior to any court actions, and therefore even if there is no conviction.
# Prison will be reserved exclusively for the very few individuals that cannot be rehabilitated and where there is no technology yet available to protect society from them if released.
## Prisons will no longer serve as punishment or deterrent, but rather the last recourse when rehabilitation fails.
## Prisons will be transformed so that those incarcerated can live as comfortably and freely as possible, without endangering society.
## Only the Liminal State can, as the representation of order in society, take responsibility for its ''Citizens''' welfare and safety. Therefore there will be no private prisons in the Liminal State. In the extreme situation where someone has been deemed unfit to return to society and therefore society must strip that person of certain freedoms, then that society, via the government, must take responsibility for that person’s continued wellbeing.
# ''Protected Citizens'' will never be tried as adults.
## Any apparent adult that hasn’t taken the ''Emancipation Test'' will be required to take it prior to any court action.
## Any ''Protected Citizen'' may voluntarily take the ''Emancipation Test'' if they choose prior to any court action.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as a ''Citizen'' in regards to violations of the law within the Liminal State.
## All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to take the ''Emancipation Test'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.
## ''Non-Citizens'' in violation of the law will be excluded from asylum opportunities.
# As the Liminal State provides the authority and authorization for lawyers to practice law, judges and the ''Justice Branch'' therefore have direct authority over lawyers in regards to misbehavior, faulty representation, etc.
# The press shall be free of any government influence or interference except where there is critical public interest. Critical public interests must be defined prior to Liminal State instantiation or after with a public vote using the ''80% Rule.''
## An example of a preexisting critical public interest applies to limited public commodities regulated by the Liminal State, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, in which any public use must conform to the same rules that are foundational to the Liminal State. In addition to these fundamental rules, programming that takes advantage of these public commodities will also be restricted in the following ways:
### “News” programs will convey accurate, non-partisan information.
### Partisan rhetoric shall be clearly labeled as opinion and must not be construed as news.
## The internet shall never be considered a public commodity that could be regulated in the same way as the electromagnetic spectrum. Only limited resources that must be delegated to businesses for public uses qualify.
## The ''Citizens'' may also restrict what content is available within their communities through a vote, regardless of delivery medium, in general or specifically to ''Protected Citizens''.
# As there is no practical division between the Liminal State and its ''Citizens'', the Liminal State will not restrict government information from the ''Citizens'' by default. Exceptions to this may be employed in specific situations as follows or specified elsewhere within the official Liminal State documentation.
## All information collected or produced on behalf of the Liminal State, excluding personally identifiable or other specifically protected information, will immediately be made available for public consumption.
## All interactions between government officials in a leadership positions or that interact directly with the public will be recorded with audio and visual components, streamed, and archived in it's entirety for all ''Citizens'' to access immediately and indefinitely.
### An exception exists for any recordings of ''Protected Citizens'', in which case the recordings may be limited to relevant guardians and necessary officials (i.e.: classrooms - with recordings/streaming available only to parents and school officials, and law enforcement in the case of a suspected crimes).
### An exception also exists in the case of any law enforcement activity which include an arrest for suspected crimes - only upon conviction shall any information regarding a crime and details of the convicted individual(s) be made public, and only then when necessary as provided by law.
#### For government accountability, a minimum of three independent non-governmental organizations or ''Independent Departments'' will have full insight and access to regularly review recordings and be aware of every person held in suspicion of a crime, their location, etc.
##### If enough public support does not organically provide the necessary resources for the non-governmental organizations, the government will fully or partially fund these organizations as necessary. Regardless, the government will have no involvement in their operations.
##### These organizations exist to ensure public visibility into otherwise hidden detentions, but as this process is necessary to maintain privacy of those not convicted, they may never release information outside of the specific and highly regulated routes provided to ensure government accountability.
## All members of the government, speaking in their official capacity, while on duty, or by virtue of their position represent the authority of the Liminal State, are forbidden from making knowingly false or misleading statements.
## Members of the government at all levels are encouraged to speak with the press, with applicable exclusions applying.
### There will be no direct or indirect interference by anyone within the government to suppress this protected speech.
### There will be no consequences for any ''Government Personnel'' speaking the truth with any other ''Citizen''.
## The financial information of all ''Government Personnel'' will be publicly available at all times.
### All ''Government Personnel'' will be paid exceptionally well, relative to the private sector.
### In exchange for above average salaries, no ''Government Personnel'' may hold other jobs or have any other sources of income.
#### All ''Government Personnel'' will have access to a blind investment pool.
#### All direct relationships of ''Government Personnel'' will have access to the same blind investment pool as ''Government Personnel''.
### The finances of all direct relationships will also be made public.
#### This includes parents, siblings, spouses, and emancipated children.
#### The finances of extended family, friends, and acquaintances of ''Government Personnel'' will be regularly scrutinized by the Liminal State but will not be made public automatically.
#### Suspicion of inappropriate behavior by ''Government Personnel'' in association with any of these relationships will put both sides in legal jeopardy.
### Former ''Government Personnel'' having held management positions or been part of a ''Leadership Group'' are forbidden from working for any company that has had ''Standing'' with their ''Branch(es)''. Former ''Executive Group'' members are forbidden from holding positions in the public sector, whether officially or unofficially.
# No infrastructure or public spaces shall be named for any ''Government Personnel'', nor shall statues, money or other objects bear their likeness, whether live or dead.
# ''All laws that are passed within the Liminal State remain in effect for a period of eight years by default. In the seventh year they will again be available to vote on, except they will automatically renew unless the Citizens vote using the 80% Rule to remove it. This subsequent vote in review of a law is called a Review Vote.''
## ''Laws may explicitly specify a shorter time period for renewal, with the lower limit being four years. In these cases a Review Vote is still required the year prior to expiration.''
## ''No law may explicitly last longer than eight years.''
## ''Any laws written to last less than four years will automatically expire after that time and without need of a Review Vote.''
## ''Any proposed law that does not pass with the 80% Rule may be put up for another vote, using any wording with a similar proposed outcome, in the following circumstances:''
### ''After a year has elapsed if it received more than 55% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After three years have elapsed if it received more than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After eight years have passed if it received less than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### In any case, the new proposed law would still require a ''Justice Branch Review'' and the requisite ''Citizen Signatures'' as a new ''Citizen Initiative''.
# Any population that wishes to incorporate into the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the existing Liminal State voters and an 80% affirmative vote by the total proposed new population.
## The vote by the population wishing to incorporate is a vote for adhering to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## The vote by the existing Liminal State voters is a vote of confidence that the new population, at a minimum, will adhere to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## This requires a total of at least 80% of the new ''Emancipated'' population to vote yes, not an 80% affirmative from a smaller pool of voters within the entire voting population.
## All the rules that apply to voting within the Liminal State must be followed by the new population for the incorporation vote to be valid.
## Cross-border campaigning or other activities from either side in an effort to affect the vote is forbidden.
## The Liminal State shall monitor the vote and all activities leading up to the vote to ensure these requirements are met.
## If either 80% vote fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted until eight years have elapsed.
# Any population that wishes to secede from the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the total seceding population.
## The seceding population must ensure that it will adhere to the minimum fundamental laws that the Liminal State is based on if granted secession.
## The seceding population must be composed of a contiguous area.
### When continent-bound, this area must contain at least 750,000 people or have a legitimate historical claim to a common heritage if smaller.
### An island (chain) or any non-continental contiguous area of any size is eligible.
## This action requires the entire seceding population of ''Emancipated Citizens'' to vote, not the 80% rule.
## This action does not require nor allow for a vote against this action by the non-seceding population.
## There must be no campaigning within the proposed seceding area by the Liminal State or other entities in an effort to influence the vote.
## Should a successful vote of secession take place, there will be a eight year overlap period where the seceding area implements its statehood and the Liminal State and the seceding area negotiate trade, immigration, and other necessary terms of the future mutual relationship.
## These same rules apply when an area within the Liminal State wishes to be incorporated into another existing entity instead of forming their own.
### This additionally requires the other entity to first approve of this incorporation of the seceding area, using whatever methodology that government uses to make these official decisions.
### There shall be no cross-border campaigning from either the Liminal State nor the other entity in an effort to affect the seceding areas vote.
## If the 80% vote of secession fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted again until eight years have elapsed.
# The Liminal State shall focus it's attention on the activities of running the state, managing those aspects that generally affect the welfare, prosperity, and stability of the ''Citizens'' as a whole.
## The ''Citizens'' will be empowered to formulate the rules regarding the social issues that impact their local communities.
## The Liminal State will have final authority on all issues, especially those that overlap these two perspectives and primarily to ensure that all people are treated equally and fairly within society.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Laws & Freedom: Abstract|← Laws & Freedom: Abstract]] | [[Laws & Freedom: In Practice]] | [[Neighborhood|The Neighborhood →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Laws & Freedom]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Resources

2026-10-02T23:38:41Z

Mr Fox:

Mr. Fox ([https://foxinflux.com Fox in Flux]) is the official face of the Liminal State. Reach out to him through his website or socials with questions or concerns and for interview and debate opportunities.

Join the [[Δ Coalition]] and contribute your insight to solidify the Liminal State as the real answer everyone is looking for.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Step 5: 20 Year Plan|← Step 5: 20 Year Plan]] | [[Resources]] | [[Main_Page|Main Page →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Other]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy

2026-10-02T23:36:36Z

Mr Fox:

Assuming there is some semblance of an existing bureaucracy in place with the formation of the Liminal State, the ''Executive Group’s'' first task will be to build all necessary ''Branches'' from the existing employee base and even tap the private sector, if necessary.

The highest priority will be to make the ''Branches'' functional, starting with the ''Justice'' and ''Accounting Branches''. While the ''Branches'' are coalescing, the ''Executive Group'' will make all Liminal State decisions until ''Branch Officials'' have been selected and the hiring of appropriate staff has taken place. At the earliest opportunity the ''Branches'' should take the leadership roles in those areas of their expertise.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Step 3: Executive Group|← Step 3: Executive Group]] | [[Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy]] | [[Step 5: 20 Year Plan|Step 5: 20 Year Plan →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Procedures]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Step 5: 20 Year Plan

2026-10-02T23:34:38Z

Mr Fox:

The first 20 years of the Liminal State will serve as a migration period from the previous government to the new. The ''Special Projects'' that each candidate initially selected as members of the ''Executive Group'' should reflect these needs. The priorities of each four years is as follows:

=== '''Years 1 - 4''' ===
# Build the required ''Branches'' and populate with existing government employees from related agencies and the private sector.
## The ''Executive Group'' will vote in three ''Branch Officials'' from the pool of available government and public sector workers interested in and qualified for the position, based on their experience and expertise. These candidates must have the necessary years of experience within the previous government or private sector, be within the requisite age range, and cannot have been elected or prominent officials of the previous government or celebrities to be considered.
## The ''Branch Officials'' will form necessary ''Departments'' and initially select the three ''Department Heads'' for each using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' from among the most qualified candidates from the previous government or private sector.
## The International Affairs ''Branch Officials'' will use ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' to select from the most qualified candidates available for the three ''Ambassadors'' needed for each country/territory based on their own expertise and the input, if necessary, from each respective foreign government.
## Each ''Branch'' will examine existing governmental obligations and work with the ''Accounting Branch'' to restructure as needed, based on efficiencies and economic ability.
## All other ''Branches'' will ascertain inventory and relationships and provide government services as before, for now.
## All ''Branches'' will create an orientation program to quickly get future ''Executive Group'' candidates up to speed on the work, issues, and future hopes of their respective branches.
# Complete a census, test for ''Emancipated Citizens'', and enroll ''Eligible Voters'' within the first three years. Prepare for the first official Liminal State ''General Election''.
# The goal of the first four years should be to offer as little disruption to the status quo as possible as far as government services provided go, while reorganizing and realigning internally to take advantage of the Liminal State processes and ''Citizen'' involvement.
# The process of selecting the next (and potentially first popularly elected) ''Executive Group'' member begins.
## Year 3, fourth quarter (Y3Q4): All qualified and interested candidates for the next ''Executive Group'' seat to open declare their interest within their ''Branches''.
## Y4Q1: All ''Branches'' hold a ''Branch Primary Election'' to select their candidate for the ''General Election''.
## Y4Q2 & Y4Q3: All ''Branch Primary Election'' winners use this time to go through all the other ''Branch's'' orientation programs and finalize their 2-3 ''Special Projects.''
## Y4Q4: The ''General Election'' is held using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' to select the new ''Executive Group'' member and ''Alternate''.

=== '''Years 5 - 8''' ===
# Throughout this four year period, all ''Branches'' should be working together naturally and organically, and that includes working within a reasonable budget. The goal of the Liminal State is to have a budget based on reality, where the taxes collected by the government are allocated following their collection. Ideally the Liminal State will be working with a budget based on the monies collected from the previous year, instead of guessing what the income of the state will be for that year. Fiscal solvency is critical to any state, and using this method provides an ideal tool for government spending accountability.
# Year 5
## Q1: The newly elected ''Executive Group'' member takes their seat, replacing the outgoing member, and the runner up becomes the new ''Alternate''.
## Q3: Any qualified candidates wishing to become a new ''Branch Official'' declare their interest within their respective ''Branches''.
## Q4: Each ''Branch'' holds a ''Branch Election'' to determine the new ''Branch Official''.
# Year 6
## Q1: The newly elected ''Branch Official'' takes their seat, replacing the outgoing official, and the runner up becomes the new ''Alternate''s.
## Q3: Any qualified candidates wishing to become a new ''Department Head'' declare their interests within their respective ''Departments''.
## Q4: Every ''Department'' holds an internal election to determine the new D''epartment Head''.
# Year 7
## Q1: The newly elected ''Department Head'' takes their seat and the senior member exits.
## Q2: Any qualified candidates wishing to become new ''Delegates'' and ''Ambassadors'' declare their interest to their ''Branch Officials''.
## Q3: The ''Branch Officials'' of every ''Branch'' select the new ''Delegates'' and ''Ambassadors'' from among the willing and qualified candidates.
## Q4: All interested and qualified candidates wishing to become the next ''Executive Group'' member declare their intent within their respective ''Branches''.
# Year 8
## Q1: All ''Branches'' hold ''Branch Primary Elections'' to select the candidate they will be presenting to the people from their ''Branch'' for the ''General Election,'' in which the new ''Executive Group'' member is selected.
## Q2 & Q3: The winners of the ''Branch Primary Elections'' use this time to go through the orientation program of all the other ''Branches'' and finalize details of the 2-3 ''Special Projects'' they will be focusing on during their term, should they win the ''General Election''.
## Q4: The ''General Election'' is held where the ''Eligible Voters'' choose from among the candidates presented by the ''Branches'' for the next ''Executive Group'' member, with the runner up becoming the ''Alternate''.

=== '''Years 9 - 12''' ===
# The same pattern repeats as years 5 - 8 in regards to the elections taking place and the replacement of outgoing ''Leadership Group'' members with a new junior member, and the replacing of exiting ''Alternates'' with new ''Alternates''.
# Specific to this period, the focus should be finalizing government integration into the final version of the Liminal State, with all ''Branches'', ''Departments'', ''Executive Group'' members, and ''Citizens'' working together naturally and organically.

=== '''Years 13 - 16''' ===
# With the Liminal State formation complete, now comes the time for focusing on strengthening international relationships, stepping up citizen services, and to start looking to the future.

=== '''Years 17 - 20''' ===
# This period ends the term of the last initial ''Executive Group'' member. By the end of this period the Liminal State should be cohesive, highly functional, and forward thinking.
# With a stable and effective Liminal State, the following future goals should be prioritized (in no particular order):
## Improve ''Citizen'' education.
## Improve the health of the ''Citizens''.
## Improve infrastructure.
## Focus on environmental remedies and protection.
## Invest in math, science, technology, and the future.
## Work within a balanced budget.
## Begin a sovereign wealth fund for the ''Citizens.''
## Solidify safety nets for ''Protected Citizens'' and the elderly.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy|← Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy]] | [[Step 5: 20 Year Plan]] | [[Resources|Resources →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Procedures]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy

2026-10-02T23:27:10Z

Mr Fox:

Assuming there is some semblance of an existing bureaucracy in place with the formation of the Liminal State, the ''Executive Group’s'' first task will be to build all necessary ''Branches'' from the existing employee base and even tap the private sector, if necessary.

The highest priority will be to make the ''Branches'' functional, starting with the ''Justice Branch''. While the ''Branches'' are coalescing, the ''Executive Group'' will make all Liminal State decisions until ''Branch Officials'' have been selected and the hiring of appropriate staff has taken place. At the earliest opportunity the ''Branches'' should take the leadership roles in those areas of their expertise.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Step 3: Executive Group|← Step 3: Executive Group]] | [[Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy]] | [[Step 5: 20 Year Plan|Step 5: 20 Year Plan →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Procedures]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Step 3: Executive Group

2026-10-02T23:25:36Z

Mr Fox:

The first structural step in the formation of the Liminal State must be the election of the ''Executive Group''. This group must be determined early so they can hire the appropriate staff and begin building the rest of the government.

While an election using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' by ''Eligible Voters'' is the ideal situation from the start for the formation of the Liminal State, this may not be the most realistic way the ''Executive Group'' is selected in a ''Year 0'' situation.

If the country already has fair and reliable elections in place, the ''Executive Group'' can be selected using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' by all current registered voters. If voting is not fair or reliable within the country, the ''[[Δ Coalition]]'' can be used as a non-biased third party to select the initial ''Executive Group'' members.

Regardless of the process, candidates for these positions must have worked for the preexisting government or be experts in their fields and be either familiar with the Liminal State or be bound to the guidance of the ''Δ Coalition'', as these initial ''Executive Group'' members will be responsible for the rollout of all other aspects of the government.

Previously elected officials from the previous government and celebrities will be forbidden from running for a position within the ''Executive Group'' or any ''Leadership Groups'', as their preexisting notoriety would bias any elections that should be based on merit alone. Even the initial ''Executive Group'' members will be obligated to show real expertise and proficiency from the governmental agencies or professions they come from.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Step 2: Voter Rolls|← Step 2: Voter Rolls]] | [[Step 3: Executive Group]] | [[Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy|Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Procedures]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Step 3: Executive Group

2026-10-02T19:58:37Z

Mr Fox:

The first structural step in the formation of the Liminal State must be the election of the ''Executive Group''. This group must be determined early so they can hire the appropriate staff and begin building the rest of the government.

While an election using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' by ''Eligible Voters'' is the ideal situation from the start for the formation of the Liminal State, this may not be the most realistic way the ''Executive Group'' is selected in a ''Year 0'' situation.

If the country already has fair and reliable elections in place, the ''Executive Group'' can be selected using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' by all current registered voters. If voting is not fair or reliable within the country, the ''[[Δ Coalition]]'' can be used as a non-biased third party to select the initial ''Executive Group'' members.

Regardless of the process, candidates for these positions must have worked for the preexisting government or be experts in their fields and be either familiar with the Liminal State or be bound to the guidance of the ''Δ Coalition'', as these initial ''Executive Group'' members will be responsible for the rollout of all other aspects of the government.

Previously elected officials and celebrities will be forbidden from running for a position within the ''Executive Group'' or any ''Leadership Groups'', as their preexisting notoriety will bias any elections that should be based on merit alone. Even the initial ''Executive Group'' members will be obligated to show real expertise and proficiency from the governmental agencies or professions they come from.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Step 2: Voter Rolls|← Step 2: Voter Rolls]] | [[Step 3: Executive Group]] | [[Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy|Step 4: Transitional Bureaucracy →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Procedures]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Step 2: Voter Rolls

2026-10-02T19:54:35Z

Mr Fox:

Assuming the entire Liminal State framework has been thoroughly and completely mapped out and is ready for real world use, the first step in creating a new instance in the real world would be to register the voters. How this happens in practice will most likely vary widely based on the existing/previous government in place and the relationship the citizens have with that government. Another factor to consider is if this would be the very first iteration of the Liminal State or if there are other Liminal States in existence that can serve as a model.

Despite all this, there will certainly be some commonalities to anticipate, such as the need for publicity/citizen education and initial citizen involvement. Despite the heavy reliance on web-based enrollment, there will need to be people on the streets to search out those people that are frequently underrepresented within the government and to aid anyone without the ability or equipment to complete the web-based enrollment process.

All of this will be accomplished in conjunction with a census and should be completed within the first three years.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Step 1: Elected Leaders|← Step 1: Elected Leaders]] | [[Step 2: Voter Rolls]] | [[Step 3: Executive Group|Step 3: Executive Group →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Procedures]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Step 1: Elected Leaders

2026-10-02T19:52:47Z

Mr Fox:

Because the Liminal State uses long, staggered terms with multiple elected leaders per post, there needs to be a procedure in place to bootstrap this within a new Liminal State. While the following special procedures would be used for a true new instance of the Liminal State, they also serve as the procedures for new branches and departments created within an existing Liminal State or when there are multiple vacant seats to fill due to impeachment, etc.

Whether filling all five seats of the ''Executive Group,'' selecting the three leaders of a ''Branch'', ''Department'', ''Ambassador Group'', or ''Delegate Team'', or filling multiple open seats due to impeachments, the basic process remains the same:

''T''he following formula is used to immediately fill all open seats using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting.'' The formula determines how long each winning candidate will serve, based on their position in the ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' results.
(4 * X - Y * 4) years
Where '''“X”''' is equal to the number of total leaders needed to fill the group and '''"Y"''' is the position from the first choice, starting with '''0''' (and where the 4 is equal to the number of years between elections).

For example, to select the three leaders for the ''Branch Officials'':
X = 3 | Y = [0|1||2]
The top winner in the ''Proportional-Rank Choice Vote'' will serve 12 years (and will be classified as the senior member, only when filling multiple seats):
(4 * 3 - 0 * 4) = 12 years
The runner up will serve 8 years (and will be classified as the middle member, only when filling multiple seats):
(4 * 3 - 1 * 4) = 8 years
And the third and final candidate will serve 4 years (and will be classified as the junior member, when filling multiple seats):
(4 * 3 - 2 * 4) = 4 years
Every consecutive four years there will be a new candidate chosen who will fill the most junior leader from the ''Year 0'' election until each of these initial election winners has been replaced with newly elected leaders that will serve the normal full term.

Another way to consider this is that the ''Year 0'' election winner will be the last one replaced and is the only initial candidate to serve a full term. The runner up is the second to last to be replaced, and so on.
=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Preamble|← Preamble]] | [[Step 1: Elected Leaders]] | [[Step 2: Voter Rolls|Step 2: Voter Rolls →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Procedures]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Emancipated Citizens

2026-10-02T19:42:27Z

Mr Fox:

While determining the voter rolls is necessary before any leaders can be elected to build the Liminal State, it is first necessary to distinguish ''Emancipated Citizens'' from the ''Protected Citizens''.

A team of experts in psychology, sociology, and any other necessary disciplines should be formed to create the ''Emancipation Test''. The average passing age should target 25, as that is when the human brain generally finishes developing. Yet at the same time this test should be flexible enough to recognize someone advanced for their age who should be admitted as an ''Emancipated Citizen'' if younger, and able to recognize “adult” in other conscious beings.

This preliminary work will be done by the ''[[Δ Coalition]]''. It should be continually evaluated and updated so that when the science progresses the test remains current and repeatable. It also should be standardized and used across every iteration of the Liminal State so as to not be population or culture specific.

The first iterations of this test should be available online and worldwide, with the initial data collected used to further tailor and fine tune this test. Once there are several repeatable versions of the test available, it will become part of the online archive of Liminal State tools and available to any future instance of the Liminal State.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Bootstrap Challenges|← Bootstrap Challenges]] | [[Emancipated Citizens]] | [[Legal Support|Legal Support →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Initial Work]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Δ Coalition

2026-10-02T19:38:09Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Who We Are''' ===
The ''Δ Coalition'' is the team of volunteers that work to fine-tune, test, build, and promote the concept of the Liminal State. It is composed of those from around the world that are invested in a better future through the successful implementation of the Liminal State. Anyone interested is welcome, from any nation, with the diverse range of experiences and perspectives that each brings to the table critical in making the Liminal State the best it can be.

Prior to an initial instance of the Liminal State, the ''Δ Coalition'' devotes its time to the perfection of logistics, documentation, translations, and any other work needed to improve the Liminal State, and are tasked with the delegation of work, concept promotion, and aggregation of questions and answers for the public.

Following the creation of a functional instance, the Δ Coalition remains available for any ongoing support, guidance, or assistance with any tasks that would help with the success of that instance of the Liminal State.

=== '''Help Wanted''' ===
If you would be interested in volunteering your time to help in the success of the Liminal State, please send an [mailto:DeltaCoalition@liminalstate.wiki?Subject=DeltaCoalition%20Interest email] with the following information:

* Name (real and/or pseudonym):
* Nation and State/Province:
* Area of Expertise/Education:
* Project of Interest (if known):

=== '''Priority Projects''' ===
In no specific order:

* LiminalState.wiki
** Administration (MediaWiki experience required)
** Translations
* Test Development (sociology/psychology or other relevant expertise required)
** Emancipation Test
** Empathy Test
* Virtual Systems Creation (administration/citizen voting/''Decision Votes'' & ''Decision Basis'' records/audio & video archive of leadership interactions, etc)
** Design/UE
** Multi-Level Authentication
** Build (Front & Back End)
** Test & Security

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[ Voter Eligibility|← Voter Eligibility]] | [[Δ Coalition]] | [[Preamble|Preamble →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Initial Work]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Main Page

2026-10-02T18:53:58Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''What is the Liminal State?''' ===
The Liminal State is the name we’ve given to a new democratic framework; one created for regular people, by regular people. Our singular goal is to produce a universal blueprint that any group could use to build a better government for their community, state, nation, etc.

=== '''How is it different?''' ===
In the Liminal State the citizens are in absolute control. It's a ground up approach when it comes to social issues so the citizens can mold their communities the way they see fit. And when it comes to those things we all count on our government for, like keeping us safe from international threats and ensuring the drinking water is safe for our families, then it's a top down model lead by experts that earned their way into those positions based on merit rather than popularity.

The Liminal State eliminates corruption, campaign contributions, and the need for politicians and their politics, and this is all accomplished by turning tribalism into an asset and organically raising experts into necessary leadership positions.

=== '''Who is this for?''' ===
This isn’t a conservative or liberal project, it’s not about the right or the left. This framework is for the average person, and for everyone who's screaming for change but isn't being heard. It’s antithetical to everything that currently undermines representative democracies today.

This framework is a continual work in progress and may never be implemented in the lifetimes of those behind it now, but it promises to be a real solution to the very real problems that so many are currently critical of.

=== '''Who will oppose this?''' ===
Pay attention to those that oppose this effort. The political elites and those financially backing them currently hold all the power, the same power we are giving back to the people. That means these elites will finally be equal to everyone else, and for that very reason they will fight the most aggressively.

Do not forget, we are the people, and united we can forge a better future. Ultimately we are the only ones that can or will, but it ''will'' take all of us. So if you are striving to make things better, please continue reading. And if the Liminal State makes sense to you, help us by spreading the word and even contributing your expertise, insights, and opinions.

== '''Getting started''' ==

==== '''Political Science Basics''' ====
''For a quick review of the government’s roll and its relationship with the people, please start here:''

[[Basic State Functions|Basic State Functions →]]

==== '''The Liminal State Framework''' ====
''Start Reading Here:''

[[Abdication|Abdication →]]

''Framework Map:''

<categorytree mode="pages" depth="5">LS Framework</categorytree>''LS Glossary''

[[Key Words|Key Words →]]

==== '''Opinion''' ====
''Read an opinion piece for the necessity of the Liminal State:''

[[Sad State of Modern Democracies|The Sad State of Modern Democracies →]]
==== '''Site Map''' ====
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Main Page

2026-10-02T18:51:10Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''What is the Liminal State?''' ===
The Liminal State is the name we’ve given to a new democratic framework; one created for regular people, by regular people. Our singular goal is to produce a universal blueprint that any group could use to build a better government for their community, state, nation, etc.

=== '''How is it different?''' ===
In the Liminal State the citizens are in absolute control. It's a ground up approach when it comes to social issues so the citizens can mold their communities the way they see fit. And when it comes to those things we all count on our government for, like keeping us safe from international threats and ensuring the drinking water is safe for our families, then it's a top down model lead by experts that earned their way into those positions based on merit rather than popularity.

The Liminal State eliminates corruption, campaign contributions, and the need for politicians and their politics, and this is all accomplished by turning tribalism into an asset and organically raising experts into necessary leadership positions.

=== '''Who is this for?''' ===
This isn’t a conservative or liberal project, it’s not about the right or the left. This framework is for the average person, and for everyone who's screaming for change but isn't being heard. It’s antithetical to everything that currently undermines representative democracies today.

This framework is a continual work in progress and may never be implemented in the lifetimes of those behind it now, but it promises to be a real solution to the very real problems that so many are currently critical of.

=== '''Who will oppose this?''' ===
Pay attention to those that oppose this effort. The political elites and those financially backing them currently hold all the power, the same power we are giving back to the people. That means these elites will finally be equal to everyone else, and for that very reason they will fight the most aggressively.

Do not forget, we are the people, and united we can forge a better future. Ultimately we are the only ones that can or will, but it ''will'' take all of us. So if you are striving to make things better, please continue reading and if the Liminal State makes sense to you, help us by spreading the word and even contributing your expertise, insights, and opinions.

== '''Getting started''' ==

==== '''Political Science Basics''' ====
''For a quick review of the government’s roll and its relationship with the people, please start here:''

[[Basic State Functions|Basic State Functions →]]

==== '''The Liminal State Framework''' ====
''Start Reading Here:''

[[Abdication|Abdication →]]

''Framework Map:''

<categorytree mode="pages" depth="5">LS Framework</categorytree>''LS Glossary''

[[Key Words|Key Words →]]

==== '''Opinion''' ====
''Read an opinion piece for the necessity of the Liminal State:''

[[Sad State of Modern Democracies|The Sad State of Modern Democracies →]]
==== '''Site Map''' ====
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Sad State of Modern Democracies

2026-10-02T17:25:47Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Appearances Matter''' ===
Whether consuming social media posts, YouTube videos, interviews, or polls, it appears that most Americans view their government as a black hole where a third of their paychecks disappear; ineffective at solving the problems that matter most and even detrimental to what it means to be an American.

This opaque view of the state is symptomatic of an ineffective democracy rather than a negative reflection on the citizens. We have a government offering lip service to the people with unfilled promises and no accountability.

=== '''The Fantasy''' ===
Technically, the average American today can become the President, member of Congress, or Supreme Court Justice, and how we love to tell children how amazing this country is, with its democracy and freedom for all and where anyone can make it to the top. Or where we point to the lucky few who rise up from the bottom to actually build an exceptional life, and lie to ourselves that “you too can do that if you only work hard!”

Every generation dreams that if they go to school, work hard, and keep their head down, they will someday have a dependable job, a home to call their own, and 2.1 children that will be well provided for and someday go on to live an even better life than they had.

=== '''Reality Check''' ===
This dream ended with the baby boomers in the 1950’s, and is now only a myth. Every generation since has ended up worse off than their parents before. This is no call to revert back to the way things were 75 years ago, because this was not caused by changing social dynamics. Rather, the baby boomers themselves have inadvertently held back subsequent generations through the massive accumulation of wealth and consolidation of power.

The baby boomers have molded the government of today into an apparatus that reinforces their wealth and power, and they have done this in a number of ways:

* Wealthy donors fund the campaigns of agreeable representatives to ensure those representatives get re-elected (big money and establishment players usually back the incumbents because it’s not about change, it’s about the status quo).
* In exchange, these representatives now pass or block legislation in the best interest of their big donors. Naturally this approach reinforces the machinery that allows the rich to increase their wealth, pay less taxes, and run their corporations as they wish without interference and with little government oversight. It also explains the perpetual wars (someone's getting richer making those weapons) and our unpopular relationships with foreign countries.
* Because the incumbents work for the donors and not the people, there are several mechanisms they employ to ensure they get re-elected:
** Their wealthy donors provide the incumbents with enough money to outspend any opposition.
** These political elites use the government to guarantee their seats are safe through gerrymandering and voter suppression.
** They gaslight and distract their voters.
*** They campaign on the platform that they are the only ones that can make the change the voters want.
*** They focus on fringe social issues and fighting “the other side” to keep the focus away from their lack of performance for the people.
** The two parties move further to the middle and become indistinguishable behind closed doors, so voting for one versus the other has little effect on the system as a whole.
* Through secret and/or exclusive events, the wealthy and political elites appear to be colluding with the courts to back these moves.
* With the recent Supreme Court rulings turning back many decades of precedent that protected voter rights, limited excessive and unaccountable donations, checked executive power, and controlled corporate consolidation, among other apparent disingenuous decisions, some justices appear to be in league with Washington and wealthy elites in exchange for backing the court’s wishes to regress social, workplace, and environmental progress made over the last 75 years or more.
* The wealthy, using their connections to Washington, have been allowed to consolidate their media holdings, limiting the free press and exposure of these tactics and other anti-democratic efforts.
* Elected leaders have removed independent watch dogs and other checks on their power and now blatantly attack free speech and oppositional media reports as part of their core duties.

Through these cumulative efforts the wealthy, political, and court elites deceive and gaslight the voters, essentially convincing the citizens to vote against their own interests. This has led the nation down a path where today's political elites are no longer beholden to their voters, donors run businesses with little government oversight or protections for the citizens, and courts have free reign to affect societal norms based on their preferences.

It has become about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same. Everyone thinks they know best, and if given the power and wealth, they would also mold the country the way they think is best.

It’s easy to be critical of these people and practices and pretend that we would not also take advantage of a system to ensure our wealth and power if we could. Ultimately all these outcomes come down to human nature and a government ill-equipped to oppose these efforts. But it’s important to understand that this is why nothing will ever change through the existing political system, and all of this is critical to keep in mind when considering something better.

=== '''There Will Be No Change''' ===
In our modern world the average citizen in a democratic republic only has one tool to affect their government, and that is a single vote. Yes, technically there’s representation and participation, but realistically it’s one vote every few years out of a pool of millions, and then we question why so many never cast a vote? And that is without taking into account the current attacks on free and fair elections through voter manipulation, gerrymandering, and all the other tactics that chip away at the power underlying this core democratic tool.

This leads to a vicious cycle, where we care less about voting because we see how little our votes count, so elections get easier and easier to manipulate, which makes our government less responsive to the real needs of the citizens, and the cycle continues. The richest buy influence, and then use that influence to mold the world they way they see fit and in their best interests, and, most critically, to keep getting richer and more powerful.

But as wealth inequality increases, government oversight decreases, the citizens’ mental and physical welfare declines, and the courts steer us back into the past, more and more people are looking for real solutions.

Promising candidates rise up, and helpful laws are proposed, but there is no possibility of change from within. No representative could ever make the necessary changes we all hope for because our government was intentionally built to mute the fringe voices. The current system can rebuff a handful of opposition candidates while the majority of representatives are bought and paid for. Candidates can win elections on small donations alone with believable promises of real change, but the power has already been consolidated outside their hands.

Regardless of their superficial claims, the two parties are nearly identical in comparison to the parties of other countries, and the system in place forces the voters to either throw away their vote on someone they really believe in yet is not backed by a major party, or they can vote for the least of the worst mainstream candidates. Regardless of that decision, our votes are nearly meaningless.

At a minimum we expect the minority party to be checking this corruption and power grab on behalf of the people they represent, but instead they sit back and think of this harm to the nation as an opportunity to take back power for themselves in the future.

=== '''In Name Only''' ===
We have become a nation for the rich and powerful, and a democracy in name only. The elites are shaping this country into the vision that they want, and damn democracy or the constitution or precedence, if that’s what it takes. They truly seem to believe that they, the wealthy and powerful, know best, the ends justify the means, and we citizens are just along for the ride. It’s always been this way, because the ''Founding Fathers'' never trusted citizens with a real say, but now it’s worn proudly by those with power.

We’re currently living through the worst part of this timeline, where the wealthy and powerful elites have the means and motivation to keep the citizens fighting each other so no one looks up. And that might be the most frustrating part, that instead of becoming enraged about this unfair influence and corruption of our government, the average citizen instead points fingers at the less fortunate who cannot work, those that think differently, or have different accents. We point our fingers at our fellow neighbors as the problem, instead of the ones in power and those that control the powerful; everyone that is actually accountable.

We spend our lives working for this unattainable dream, and after the government takes its cut, those with the wealth and influence to run the most powerful corporations can count on the rest of us to voluntarily spend whatever’s left over of our paycheck on their subscription fees, auto loans, high interest credit cards, and subprime mortgage loans. That keeps us entertained and pacified with new shiny things, and the media monopolies tell us to hate the other side. There’s no place in this unhealthy symbiosis for anyone but the political elites and the wealthiest to get ahead, so it’s no wonder that each generation is getting further and further behind.

=== '''Not Giving Up''' ===
So the question is no longer how do we fix the United States, but rather how could we do this better if we started over. Knowing what we now know about how people in positions of power will cling to that power and do everything they can to reinforce that power, how do we create a government where those elected to lead the nation are checked by so many other forces that it’s impossible for any one person, small group, or nefarious cabal to take that power away from the people (because there will always be this need to place great power in the hands of a few when quick decisions are needed to manage national interests for a large and diverse population)? How do we ensure that no elected leader can ever abuse their position? How do we ensure that corporations and the rich never get a foothold in the government through donations, influence, and favors? How do we do all this without relying on norms and hope to keep our elected leaders in line, but rather have solid legal mechanisms to enforce this? And how do we keep this government so completely transparent that the media and citizens can always provide an additional and effortless final check?

In essence, how do we remove politicians and politics from government?

=== '''Hinting At Something Else''' ===
There is a better way, and it’s not too late yet. The first step down a better path requires the realization of a simple fact:<blockquote>''The top 1%, even with all their aggregated wealth, are no equal to the bottom 99%. They might have the money and influence, but they do not have the vast majorities’ potential. But we must stop fighting ourselves, because divided and bickering we are never going to remake this world in a more equitable and sustainable way.''</blockquote>With that said, please understand that we, as the vast majority, do not need to agree on everything. All together we may agree on little, but that's okay because there is an answer for this. For now all we need to focus on is that this system is working against us instead of for us, and what we are going to do about it collectively.

The right path forward promises much, but taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor is not one of them. That might be an invigorating rallying cry, but doesn’t lend itself to the start of an effective social construct. There’s a way for the rich to keep their wealth while everyone else moves up. There is a way to fundamentally change the status quo, without communism or facism, anarchy, violence, or revolution. There’s a path forward, but it will take unity by the people, open communication, and a clear and common purpose towards this better thing.

There is real waste in the current system, and it defines our democracies. It’s the cornerstone of democracies that represent large populations, because hundreds of years ago the enlightened thinkers that envisioned this great country couldn’t imagine a world so big and small at the same time. They convinced themselves that a slow, inefficient democracy in the hands of educated wealthy white men was the best idea.

That lack of foresight directly led to the worst iterations of democracy today. Instead of lifting up the most effective leader, elections are a popularity contest and enforce servitude to wealthy and powerful donors. Decision by committee is inefficient and leads to expensive and useless compromises rather than effective leadership. The illusion of representation leaves politicians pandering to their donors with the balance of their attention devoted to pet projects back home.

The inefficiencies go on and on, with no redeeming qualities except a nation’s claim of being a democracy. That claim is an expensive price to pay for poor leadership, increasing wealth inequality, corporations in control, and career ruling elites in safe districts that should have been voted out in competitive elections decades ago.

=== '''What Could Be''' ===
In a highly functional democracy, the people would have clear expectations of their government, which would be effectively communicated and delivered upon. In exchange, the citizens’ responsibilities to the government would be understood and eagerly offered. In fact, the population would not see themselves apart from the government, because they would truly be the government.

This is not where we are at in America, but it is the promise and pride of the [[Abdication|Liminal State]].

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Suggested Reading:''

[[Main Page| ← Main Page]] | [[Sad State of Modern Democracies]] | [[Basic State Functions|Basic State Functions →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Opinion]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Employees

2026-10-02T16:51:30Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Compensation''' ===
All the different types of employees that work directly within the Liminal State, excluding ''Contract Workers'', are collectively called ''Government Personnel'' and shall be compensated well above market rates, whether they are janitors or school teachers, ''Probationary Employees'', ''Department Heads'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Ambassadors'', ''Delegates'', etc. All are paid a relative premium for their work to encourage the absolute best to apply and because they must sacrifice financial opportunities to hold these positions.

''Government Personnel'' may not hold a second job, receive gifts or donations of any value, use the stock market, or participate in any other activity that would earn them additional income outside their salary.

Additionally, the financial records of all ''Government Personnel'' and their families, regardless of the employee's position, will be made available online as a matter of public record and will be updated monthly to ensure accurate, widespread scrutiny. The terms of all ''Contract Workers'' will also be posted online as a matter of public record and updated with any change to contract terms.

When it comes to hiring new employees or assigning contracts, the Liminal State takes advantage of the current understanding of evolutionary psychology to ensure that candidates are hired based on merit vs conscious or unconscious bias. It does this by assigning candidates a random number for identification so their names and likenesses are never taken into account during the hiring process. This same process is used throughout the Liminal State, such as with teachers grading student assignments, where they are grading based on the work and not on the person who took the test.

These actions ensures there is always accountability and trust, and is an extension of the highly-visible ways that Liminal State fulfills its promise of transparency.

=== '''Branch Participation''' ===
All ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to work, and those that work for a ''Branch'' may participate in all ''Branch Elections'', regardless of their voting eligibility. ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Provisional Citizens'' may be authorized to work within a ''Branch'' in special situations, but they are not eligible to vote in any elections, nor are they considered ''Government Personnel''.

In this way, those ''Emancipated Citizens'' that do not qualify to vote per the ''Empathy Test'' can still participate in their government through the work they do at a ''Branch'', in the ''Branch Elections'', and through the ''Branch Primary Elections,'' which determine the next member of the ''Executive Group''. This is the foundation of the Liminal State, in which the ''Citizens'' can affect their government in real and direct ways.

''Contract Workers'' doing work for a ''Branch'' do not gain any voting rights within that ''Branch''. Only ''Permanent Hires'' of that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage gain these extra voting rights.

=== '''Non-Branch Workers''' ===
The ''Emancipated Citizens'' that are not qualified to vote per the ''Empathy Test'' and who do not work for a ''Branch'' do not get to vote in any ''Branch Elections'', ''Branch Primary Elections,'' ''General Elections'', or ''Voter Decisions''. ''Eligible Voters'' that do not work for the Liminal State may only vote in ''General Elections'' and any other qualified ''Voter Decisions''.

=== '''Unlawful Requests''' ===
All government workers, whether ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Workers,'' are forbidden from fulfilling unlawful ''Orders or Requests''. Should any ''Orders or Request'', regardless of the origin, be legally questionable, then that worker is obligated to report their ''Professional Objection'' for a ''Justice Branch Screening'', whether directly, through an ''Embassy'', or via Lateral Judicial Branch ''Delegates''.

Reporting of suspected unlawful ''Orders or Requests'' will be easy and convenient, is a ''Protected Action'', and may never be cause of retribution, regardless of the ultimate legal decision. It should be commonplace in the Liminal State for all ''Orders or Requests'' to receive ''Justice Branch Screening'' before implementation.

Any ''Orders or Requests'' that turns out to be unlawful and were not reported will jeopardize all people involved, from those carrying out the action all the way up to the one(s) providing the ''Order or Request''.

=== '''Personnel Removals''' ===
All ''Government Personnel'', whether ''Permanent Hires'', ''Appointed'', or ''Elected'' are protected in their positions from political or capricious removals. All ''Permanent Hires'' will be considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year within the Liminal State only (so does not apply to a move to a different position after the first year) and may be removed for ''Just Cause'' and additional reasons, as determined by the specific requirements and regulations of that sector of the Liminal State. ''Contract Workers'' will be bound to the terms of their contract.

Should any ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' be suspected of criminal activity, abusing their position, or promoting or engaging in any other unlawful acts, anyone with knowledge is obligated to report this behavior to the ''Enforecment Branch'' of the ''Justice Branch''.

This may be anonymously reported and is a ''Protected Action'', so anyone reporting this behavior will be fully protected, regardless of the outcome of the investigation. If the reports are true, all involved will be removed from their position and lose the privilege of working for the Liminal State again, in any capacity, while also being responsible for full ''Restitution''.

Alternatively, if the guilty party reports the behavior themselves and works completely and openly with the ''Justice Branch'' to remedy the issue, they may still lose their position and will be obligated to pay ''Restitution'', but may retain the privilege of working for the Liminal State again in another capacity.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Departments|← Departments]] | [[Employees]] | [[Enforcement Agencies|Enforcement Agencies →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Branch Mechanics]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Employees

2026-10-02T16:48:56Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Compensation''' ===
All the different types of employees that work directly within the Liminal State, excluding ''Contract Workers'', are collectively called ''Government Personnel'' and shall be compensated well above market rates, whether they are janitors or school teachers, ''Probationary Employees'', ''Department Heads'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Ambassadors'', ''Delegates'', etc. All are paid a relative premium for their work to encourage the absolute best to apply and because they must sacrifice financial opportunities to hold these positions.

''Government Personnel'' may not hold a second job, receive gifts or donations of any value, use the stock market, or participate in any other activity that would earn them additional income outside their salary.

Additionally, the financial records of all ''Government Personnel'' and their families, regardless of the employee's position, will be made available online as a matter of public record and will be updated monthly to ensure accurate, widespread scrutiny. The terms of all ''Contract Workers'' will also be posted online as a matter of public record and updated with any change to contract terms.

When it comes to hiring new employees, the Liminal State takes advantage of the current understanding of evolutionary psychology to ensure that candidates are hired based on merit vs conscious or unconscious bias. It does this by assigning candidates a random number for identification so their name and likeness are never taken into account during the hiring process. This same process is used throughout the Liminal State, such as with teachers grading student assignments, where they are grading based on the work and not on the person who took the test.

These actions ensures there is always accountability and trust, and is an extension of the highly-visible ways that Liminal State fulfills its promise of transparency.

=== '''Branch Participation''' ===
All ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to work, and those that work for a ''Branch'' may participate in all ''Branch Elections'', regardless of their voting eligibility. ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Provisional Citizens'' may be authorized to work within a ''Branch'' in special situations, but they are not eligible to vote in any elections, nor are they considered ''Government Personnel''.

In this way, those ''Emancipated Citizens'' that do not qualify to vote per the ''Empathy Test'' can still participate in their government through the work they do at a ''Branch'', in the ''Branch Elections'', and through the ''Branch Primary Elections,'' which determine the next member of the ''Executive Group''. This is the foundation of the Liminal State, in which the ''Citizens'' can affect their government in real and direct ways.

''Contract Workers'' doing work for a ''Branch'' do not gain any voting rights within that ''Branch''. Only ''Permanent Hires'' of that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage gain these extra voting rights.

=== '''Non-Branch Workers''' ===
The ''Emancipated Citizens'' that are not qualified to vote per the ''Empathy Test'' and who do not work for a ''Branch'' do not get to vote in any ''Branch Elections'', ''Branch Primary Elections,'' ''General Elections'', or ''Voter Decisions''. ''Eligible Voters'' that do not work for the Liminal State may only vote in ''General Elections'' and any other qualified ''Voter Decisions''.

=== '''Unlawful Requests''' ===
All government workers, whether ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Workers,'' are forbidden from fulfilling unlawful ''Orders or Requests''. Should any ''Orders or Request'', regardless of the origin, be legally questionable, then that worker is obligated to report their ''Professional Objection'' for a ''Justice Branch Screening'', whether directly, through an ''Embassy'', or via Lateral Judicial Branch ''Delegates''.

Reporting of suspected unlawful ''Orders or Requests'' will be easy and convenient, is a ''Protected Action'', and may never be cause of retribution, regardless of the ultimate legal decision. It should be commonplace in the Liminal State for all ''Orders or Requests'' to receive ''Justice Branch Screening'' before implementation.

Any ''Orders or Requests'' that turns out to be unlawful and were not reported will jeopardize all people involved, from those carrying out the action all the way up to the one(s) providing the ''Order or Request''.

=== '''Personnel Removals''' ===
All ''Government Personnel'', whether ''Permanent Hires'', ''Appointed'', or ''Elected'' are protected in their positions from political or capricious removals. All ''Permanent Hires'' will be considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year within the Liminal State only (so does not apply to a move to a different position after the first year) and may be removed for ''Just Cause'' and additional reasons, as determined by the specific requirements and regulations of that sector of the Liminal State. ''Contract Workers'' will be bound to the terms of their contract.

Should any ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' be suspected of criminal activity, abusing their position, or promoting or engaging in any other unlawful acts, anyone with knowledge is obligated to report this behavior to the ''Enforecment Branch'' of the ''Justice Branch''.

This may be anonymously reported and is a ''Protected Action'', so anyone reporting this behavior will be fully protected, regardless of the outcome of the investigation. If the reports are true, all involved will be removed from their position and lose the privilege of working for the Liminal State again, in any capacity, while also being responsible for full ''Restitution''.

Alternatively, if the guilty party reports the behavior themselves and works completely and openly with the ''Justice Branch'' to remedy the issue, they may still lose their position and will be obligated to pay ''Restitution'', but may retain the privilege of working for the Liminal State again in another capacity.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Departments|← Departments]] | [[Employees]] | [[Enforcement Agencies|Enforcement Agencies →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Branch Mechanics]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Abdication

2026-10-02T16:33:28Z

Mr Fox:

The ''Great American Experiment'' has been running for 250 years and similar incarnations of this republic now represent numerous democratic nations around the world. Yet over the last two and a half centuries the inherent detrimental aspects of this model have become painfully obvious, while alternate philosophies, such as Marxism, have proven to be inherently faulty. No wonder desperate groups keep looking to "Strong Men" for answers.

Knowledgeable individuals can point out the problems and even propose modifications, but incremental changes are not going to be capable of rectifying even basic issues, let alone systemic ones like aggravated wealth inequality, the ongoing erosion of democratic principles, relentless gerrymandering, loss of personal privacy, attacks on freedom of speech, and representatives working in their own best interests instead of that of their constituents, to name a few.

Trying to fix this decaying republic would be like trying to swap the engine on a moving car. As populist elected leaders now solidify their power by leaning into authoritarianism, it’s time for something new, fair, and brave to take humanity into a better future. Enough time has elapsed and enough variables tested to recognize the limitations and inefficiencies of the representative democracy, but until now nothing more promising had yet been proposed.

The Liminal State is a modern re-imagining of how a society can more effectively coexist and work together. It's a new democratic framework that organically promotes expert leaders into official capacities, enhances personal freedoms, removes the divide between citizen and state, and does all this while uniting people in obvious and logical ways so that everyone is heard and everyone gets ahead. That’s understandably a bold claim, but the Liminal State is a bold form of governance whose time has come.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Call To Action|← Call To Action]] | [[Abdication]] | [[Foundational Ethics|Foundational Ethics →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Miscellaneous]]
<categorytree mode="pages" depth="5">LS Framework</categorytree>

Call To Action

2026-10-02T16:29:29Z

Mr Fox:

Unless you’re one of the relatively few elites benefiting from the current system, representative democracies have proven ineffective at governing in a way befitting a modern, healthy, and fair society.

This form of democracy will always inevitably fail because elected leaders are in charge of the very systems that elevate them, and history has proven that those in power will use all available levers to reinforce their continued positions and powers.

The historical purpose of the representative democracy was to aggregate the population's power into the hands of the righteous few; those best suited to make honorable decisions for the entire population. Yet the selfless rarely earn or take power and this system inevitably leads to the very abuses of position and public neglect we see today by those currently entrusted with this power.

The only realistic way to break this cycle is to take the government’s power away from the elites and leave it in the hands of all citizens, as it resides in fact. Representative democracies are functioning as intended, so the only fix is something different. No legitimate claim can be made that modern citizens require the supervision of an exclusive class, and with the tools now available to contemporary and future societies, something closer to a direct democracy is the clear and logical choice.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Bonus State Functions|← Bonus State Functions]] | [[Call To Action]] | [[Abdication|Abdication →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Forward]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Bonus State Functions

2026-10-02T16:27:12Z

Mr Fox:

While the basic requirements of a functional state have been understood and available since the earliest formation of cohesive societies, it's only in modern governments that the following additional functions have become more common and expected by the governed populations.

* '''Equality Under the Law:''' All citizens must be treated equally under the law. Any system that behaves otherwise is ripe for abuse, corruption, and capricious actions by the government and others.
* '''Liberty:''' The citizens should be free under the law to act, speak, and live without arbitrary or undue control or coersion from authorities or outside forces.
* '''Citizen Welfare:''' A modern government should ensure the education and the best mental and physical health of the population. It will also provide for the poorest and those unable to work.
* '''Economic Stability:''' A modern government should use the tools at its disposal, including international agreements, to encourage the increasing wealth of the population, stable inflation, the affordability of necessities, etc., all while keeping anti-competitive market actions in check (or the equivalent alternative outside a capitalist market system).
* '''Energy Abundance:''' The core of a healthy economy depends on abundant, clean energy, as do all the necessities and amenities that society depends on. A renewable energy plan is critical to the success of a modern state.

Why should a government strive to provide these extra benefits? Even discounting some ethical obligation we might have as humans to treat each other with empathy, the modern government relies on the work output of the population to fund the government and projects for the citizens, and only through an educated society and a mentally and physically healthy population will this work be maximized and social services minimized. At the same time, economic stability and civil liberties minimize stresses on the citizens and government institutions, promoting self-perpetuation of the government and providing an avenue for feedback regarding the citizen's needs.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Basic State Functions|← Basic State Functions]] | [[Bonus State Functions]] | [[Call To Action|Call To Action →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Forward]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Replacement

2026-10-01T03:07:18Z

Mr Fox:

''Executive Group'' members are required to finish their terms if mentally and physically possible, as any candidate will know. But should someone die, become mentally incapacitated, or for any other valid reason vacate their seat through one of the available ''Removal Paths'', there is a procedure in place to refill that seat.

At the conclusion of the most recent ''General Election'', the runner up will become the ''Alternate'' to the ''Executive Group''. This person will be available for all meetings, votes, and interactions of the five ''Executive Group'' members so this ''Alternate'' is, at all times, current on all aspects of the nation.

They will also become familiar with the ''Special Projects'' of every current ''Executive Group'' member and may even help them, and in this way be able to step in should an ''Executive Member'' vacate their seat.

This ''Alternate'' may work on abbreviated versions of their own ''Special Projects'' so long as they are completed within the four years before the next ''General Election'', should they not be needed to fulfill the role of ''Executive Group'' member. At no time as ''Alternate'' should they ever do any work specifically reserved for the ''Executive Group''.

If the A''lternate'' is needed to fulfill the role of an ''Executive Group'' member, they will take over the departing executive’s term and ''Special Projects'', but will be considered the junior member of the group. The ''Special Projects'' of the ''Alternate'' will be secondary to the ''Special Projects'' of the executive role they are fulfilling.

At the point that the ''Alternate'' fills a seat in the ''Executive Group'', the next runner up from the last ''General Election'' will immediately step into the role of ''Alternate''. Should more than one seat be vacated due to ''Citizen'' impeachment, then this same process will be used to fill all open seats, with each new runner up filling the next seat of most seniority according to election placement, and where those new members will take on the terms of the seat they are filling but the seniority according to their place in the election. When filling multiple seats and the ''Alternate'' in this way, these runner up candidates will abandon the ''Special Projects'' they ran on and instead complete the ''Special Projects'' already started by the seat they are filling.

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Laws & Freedom: Abstract

2026-10-01T01:18:07Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Layers of Paint''' ===
It may be surprising that many nations currently have laws originating from medieval precedence, the Magna Carta, the Quran, the Bible, or even the Code of Hammurabi. Our understanding of the world, society, the government, and ourselves has changed dramatically over the last 4000 years, so shouldn't our jurisprudence? It could be argued that the interpretation of those laws have evolved, but instead of adding a new coat of paint to a dilapidated structure, sometimes it's best to tear it all down and build new.

=== '''Building New''' ===
The Liminal State instead deconstructs these sources, takes lessons from history, philosophy, science, psychology, sociology, etc., and ultimately asks “what do we really need to coexist in a modern society?” In essence, the Liminal State starts with a blank slate and builds up; using a unique and far more equitable method among existing democracies for creating new laws and and shaping our communities.

To begin with, the laws ensuring universal equality and basic freedoms, those expected of any modern society, are set from the start and are immutable. Communities then decide for themselves what limitations they wish to impose upon themselves within this framework, with the Liminal State focusing on those aspects of governance that fall outside the scope of social issues. While there is some gray area here, this generally means that the Liminal State will first ensure all are treated fairly and with equality of opportunity, then focus on maintain infrastructure, the regulations affecting the economy, business practices, etc. On the other hand, the ''Citizens'' will shape the laws that impact their local communities based on their own values.

This philosophy makes the Liminal State the only government intentionally designed from inception to accommodate vast populations with unique perspectives and cultures, and perhaps therefore the only governmental structure that could ever work at an international level.

=== '''Summation''' ===
In the Liminal State, all people start with complete freedom. Foundational laws then create a level playing field by ensuring all are treated equally and the people are prioritized above all else. ''Citizens'' then pass subsequent laws to restrict these freedoms for themselves in the most limited ways possible, until there is an ideal balance between freedoms and the limits on those freedoms, and a balanced social construct has been reached where everyone can live and work together in this healthy, productive, and fulfilled society.

=== '''Fundamentals''' ===

Because this approach is taken, laws may never target only a portion of the population, overtly or covertly, unless they apply to a specific pre-defined group as a whole. The Liminal State recognizes three pre-defined groups: ''Non-Citizens'', ''Protected Citizens'' (children, some with an intellectual disability, etc.), and ''Emancipated Citizens'' (adults). Any laws specifically applied to one of these groups must still work within the minimum legal framework of the Liminal State.
Example 1: A law forbidding men from owning guns would not be allowed, but a law that prevents ''Protected Citizens'' from owning guns would be.
Even if a law uses ambiguous or misleading language which overtly doesn’t appear to target a specific sub-group, yet by virtue of the way enforcement would need to be applied still would, that too would be illegal. It is prohibited for any laws to be written in any way that would, in practice, disproportionately affect a subgroup within one of these pre-defined groups.
Example 2: A law that allows only those people with low average levels of testosterone to own guns would not be allowed, even if some minority population of men could still be eligible under this law.
While guns could theoretically be outlawed, in the Liminal State laws may only be implemented using the ''80% Rule''. This means 80% eligible voters would be required to vote in favor to limit this freedom.

It may seem unlikely that 80% of a voting population would agree on anything, but this highlights the greatest advantage of the Liminal State. Only very common sense laws with the widest support of the population should be applied to the whole population. Instead of an entire nation forced to accept a rule that passes with 50% + 1 vote, where clearly half the nation opposes, the ''80% Rule'' forces populations to check themselves from forcing unpopular laws on an unwilling population.

=== '''Local Self-Determination''' ===
On the other hand, local communities have much more power over their own lives within the Liminal State. A town, for example, may pass laws to restrict their freedoms however they wish (within the minimum legal framework of the Liminal State). They would still be forbidden from passing a law banning men from owning guns, but they could ban all gun ownership within their community, while the next town over may allow gun ownership across all pre-defined groups.

In this way ''Citizens'' can mold their communities the way they see fit and all communities can learn from one another. With the previous example, surrounding communities could watch and see how these laws regarding gun ownership affect the school shootings, personal defense, domestic violence, inconvenience to hunters, etc. in those communities. The same goes for abortion limitations, vaccines mandates, transgendered bathrooms, etc. All these hot-button social issues that are currently being debated nationally would be better addressed locally, and only within the Liminal State is it possible to do this. When these ideas get tried locally and real data behind the effects of these laws becomes available, those winning ideas from the local level will gain additional support and get proposed at a higher level. Only the best ideas and laws will rise to the top, and through demonstrable data and popular support will the best ideas become national laws.

=== '''Citizen Control''' ===
''Citizens'' affect their communities and the Liminal State in direct ways. In addition to a government, via the Liminal State, that inherently protects and promotes the ''Citizens'' by insuring their total well-being above all else, ''Citizens'' also impact their communities in direct ways that are uniquely provided by the Liminal State.

The ''Citizen Initiative'' is a process by which the people can gather signatures to address any important issue facing thier community. This may be in response to a regulation enacted by a ''Branch'' that the ''Citizens'' wish to challenge, a new law the ''Citizens'' wish to enact, or any situation that the ''Citizens'' wish to investigate that may have been neglected by an ''Enforcement Agency''. In all cases, the process is the same:

# The regulation in question must be identified, the language of a new potential law developed, or a summary of the requested investigation formalized. In all cases the wording must pass the scrutiny of the J''ustice Department'' to be ballot ready.
# The ''Citizens'' must gather at least 10% of the ''Emancipated Citizens''' signatures within that ''Political Boundary''. The legal framework of the ''Citizen Initiative'' protects this process from outside or corporate influence, meaning that only the ''Citizens'' within a ''Political Boundary'' can participate in the process, and no money may be paid to gather signatures nor to promote the cause.
# With the wording of the ballot measure passing the scrutiny of the ''Justice Department'' and enough signatures gathered, the issue is automatically added to the next ballot to be voted on by the ''Eligible Voters'' within this ''Political Boundary''. It also activates the next step, the instantiation of a ''Citizen Jury''.
# Before the next election, 99 ''Emancipated Citizens'' from within the ''Political Boundary'' will be selected at random to convene as the ''Citizen Jury''.
## The purpose of this jury is not to decide the matter, but rather to hear all the available evidence on behalf of the wider community and allow those ''Citizens'' comprising the ''Citizen Jury'' to investigate, call witnesses and experts, and ask questions regarding the regulation, law, or investigation being scrutinized.
## The authority of the 99 jurors to investigate the matter is not limited, and they will also be discussing among themselves and their own respective communities, as the jury will convene on weekends and as availability permits, meaning the process may take weeks or months.
# The purpose of the ''Citizen Jury'' is to provide a venue for the discussion of relevant details of the issue, law, or regulation, the impacts on the community, and any other factors that the ''Eligible Voters'' within the ''Political Boundary'' might need answered to make an informed vote.
## Using the jury ensures the issues are heard without censorship from every side and all jury members have the ability to ask questions on behalf of the public at large.
## The jury is composed of 99 random ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' to ensure there is enough people to have a large enough sample of the population that every important question can be asked and there is no chance of corrupting the jury, but not so big that the process and format is unweildly.
## The entire process is recorded and available to the public so they may inform their own decisions when it comes time to vote.

Example 1: In the case of a challenge to a regulation, the experts who enacted the regulation from the responsible ''Branch'' will defend their decision and provide relevant information for the basis of that decision. At the same time those that oppose the regulation will present their information and defend their position.

Example 2: With the Epstein situation in the US, where the elites are apparently using all their power and influence to keep the information from going public, in the Liminal State the ''Citizens'' could collect the required signatures to convene a ''Citizen Jury'', which would then have total investigative and subpoena powers to thoroughly and publicly investigate the issue. Ultimately this would ensure a vote on the matter, which if successful, would force the government to take action. Of course with the absolute transparency provided in the Liminal State, something monstrous like this should never happen in the first place, but at least the ''Citizens'' have the power to act should elected leaders or the bureaucracy fail.
This is the main mechanism used by ''Citizens'' to shape their communities the way they want, since the Liminal State as a government instead focuses on the big-picture issues, like international relations, regulation of businesses to protect the ''Citizens'' from harmful or unfair practices, environmental protection to ensure the ''Citizens'' health and well-being, etc. Yet the Citizens always have direct control over their government through this process, even if it is to push back against the experts. At the very least, this process will educate the Citizens so their vote is always intelligently placed and well informed.

=== '''Conclusion''' ===
While the ''Justice Branch'' of the Liminal State first ensures all potential laws meet a minimum legal standard before there is ever a vote, there’s nothing like a Supreme Court that could overturn existing laws. The Liminal State is truly a government by and for the people, and that means that the people’s votes truly and directly determine the rules of the land, and only by a massively popular vote among ''Eligible Voters'' can a law be enacted or removed.

The key understanding here is that smaller groups of ''Citizens'' may have specific freedoms they would like to forfeit for the good of their community. Instead of having to fight for important laws to get passed at the national level, where half of the population will then immediately work to reverse it, ''Citizens'' can mold their communities with their neighbors the way they see fit for themselves.

This is how people are provided the freedom to live the lives they want, based on their values, while allowing other citizens to live the lives that they want. It’s an ideal compromise; getting to live life the way you truly desire, and only giving up the ability to force others to live that same way.

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Key Words

2026-10-01T00:50:28Z

Mr Fox:

The following key words are found ''Italicized'' throughout the documentation and have the special meanings. These concepts are defined briefly in situ and here.

* '''80% Rule'''
** Laws within the Liminal State must pass by 80%. If an ''Empathy Test'' is used to determine the ''Eligible Voters'', then that means that 80% of the population are eligible to vote and 80% of them must approve a law for it to pass. This method assumes that there will always be at least 10% at the extremes of either side of an issue, so if 80% are in agreement, then the law has enough support to warrant its application for all within that ''Political Boundary''.
* '''Alternate'''
** Both the ''Executive Group'' and ''Branch Officials'' have a backup in case one official member vacates their seat. The ''Alternate'' serves for four years until the next ''Election Cycle'' when a new ''Alternate'' is picked. The ''Alternate'' may help the leadership team, at their direction, but may not do any work officially reserved for those leaders.
* '''Ambassador Units'''
** An ''Ambassador Unit'' is assigned to each outside state and serves as representatives of the Liminal State to them. Every unit is composed of three people selected by the International Affairs ''Branch'' ''Officials.'' All decisions made by the ''Ambassador Units'' are decided by majority vote among the three, though in matters that impact the Liminal State, they serve the ''Executive Group'' to educate them on all relevant issues so the ''Executive Group'' can decide what action, if any will happen.
* '''Appointed Personnel'''
** Any ''Leadership Group'' member that is selected by the ''Branch Officials'' from among the eligible, qualified, and willing candidates interested in the position using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', rather than as seat winners of an election by those ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing''.
** ''Appointed Personnel'' specifically refers to ''Ambassador Unit'' and ''Delegate Team'' members.
* '''Aggregated Vote'''
** This is a standard voting process to determine simple majority among a collection of ''Leadership Groups'', where each group first votes and then that result equals one vote towards the final tally.
** Whenever there is an ''Aggregate Vote'' as illustrated below, none of the individual voters are aware of anyone else's vote until all votes have been cast, and none of the groups will know the outcome of their groups own result, nor the ''Aggregate Vote'' results of the other groups until all votes have been cast.
For example, if Group A votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group B votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group C votes (no, no, no) = NO, then the final vote is YES.

This method of tabulation is critical because if the total votes had been simply tabulated, it would have resulted in 4 votes for yes and 5 votes for no, with the final vote being NO, which is not accurate.
* '''Branch'''
** The functional divisions of those specialized areas of expertise required for the functioning of a government, each lead by three ''Branch Officials'' that have risen up from within the ranks of that ''Branch'', and overtly guided by the ''Executive Group''. Their singular purpose is to ensure that the ''Citizens'', now and into the future, are the primary beneficiaries when the government, businesses, ''Citizens'', and foreign interests operate and interact within their area of expertise.
* '''Branch Elections'''
** All the different kinds of elections that can take place within a ''Branch'', including those to elect ''Department Heads'' and the ''Branch Officials''.
* '''Branch Members'''
** All ''Emancipated Citizens'' that work directly for a ''Branch'', excluding ''Contract Workers,'' are considered ''Branch Members.'' All ''Permanent Hires'' that have completed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage can vote in ''Branch Elections.''
* '''Branch Officials'''
** Every ''Branch'', whether ''Intrinsic'' or ''Lateral'', is headed up by the three ''Branch Officials'', each who serve 12 year terms, staggered every four years. They guide their ''Branch'' using a majority vote among the three, and these officials are elected into their positions by the ''Branch Members'' themselves.
* '''Branch Primary Election'''
** A special election within a ''Branch'' to select that ''Branch's'' candidate for the position of a new ''Executive Group'' member. Only ''Branch Members'' are permitted to vote in this election and it is held in the first quarter of the year of the ''General Election''.
* '''Briefs'''
** The ''Branch Officials'' are tasked with keeping the ''Executive Group'' apprised of all the important events transpiring within their ''Branch,'' and do this by providing regular ''Briefs''. Through practical experience the frequency and depth should be determined and codified, even if this turns out to be unique among the different ''Branches''.
** ''Ambassador Units'' are obligated to present ''Briefs'' directly to the ''Executive Group'' as well as the ''Branch Officials'' of the International Affairs Branch for urgent issues requiring immediate attention.
* '''Charging Departments'''
** In the unique situation where at least two ''Departments'' within a ''Branch'' are unhappy with the leadership of their ''Branch Officials'', they may call for a ''No-Confidence Vote'', in which those ''Departments'' heading up this effort are referred to ''Charging Departments''.
* '''Charging Documentation'''
** The relevant evidence each ''Charging Department'' compiles for the basis of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote.''
* '''Citizens'''
** Those people born or graduating from ''Provisional Citizenship'' into the Liminal State.
* '''Citizen Initiatives'''
**Even ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' that do not work within a ''Branch'' of the Liminal State have the ability to affect their government directly using ''Citizen Initiatives''. Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' or group of ''Emancipated Citizen'' that are able to gather 10% or more ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary'' will have that issue addressed.
**To ensure it meets the minimum legal threshold of the Liminal State, the initiative must first go through a ''Justice Branch Screening'' and get final approval before signatures can be gathered.
**Only ''Emancipated Citizen'' within that ''Political Boundary'' may participate and gather ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary''. There can be no payments for signature gathering process or promotion of the issue - it requires true ''Citizen'' initiative and work, and does not allow for outside money or interests to interfere in this process.
**Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' within the ''Political Boundary'' may sign, as the initiative process does not require the approval of ''Eligible Voters''.
**The success of a ''Citizen'' Initiative automatically places the issue on the ballot within that ''Political Boundary'' for the next election and also convenes a ''Citizen Jury''.
* '''Citizen Jury'''
** A ''Citizen Jury'' is the nomenclature describing the convening of 99 random ''Emancipated Citizens'' to investigate, analyze, ask questions, and call witnesses and experts following the success of a ''Citizen Initiative'' for the benefit of that community.
** The ''Citizen Jury'' is not limited in their investigative authority and subpoena powers to ask their own questions, request additional witnesses or experts, and debate amongst themselves and discuss with their relative communities.
** All activities of the ''Citizen Jury'' are recorded and made available to the public so the ''Eligible Voters'' within that ''Political Boundary'' can make educated decisions regarding their vote for or against the issue, law, or regulation on the next ballot.
* '''Citizen Signatures'''
** ''Citizen Initiatives'' requires the pre-approval of the ''Emancipated Citizen'' within a ''Political Boundary'' to get an initiative on the ballot. To prove there is adequate interest, the ''Emancipated Citizens'' must "sign" the petition. This can be a real signature (officially matched to the signature on file prior to counting), or the ''Emancipated Citizens'' can sign electronically. The mechanism for this will be resolved by the Progress Branch to ensure security, legality, and authentication.
* '''Contract Workers'''
** The temporary personnel and companies that may be hired by the Liminal State for a specific period of time or to complete a specific project. They are not to be considered ''Government Personnel'', do not gain any additional voting rights, are not restricted from outside income (unless contractually stipulated), and do not necessarily get paid above-average wages. ''Contract Workers'' include ''Contracted Companies'', the employees of ''Contracted Companies'' and ''Temporary Employees''.
* '''Contracted Companies'''
** Any business or company that works with the Liminal State through a contract and are not to be considered a part of the Liminal State, nor are their employees to be considered employees of the Liminal State.
* '''Decision Basis'''
** Every member of a ''Leadership Group'' is required to provide a detailed analysis of their reasoning behind their choice in a ''Decision Vote''. This information is used to ensure voting diligence, provide insight into that vote, allow public consumption and judgement, and for posterity.
* '''Decision Votes'''
** The votes that ''Leadership Groups'' make to determine a decision. The issue must be able to be determined with a "Yes" or "No" answer, and the majority vote of that group decides.
* '''Defense Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that manages the defense above the Liminal State and at the borders of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
** All the different military arms, for example the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy within the US, are guided by the ''Defense Branch'', and are prohibited by law from being used as any kind of police force within the Liminal State or to operate internationally.
** The technology used by the ''Defense Branch'' will always work towards perfecting non-lethal means of defense and disengagement. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Delegate Team'''
** A group of three selected by the ''Branch Officials'' of an ''Intrinsic Branch,'' from within that ''Branch,'' to represent their interests to a ''Lateral Branch'' or in domestic ''Embassies''.
* '''Delegate Vote Method'''
** In ''Lateral Branch'' votes, the ''Delegate Teams'' from each associated ''Intrinsic Branch'' and the ''Branch Officials'' of that ''Lateral Branch'' all vote on decisions using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This is not to be confused with the ''Justice Delegate Vote Method.''
* '''Departments'''
** ''Branches'' use ''Departments'' to do the real work needed for the Liminal State. ''Departments'' can be ''Permanent'' or ''Temporary'', depending on the project and need. They can also be created as ''Independent Departments'', meaning they are guided by their mission and expertise alone, not by ''Branch Officials''.
** ''Enforcement Agencies'' are special ''Independent Departments'' within every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches.''
** Each ''Department'' is directed by three ''Department Heads.''
* '''Department Heads'''
** The three leaders of a ''Department'', each serves a 12 year term, staggered every four years.
* '''Election Cycle'''
** The four year period between elections. ''Leadership Teams'' are elected on a four year cycle, and within four years all the different ''Leadership Teams'' will have had the senior member depart, a new junior member join, and a new ''Alternate'' selected (if applicable). The ''Election Cycle'' of of each ''Leadership Team'' also happens in different years, allowing for natural upper movement of the best.
* '''Eligible Voters'''
** This is the group of people within the Liminal State that have the right to vote. In the case where the Liminal State uses the ''Empathy Test'', ''Eligible Voters'' only include those ''Emancipated Citizens'' that have taken the ''Empathy Test'' and place in the top 80%.
** Most elections within a ''Branch'' allow all ''Government Personnel'' of that ''Branch'' to vote, whether they are ''Eligible Voters'' or not; where the ''Empathy Test'' is used. But if the iteration of Liminal State employs the ''Empathy Test'' and a ''Branch'' election explicitly specifies ''Eligible Voters'', that means that that election is restricted to only those personnel within that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Empathy Test.''
* '''Emancipated Citizens'''
** ''Emancipated Citizens'' are the group that we would currently call adults, and they would have all the rights and freedoms afforded adults, including complete bodily autonomy. Instead of an arbitrary age used to define an adult, ''Citizens'' of the Liminal State would take an ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate their ability to make adult decisions and handle adult responsibilities.
* '''Emancipation Test'''
** ''Citizens'' take the ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate that they have gained the basic capabilities expected of ''Emancipated Citizens'', such as basic reading and math skills, the ability to manage a budget, social, emotional, media, and online intelligence, demonstrable practical skills like changing a tire or taking care of a pet, and understanding their relationship with other ''Citizens'' and the Liminal State.
* '''Embassies'''
** Embassies are used internationally and domestically to provide a direct point of contact between the people and the Liminal State.
** International ''Embassies'' are used by the ''Ambassador Units'' and their staff to maintain relationships with those foreign states.
** Domestic ''Embassies'' are placed strategically throughout the Liminal State and house ''Delegate Teams'' from every ''Branch'' to provide direct access for the ''Citizens'' that require in-person services, including ''Justice Branch Screenings'' of ''Citizen Initiatives'', the administration of ''Emancipation Tests'' and ''Empathy Tests'', business complaints, etc.
* '''Empathy Test'''
** When employed by the Liminal State to determine voter eligibility, the test that ''Emancipated Citizens'' can take every four years, which gains the top 80% most empathetic the privilege of voting.
* '''Employable Citizens'''
** This group of people includes all who have become ''Emancipated Citizens'' or have passed an ''Employment Screening.''
* '''Employment Screening'''
** A specialized test that anyone who has yet to become an ''Emancipated Citizen'' can take to be allowed to work. This screening wouldn't test job-related skills, but rather ensures the individual is capable of safely performing the eventual tasks required and meet other minimum conditions. This group would mostly include young adults, some people with an intellectual disabilities, and appropriate ''Provisional Citizens''.
* '''Enforcement Agency'''
** A specialized ''Department'' that every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches'' have to investigate and enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the expertise of that ''Branch''. Some ''Branches'' may have more than one.
* '''Executive Group'''
** A five-member group, each of which have demonstrable expertise and leadership abilities, that directs the Liminal State as a whole, elected into their positions by the ''Eligible Voters'' for 20 year terms, staggered every four years.
* '''For Cause'''
** Any one of the valid reasons for removing ''Government Personnel'', including criminal activity, improper use of position, profiting from office, unlawful outside income, etc.
* '''General Elections'''
** The election held every four years where the ''Eligible Voters'' decide the next ''Executive Group'' member, grade the performance of existing ''Executive Group'' members, and vote on the matters of law on the ballot.
* '''Global Justice Branch Vote'''
** The ''Justice Branch'' is special in that all personnel that hold ''Leadership Group'' positions within the ''Justice Branch'' vote on the big decisions facing the Liminal State through ''Judicial Branch Screenings''. The outcome is decided using a simple majority from among all eligible personnel voting, rather than using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This takes the power away from the few at the top, how it is with the US Supreme Court now, and gives it to all the experts within that ''Branch''. This would be the equivalent of having all decisions facing the Supreme Court being decided by every judge working within the entire Judiciary Branch.
* '''Government Personnel'''
** Those individuals that work directly within the Liminal State, and in any capacity, from lowest level employee through the ''Executive Group''.
** ''Government Personnel'' are paid a premium to attract the very best and because they must sacrifice additional sources of income during their employ. Those that work within a ''Branch'' also have additional voting privileges.
** ''Contract Workers'' are excluded from this classification''.''
* '''Impromptu Vote'''
** With the creation of a new ''Department'' or ''Branch'', or in the very rare circumstance where there is more than one ''Leadership Group'' seat within a ''Branch'' needing to be filled or there isn't an available ''Alternate'' to fill a single seat, a ''Branch'' or ''Department'' can hold an ''Impromptu Vote'' to fill multiple seats and select a new ''Alternate'', if necessary, at the same time. An ''Impromptu Vote'' will use the ''Year 0 Rules'' to fill each open seat with the appropriate candidate, and each successful candidate winning a seat will serve an abbreviated term so the ''Election Cycle'' is not altered.
* '''Independent Branch'''
** A ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Executive Group'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Departments'''
** A ''Department'' within a ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Branch Officials'' (and therefore the ''Executive Group)'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Investigation'''
** An investigational body spawned by an ''Enforcement Agency'' that operates independently of oversight and direction from that ''Enforcement Agency'' or it's ''Branch'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Informed Vote Archive'''
** These are specific, encrypted online archives, only accessible by those with the specific right to vote on a decision, that contains all the requisite information necessary to make an informed decision. Regularly used by the ''Executive Group'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Department Heads'', etc., but even used by the ''Eligible Voters'' when it comes to ''General Elections'' and for decisions on laws.
* '''Intrinsic Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, specializing in one fundamental aspect of governance among all those required for a functional government. The Liminal State proposes 13 ''Intrinsic Branches'', but the needs of state may require others or fewer.
* '''Justice Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that operates independently of ''Executive Group'' direction and is the final word on the legality of proposed directions, laws, and regulations. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Judicial Branch Screening'''
** All ''Orders or Requests'' ''or'' potential laws or regulations should always be first vetted by the ''Justice Branch'' to ensure the legality of that request, which is called a ''Justice Branch Screening''. This should be common practice and is a ''Protected Action''. ''Judicial Branch Screenings'' require a decision through a ''Global Justice Branch Vote''.
* '''Justice Delegate Vote Method'''
** When there is a decision, regulation, or law being drafted by any ''Branch'', the ''Executive Group'', or ''Citizen Initiative'' and advice is needed to it's initial lawfulness, the ''Justice Branch Delegate Teams'' from a minimum of two ''Lateral Branches'' with ''Standing'', along with the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'', all vote using the ''Aggregate Vote Method'' to decide legality, and the resulting ''Decision Basis'' for any necessary refinement''.''
** This is not to be confused with the ''Delegate Vote Method''.
* '''Lateral Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, and which works in the area directly between the expertise of two ''Intrinsic Branches''.
* '''Leadership Groups'''
** This is a general term for the different ''Leadership Groups'' that include ''Branch Officials'', ''Delegate Teams'', ''Department Heads'', ''Ambassador Units'', and the ''Executive Group.'' These groups are comprised of three or five members.
* '''Neighborhood'''
** A thought experiment used by the Liminal State to describe complex situations in a simple way, while using the idea of a neighborhood community and those interactions as a model.
* '''No-Confidence Vote'''
** A special kind of vote that subordinates or subordinate ''Leadership Groups'' use to remove superior ''Leadership Group'' members, following an official process.
* '''Non-Citizens'''
** All people that are not ''Citizens'' or ''Provisional Citizens.''
* '''Orders or Requests'''
** Any directions given by a superior to a subordinate that is expected to be followed. This could be from a ''Government Personnel'' to another ''Government Personnel'', or from ''Government Personnel'' to a ''Contract Worker'', and is required to be lawful.
* '''Permanent Department'''
** Unless otherwise instantiated, ''Departments'' are ''Permanent Departments''. This means they will always continue to exist. These contrast with ''Temporary Departments,'' which are created for a specific purpose and no longer exist once that purpose has been fulfilled or a certain amount of time has elapsed.
* '''Permanent Hires'''
** Unless specifically hired as a ''Contract Worker'', all employees of the Liminal State are ''Permanent Hires''. This means that after completing the ''Probationary Employee'' stage, they can only be removed ''For Cause''.
* '''Political Boundary'''
** The different imaginary delineated areas within the Liminal State within which ''Eligible Voters'' decide on the virtues of potential laws and leadership for themselves. These might be a local community, town, city, district, state/province, or national boundary.
* '''Probationary Employee'''
** All ''Permanent Hires'' of the Liminal State are considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year, regardless of role, which allows for easier removal of problematic employees. ''Probationary Employees'' are not permitted to vote in ''Branch Elections'', even if an ''Eligible Voter''.
* '''Professional Objection'''
** A ''Professional Objection'' is a special ''Record'' filed to ask the ''Justice Branch'' to review the legality of an ''Order or Request'' made within the Liminal State. The ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' filing a ''Professional Objection'' are indemnified of any penalties for not following that ''Order or Request'' until the review has been completed, and the act of filing a ''Professional Objection'' is a ''Protected Action''.
* '''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'''
** In this system, also referred to as [[wikipedia:Single_transferable_vote|Single Transferable Vote (STV)]], a person casts a single vote in the form of a ranked ballot, where candidates are optionally ordered from highest priority to lowest. At the conclusion of the initial count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and all those that voted for this person then have their vote reassigned to the next candidate on their list. Any additional votes received by a candidate that reaches the electoral quota are also reassigned to that voter's next candidate, meaning that no votes are wasted. This mechanism is repeated over and over internally until the candidates are ranked in the most fair and logical way.
* '''Protected Action'''
** Any fundamentally protected speech or action within the Liminal State, and for which there can never be retribution, discipline, or other action, overt or covert, that would dissuade a person's desire to make that speech or do that action.
* '''Protected Citizens'''
** All ''Citizens'' that have yet to pass the test to become ''Emancipated Citizens''. This group includes children, some people with an intellectually disability, and by default, holders of a ''Provisional Citizenship''.
* '''Provisional Citizen'''
** All people wishing for amnesty or naturalization into the Liminal State are first considered ''Provisional Citizens'' following initial approval. This status lasts for a period of three years, after which point they officially become ''Citizens''. This temporary status is used to ensure all new potential citizens are willing and able to accumulate into the Liminal State and be productive participants of society.
** ''Provisional Citizens'' may take the ''Employment Test'' and/or the ''Emancipation Test'', though as ''Provisional Citizens'' they will not be permitted to vote.
* '''Record'''
** With every vote and at other times ''Government Personnel'' of the Liminal State must provide justifications or supporting factors and documentation concerning a decision for the ''Record''. The action of inputting this information into the Liminal State official database is to ''Record'', and that information then becomes a ''Record''.
* '''Removal Paths'''
** Any one of the various ways that ''Leadership Group'' members can be officially removed from their seats.
* '''Restitution'''
** The repayment to a ''Citizen'' or group for a violation of law by the one violating the law, which may be monetary, a time commitment, or whatever is deemed appropriate to make the ''Citizen'' or group suffering the violation of law whole.
* '''Review Vote'''
** Laws that are passed by the ''Citizens'' remain in effect for eight years and automatically renew by default unless the ''Citizens'' vote at the conclusion of the eight years using the ''80% Rule'' to repeal the law. This review of a law prior to automatic renewal is called a ''Review Vote''.
* '''Sentient Life/Being'''
** All self-aware and intelligent individuals that extol empathy, patience, wisdom, and non-violence. Currently this only includes humans, but in the future may also include self-aware general A.I, other intelligent organic life to arise on Earth, or life created or arising not of Earth. For simplicity, this documentation will use the term "people" when referring to ''Sentient Life''.
* '''Special Projects'''
** Every ''Executive Group'' member is elected on their leadership abilities, expertise, and two or three ''Special Projects'' that they wish to complete during their 20 year term. These should be projects that are within the expertise of that candidate, important to the candidate and the people, are possible to complete within the 20 year term (or an important part of a bigger issue), and ideally are likely to not be accomplished unless spearheaded by an ''Executive Group'' member.
* '''Standing'''
** Those with with a direct and demonstrable interest in a specific issue have ''Standing''.
* '''Temporary Department'''
** Anytime there is a special situation or a special project that requires the effort of a new full ''Department'', the ''Branch Officials'' may create a ''Temporary Department'' to serve until a project is completed or for a specific amount of time. The ''Department Heads'' of ''Temporary Departments'' are initially selected by the ''Branch Officials'' using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' and ''Year 0 Rules'' to place the qualified and willing candidates into the appropriate seats, with the initial amount of time served being truncated to match the regular ''Election Cycle''. After instantiation, the initial ''Department Heads'' will be individually replaced like normal with each new ''Election Cycle'' by the members of that ''Temporary Department''.
* '''Temporary Employees'''
** ''Temporary Employees'' are those specifically hired to help with ''Special Projects'', ''Temporary Departments'', and certain other tasks or situations within the Liminal State that may require outside staffing for a limited amount of time. ''Temporary Employees'' are categorized as ''Contract Workers'' and are not considered ''Government Personnel''.
* '''Voter Decision'''
** Any issues, laws, or candidates on the ballot before the voters are considered a ''Voter Decision'', and all ''Eligible Voters'' within the ''Political Boundary'' of that election are eligible to vote.
* '''Year 0 Rules'''
** Special election rules used to replace multiple seats in a ''Leadership Group'' as if initially starting and having to fill all at once. Instead of the top candidate filling a seat vacated by a senior member, the ''Year 0 Rules'' seat the winning candidates as they are ranked using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', where the top winner fills the junior seat and serves a full term, but is considered the senior member, with the next filling the next seat, with an abbreviated term and considered the middle member, and the third winner filling the last seat and only serving until the next ''Election Cycle'' while being considered the junior member.
** Using this method, several seats and an ''Alternative'' can be selected in a single election, with specific rules used to determine where each winning candidate sits and their seniority, depending on their rank in the vote.
* '''Δ Coalition'''
** The group of people responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting the Liminal State as a better form of democracy, now and for the future.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Removal

2026-09-29T18:26:14Z

Mr Fox:

There are several ''Removal Paths'' available concerning the ''Executive Group''. Each path serves a specific purpose and each situation must use the appropriate path. Each of these removal methods attempts to utilize those who would best understand the situation or have the most ''Standing'' be the effectors of the removal.

=== '''Path 1: Office Fitness''' ===
Should an ''Executive Group'' member's office fitness become a question of mental or physical ability, or an ''Executive Group'' member has not been available for a ''Decision Vote'' for 15 days due to an unexpected unavailability, then the following process is used to remove that member:

# The remaining four ''Executive Group'' members must be in unanimous agreement and ''Record'' their vote for this removal (if 15 days have elapsed due to an unexpected unavailability, then the ''Justice Branch'' can move forward without the approval of the ''Executive Group'').
# The ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will have five days to investigate the situation to first insure this is the appropriate ''Removal Path.''
## They may refer to the expertise of other ''Branches'' or ''Departments'' if needed''.''
## The documentation of this investigation will be deposited into an ''Informed Vote Archive'' for review by the the participants of a ''Global Justice Branch Vote''.
# The ''Global Justice Branch Vote'' will be held within five days following the deposit into the ''Informed Vote Archive'' to determine the appropriateness of the removal of the ''Executive Group'' member using this ''Removal Path''.
# With a successful ''Global Justice Branch Vote,'' the findings of the investigation will then be made available to the ''Branch Officials'' of all ''Intrinsic and Lateral Branches'' via an ''Informed Vote Archive''.
# The ''Branch Officials'' of every ''Intrinsic'' and ''Lateral Branch'' will have five days to review the information and then vote using the ''Aggregate Vote'' method.
# All ''Branch Officials'' are required to vote, and a simple majority among the ''Branches'' using the ''Aggrege Vote'' ''Method'' will results in the removal of the ''Executive Group'' member.
## A tie does not count as a majority.
## If there is a failed vote there cannot be another vote on this matter unless there is a substantive change in condition, which the ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will be charged with investigating and the decision made through a ''Global Justice Branch Vote.''

=== '''Path 2: Negligence, criminal activity, abuse of position, etc.''' ===
# Anyone with knowledge of the abuse of office may refer the matter to the ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'', including personnel within the ''Justice Branch''.
# The ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will investigate the situation in an independent and neutral manner
## They will interview the indicted ''Executive Member(s)'' and gathering their defense and supporting documentation.
## The investigators may also refer to the expertise of other ''Branches'' or ''Departments'' if needed.
## The documentation of this investigation will be deposited into an ''Informed Vote Archive'' for review by the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch.''
# The ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will have a vote within 10 days following the deposit of the investigation materials into the ''Informed Vote Archive'' to determine if there is a legal basis for the removal. A majority vote in favor will prompt the contents of the investigation in the ''Informed Vote Archive'' to become available for all participants of a ''Global Justice Branch Vote.''
# The ''Global Justice Branch Vote'' to decide the fate of the E''xecutive Group'' member(s) will be held no later than 30 days from the majority vote by the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'', and will be based on the investigation materials.
# If there is more than one ''Executive Group'' member indicted, then each will be individually evaluated and voted upon. A majority vote in favor of removal will result in the immediate loss of seat for that ''Executive Group'' member.

=== '''Path 3: Impeachment''' ===
Unlike the current messy process in the United States where the voters have no say and instead must hope a couple hundred partisan political elites, half of which belong to the same party as the president, will actually do their job and remove a corrupt or incompetent president, the following process is used by the Liminal State to change this power dynamic and give the power of impeachment back to the people.

As the ''Eligible Voters'' are responsible for picking effective leaders, it is entirely up the the ''Eligible Voters'' to judge the performance of the ''Executive Group'' members, and they have that opportunity every four years with the ''General Election''.

The ''General Election'' is not only used to elect a new member to the ''Executive Group'', but also an opportunity to grade all the existing members on their performance over the previous four years, and impeach if necessary. All existing ''Executive Group'' members are graded in this way, including the outgoing senior member.

While it may seem counterintuitive to potentially impeach the outgoing senior ''Executive Group'' member, as there is a period of time prior to the newly elected candidate actual filling the seat, it may be in the best interest of the ''Eligible Voters'' to still remove them early. Additionally, this means there is no place for a lame duck official in the Liminal State, and this system encourages all officials to finish the final years in their seats just as actively as their first.

To calculate the grade that each ''Executive Group'' member receives every four years, divide the the number of votes of disapproval by the number of votes in approval. The greater the result, the better that member's grade.
Example 1: 1000 votes are in approval and 250 are in disapproval. That means 1000 / 250 = 4

Example 2: 250 votes are in approval and 1000 are in disapproval That means 250 / 1000 = 0.25
This grade plays a direct role in the impeachment of a member. If 40% of the voters in that election opt to give a grade to an ''Executive Group'' member, and if that member receive a grade below 1, then that member has been successfully impeached and removed from their seat.
Example 3: If there are 5000 total votes cast, with 250 votes are in approval and 1000 are in disapproval, the percentage of voters giving a grade to this member is 25% [(250 + 1000) / 5000 = 25%]. This is below the 40% threshold, so while the grade remains 0.25, this member would keep their seat.

Example 4: If there are 3000 total votes cast, with 1000 votes are in approval and 250 are in disapproval, the percentage of voters giving a grade to this member is 41.67% [(1000 + 250) / 3000 = 41.67%]. This is above the 40% threshold, but with a grade of 4.0, this member would keep their seat.

Example 5: If there are 3000 total votes cast, with 250 votes are in approval and 1000 are in disapproval, the percentage of voters giving a grade to this member is 41.67% [(250 + 1000) / 3000 = 41.67%]. This is above the 40% threshold, so with a grade of 0.25, this member would be officially impeached and lose their seat.
This method gives the ''Eligible Voters'' the direct ability to remove ineffective or corrupt leaders. But it also shouldn't be easy for a handful of disaffected ''Citizens'' to remove ''Executive Group'' members every ''Election Cycle'' out of spite. This equation ensures our leaders know exactly where they stand with the ''Citizens'' through the periodic grades they receive, and with this knowledge adjust course if necessary. Yet if enough ''Eligible Voters'' have an opinion and give an ''Executive Group'' member a bad grade, it results in their immediate removal.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Eligibility and Process

2026-09-29T18:10:06Z

Mr Fox:

Eligible candidates for the executive role are sourced exclusively from the ''Intrinsic'' and ''Lateral'' ''Branches''. Each ''Branch'' may provide one candidate, and that candidate must be an ''Eligible Voter'' who has passed the ''Empathy Test,'' have a minimum of 12 years experience within their ''Branch'', and be a minimum of 35 years old and 49 or younger, all at the time of the election.

Before a ''Branch'' settles on a single candidate, each holds a ''Branch Primary Election'' in which all ''Branch Members'' vote among the eligible and interested candidates running from that ''Branch'' using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting''. The ''Branch Primary Election'' determines the final candidate and occurs in the first quarter of the year prior to the ''General Election''.

The primary winners from within each ''Branch'' use the second and third quarter of the year prior to the ''General Election'' to work with all the other ''Intrinsic Branches'' and become familiar with their operation, needs, and expectations. All ''Intrinsic Branches'' shall have an orientation program in place to efficiently impart the appropriate knowledge that each ''Branch'' candidate would need as an executive, if elected. The candidates will also formalize two or three ''Special Projects'' that they wish to spearhead during their 20 years in office, should they be elected.

Finally, the winning candidates from each ''Branch'' provides to the official channels all the details about their ''Special Projects'', experience, and anything else about them that makes them a compelling candidate. An ''Informed Vote Archive'' is created as a depository for all this information and made available for consumption by all ''Eligible Voters'' and the media.

If for any reason the winning candidate from the ''Branch Primary Election'' becomes unavailable before the ''General Election'', then the runner up from that ''Branch’s'' primary will assume the role as candidate and go through each ''Branch's'' orientation program.

=== '''Disqualifications''' ===
Should there be two existing ''Executive Group'' members originating from a single ''Branch'', that ''Branch'' will be prohibited from offering another candidate in a ''General Election'' until one of those members has vacated or is scheduled to vacate their seat with the next General Election.

=== '''Donation Notes''' ===
If financial donations are allowed, which should be decided at the instantiation of the Liminal State, they are only permitted for ''General Election'' candidates. Donations are not permitted from entities or people not eligible to vote'','' for other types of elections, nor for laws to be decided by ''Eligible Voters''.

If allowed, the ''General Election'' every four years has a maximum campaign donation limited to a single day’s wage at the lowest official rate throughout the nation at the time of the election, and is limited to contributions from ''Eligible Voters'' only. Each ''Eligible Voter'' may donate multiple times, up to this limit, per candidate. While each ''Eligible Voter'' may be limited to a small financial contribution, donations of time are unlimited, as an hour is the same whether wealthy or poor.

Candidates allowed to receive donations for their ''General Election'' run will be assigned a special account by the Liminal State where all contributions must be sent. The identities of the ''Eligible Voters'' contributing will not be a matter of public record, but the Liminal State will ensure all donation limits are enforced and all campaign spending is provided by this account.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

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Official Removal Process

2026-09-29T17:59:22Z

Mr Fox:

Should office fitness of a ''Branch Official'' ever be in question, there are several paths available for immediate removal. Collectively these are called ''Removal Paths'', and can also be applied to the ''Alternate''.

=== '''Path 1: Resignation''' ===
Any candidate interested in becoming a ''Branch Official'' should take the position seriously and should not think of resignation as an option. All elected positions are critical roles, but in certain rare circumstances resignation may be appropriate.

Should an alternate ''Removal Path'' be more appropriate for the situation facing the ''Branch Official'' that wishes to resign, then that other path must be taken. Resignation is not a way to escape accountability from criminal acts, a ''No-Confidence Vote'', fear of impeachment, or other ''For Cause'' actions. If the resignation request is due to the ''Branch Official's'' successful election into a different position, the following procedure will still be used.

# The ''Branch Official'' wishing to resign must ''Record'' their resignation notice and present these items to the ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch''. The ''Record'' must include the following:
## Valid and compelling supporting factors to justify the resignation.
## Proposed final date in the position.
## Mitigation factors that will be taken prior to the proposed resignation date to protect the ''Branch.''
# The ''Enforcement Agency'' will investigate the ''Record'' presented and attempt to confirm that no other ''Removal Paths'' is more appropriate.
# The ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will then consider the substance of ''Record'' and the investigation and decide if all of the following are true:
## There is no more appropriate ''Removal Path''.
## The ''Record'' provides compelling reasons to allow the resignation that most would consider valid.
## The ''Branch'' would not be intrinsically harmed by allowing the resignation of this ''Branch Official'' on the requested resignation date.
# After consideration, the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will vote on the matter, with a simple majority deciding the outcome.

=== '''Path 2: Death, Loss of Mental Facilities, Missing Person, etc.''' ===
# It is the duty of the ''Branch Officials'' to report the death, mental health questions, or an absent ''Branch Official'' to the ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'', but if this hasn't happened then anyone with information or suspicion of this situation may report instead.
# The ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will provide an ''Independent Investigation'' of the situation. Their focus will be to ensure the situation meets the criteria for this ''Resignation Path'', which is that the person is physically or mentally unable to fulfill their role and it is unlikely that resolution will come within 15 days. They may include the expertise of any ''Branches'' or specific ''Departments'' to support the investigation.
# Based on the evidence gathered from the ''Independent Investigation'', the three ''Justice Branch Officials'' will vote, with a simple majority deciding the outcome.
## This assumes the official to be removed does not belong to the ''Justice Branch''.
## For the removal of a ''Justice Branch Official'', a simple majority vote by the ''Executive Group,'' based on the evidence gathered from the ''Independent Investigation'', will decide the outcome.

=== '''Path 2: Office Misuse, Criminal Activity, etc.''' ===
# Anyone within the ''Branch'' or with information regarding official misconduct of one or more ''Branch Officials'' may present their concern to the ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' (anonymously, if desired).
# The ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will provide an ''Independent Investigation'' of the allegations, and may indicted additional ''Branch Officials'' if the evidence warrants it.
# Based on the evidence gathered from the investigation, the ''Justice Branch'' will hold a ''Global Justice Branch Vote'' using a simple majority, independently evaluating each indicted ''Branch Official''. If a ''Justice Branch Official'' is the target of the investigation, then the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will recuse themselves from the ''Global Justice Branch Vote'' and all ''Executive Group'' members will vote in their place.

=== '''Path 3: Department No-Confidence''' ===
The ''Departments'' of a ''Branch'' with three or more ''Permanent'' or ''Temporary Departments'' can propose the removal of one or more ''Branch Officials'' through the process called a ''No-Confidence Vote.''

# All three ''Department Heads'' of two or more ''Departments'' within the same ''Branch'' must ''Record'' their vote in favor of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote.''
## Each ''Department'' voting in favor of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote'' are called a ''Charging Department.''
## It is permissible and expected for ''Department Heads'' to communicate among themselves for this action.
## It requires the unanimous votes within and across a minimum of two ''Departments Heads'', not a simple majority among two ''Departments''.
# All ''Charging Departments'' must present the following documentation to the ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' within 30 days of the conclusion of the ''Recorded'' vote in favor of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote'':
## The identities of the ''Branch Officials'' being indicted.
## ''Charging Documentation'' - compiled relevant evidence for the basis of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote.''
### This documentation should not include any information that identifies the ''Charging Departments''.
### This documentation should not include any information that directly or indirectly identifies any personnel, outside the indicted ''Branch Officials''.
## The ''Decision Basis'' from each ''Department Head'' supporting the proposed ''No-Confidence Vote.''
# The ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will ensure the following before moving on to the next step:
## There is no more appropriate ''Removal Path'' available that should be used for the situation.
## The indicted ''Branch Official(s)'' have been clearly identified.
## The ''Charging Documentation'' is anonymized.
## All three ''Department Heads'' of all ''Charging Departments'' have ''Recorded'' an affirmative vote for holding a ''No-Confidence Vote,'' with clear and valid reasons within their ''Decision Basis''.
## The ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branc''h will have 30 days to review the documentation, but should work as quickly as possible to present it to the indicted ''Branch Officials''.
# The ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will present the indicted ''Branch Official(s)'' with the ''Charging Documentation'' only.
## No ''Branch Officials'' within the affected ''Branch'', whether indicted or not, shall be made aware of which ''Departments'' are bringing the indictment.
## There will be no further interviews or communication regarding this matter between any personnel, ''Department Heads,'' or ''Branch Officials'' within this window.
# Each indicted ''Branch Official'' will have 30 days to compile evidence and respond to the provided ''Charging Documentation''.
# A ''No-Confidence Vote'' will be held no later than 37 days from the ''Charging Documentation'' being presented to the indicted ''Branch Official(s).''
## The ''Charging Documentation'' and the response(s) of the ''Branch Official(s)'' will be put in an ''Informed Vote Archive'' for review by all ''Department Heads'' no less than 7 days prior to the vote.
## All ''Departments Heads'' within that ''Branch'' will decide the outcome of each indicted ''Branch Official'' using the ''Aggregated Vote'' method.
## Each affirmative tally will result in the immediate removal of that ''Branch Official'', and that former official will be forbidden from holding any leadership position within the Liminal State in the future.

=== '''Path 4: Defiance of Guidance''' ===
The ''Executive Group'' can only recommend the removal of ''Branch Officials'' for unlawfully defying guidance, therefore this method does not apply to ''Independent Branches'', such as the ''Justice Branch''.

# The first step requires at least four members of the ''Executive Group'' to vote in favor of removing the ''Branch Officials'' from a ''Branch'' with an included ''Decision Basis'' from all members of the ''Executive Group.''
## They may only remove all three ''Branch Officials'' of a single ''Branch'' at the same time.
## The ''Executive Group'' may not single out a specific ''Branch Official'' to remove.
# Upon a successful vote by the ''Executive Group'', the ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' is tasked with investigating the matter. They must examine the following parts:
## There was one or more specific directions by the ''Executive Group'' that were not followed.
## The directions of the ''Executive Group'' were lawful, clear, possible, and should have been able to be followed by the ''Branch Officials''.
## The directions of the ''Executive Group'' were not carried out, either intentionally, by inaction, not in spirit, or otherwise in such a way as to circumvent the express wishes of the ''Executive Group'' - the ''Branch Officials'' are solely responsible for ensuring their ''Branch'' follows the directions of the ''Executive Group.''
# The ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' next investigates the following on the other side:
## The actions or inactions and ''Decision Basis'' of each of the indicted ''Branch Officials''.
## Interview the ''Branch Officials'' and compile additional evidence that supports the justification of the ''Branch Officials'' actions or inactions.
# Following the completion of these steps, all information compiled by the ''Enforcement Agency'' of the ''Justice Branch'' will be made available to the ''Branch Officials'' of all ''Branches'', along with entirety of the ''Executive Group's'' indictment through a ''Informed Vote Archive.''
## The ''Branch Officials'' of each ''Branch'' will have 30 days to review all the information, independently ask any additional questions of the ''Executive Group'' or the indicted ''Branch Officials'', though the indicted ''Branch Officials'' are forbidden from discussing amongst themselves, with the ''Executive Group'', or via any linked personnel.
## At the conclusion of the 30 days, all ''Branch Officials'', excluding those of the indicted ''Branch'', will cast their votes using the ''Aggregated Vote'' ''Method'' to determine what actions, if any, will take place.
### A final tally in favor of removal will cause those ''Branch Officials'' to immediately lose their seats. They are also prohibited from working in any leadership roles within the Liminal State in the future.
### Per standard procedure, all ''Branch Officials'' will provide the ''Decision Basis'' for their votes.

=== '''Path 5: Impeachment''' ===
The normal ''Election Cycle'' is not only used to elect a new ''Branch Official'', but also an opportunity to grade all the existing ''Branch Officials'' on their performance thus far, and impeach if necessary. All existing ''Branch Officials'' are graded in this way, including the outgoing senior ''Branch Official''.

While it may seem counterintuitive to potentially impeach the outgoing senior ''Branch Official'', there is a time prior to the newly elected candidate actual filling the seat, so it may be in the best interest of the ''Branch'' personnel to still remove someone early. Additionally, this means there is no place for a lame duck official in the Liminal State, and this system encourages all officials to finish the final years in their seats just as actively as their first.

To calculate the grade that each ''Branch Official'' receives every four years, divide the the number of votes against impeachment to the number of votes for. The greater the result, the better that official is doing. If they receive a number less than one, then they lose their seat. This differs from ''Executive Group'' member impeachment in that there is no requirement of a minimum number of voters.
Example 1: Out of 5000 votes cast, 1000 votes are against impeachment and 250 are for. That means 1000 / 250 = 4 (the seat of this ''Branch Official'' is safe).

Example 2: Out of 5000 votes cast, 250 votes are against impeachment and 1000 are for. That means 250 / 1000 = 0.25 (this ''Branch Official'' has lost their seat).
This method is used because it's not good enough to be be okay in this position. If a ''Branch Official'' is only getting by and isn't actively engaging with personnel within their ''Branch'' and generating good will during their tenure, then they will likely get few people to vote against impeachment. That means that even a low number of votes in favor of impeachment can unseat a mediocre official.

On the other hand, an exceptional ''Branch Official'' will not only be doing a great job, but the staff of their ''Branch'' will know it and be supportive of their continued term.

In the Liminal State it's not enough to get to the top. Those with power are expected to do great things with that power, not just hoard it. In the Liminal State only exceptional individuals that are exceptional leaders will make it to the top and stay at the top, and that's good for the entire nation.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Filling Empty Branch Seats

2026-09-29T17:39:44Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''One Empty Branch Seat''' ===
Should one ''Branch Official'' seat be vacated, the ''Alternate'' will immediately fulfill the seat. The ''Alternate, as'' the new ''Branch Official,'' will take over the departing ''Branch Official’s'' term, but will be considered the junior member of the three in those situations where seniority is considered.

=== '''More Than One Empty Branch Seat''' ===
If more than one ''Branch Official'' seat is vacated, then the ''Alternate'' will immediately fulfill the most senior departing seat. The ''Alternate'', in this roll, will take over this departing ''Branch Official's'' term but will be considered the next junior member.

The remaining seat(s) will be filled using an ''Impromptu'' ''Branch Vote'' within that ''Branch'' using the ''Year 0 Rules'' to fill all open seats, including the selection of a new ''Alternate''. Such a vote does not change the normal ''Election Cycle'', rather those filling the empty seats will serve abbreviated terms.

=== '''Alternate Not Available''' ===
Should the ''Alternate'' not be available because they have already filled a ''Branch Official's'' seat or been removed through one of the available ''Removal Paths'', then there will be an ''Impromptu Branch Vote'' within that ''Branch'' using the ''Year 0 Rules'' to fill all open seats, including the selection of a new ''Alternate''. Such a vote does not change the normal voting cycle, rather those filling the empty seats will serve abbreviated terms.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Enforcement Agencies|← Enforcement Agencies]] | [[Filling Empty Branch Seats]] | [[Official Removal Process|Official Removal Process →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Branch Mechanics]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Key Words

2026-09-29T17:34:46Z

Mr Fox:

The following key words are found ''Italicized'' throughout the documentation and have the special meanings. These concepts are defined briefly in situ and here.

* '''80% Rule'''
** Laws within the Liminal State must pass by 80%. If an ''Empathy Test'' is used to determine the ''Eligible Voters'', then that means that 80% of the population are eligible to vote and 80% of them must approve a law for it to pass. This method assumes that there will always be at least 10% at the extremes of either side of an issue, so if 80% are in agreement, then the law has enough support to warrant its application for all within that ''Political Boundary''.
* '''Alternate'''
** Both the ''Executive Group'' and ''Branch Officials'' have a backup in case one official member vacates their seat. The ''Alternate'' serves for four years until the next ''Election Cycle'' when a new ''Alternate'' is picked. The ''Alternate'' may help the leadership team, at their direction, but may not do any work officially reserved for those leaders.
* '''Ambassador Units'''
** An ''Ambassador Unit'' is assigned to each outside state and serves as representatives of the Liminal State to them. Every unit is composed of three people selected by the International Affairs ''Branch'' ''Officials.'' All decisions made by the ''Ambassador Units'' are decided by majority vote among the three, though in matters that impact the Liminal State, they serve the ''Executive Group'' to educate them on all relevant issues so the ''Executive Group'' can decide what action, if any will happen.
* '''Appointed Personnel'''
** Any ''Leadership Group'' member that is selected by the ''Branch Officials'' from among the eligible, qualified, and willing candidates interested in the position using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', rather than as seat winners of an election by those ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing''.
** ''Appointed Personnel'' specifically refers to ''Ambassador Unit'' and ''Delegate Team'' members.
* '''Aggregated Vote'''
** This is a standard voting process to determine simple majority among a collection of ''Leadership Groups'', where each group first votes and then that result equals one vote towards the final tally.
** Whenever there is an ''Aggregate Vote'' as illustrated below, none of the individual voters are aware of anyone else's vote until all votes have been cast, and none of the groups will know the outcome of their groups own result, nor the ''Aggregate Vote'' results of the other groups until all votes have been cast.
For example, if Group A votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group B votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group C votes (no, no, no) = NO, then the final vote is YES.

This method of tabulation is critical because if the total votes had been simply tabulated, it would have resulted in 4 votes for yes and 5 votes for no, with the final vote being NO, which is not accurate.
* '''Branch'''
** The functional divisions of those specialized areas of expertise required for the functioning of a government, each lead by three ''Branch Officials'' that have risen up from within the ranks of that ''Branch'', and overtly guided by the ''Executive Group''. Their singular purpose is to ensure that the ''Citizens'', now and into the future, are the primary beneficiaries when the government, businesses, ''Citizens'', and foreign interests operate and interact within their area of expertise.
* '''Branch Elections'''
** All the different kinds of elections that can take place within a ''Branch'', including those to elect ''Department Heads'' and the ''Branch Officials''.
* '''Branch Members'''
** All ''Emancipated Citizens'' that work directly for a ''Branch'', excluding ''Contract Workers,'' are considered ''Branch Members.'' All ''Permanent Hires'' that have completed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage can vote in ''Branch Elections.''
* '''Branch Officials'''
** Every ''Branch'', whether ''Intrinsic'' or ''Lateral'', is headed up by the three ''Branch Officials'', each who serve 12 year terms, staggered every four years. They guide their ''Branch'' using a majority vote among the three, and these officials are elected into their positions by the ''Branch Members'' themselves.
* '''Branch Primary Election'''
** A special election within a ''Branch'' to select that ''Branch's'' candidate for the position of a new ''Executive Group'' member. Only ''Branch Members'' are permitted to vote in this election and it is held in the first quarter of the year of the ''General Election''.
* '''Briefs'''
** The ''Branch Officials'' are tasked with keeping the ''Executive Group'' apprised of all the important events transpiring within their ''Branch,'' and do this by providing regular ''Briefs''. Through practical experience the frequency and depth should be determined and codified, even if this turns out to be unique among the different ''Branches''.
** ''Ambassador Units'' are obligated to present ''Briefs'' directly to the ''Executive Group'' as well as the ''Branch Officials'' of the International Affairs Branch for urgent issues requiring immediate attention.
* '''Charging Departments'''
** In the unique situation where at least two ''Departments'' within a ''Branch'' are unhappy with the leadership of their ''Branch Officials'', they may call for a ''No-Confidence Vote'', in which those ''Departments'' heading up this effort are referred to ''Charging Departments''.
* '''Charging Documentation'''
** The relevant evidence each ''Charging Department'' compiles for the basis of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote.''
* '''Citizens'''
** Those people born or graduating from ''Provisional Citizenship'' into the Liminal State.
* '''Citizen Initiatives'''
**Even ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' that do not work within a ''Branch'' of the Liminal State have the ability to affect their government directly using ''Citizen Initiatives''. Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' or group of ''Emancipated Citizen'' that are able to gather 10% or more ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary'' will have that issue be added to the ballot within that ''Political Boundary'' for the ''General Election''.
**To ensure it meets the minimum legal threshold of the Liminal State, the initiative must first go through a ''Justice Branch Screening'' and get final approval before signatures can be gathered.
**Only ''Emancipated Citizen'' within that ''Political Boundary'' may participate and gather ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary''. There can be no payments for signature gathering process or promotion of the issue - it requires true ''Citizen'' initiative and work, and does not allow for outside money or interests to interfere in this process.
**Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' within the ''Political Boundary'' may sign, as the initiative process does not require the approval of ''Eligible Voters''.
* '''Citizen Jury'''
** A ''Citizen Jury'' is the nomenclature describing the process that ''Citizens'' with ''Standing'' use to force a vote to decide the fate of a regulation enacted by a ''Branch'' or to investigate any issues that the ''Citizens'' feel are not being addressed properly.
** The same approach is used as the ''Citizen Initiative'' in that signatures are collected from the ''Emancipated Citizens''. The success of that effort does two things:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to a regulation, then the regulation being scrutinized is automatically added to the ballot for the next election so those ''Eligible Voters'' may vote to keep or end the regulation, otherwise:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to an issue the ''Citizens'' believe is not being addressed within their community, then the jury will ultimately provide the wording used on the ballot that the ''Eligible Voters'' will be deciding in regards to the issue being investigated.
*** A ''Citizen Jury'' is convened, made up of 99 randomly selected ''Emancipated Citizens'' within the ''Political Boundary'' impacted by the regulation or issue.
**** If a regulation is in question, then the jury will hear from the experts within the ''Branch'' that enacted the regulation to present their reasoning and facts that justified the regulation and to hear from those ''Citizens'' against the regulation, who may provide their own reasoning, facts and expert witnesses.
**** If the jury is convened regarding an issue, then the jury will have investigatory and subpoena powers to call witnesses, gather information from the Liminal State, utilize the most appropriate ''Enforcement Agency'' to investigate, etc. Their abilities to collect and study information will not be limited.
** In both cases, the 99 random members of the ''Citizen Jury'' may ask their own questions, request additional witnesses, and debate amongst themselves concerning their thoughts.
** All activities of the ''Citizen Jury'' are recorded and made available to the public so the ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing'' can make educated decisions regarding their vote for or against the regulation or issue on the next ballot.
* '''Citizen Signatures'''
** ''Citizen Initiatives'' requires the pre-approval of the ''Emancipated Citizen'' within a ''Political Boundary'' to get an initiative on the ballot. To prove there is adequate interest, the ''Emancipated Citizens'' must "sign" the petition. This can be a real signature (officially matched to the signature on file prior to counting), or the ''Emancipated Citizens'' can sign electronically. The mechanism for this will be resolved by the Progress Branch to ensure security, legality, and authentication.
* '''Contract Workers'''
** The temporary personnel and companies that may be hired by the Liminal State for a specific period of time or to complete a specific project. They are not to be considered ''Government Personnel'', do not gain any additional voting rights, are not restricted from outside income (unless contractually stipulated), and do not necessarily get paid above-average wages. ''Contract Workers'' include ''Contracted Companies'', the employees of ''Contracted Companies'' and ''Temporary Employees''.
* '''Contracted Companies'''
** Any business or company that works with the Liminal State through a contract and are not to be considered a part of the Liminal State, nor are their employees to be considered employees of the Liminal State.
* '''Decision Basis'''
** Every member of a ''Leadership Group'' is required to provide a detailed analysis of their reasoning behind their choice in a ''Decision Vote''. This information is used to ensure voting diligence, provide insight into that vote, allow public consumption and judgement, and for posterity.
* '''Decision Votes'''
** The votes that ''Leadership Groups'' make to determine a decision. The issue must be able to be determined with a "Yes" or "No" answer, and the majority vote of that group decides.
* '''Defense Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that manages the defense above the Liminal State and at the borders of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
** All the different military arms, for example the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy within the US, are guided by the ''Defense Branch'', and are prohibited by law from being used as any kind of police force within the Liminal State or to operate internationally.
** The technology used by the ''Defense Branch'' will always work towards perfecting non-lethal means of defense and disengagement. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Delegate Team'''
** A group of three selected by the ''Branch Officials'' of an ''Intrinsic Branch,'' from within that ''Branch,'' to represent their interests to a ''Lateral Branch'' or in domestic ''Embassies''.
* '''Delegate Vote Method'''
** In ''Lateral Branch'' votes, the ''Delegate Teams'' from each associated ''Intrinsic Branch'' and the ''Branch Officials'' of that ''Lateral Branch'' all vote on decisions using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This is not to be confused with the ''Justice Delegate Vote Method.''
* '''Departments'''
** ''Branches'' use ''Departments'' to do the real work needed for the Liminal State. ''Departments'' can be ''Permanent'' or ''Temporary'', depending on the project and need. They can also be created as ''Independent Departments'', meaning they are guided by their mission and expertise alone, not by ''Branch Officials''.
** ''Enforcement Agencies'' are special ''Independent Departments'' within every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches.''
** Each ''Department'' is directed by three ''Department Heads.''
* '''Department Heads'''
** The three leaders of a ''Department'', each serves a 12 year term, staggered every four years.
* '''Election Cycle'''
** The four year period between elections. ''Leadership Teams'' are elected on a four year cycle, and within four years all the different ''Leadership Teams'' will have had the senior member depart, a new junior member join, and a new ''Alternate'' selected (if applicable). The ''Election Cycle'' of of each ''Leadership Team'' also happens in different years, allowing for natural upper movement of the best.
* '''Eligible Voters'''
** This is the group of people within the Liminal State that have the right to vote. In the case where the Liminal State uses the ''Empathy Test'', ''Eligible Voters'' only include those ''Emancipated Citizens'' that have taken the ''Empathy Test'' and place in the top 80%.
** Most elections within a ''Branch'' allow all ''Government Personnel'' of that ''Branch'' to vote, whether they are ''Eligible Voters'' or not; where the ''Empathy Test'' is used. But if the iteration of Liminal State employs the ''Empathy Test'' and a ''Branch'' election explicitly specifies ''Eligible Voters'', that means that that election is restricted to only those personnel within that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Empathy Test.''
* '''Emancipated Citizens'''
** ''Emancipated Citizens'' are the group that we would currently call adults, and they would have all the rights and freedoms afforded adults, including complete bodily autonomy. Instead of an arbitrary age used to define an adult, ''Citizens'' of the Liminal State would take an ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate their ability to make adult decisions and handle adult responsibilities.
* '''Emancipation Test'''
** ''Citizens'' take the ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate that they have gained the basic capabilities expected of ''Emancipated Citizens'', such as basic reading and math skills, the ability to manage a budget, social, emotional, media, and online intelligence, demonstrable practical skills like changing a tire or taking care of a pet, and understanding their relationship with other ''Citizens'' and the Liminal State.
* '''Embassies'''
** Embassies are used internationally and domestically to provide a direct point of contact between the people and the Liminal State.
** International ''Embassies'' are used by the ''Ambassador Units'' and their staff to maintain relationships with those foreign states.
** Domestic ''Embassies'' are placed strategically throughout the Liminal State and house ''Delegate Teams'' from every ''Branch'' to provide direct access for the ''Citizens'' that require in-person services, including ''Justice Branch Screenings'' of ''Citizen Initiatives'', the administration of ''Emancipation Tests'' and ''Empathy Tests'', business complaints, etc.
* '''Empathy Test'''
** When employed by the Liminal State to determine voter eligibility, the test that ''Emancipated Citizens'' can take every four years, which gains the top 80% most empathetic the privilege of voting.
* '''Employable Citizens'''
** This group of people includes all who have become ''Emancipated Citizens'' or have passed an ''Employment Screening.''
* '''Employment Screening'''
** A specialized test that anyone who has yet to become an ''Emancipated Citizen'' can take to be allowed to work. This screening wouldn't test job-related skills, but rather ensures the individual is capable of safely performing the eventual tasks required and meet other minimum conditions. This group would mostly include young adults, some people with an intellectual disabilities, and appropriate ''Provisional Citizens''.
* '''Enforcement Agency'''
** A specialized ''Department'' that every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches'' have to investigate and enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the expertise of that ''Branch''. Some ''Branches'' may have more than one.
* '''Executive Group'''
** A five-member group, each of which have demonstrable expertise and leadership abilities, that directs the Liminal State as a whole, elected into their positions by the ''Eligible Voters'' for 20 year terms, staggered every four years.
* '''For Cause'''
** Any one of the valid reasons for removing ''Government Personnel'', including criminal activity, improper use of position, profiting from office, unlawful outside income, etc.
* '''General Elections'''
** The election held every four years where the ''Eligible Voters'' decide the next ''Executive Group'' member, grade the performance of existing ''Executive Group'' members, and vote on the matters of law on the ballot.
* '''Global Justice Branch Vote'''
** The ''Justice Branch'' is special in that all personnel that hold ''Leadership Group'' positions within the ''Justice Branch'' vote on the big decisions facing the Liminal State through ''Judicial Branch Screenings''. The outcome is decided using a simple majority from among all eligible personnel voting, rather than using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This takes the power away from the few at the top, how it is with the US Supreme Court now, and gives it to all the experts within that ''Branch''. This would be the equivalent of having all decisions facing the Supreme Court being decided by every judge working within the entire Judiciary Branch.
* '''Government Personnel'''
** Those individuals that work directly within the Liminal State, and in any capacity, from lowest level employee through the ''Executive Group''.
** ''Government Personnel'' are paid a premium to attract the very best and because they must sacrifice additional sources of income during their employ. Those that work within a ''Branch'' also have additional voting privileges.
** ''Contract Workers'' are excluded from this classification''.''
* '''Impromptu Vote'''
** With the creation of a new ''Department'' or ''Branch'', or in the very rare circumstance where there is more than one ''Leadership Group'' seat within a ''Branch'' needing to be filled or there isn't an available ''Alternate'' to fill a single seat, a ''Branch'' or ''Department'' can hold an ''Impromptu Vote'' to fill multiple seats and select a new ''Alternate'', if necessary, at the same time. An ''Impromptu Vote'' will use the ''Year 0 Rules'' to fill each open seat with the appropriate candidate, and each successful candidate winning a seat will serve an abbreviated term so the ''Election Cycle'' is not altered.
* '''Independent Branch'''
** A ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Executive Group'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Departments'''
** A ''Department'' within a ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Branch Officials'' (and therefore the ''Executive Group)'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Investigation'''
** An investigational body spawned by an ''Enforcement Agency'' that operates independently of oversight and direction from that ''Enforcement Agency'' or it's ''Branch'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Informed Vote Archive'''
** These are specific, encrypted online archives, only accessible by those with the specific right to vote on a decision, that contains all the requisite information necessary to make an informed decision. Regularly used by the ''Executive Group'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Department Heads'', etc., but even used by the ''Eligible Voters'' when it comes to ''General Elections'' and for decisions on laws.
* '''Intrinsic Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, specializing in one fundamental aspect of governance among all those required for a functional government. The Liminal State proposes 13 ''Intrinsic Branches'', but the needs of state may require others or fewer.
* '''Justice Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that operates independently of ''Executive Group'' direction and is the final word on the legality of proposed directions, laws, and regulations. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Judicial Branch Screening'''
** All ''Orders or Requests'' ''or'' potential laws or regulations should always be first vetted by the ''Justice Branch'' to ensure the legality of that request, which is called a ''Justice Branch Screening''. This should be common practice and is a ''Protected Action''. ''Judicial Branch Screenings'' require a decision through a ''Global Justice Branch Vote''.
* '''Justice Delegate Vote Method'''
** When there is a decision, regulation, or law being drafted by any ''Branch'', the ''Executive Group'', or ''Citizen Initiative'' and advice is needed to it's initial lawfulness, the ''Justice Branch Delegate Teams'' from a minimum of two ''Lateral Branches'' with ''Standing'', along with the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'', all vote using the ''Aggregate Vote Method'' to decide legality, and the resulting ''Decision Basis'' for any necessary refinement''.''
** This is not to be confused with the ''Delegate Vote Method''.
* '''Lateral Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, and which works in the area directly between the expertise of two ''Intrinsic Branches''.
* '''Leadership Groups'''
** This is a general term for the different ''Leadership Groups'' that include ''Branch Officials'', ''Delegate Teams'', ''Department Heads'', ''Ambassador Units'', and the ''Executive Group.'' These groups are comprised of three or five members.
* '''Neighborhood'''
** A thought experiment used by the Liminal State to describe complex situations in a simple way, while using the idea of a neighborhood community and those interactions as a model.
* '''No-Confidence Vote'''
** A special kind of vote that subordinates or subordinate ''Leadership Groups'' use to remove superior ''Leadership Group'' members, following an official process.
* '''Non-Citizens'''
** All people that are not ''Citizens'' or ''Provisional Citizens.''
* '''Orders or Requests'''
** Any directions given by a superior to a subordinate that is expected to be followed. This could be from a ''Government Personnel'' to another ''Government Personnel'', or from ''Government Personnel'' to a ''Contract Worker'', and is required to be lawful.
* '''Permanent Department'''
** Unless otherwise instantiated, ''Departments'' are ''Permanent Departments''. This means they will always continue to exist. These contrast with ''Temporary Departments,'' which are created for a specific purpose and no longer exist once that purpose has been fulfilled or a certain amount of time has elapsed.
* '''Permanent Hires'''
** Unless specifically hired as a ''Contract Worker'', all employees of the Liminal State are ''Permanent Hires''. This means that after completing the ''Probationary Employee'' stage, they can only be removed ''For Cause''.
* '''Political Boundary'''
** The different imaginary delineated areas within the Liminal State within which ''Eligible Voters'' decide on the virtues of potential laws and leadership for themselves. These might be a local community, town, city, district, state/province, or national boundary.
* '''Probationary Employee'''
** All ''Permanent Hires'' of the Liminal State are considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year, regardless of role, which allows for easier removal of problematic employees. ''Probationary Employees'' are not permitted to vote in ''Branch Elections'', even if an ''Eligible Voter''.
* '''Professional Objection'''
** A ''Professional Objection'' is a special ''Record'' filed to ask the ''Justice Branch'' to review the legality of an ''Order or Request'' made within the Liminal State. The ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' filing a ''Professional Objection'' are indemnified of any penalties for not following that ''Order or Request'' until the review has been completed, and the act of filing a ''Professional Objection'' is a ''Protected Action''.
* '''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'''
** In this system, also referred to as [[wikipedia:Single_transferable_vote|Single Transferable Vote (STV)]], a person casts a single vote in the form of a ranked ballot, where candidates are optionally ordered from highest priority to lowest. At the conclusion of the initial count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and all those that voted for this person then have their vote reassigned to the next candidate on their list. Any additional votes received by a candidate that reaches the electoral quota are also reassigned to that voter's next candidate, meaning that no votes are wasted. This mechanism is repeated over and over internally until the candidates are ranked in the most fair and logical way.
* '''Protected Action'''
** Any fundamentally protected speech or action within the Liminal State, and for which there can never be retribution, discipline, or other action, overt or covert, that would dissuade a person's desire to make that speech or do that action.
* '''Protected Citizens'''
** All ''Citizens'' that have yet to pass the test to become ''Emancipated Citizens''. This group includes children, some people with an intellectually disability, and by default, holders of a ''Provisional Citizenship''.
* '''Provisional Citizen'''
** All people wishing for amnesty or naturalization into the Liminal State are first considered ''Provisional Citizens'' following initial approval. This status lasts for a period of three years, after which point they officially become ''Citizens''. This temporary status is used to ensure all new potential citizens are willing and able to accumulate into the Liminal State and be productive participants of society.
** ''Provisional Citizens'' may take the ''Employment Test'' and/or the ''Emancipation Test'', though as ''Provisional Citizens'' they will not be permitted to vote.
* '''Record'''
** With every vote and at other times ''Government Personnel'' of the Liminal State must provide justifications or supporting factors and documentation concerning a decision for the ''Record''. The action of inputting this information into the Liminal State official database is to ''Record'', and that information then becomes a ''Record''.
* '''Removal Paths'''
** Any one of the various ways that ''Leadership Group'' members can be officially removed from their seats.
* '''Restitution'''
** The repayment to a ''Citizen'' or group for a violation of law by the one violating the law, which may be monetary, a time commitment, or whatever is deemed appropriate to make the ''Citizen'' or group suffering the violation of law whole.
* '''Review Vote'''
** Laws that are passed by the ''Citizens'' remain in effect for eight years and automatically renew by default unless the ''Citizens'' vote at the conclusion of the eight years using the ''80% Rule'' to repeal the law. This review of a law prior to automatic renewal is called a ''Review Vote''.
* '''Sentient Life/Being'''
** All self-aware and intelligent individuals that extol empathy, patience, wisdom, and non-violence. Currently this only includes humans, but in the future may also include self-aware general A.I, other intelligent organic life to arise on Earth, or life created or arising not of Earth. For simplicity, this documentation will use the term "people" when referring to ''Sentient Life''.
* '''Special Projects'''
** Every ''Executive Group'' member is elected on their leadership abilities, expertise, and two or three ''Special Projects'' that they wish to complete during their 20 year term. These should be projects that are within the expertise of that candidate, important to the candidate and the people, are possible to complete within the 20 year term (or an important part of a bigger issue), and ideally are likely to not be accomplished unless spearheaded by an ''Executive Group'' member.
* '''Standing'''
** Those with with a direct and demonstrable interest in a specific issue have ''Standing''.
* '''Temporary Department'''
** Anytime there is a special situation or a special project that requires the effort of a new full ''Department'', the ''Branch Officials'' may create a ''Temporary Department'' to serve until a project is completed or for a specific amount of time. The ''Department Heads'' of ''Temporary Departments'' are initially selected by the ''Branch Officials'' using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' and ''Year 0 Rules'' to place the qualified and willing candidates into the appropriate seats, with the initial amount of time served being truncated to match the regular ''Election Cycle''. After instantiation, the initial ''Department Heads'' will be individually replaced like normal with each new ''Election Cycle'' by the members of that ''Temporary Department''.
* '''Temporary Employees'''
** ''Temporary Employees'' are those specifically hired to help with ''Special Projects'', ''Temporary Departments'', and certain other tasks or situations within the Liminal State that may require outside staffing for a limited amount of time. ''Temporary Employees'' are categorized as ''Contract Workers'' and are not considered ''Government Personnel''.
* '''Voter Decision'''
** Any issues, laws, or candidates on the ballot before the voters are considered a ''Voter Decision'', and all ''Eligible Voters'' within the ''Political Boundary'' of that election are eligible to vote.
* '''Year 0 Rules'''
** Special election rules used to replace multiple seats in a ''Leadership Group'' as if initially starting and having to fill all at once. Instead of the top candidate filling a seat vacated by a senior member, the ''Year 0 Rules'' seat the winning candidates as they are ranked using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', where the top winner fills the junior seat and serves a full term, but is considered the senior member, with the next filling the next seat, with an abbreviated term and considered the middle member, and the third winner filling the last seat and only serving until the next ''Election Cycle'' while being considered the junior member.
** Using this method, several seats and an ''Alternative'' can be selected in a single election, with specific rules used to determine where each winning candidate sits and their seniority, depending on their rank in the vote.
* '''Δ Coalition'''
** The group of people responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting the Liminal State as a better form of democracy, now and for the future.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Core Concepts|← Core Concepts]] | [[Key Words]] | [[Main Page|Main Page →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Structure]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Employees

2026-09-29T17:33:35Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Compensation''' ===
All the different types of employees that work directly within the Liminal State, excluding ''Contract Workers'', are collectively called ''Government Personnel'' and shall be compensated well above market rates, whether they are janitors or school teachers, ''Probationary Employees'', ''Department Heads'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Ambassadors'', ''Delegates'', etc. All are paid a relative premium for their work to encourage the absolute best to apply and because they must sacrifice financial opportunities to hold these positions.

''Government Personnel'' may not hold a second job, receive gifts or donations of any value, use the stock market, or participate in any other activity that would earn them additional income outside their salary.

Additionally, the financial records of all ''Government Personnel'' and their families, regardless of the employee's position, will be made available online as a matter of public record and will be updated monthly to ensure accurate, widespread scrutiny. The terms of all ''Contract Workers'' will also be posted online as a matter of public record and updated with any change to contract terms.

These action ensures there is always accountability and trust, and is an extension of the highly-visible ways that Liminal State fulfills its promise of transparency.

=== '''Branch Participation''' ===
All ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to work, and those that work for a ''Branch'' may participate in all ''Branch Elections'', regardless of their voting eligibility. ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Provisional Citizens'' may be authorized to work within a ''Branch'' in special situations, but they are not eligible to vote in any elections, nor are they considered ''Government Personnel''.

In this way, those ''Emancipated Citizens'' that do not qualify to vote per the ''Empathy Test'' can still participate in their government through the work they do at a ''Branch'', in the ''Branch Elections'', and through the ''Branch Primary Elections,'' which determine the next member of the ''Executive Group''. This is the foundation of the Liminal State, in which the ''Citizens'' can affect their government in real and direct ways.

''Contract Workers'' doing work for a ''Branch'' do not gain any voting rights within that ''Branch''. Only ''Permanent Hires'' of that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage gain these extra voting rights.

=== '''Non-Branch Workers''' ===
The ''Emancipated Citizens'' that are not qualified to vote per the ''Empathy Test'' and who do not work for a ''Branch'' do not get to vote in any ''Branch Elections'', ''Branch Primary Elections,'' ''General Elections'', or ''Voter Decisions''. ''Eligible Voters'' that do not work for the Liminal State may only vote in ''General Elections'' and any other qualified ''Voter Decisions''.

=== '''Unlawful Requests''' ===
All government workers, whether ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Workers,'' are forbidden from fulfilling unlawful ''Orders or Requests''. Should any ''Orders or Request'', regardless of the origin, be legally questionable, then that worker is obligated to report their ''Professional Objection'' for a ''Justice Branch Screening'', whether directly, through an ''Embassy'', or via Lateral Judicial Branch ''Delegates''.

Reporting of suspected unlawful ''Orders or Requests'' will be easy and convenient, is a ''Protected Action'', and may never be cause of retribution, regardless of the ultimate legal decision. It should be commonplace in the Liminal State for all ''Orders or Requests'' to receive ''Justice Branch Screening'' before implementation.

Any ''Orders or Requests'' that turns out to be unlawful and were not reported will jeopardize all people involved, from those carrying out the action all the way up to the one(s) providing the ''Order or Request''.

=== '''Personnel Removals''' ===
All ''Government Personnel'', whether ''Permanent Hires'', ''Appointed'', or ''Elected'' are protected in their positions from political or capricious removals. All ''Permanent Hires'' will be considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year within the Liminal State only (so does not apply to a move to a different position after the first year) and may be removed for ''Just Cause'' and additional reasons, as determined by the specific requirements and regulations of that sector of the Liminal State. ''Contract Workers'' will be bound to the terms of their contract.

Should any ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' be suspected of criminal activity, abusing their position, or promoting or engaging in any other unlawful acts, anyone with knowledge is obligated to report this behavior to the ''Enforecment Branch'' of the ''Justice Branch''.

This may be anonymously reported and is a ''Protected Action'', so anyone reporting this behavior will be fully protected, regardless of the outcome of the investigation. If the reports are true, all involved will be removed from their position and lose the privilege of working for the Liminal State again, in any capacity, while also being responsible for full ''Restitution''.

Alternatively, if the guilty party reports the behavior themselves and works completely and openly with the ''Justice Branch'' to remedy the issue, they may still lose their position and will be obligated to pay ''Restitution'', but may retain the privilege of working for the Liminal State again in another capacity.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Key Words

2026-09-29T17:29:23Z

Mr Fox:

The following key words are found ''Italicized'' throughout the documentation and have the special meanings. These concepts are defined briefly in situ and here.

* '''Δ Coalition'''
** The group of people responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting the Liminal State as a better form of democracy, now and for the future.
* '''80% Rule'''
** Laws within the Liminal State must pass by 80%. If an ''Empathy Test'' is used to determine the ''Eligible Voters'', then that means that 80% of the population are eligible to vote and 80% of them must approve a law for it to pass. This method assumes that there will always be at least 10% at the extremes of either side of an issue, so if 80% are in agreement, then the law has enough support to warrant its application for all within that ''Political Boundary''.
* '''Alternate'''
** Both the ''Executive Group'' and ''Branch Officials'' have a backup in case one official member vacates their seat. The ''Alternate'' serves for four years until the next ''Election Cycle'' when a new ''Alternate'' is picked. The ''Alternate'' may help the leadership team, at their direction, but may not do any work officially reserved for those leaders.
* '''Ambassador Units'''
** An ''Ambassador Unit'' is assigned to each outside state and serves as representatives of the Liminal State to them. Every unit is composed of three people selected by the International Affairs ''Branch'' ''Officials.'' All decisions made by the ''Ambassador Units'' are decided by majority vote among the three, though in matters that impact the Liminal State, they serve the ''Executive Group'' to educate them on all relevant issues so the ''Executive Group'' can decide what action, if any will happen.
* '''Appointed Personnel'''
** Any ''Leadership Group'' member that is selected by the ''Branch Officials'' from among the eligible, qualified, and willing candidates interested in the position using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', rather than as seat winners of an election by those ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing''.
** ''Appointed Personnel'' specifically refers to ''Ambassador Unit'' and ''Delegate Team'' members.
* '''Aggregated Vote'''
** This is a standard voting process to determine simple majority among a collection of ''Leadership Groups'', where each group first votes and then that result equals one vote towards the final tally.
** Whenever there is an ''Aggregate Vote'' as illustrated below, none of the individual voters are aware of anyone else's vote until all votes have been cast, and none of the groups will know the outcome of their groups own result, nor the ''Aggregate Vote'' results of the other groups until all votes have been cast.
For example, if Group A votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group B votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group C votes (no, no, no) = NO, then the final vote is YES.

This method of tabulation is critical because if the total votes had been simply tabulated, it would have resulted in 4 votes for yes and 5 votes for no, with the final vote being NO, which is not accurate.
* '''Branch'''
** The functional divisions of those specialized areas of expertise required for the functioning of a government, each lead by three ''Branch Officials'' that have risen up from within the ranks of that ''Branch'', and overtly guided by the ''Executive Group''. Their singular purpose is to ensure that the ''Citizens'', now and into the future, are the primary beneficiaries when the government, businesses, ''Citizens'', and foreign interests operate and interact within their area of expertise.
* '''Branch Elections'''
** All the different kinds of elections that can take place within a ''Branch'', including those to elect ''Department Heads'' and the ''Branch Officials''.
* '''Branch Members'''
** All ''Emancipated Citizens'' that work directly for a ''Branch'', excluding ''Contract Workers,'' are considered ''Branch Members.'' All ''Permanent Hires'' that have completed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage can vote in ''Branch Elections.''
* '''Branch Officials'''
** Every ''Branch'', whether ''Intrinsic'' or ''Lateral'', is headed up by the three ''Branch Officials'', each who serve 12 year terms, staggered every four years. They guide their ''Branch'' using a majority vote among the three, and these officials are elected into their positions by the ''Branch Members'' themselves.
* '''Branch Primary Election'''
** A special election within a ''Branch'' to select that ''Branch's'' candidate for the position of a new ''Executive Group'' member. Only ''Branch Members'' are permitted to vote in this election and it is held in the first quarter of the year of the ''General Election''.
* '''Briefs'''
** The ''Branch Officials'' are tasked with keeping the ''Executive Group'' apprised of all the important events transpiring within their ''Branch,'' and do this by providing regular ''Briefs''. Through practical experience the frequency and depth should be determined and codified, even if this turns out to be unique among the different ''Branches''.
** ''Ambassador Units'' are obligated to present ''Briefs'' directly to the ''Executive Group'' as well as the ''Branch Officials'' of the International Affairs Branch for urgent issues requiring immediate attention.
* '''Charging Departments'''
** In the unique situation where at least two ''Departments'' within a ''Branch'' are unhappy with the leadership of their ''Branch Officials'', they may call for a ''No-Confidence Vote'', in which those ''Departments'' heading up this effort are referred to ''Charging Departments''.
* '''Charging Documentation'''
** The relevant evidence each ''Charging Department'' compiles for the basis of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote.''
* '''Citizens'''
** Those people born or graduating from ''Provisional Citizenship'' into the Liminal State.
* '''Citizen Initiatives'''
**Even ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' that do not work within a ''Branch'' of the Liminal State have the ability to affect their government directly using ''Citizen Initiatives''. Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' or group of ''Emancipated Citizen'' that are able to gather 10% or more ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary'' will have that issue be added to the ballot within that ''Political Boundary'' for the ''General Election''.
**To ensure it meets the minimum legal threshold of the Liminal State, the initiative must first go through a ''Justice Branch Screening'' and get final approval before signatures can be gathered.
**Only ''Emancipated Citizen'' within that ''Political Boundary'' may participate and gather ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary''. There can be no payments for signature gathering process or promotion of the issue - it requires true ''Citizen'' initiative and work, and does not allow for outside money or interests to interfere in this process.
**Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' within the ''Political Boundary'' may sign, as the initiative process does not require the approval of ''Eligible Voters''.
* '''Citizen Jury'''
** A ''Citizen Jury'' is the nomenclature describing the process that ''Citizens'' with ''Standing'' use to force a vote to decide the fate of a regulation enacted by a ''Branch'' or to investigate any issues that the ''Citizens'' feel are not being addressed properly.
** The same approach is used as the ''Citizen Initiative'' in that signatures are collected from the ''Emancipated Citizens''. The success of that effort does two things:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to a regulation, then the regulation being scrutinized is automatically added to the ballot for the next election so those ''Eligible Voters'' may vote to keep or end the regulation, otherwise:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to an issue the ''Citizens'' believe is not being addressed within their community, then the jury will ultimately provide the wording used on the ballot that the ''Eligible Voters'' will be deciding in regards to the issue being investigated.
*** A ''Citizen Jury'' is convened, made up of 99 randomly selected ''Emancipated Citizens'' within the ''Political Boundary'' impacted by the regulation or issue.
**** If a regulation is in question, then the jury will hear from the experts within the ''Branch'' that enacted the regulation to present their reasoning and facts that justified the regulation and to hear from those ''Citizens'' against the regulation, who may provide their own reasoning, facts and expert witnesses.
**** If the jury is convened regarding an issue, then the jury will have investigatory and subpoena powers to call witnesses, gather information from the Liminal State, utilize the most appropriate ''Enforcement Agency'' to investigate, etc. Their abilities to collect and study information will not be limited.
** In both cases, the 99 random members of the ''Citizen Jury'' may ask their own questions, request additional witnesses, and debate amongst themselves concerning their thoughts.
** All activities of the ''Citizen Jury'' are recorded and made available to the public so the ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing'' can make educated decisions regarding their vote for or against the regulation or issue on the next ballot.
* '''Citizen Signatures'''
** ''Citizen Initiatives'' requires the pre-approval of the ''Emancipated Citizen'' within a ''Political Boundary'' to get an initiative on the ballot. To prove there is adequate interest, the ''Emancipated Citizens'' must "sign" the petition. This can be a real signature (officially matched to the signature on file prior to counting), or the ''Emancipated Citizens'' can sign electronically. The mechanism for this will be resolved by the Progress Branch to ensure security, legality, and authentication.
* '''Contract Workers'''
** The temporary personnel and companies that may be hired by the Liminal State for a specific period of time or to complete a specific project. They are not to be considered ''Government Personnel'', do not gain any additional voting rights, are not restricted from outside income (unless contractually stipulated), and do not necessarily get paid above-average wages. ''Contract Workers'' include ''Contracted Companies'', the employees of ''Contracted Companies'' and ''Temporary Employees''.
* '''Contracted Companies'''
** Any business or company that works with the Liminal State through a contract and are not to be considered a part of the Liminal State, nor are their employees to be considered employees of the Liminal State.
* '''Decision Basis'''
** Every member of a ''Leadership Group'' is required to provide a detailed analysis of their reasoning behind their choice in a ''Decision Vote''. This information is used to ensure voting diligence, provide insight into that vote, allow public consumption and judgement, and for posterity.
* '''Decision Votes'''
** The votes that ''Leadership Groups'' make to determine a decision. The issue must be able to be determined with a "Yes" or "No" answer, and the majority vote of that group decides.
* '''Defense Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that manages the defense above the Liminal State and at the borders of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
** All the different military arms, for example the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy within the US, are guided by the ''Defense Branch'', and are prohibited by law from being used as any kind of police force within the Liminal State or to operate internationally.
** The technology used by the ''Defense Branch'' will always work towards perfecting non-lethal means of defense and disengagement. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Delegate Team'''
** A group of three selected by the ''Branch Officials'' of an ''Intrinsic Branch,'' from within that ''Branch,'' to represent their interests to a ''Lateral Branch'' or in domestic ''Embassies''.
* '''Delegate Vote Method'''
** In ''Lateral Branch'' votes, the ''Delegate Teams'' from each associated ''Intrinsic Branch'' and the ''Branch Officials'' of that ''Lateral Branch'' all vote on decisions using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This is not to be confused with the ''Justice Delegate Vote Method.''
* '''Departments'''
** ''Branches'' use ''Departments'' to do the real work needed for the Liminal State. ''Departments'' can be ''Permanent'' or ''Temporary'', depending on the project and need. They can also be created as ''Independent Departments'', meaning they are guided by their mission and expertise alone, not by ''Branch Officials''.
** ''Enforcement Agencies'' are special ''Independent Departments'' within every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches.''
** Each ''Department'' is directed by three ''Department Heads.''
* '''Department Heads'''
** The three leaders of a ''Department'', each serves a 12 year term, staggered every four years.
* '''Election Cycle'''
** The four year period between elections. ''Leadership Teams'' are elected on a four year cycle, and within four years all the different ''Leadership Teams'' will have had the senior member depart, a new junior member join, and a new ''Alternate'' selected (if applicable). The ''Election Cycle'' of of each ''Leadership Team'' also happens in different years, allowing for natural upper movement of the best.
* '''Eligible Voters'''
** This is the group of people within the Liminal State that have the right to vote. In the case where the Liminal State uses the ''Empathy Test'', ''Eligible Voters'' only include those ''Emancipated Citizens'' that have taken the ''Empathy Test'' and place in the top 80%.
** Most elections within a ''Branch'' allow all ''Government Personnel'' of that ''Branch'' to vote, whether they are ''Eligible Voters'' or not; where the ''Empathy Test'' is used. But if the iteration of Liminal State employs the ''Empathy Test'' and a ''Branch'' election explicitly specifies ''Eligible Voters'', that means that that election is restricted to only those personnel within that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Empathy Test.''
* '''Emancipated Citizens'''
** ''Emancipated Citizens'' are the group that we would currently call adults, and they would have all the rights and freedoms afforded adults, including complete bodily autonomy. Instead of an arbitrary age used to define an adult, ''Citizens'' of the Liminal State would take an ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate their ability to make adult decisions and handle adult responsibilities.
* '''Emancipation Test'''
** ''Citizens'' take the ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate that they have gained the basic capabilities expected of ''Emancipated Citizens'', such as basic reading and math skills, the ability to manage a budget, social, emotional, media, and online intelligence, demonstrable practical skills like changing a tire or taking care of a pet, and understanding their relationship with other ''Citizens'' and the Liminal State.
* '''Embassies'''
** Embassies are used internationally and domestically to provide a direct point of contact between the people and the Liminal State.
** International ''Embassies'' are used by the ''Ambassador Units'' and their staff to maintain relationships with those foreign states.
** Domestic ''Embassies'' are placed strategically throughout the Liminal State and house ''Delegate Teams'' from every ''Branch'' to provide direct access for the ''Citizens'' that require in-person services, including ''Justice Branch Screenings'' of ''Citizen Initiatives'', the administration of ''Emancipation Tests'' and ''Empathy Tests'', business complaints, etc.
* '''Empathy Test'''
** When employed by the Liminal State to determine voter eligibility, the test that ''Emancipated Citizens'' can take every four years, which gains the top 80% most empathetic the privilege of voting.
* '''Employable Citizens'''
** This group of people includes all who have become ''Emancipated Citizens'' or have passed an ''Employment Screening.''
* '''Employment Screening'''
** A specialized test that anyone who has yet to become an ''Emancipated Citizen'' can take to be allowed to work. This screening wouldn't test job-related skills, but rather ensures the individual is capable of safely performing the eventual tasks required and meet other minimum conditions. This group would mostly include young adults, some people with an intellectual disabilities, and appropriate ''Provisional Citizens''.
* '''Enforcement Agency'''
** A specialized ''Department'' that every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches'' have to investigate and enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the expertise of that ''Branch''. Some ''Branches'' may have more than one.
* '''Executive Group'''
** A five-member group, each of which have demonstrable expertise and leadership abilities, that directs the Liminal State as a whole, elected into their positions by the ''Eligible Voters'' for 20 year terms, staggered every four years.
* '''For Cause'''
** Any one of the valid reasons for removing ''Government Personnel'', including criminal activity, improper use of position, profiting from office, unlawful outside income, etc.
* '''General Elections'''
** The election held every four years where the ''Eligible Voters'' decide the next ''Executive Group'' member, grade the performance of existing ''Executive Group'' members, and vote on the matters of law on the ballot.
* '''Global Justice Branch Vote'''
** The ''Justice Branch'' is special in that all personnel that hold ''Leadership Group'' positions within the ''Justice Branch'' vote on the big decisions facing the Liminal State through ''Judicial Branch Screenings''. The outcome is decided using a simple majority from among all eligible personnel voting, rather than using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This takes the power away from the few at the top, how it is with the US Supreme Court now, and gives it to all the experts within that ''Branch''. This would be the equivalent of having all decisions facing the Supreme Court being decided by every judge working within the entire Judiciary Branch.
* '''Government Personnel'''
** Those individuals that work directly within the Liminal State, and in any capacity, from lowest level employee through the ''Executive Group''.
** ''Government Personnel'' are paid a premium to attract the very best and because they must sacrifice additional sources of income during their employ. Those that work within a ''Branch'' also have additional voting privileges.
** ''Contract Workers'' are excluded from this classification''.''
* '''Impromptu Vote'''
** With the creation of a new ''Department'' or ''Branch'', or in the very rare circumstance where there is more than one ''Leadership Group'' seat within a ''Branch'' needing to be filled or there isn't an available ''Alternate'' to fill a single seat, a ''Branch'' or ''Department'' can hold an ''Impromptu Vote'' to fill multiple seats and select a new ''Alternate'', if necessary, at the same time. An ''Impromptu Vote'' will use the ''Year 0 Rules'' to fill each open seat with the appropriate candidate, and each successful candidate winning a seat will serve an abbreviated term so the ''Election Cycle'' is not altered.
* '''Independent Branch'''
** A ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Executive Group'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Departments'''
** A ''Department'' within a ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Branch Officials'' (and therefore the ''Executive Group)'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Investigation'''
** An investigational body spawned by an ''Enforcement Agency'' that operates independently of oversight and direction from that ''Enforcement Agency'' or it's ''Branch'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Informed Vote Archive'''
** These are specific, encrypted online archives, only accessible by those with the specific right to vote on a decision, that contains all the requisite information necessary to make an informed decision. Regularly used by the ''Executive Group'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Department Heads'', etc., but even used by the ''Eligible Voters'' when it comes to ''General Elections'' and for decisions on laws.
* '''Intrinsic Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, specializing in one fundamental aspect of governance among all those required for a functional government. The Liminal State proposes 13 ''Intrinsic Branches'', but the needs of state may require others or fewer.
* '''Justice Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that operates independently of ''Executive Group'' direction and is the final word on the legality of proposed directions, laws, and regulations. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Judicial Branch Screening'''
** All ''Orders or Requests'' ''or'' potential laws or regulations should always be first vetted by the ''Justice Branch'' to ensure the legality of that request, which is called a ''Justice Branch Screening''. This should be common practice and is a ''Protected Action''. ''Judicial Branch Screenings'' require a decision through a ''Global Justice Branch Vote''.
* '''Justice Delegate Vote Method'''
** When there is a decision, regulation, or law being drafted by any ''Branch'', the ''Executive Group'', or ''Citizen Initiative'' and advice is needed to it's initial lawfulness, the ''Justice Branch Delegate Teams'' from a minimum of two ''Lateral Branches'' with ''Standing'', along with the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'', all vote using the ''Aggregate Vote Method'' to decide legality, and the resulting ''Decision Basis'' for any necessary refinement''.''
** This is not to be confused with the ''Delegate Vote Method''.
* '''Lateral Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, and which works in the area directly between the expertise of two ''Intrinsic Branches''.
* '''Leadership Groups'''
** This is a general term for the different ''Leadership Groups'' that include ''Branch Officials'', ''Delegate Teams'', ''Department Heads'', ''Ambassador Units'', and the ''Executive Group.'' These groups are comprised of three or five members.
* '''Neighborhood'''
** A thought experiment used by the Liminal State to describe complex situations in a simple way, while using the idea of a neighborhood community and those interactions as a model.
* '''No-Confidence Vote'''
** A special kind of vote that subordinates or subordinate ''Leadership Groups'' use to remove superior ''Leadership Group'' members, following an official process.
* '''Non-Citizens'''
** All people that are not ''Citizens'' or ''Provisional Citizens.''
* '''Orders or Requests'''
** Any directions given by a superior to a subordinate that is expected to be followed. This could be from a ''Government Personnel'' to another ''Government Personnel'', or from ''Government Personnel'' to a ''Contract Worker'', and is required to be lawful.
* '''Permanent Department'''
** Unless otherwise instantiated, ''Departments'' are ''Permanent Departments''. This means they will always continue to exist. These contrast with ''Temporary Departments,'' which are created for a specific purpose and no longer exist once that purpose has been fulfilled or a certain amount of time has elapsed.
* '''Permanent Hires'''
** Unless specifically hired as a ''Contract Worker'', all employees of the Liminal State are ''Permanent Hires''. This means that after completing the ''Probationary Employee'' stage, they can only be removed ''For Cause''.
* '''Political Boundary'''
** The different imaginary delineated areas within the Liminal State within which ''Eligible Voters'' decide on the virtues of potential laws and leadership for themselves. These might be a local community, town, city, district, state/province, or national boundary.
* '''Probationary Employee'''
** All ''Permanent Hires'' of the Liminal State are considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year, regardless of role, which allows for easier removal of problematic employees. ''Probationary Employees'' are not permitted to vote in ''Branch Elections'', even if an ''Eligible Voter''.
* '''Professional Objection'''
** A ''Professional Objection'' is a special ''Record'' filed to ask the ''Justice Branch'' to review the legality of an ''Order or Request'' made within the Liminal State. The ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' filing a ''Professional Objection'' are indemnified of any penalties for not following that ''Order or Request'' until the review has been completed, and the act of filing a ''Professional Objection'' is a ''Protected Action''.
* '''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'''
** In this system, also referred to as [[wikipedia:Single_transferable_vote|Single Transferable Vote (STV)]], a person casts a single vote in the form of a ranked ballot, where candidates are optionally ordered from highest priority to lowest. At the conclusion of the initial count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and all those that voted for this person then have their vote reassigned to the next candidate on their list. Any additional votes received by a candidate that reaches the electoral quota are also reassigned to that voter's next candidate, meaning that no votes are wasted. This mechanism is repeated over and over internally until the candidates are ranked in the most fair and logical way.
* '''Protected Action'''
** Any fundamentally protected speech or action within the Liminal State, and for which there can never be retribution, discipline, or other action, overt or covert, that would dissuade a person's desire to make that speech or do that action.
* '''Protected Citizens'''
** All ''Citizens'' that have yet to pass the test to become ''Emancipated Citizens''. This group includes children, some people with an intellectually disability, and by default, holders of a ''Provisional Citizenship''.
* '''Provisional Citizen'''
** All people wishing for amnesty or naturalization into the Liminal State are first considered ''Provisional Citizens'' following initial approval. This status lasts for a period of three years, after which point they officially become ''Citizens''. This temporary status is used to ensure all new potential citizens are willing and able to accumulate into the Liminal State and be productive participants of society.
** ''Provisional Citizens'' may take the ''Employment Test'' and/or the ''Emancipation Test'', though as ''Provisional Citizens'' they will not be permitted to vote.
* '''Record'''
** With every vote and at other times ''Government Personnel'' of the Liminal State must provide justifications or supporting factors and documentation concerning a decision for the ''Record''. The action of inputting this information into the Liminal State official database is to ''Record'', and that information then becomes a ''Record''.
* '''Removal Paths'''
** Any one of the various ways that ''Leadership Group'' members can be officially removed from their seats.
* '''Restitution'''
** The repayment to a ''Citizen'' or group for a violation of law by the one violating the law, which may be monetary, a time commitment, or whatever is deemed appropriate to make the ''Citizen'' or group suffering the violation of law whole.
* '''Review Vote'''
** Laws that are passed by the ''Citizens'' remain in effect for eight years and automatically renew by default unless the ''Citizens'' vote at the conclusion of the eight years using the ''80% Rule'' to repeal the law. This review of a law prior to automatic renewal is called a ''Review Vote''.
* '''Sentient Life/Being'''
** All self-aware and intelligent individuals that extol empathy, patience, wisdom, and non-violence. Currently this only includes humans, but in the future may also include self-aware general A.I, other intelligent organic life to arise on Earth, or life created or arising not of Earth. For simplicity, this documentation will use the term "people" when referring to ''Sentient Life''.
* '''Special Projects'''
** Every ''Executive Group'' member is elected on their leadership abilities, expertise, and two or three ''Special Projects'' that they wish to complete during their 20 year term. These should be projects that are within the expertise of that candidate, important to the candidate and the people, are possible to complete within the 20 year term (or an important part of a bigger issue), and ideally are likely to not be accomplished unless spearheaded by an ''Executive Group'' member.
* '''Standing'''
** Those with with a direct and demonstrable interest in a specific issue have ''Standing''.
* '''Temporary Department'''
** Anytime there is a special situation or a special project that requires the effort of a new full ''Department'', the ''Branch Officials'' may create a ''Temporary Department'' to serve until a project is completed or for a specific amount of time. The ''Department Heads'' of ''Temporary Departments'' are initially selected by the ''Branch Officials'' using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' and ''Year 0 Rules'' to place the qualified and willing candidates into the appropriate seats, with the initial amount of time served being truncated to match the regular ''Election Cycle''. After instantiation, the initial ''Department Heads'' will be individually replaced like normal with each new ''Election Cycle'' by the members of that ''Temporary Department''.
* '''Temporary Employees'''
** ''Temporary Employees'' are those specifically hired to help with ''Special Projects'', ''Temporary Departments'', and certain other tasks or situations within the Liminal State that may require outside staffing for a limited amount of time. ''Temporary Employees'' are categorized as ''Contract Workers'' and are not considered ''Government Personnel''.
* '''Voter Decision'''
** Any issues, laws, or candidates on the ballot before the voters are considered a ''Voter Decision'', and all ''Eligible Voters'' within the ''Political Boundary'' of that election are eligible to vote.
* '''Year 0 Rules'''
** Special election rules used to replace multiple seats in a ''Leadership Group'' as if initially starting and having to fill all at once. Instead of the top candidate filling a seat vacated by a senior member, the ''Year 0 Rules'' seat the winning candidates as they are ranked using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', where the top winner fills the junior seat and serves a full term, but is considered the senior member, with the next filling the next seat, with an abbreviated term and considered the middle member, and the third winner filling the last seat and only serving until the next ''Election Cycle'' while being considered the junior member.
** Using this method, several seats and an ''Alternative'' can be selected in a single election, with specific rules used to determine where each winning candidate sits and their seniority, depending on their rank in the vote.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Branch Leadership

2026-09-29T17:02:18Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Branch Officials''' ===
Every ''Branch'' will be led by three ''Branch Officials'', each serving 12 year terms, staggered every four years. The ''Branch'' operations are guided by the decisions made via a majority vote among these three ''Branch Officials''.

=== '''Qualifications''' ===
A candidate wishing to become one of the three ''Branch Officials'' must have served for a minimum of 10 years within that ''Branch'', be between the ages of 33 and 52 years old, be an ''Eligible Voter'' who's passed the ''Empathy Test'', and wish to become a candidate for the role, all at the time of the election.

=== '''Elections''' ===
The ''Branch Officials'' are not appointed by an executive, but are instead elected into those positions by the ''Branch Members'' themselves.

''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' will be used to determine the qualified candidate moving into the vacant spot from the pool of eligible candidates, and these elections every four years are also the opportunity to grade and impeach the existing ''Branch Officials''.

=== '''Alternate''' ===
In an election year, the runner up in the ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' will serve as the ''Alternate''. This ''Alternate'' will shadow the three ''Branch Officials'' so as to be ready to step into the role should one of the ''Branch Officials'' vacate their seat prior to the end of their term. They may provide assistance to the ''Branch Officials'' as requested, but they will not vote, communicate, negotiate, or otherwise provide work exclusively reserved for the ''Branch Officials''.

With the next election, the new runner up from the pool of willing and qualified candidates will become the new ''Alternate''.

=== '''Exclusions''' ===
No ''Branch Official'' will be eligible for that same position within their ''Branch'' again. They may serve in any other role within that ''Branch'' that they are eligible for, and any role in the Liminal State outside that ''Branch'', including as a member of the ''Executive Group''. An ''Alternative'' may only serve as an ''Alternate'' for the same ''Branch'' once. They may serve subsequently as a ''Branch Official'', ''Executive Group'' member, or in any other position within their ''Branch'' or any position within any other ''Branch'' that they are eligible for.

Should the ''Alternate'' need to step into the role of the ''Branch Official'', then they will be restricted in future positions by all the rules applicable to the ''Alternate'' and the ''Branch Officials''. Additionally, an ''Alternate'' replacing a ''Branch Official'' will serve the remainder of the term of the official they are replacing, but will be considered the junior member.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Leadership Summary

2026-09-29T16:57:53Z

Mr Fox:

There are several ''Leadership Groups'' with different areas of expertise and authority throughout the Liminal State. Each will be discussed more in depth and in context, but below is a summary of the minimum requirements each position requires, along with length of term and minimum/maximum ages required at the time of the election.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Leadership Group
!Number of Seats
!Length of Term
!Required Experience
!Minimum Age
!Maximum Age
|-
|Executive Group
|5 (plus Alternate)
|20 Years
|12 Years
|35 Years Old
|49 Years Old
|-
|Branch Officials
|3 (plus Alternate)
|12 Years
|10 Years
|33 Years Old
|52 Years Old
|-
|Department Heads
|3
|12 Years
|6 Years
|29 Years Old
|52 Years Old
|-
|Ambassador Units
|3
|12 Years
|8 Years/4 Specialty
|31 Years Old
|52 Years Old
|-
|Delegate Teams
|3
|12 Years
|8 Years/4 Specialty
|31 Years Old
|52 Years Old
|}

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Lateral Branches

2026-09-29T16:53:53Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Summary''' ===
''Lateral Branches'' serve at the intersection of two ''Intrinsic Branches'', staffed by the experts with knowledge and experience in both areas of jurisdiction.

Each ''Lateral Branch'' procedurally functions like any other ''Branch'', with the addition that each ''Intrinsic Branch'' appoints a ''Delegate Team'' to represent their interests to the ''Lateral Branch''. Decisions made by the ''Lateral Branch'' for those issues intersecting under the ''Lateral Branch's'' jurisdiction are decided using the ''Aggregate Vote'' method among the ''Delegate Team'' from each of the two represented ''Intrinsic Branches'' and the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Lateral Branch'' itself.

=== '''Delegate Teams''' ===
The ''Branch Officials'' of every ''Intrinsic Branch'' are responsible for selecting the members of the ''Delegate Teams'' that will represent their interests to the ''Lateral Branchs''.

Every four years the ''Branch Officials'' will select a new member of every ''Delegate Team'' to replace the outgoing member using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting.'' Each of these ''Delegate Teams'' is comprised of three members serving 12 year terms, staggered every four years. Candidates for this position must have eight years of total experience within the ''Branch'', with four of those years as demonstrable experience in the ''Lateral'' ''Branch's'' area of expertise.

=== '''Vote Decisions''' ===
Voting decisions facing the the ''Lateral Branch'' outside of day-to-day operations are calculated using the ''Aggregated Vote'' method. Each of these groups are considered equal when voting, so that means that each group of three gets one total vote towards the ultimate decision.
For example, if Group A votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group B votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group C votes (no, no, no) = NO, then the final vote is YES. This method of tabulation is critical because if the total votes had been simply tabulated, it would have resulted in 4 votes for yes and 5 votes for no, with the final vote being NO, which is not accurate.

=== '''Practical Example''' ===
For a practical example of the need for and functioning of a ''Lateral Branch'', consider the intersection of interests between the ''Defense Branch'' and ''Justice Branch''. The intermediary would be the Defense-Justice ''Lateral Branch'' and would have experts in Liminal State and international law, as well as military procedures, procurement, etc.
A decision before this ''Lateral Branch'' might be the question regarding the legality of blowing up an alleged drug runner's boat in international waters. The ''Delegate Team'' from the ''Defense Branch'' would likely not vote in favor of this action, but hypothetically if they did the ''Delegate Team'' from the ''Justice Branch'' would not, as the action is not justifiable under Liminal State or international law. That would leave the tie-breaker up to the vote from the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Lateral Branch''.
Whenever there is an ''Aggregate Vote'' as illustrated above, none of the individual voters are aware of anyone else's vote until all votes have been cast and counted. None of the groups will know the outcome of their groups own result, nor the ''Aggregate Vote'' results from the other groups until all votes have been cast and counted. Only after there is a final result will the ''Decision Basis'' from every voter and the tally be announced.

=== '''Reality and Purpose''' ===
Due to this structure there will be many more ''Lateral Branches'' than ''Intrinsic Branches'', which means the ''Intrinsic Branches'' make decisions on those issues or regulations that fall specifically into their area of expertise, with all decisions and regulations on the fringes being decided in cooperation with the ''Lateral Branches''.

The purpose of this structure is to provide independence to each ''Branch'' to make the best choices using their unique expertise, while forcing the tangential decisions to go through ''Lateral Branches'', which check each ''Intrinsic Branch's'' power against the mutual interest of other ''Intrinsic Branches'' and the combined expertise of that ''Lateral Branch''. This puts the decision making into the hands of those experts best equipped to make tough decisions based on complicated matters, which is the definition of government work.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

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[[Category:Branches]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Intrinsic Branches

2026-09-29T16:47:07Z

Mr Fox:

The ''Intrinsic Branches'' of the Liminal State may vary based on the needs of that specific governmental body, but by default a nation may include:
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Accounting|Accounting →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Commerce|Commerce →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Commons|Commons →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Defense|Defense →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Domestic Security|Domestic Security →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Education|Education →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Entertainment|Entertainment →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Environment|Environment →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Health|Health →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Infrastructure|Infrastructure →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: International Affairs|International Affairs →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Justice|Justice →]]
* [[Intrinsic Branch: Progress|Progress →]]

Assuming these 13 ''Intrinsic Branches'', there would be a total of 78 ''Lateral Branches''. While this may seem like a large government, ''Lateral Branches'' are specialized and may require less staffing than the ''Intrinsic Branches''. With this structure, the Liminal State is highly functional and likely operates as a smaller, leaner, government without any waste. Instead of hundreds or thousands of useless representatives with their staff, salaries and building requirements, the Liminal State has the exact expert personnel needed, in exactly the right places.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Leadership Summary|← Leadership Summary]] | [[Intrinsic Branches]] | [[Lateral Branches|Lateral Branches →]]

[[Category:Branches]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Key Words

2026-09-29T16:44:15Z

Mr Fox:

The following key words are found ''Italicized'' throughout the documentation and have the special meanings. These concepts are defined briefly in situ and here.

* '''Δ Coalition'''
** The group of people responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting the Liminal State as a better form of democracy, now and for the future.
* '''80% Rule'''
** Laws within the Liminal State must pass by 80%. If an ''Empathy Test'' is used to determine the ''Eligible Voters'', then that means that 80% of the population are eligible to vote and 80% of them must approve a law for it to pass. This method assumes that there will always be at least 10% at the extremes of either side of an issue, so if 80% are in agreement, then the law has enough support to warrant its application for all within that ''Political Boundary''.
* '''Alternate'''
** Both the ''Executive Group'' and ''Branch Officials'' have a backup in case one official member vacates their seat. The ''Alternate'' serves for four years until the next ''Election Cycle'' when a new ''Alternate'' is picked. The ''Alternate'' may help the leadership team, at their direction, but may not do any work officially reserved for those leaders.
* '''Ambassador Units'''
** An ''Ambassador Unit'' is assigned to each outside state and serves as representatives of the Liminal State to them. Every unit is composed of three people selected by the International Affairs ''Branch'' ''Officials.'' All decisions made by the ''Ambassador Units'' are decided by majority vote among the three, though in matters that impact the Liminal State, they serve the ''Executive Group'' to educate them on all relevant issues so the ''Executive Group'' can decide what action, if any will happen.
* '''Appointed Personnel'''
** Any ''Leadership Group'' member that is selected by the ''Branch Officials'' from among the eligible, qualified, and willing candidates interested in the position using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', rather than as seat winners of an election by those ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing''.
** ''Appointed Personnel'' specifically refers to ''Ambassador Unit'' and ''Delegate Team'' members.
* '''Aggregated Vote'''
** This is a standard voting process to determine simple majority among a collection of ''Leadership Groups'', where each group first votes and then that result equals one vote towards the final tally.
** Whenever there is an ''Aggregate Vote'' as illustrated below, none of the individual voters are aware of anyone else's vote until all votes have been cast, and none of the groups will know the outcome of their groups own result, nor the ''Aggregate Vote'' results of the other groups until all votes have been cast.
For example, if Group A votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group B votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group C votes (no, no, no) = NO, then the final vote is YES.

This method of tabulation is critical because if the total votes had been simply tabulated, it would have resulted in 4 votes for yes and 5 votes for no, with the final vote being NO, which is not accurate.
* '''Branch'''
** The functional divisions of those specialized areas of expertise required for the functioning of a government, each lead by three ''Branch Officials'' that have risen up from within the ranks of that ''Branch'', and overtly guided by the ''Executive Group''. Their singular purpose is to ensure that the ''Citizens'', now and into the future, are the primary beneficiaries when the government, businesses, ''Citizens'', and foreign interests operate and interact within their area of expertise.
* '''Branch Elections'''
** All the different kinds of elections that can take place within a ''Branch'', including those to elect ''Department Heads'' and the ''Branch Officials''.
* '''Branch Members'''
** All ''Emancipated Citizens'' that work directly for a ''Branch'', excluding ''Contract Workers,'' are considered ''Branch Members.'' All ''Permanent Hires'' that have completed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage can vote in ''Branch Elections.''
* '''Branch Officials'''
** Every ''Branch'', whether ''Intrinsic'' or ''Lateral'', is headed up by the three ''Branch Officials'', each who serve 12 year terms, staggered every four years. They guide their ''Branch'' using a majority vote among the three, and these officials are elected into their positions by the ''Branch Members'' themselves.
* '''Branch Primary Election'''
** A special election within a ''Branch'' to select that ''Branch's'' candidate for the position of a new ''Executive Group'' member. Only ''Branch Members'' are permitted to vote in this election and it is held in the first quarter of the year of the ''General Election''.
* '''Briefs'''
** The ''Branch Officials'' are tasked with keeping the ''Executive Group'' apprised of all the important events transpiring within their ''Branch,'' and do this by providing regular ''Briefs''. Through practical experience the frequency and depth should be determined and codified, even if this turns out to be unique among the different ''Branches''.
** ''Ambassador Units'' are obligated to present ''Briefs'' directly to the ''Executive Group'' as well as the ''Branch Officials'' of the International Affairs Branch for urgent issues requiring immediate attention.
* '''Charging Departments'''
** In the unique situation where at least two ''Departments'' within a ''Branch'' are unhappy with the leadership of their ''Branch Officials'', they may call for a ''No-Confidence Vote'', in which those ''Departments'' heading up this effort are referred to ''Charging Departments''.
* '''Charging Documentation'''
** The relevant evidence each ''Charging Department'' compiles for the basis of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote.''
* '''Citizens'''
** Those people born or graduating from ''Provisional Citizenship'' into the Liminal State.
* '''Citizen Initiatives'''
**Even ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' that do not work within a ''Branch'' of the Liminal State have the ability to affect their government directly using ''Citizen Initiatives''. Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' or group of ''Emancipated Citizen'' that are able to gather 10% or more ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary'' will have that issue be added to the ballot within that ''Political Boundary'' for the ''General Election''.
**To ensure it meets the minimum legal threshold of the Liminal State, the initiative must first go through a ''Justice Branch Screening'' and get final approval before signatures can be gathered.
**Only ''Emancipated Citizen'' within that ''Political Boundary'' may participate and gather ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary''. There can be no payments for signature gathering process or promotion of the issue - it requires true ''Citizen'' initiative and work, and does not allow for outside money or interests to interfere in this process.
**Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' within the ''Political Boundary'' may sign, as the initiative process does not require the approval of ''Eligible Voters''.
* '''Citizen Jury'''
** A ''Citizen Jury'' is the nomenclature describing the process that ''Citizens'' with ''Standing'' use to force a vote to decide the fate of a regulation enacted by a ''Branch'' or to investigate any issues that the ''Citizens'' feel are not being addressed properly.
** The same approach is used as the ''Citizen Initiative'' in that signatures are collected from the ''Emancipated Citizens''. The success of that effort does two things:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to a regulation, then the regulation being scrutinized is automatically added to the ballot for the next election so those ''Eligible Voters'' may vote to keep or end the regulation, otherwise:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to an issue the ''Citizens'' believe is not being addressed within their community, then the jury will ultimately provide the wording used on the ballot that the ''Eligible Voters'' will be deciding in regards to the issue being investigated.
*** A ''Citizen Jury'' is convened, made up of 99 randomly selected ''Emancipated Citizens'' within the ''Political Boundary'' impacted by the regulation or issue.
**** If a regulation is in question, then the jury will hear from the experts within the ''Branch'' that enacted the regulation to present their reasoning and facts that justified the regulation and to hear from those ''Citizens'' against the regulation, who may provide their own reasoning, facts and expert witnesses.
**** If the jury is convened regarding an issue, then the jury will have investigatory and subpoena powers to call witnesses, gather information from the Liminal State, utilize the most appropriate ''Enforcement Agency'' to investigate, etc. Their abilities to collect and study information will not be limited.
** In both cases, the 99 random members of the ''Citizen Jury'' may ask their own questions, request additional witnesses, and debate amongst themselves concerning their thoughts.
** All activities of the ''Citizen Jury'' are recorded and made available to the public so the ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing'' can make educated decisions regarding their vote for or against the regulation or issue on the next ballot.
* '''Citizen Signatures'''
** ''Citizen Initiatives'' requires the pre-approval of the ''Emancipated Citizen'' within a ''Political Boundary'' to get an initiative on the ballot. To prove there is adequate interest, the ''Emancipated Citizens'' must "sign" the petition. This can be a real signature (officially matched to the signature on file prior to counting), or the ''Emancipated Citizens'' can sign electronically. The mechanism for this will be resolved by the Progress Branch to ensure security, legality, and authentication.
* '''Contract Workers'''
** The temporary personnel and companies that may be hired by the Liminal State for a specific period of time or to complete a specific project. They are not to be considered ''Government Personnel'', do not gain any additional voting rights, are not restricted from outside income (unless contractually stipulated), and do not necessarily get paid above-average wages. ''Contract Workers'' include ''Contracted Companies'', the employees of ''Contracted Companies'' and ''Temporary Employees''.
* '''Contracted Companies'''
** Any business or company that works with the Liminal State through a contract and are not to be considered a part of the Liminal State, nor are their employees to be considered employees of the Liminal State.
* '''Decision Basis'''
** Every member of a ''Leadership Group'' is required to provide a detailed analysis of their reasoning behind their choice in a ''Decision Vote''. This information is used to ensure voting diligence, provide insight into that vote, allow public consumption and judgement, and for posterity.
* '''Decision Votes'''
** The votes that ''Leadership Groups'' make to determine a decision. The issue must be able to be determined with a "Yes" or "No" answer, and the majority vote of that group decides.
* '''Defense Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that manages the defense above the Liminal State and at the borders of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
** All the different military arms, for example the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy within the US, are guided by the ''Defense Branch'', and are prohibited by law from being used as any kind of police force within the Liminal State or to operate internationally.
** The technology used by the ''Defense Branch'' will always work towards perfecting non-lethal means of defense and disengagement. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Delegate Team'''
** A group of three selected by the ''Branch Officials'' of an ''Intrinsic Branch,'' from within that ''Branch,'' to represent their interests to a ''Lateral Branch'' or in domestic ''Embassies''.
* '''Delegate Vote Method'''
** In ''Lateral Branch'' votes, the ''Delegate Teams'' from each associated ''Intrinsic Branch'' and the ''Branch Officials'' of that ''Lateral Branch'' all vote on decisions using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This is not to be confused with the ''Justice Delegate Vote Method.''
* '''Departments'''
** ''Branches'' use ''Departments'' to do the real work needed for the Liminal State. ''Departments'' can be ''Permanent'' or ''Temporary'', depending on the project and need. They can also be created as ''Independent Departments'', meaning they are guided by their mission and expertise alone, not by ''Branch Officials''.
** ''Enforcement Agencies'' are special ''Independent Departments'' within every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches.''
** Each ''Department'' is directed by three ''Department Heads.''
* '''Department Heads'''
** The three leaders of a ''Department'', each serves a 12 year term, staggered every four years.
* '''Election Cycle'''
** The four year period between elections. ''Leadership Teams'' are elected on a four year cycle, and within four years all the different ''Leadership Teams'' will have had the senior member depart, a new junior member join, and a new ''Alternate'' selected (if applicable). The ''Election Cycle'' of of each ''Leadership Team'' also happens in different years, allowing for natural upper movement of the best.
* '''Eligible Voters'''
** This is the group of people within the Liminal State that have the right to vote. In the case where the Liminal State uses the ''Empathy Test'', ''Eligible Voters'' only include those ''Emancipated Citizens'' that have taken the ''Empathy Test'' and place in the top 80%.
** Most elections within a ''Branch'' allow all ''Government Personnel'' of that ''Branch'' to vote, whether they are ''Eligible Voters'' or not; where the ''Empathy Test'' is used. But if the iteration of Liminal State employs the ''Empathy Test'' and a ''Branch'' election explicitly specifies ''Eligible Voters'', that means that that election is restricted to only those personnel within that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Empathy Test.''
* '''Emancipated Citizens'''
** ''Emancipated Citizens'' are the group that we would currently call adults, and they would have all the rights and freedoms afforded adults, including complete bodily autonomy. Instead of an arbitrary age used to define an adult, ''Citizens'' of the Liminal State would take an ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate their ability to make adult decisions and handle adult responsibilities.
* '''Emancipation Test'''
** ''Citizens'' take the ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate that they have gained the basic capabilities expected of ''Emancipated Citizens'', such as basic reading and math skills, the ability to manage a budget, social, emotional, media, and online intelligence, demonstrable practical skills like changing a tire or taking care of a pet, and understanding their relationship with other ''Citizens'' and the Liminal State.
* '''Embassies'''
** Embassies are used internationally and domestically to provide a direct point of contact between the people and the Liminal State.
** International ''Embassies'' are used by the ''Ambassador Units'' and their staff to maintain relationships with those foreign states.
** Domestic ''Embassies'' are placed strategically throughout the Liminal State and house ''Delegate Teams'' from every ''Branch'' to provide direct access for the ''Citizens'' that require in-person services, including ''Justice Branch Screenings'' of ''Citizen Initiatives'', the administration of ''Emancipation Tests'' and ''Empathy Tests'', business complaints, etc.
* '''Empathy Test'''
** When employed by the Liminal State to determine voter eligibility, the test that ''Emancipated Citizens'' can take every four years, which gains the top 80% most empathetic the privilege of voting.
* '''Employable Citizens'''
** This group of people includes all who have become ''Emancipated Citizens'' or have passed an ''Employment Screening.''
* '''Employment Screening'''
** A specialized test that anyone who has yet to become an ''Emancipated Citizen'' can take to be allowed to work. This screening wouldn't test job-related skills, but rather ensures the individual is capable of safely performing the eventual tasks required and meet other minimum conditions. This group would mostly include young adults, some people with an intellectual disabilities, and appropriate ''Provisional Citizens''.
* '''Enforcement Agency'''
** A specialized ''Department'' that every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches'' have to investigate and enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the expertise of that ''Branch''. Some ''Branches'' may have more than one.
* '''Executive Group'''
** A five-member group, each of which have demonstrable expertise and leadership abilities, that directs the Liminal State as a whole, elected into their positions by the ''Eligible Voters'' for 20 year terms, staggered every four years.
* '''For Cause'''
** Any one of the valid reasons for removing ''Government Personnel'', including criminal activity, improper use of position, profiting from office, unlawful outside income, etc.
* '''General Elections'''
** The election held every four years where the ''Eligible Voters'' decide the next ''Executive Group'' member, grade the performance of existing ''Executive Group'' members, and vote on the matters of law on the ballot.
* '''Global Justice Branch Vote'''
** The ''Justice Branch'' is special in that all personnel that hold ''Leadership Group'' positions within the ''Justice Branch'' vote on the big decisions facing the Liminal State through ''Judicial Branch Screenings''. The outcome is decided using a simple majority from among all eligible personnel voting, rather than using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This takes the power away from the few at the top, how it is with the US Supreme Court now, and gives it to all the experts within that ''Branch''. This would be the equivalent of having all decisions facing the Supreme Court being decided by every judge working within the entire Judiciary Branch.
* '''Government Personnel'''
** Those individuals that work directly within the Liminal State, and in any capacity, from lowest level employee through the ''Executive Group''.
** ''Government Personnel'' are paid a premium to attract the very best and because they must sacrifice additional sources of income during their employ. Those that work within a ''Branch'' also have additional voting privileges.
** ''Contract Workers'' are excluded from this classification''.''
* '''Impromptu Vote'''
** With the creation of a new ''Department'' or ''Branch'', or in the very rare circumstance where there is more than one ''Leadership Group'' seat within a ''Branch'' needing to be filled or there isn't an available ''Alternate'' to fill a single seat, a ''Branch'' or ''Department'' can hold an ''Impromptu Vote'' to fill multiple seats and select a new ''Alternate'', if necessary, at the same time. An ''Impromptu Vote'' will use the ''Year 0 Rules'' to fill each open seat with the appropriate candidate, and each successful candidate winning a seat will serve an abbreviated term so the ''Election Cycle'' is not altered.
* '''Independent Branch'''
** A ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Executive Group'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Departments'''
** A ''Department'' within a ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Branch Officials'' (and therefore the ''Executive Group)'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Investigation'''
** An investigational body spawned by an ''Enforcement Agency'' that operates independently of oversight and direction from that ''Enforcement Agency'' or it's ''Branch'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Informed Vote Archive'''
** These are specific, encrypted online archives, only accessible by those with the specific right to vote on a decision, that contains all the requisite information necessary to make an informed decision. Regularly used by the ''Executive Group'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Department Heads'', etc., but even used by the ''Eligible Voters'' when it comes to ''General Elections'' and for decisions on laws.
* '''Intrinsic Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, specializing in one fundamental aspect of governance among all those required for a functional government. The Liminal State proposes 13 ''Intrinsic Branches'', but the needs of state may require others or fewer.
* '''Justice Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that operates independently of ''Executive Group'' direction and is the final word on the legality of proposed directions, laws, and regulations. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Judicial Branch Screening'''
** All ''Orders or Requests'' ''or'' potential laws or regulations should always be first vetted by the ''Justice Branch'' to ensure the legality of that request, which is called a ''Justice Branch Screening''. This should be common practice and is a ''Protected Action''. ''Judicial Branch Screenings'' require a decision through a ''Global Justice Branch Vote''.
* '''Justice Delegate Vote Method'''
** When there is a decision, regulation, or law being drafted by any ''Branch'', the ''Executive Group'', or ''Citizen Initiative'' and advice is needed to it's initial lawfulness, the ''Justice Branch Delegate Teams'' from a minimum of two ''Lateral Branches'' with ''Standing'', along with the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'', all vote using the ''Aggregate Vote Method'' to decide legality, and the resulting ''Decision Basis'' for any necessary refinement''.''
** This is not to be confused with the ''Delegate Vote Method''.
* '''Lateral Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, and which works in the area directly between the expertise of two ''Intrinsic Branches''.
* '''Leadership Groups'''
** This is a general term for the different ''Leadership Groups'' that include ''Branch Officials'', ''Delegate Teams'', ''Department Heads'', ''Ambassador Units'', and the ''Executive Group.'' These groups are comprised of three or five members.
* '''Neighborhood'''
** A thought experiment used by the Liminal State to describe complex situations in a simple way, while using the idea of a neighborhood community and those interactions as a model.
* '''No-Confidence Vote'''
** A special kind of vote that subordinates or subordinate ''Leadership Groups'' use to remove superior ''Leadership Group'' members, following an official process.
* '''Non-Citizens'''
** All people that are not ''Citizens'' or ''Provisional Citizens.''
* '''Orders or Requests'''
** Any directions given by a superior to a subordinate that is expected to be followed. This could be from a ''Government Personnel'' to another ''Government Personnel'', or from ''Government Personnel'' to a ''Contract Worker'', and is required to be lawful.
* '''Permanent Department'''
** Unless otherwise instantiated, ''Departments'' are ''Permanent Departments''. This means they will always continue to exist. These contrast with ''Temporary Departments,'' which are created for a specific purpose and no longer exist once that purpose has been fulfilled or a certain amount of time has elapsed.
* '''Permanent Hires'''
** Unless specifically hired as a ''Contract Worker'', all employees of the Liminal State are ''Permanent Hires''. This means that after completing the ''Probationary Employee'' stage, they can only be removed ''For Cause''.
* '''Political Boundary'''
** The different imaginary delineated areas within the Liminal State within which ''Eligible Voters'' decide on the virtues of potential laws and leadership for themselves. These might be a local community, town, city, district, state/province, or national boundary.
* '''Probationary Employee'''
** All ''Permanent Hires'' of the Liminal State are considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year, regardless of role, which allows for easier removal of problematic employees. ''Probationary Employees'' are not permitted to vote in ''Branch Elections'', even if an ''Eligible Voter''.
* '''Professional Objection'''
** A ''Professional Objection'' is a special ''Record'' filed to ask the ''Justice Branch'' to review the legality of an ''Order or Request'' made within the Liminal State. The ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' filing a ''Professional Objection'' are indemnified of any penalties for not following that ''Order or Request'' until the review has been completed, and the act of filing a ''Professional Objection'' is a ''Protected Action''.
* '''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'''
** In this system, also referred to as [[wikipedia:Single_transferable_vote|Single Transferable Vote (STV)]], a person casts a single vote in the form of a ranked ballot, where candidates are optionally ordered from highest priority to lowest. At the conclusion of the initial count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and all those that voted for this person then have their vote reassigned to the next candidate on their list. Any additional votes received by a candidate that reaches the electoral quota are also reassigned to that voter's next candidate, meaning that no votes are wasted. This mechanism is repeated over and over internally until the candidates are ranked in the most fair and logical way.
* '''Protected Action'''
** Any fundamentally protected speech or action within the Liminal State, and for which there can never be retribution, discipline, or other action, overt or covert, that would dissuade a person's desire to make that speech or do that action.
* '''Protected Citizens'''
** All ''Citizens'' that have yet to pass the test to become ''Emancipated Citizens''. This group includes children, some people with an intellectually disability, and by default, holders of a ''Provisional Citizenship''.
* '''Provisional Citizen'''
** All people wishing for amnesty or naturalization into the Liminal State are first considered ''Provisional Citizens'' following initial approval. This status lasts for a period of three years, after which point they officially become ''Citizens''. This temporary status is used to ensure all new potential citizens are willing and able to accumulate into the Liminal State and be productive participants of society.
** ''Provisional Citizens'' may take the ''Employment Test'' and/or the ''Emancipation Test'', though as ''Provisional Citizens'' they will not be permitted to vote.
* '''Record'''
** With every vote and at other times ''Government Personnel'' of the Liminal State must provide justifications or supporting factors and documentation concerning a decision for the ''Record''. The action of inputting this information into the Liminal State official database is to ''Record'', and that information then becomes a ''Record''.
* '''Removal Paths'''
** Any one of the various ways that ''Leadership Group'' members can be officially removed from their seats.
* '''Restitution'''
** The repayment to a ''Citizen'' or group for a violation of law by the one violating the law, which may be monetary, a time commitment, or whatever is deemed appropriate to make the ''Citizen'' or group suffering the violation of law whole.
* '''Review Vote'''
** Laws that are passed by the ''Citizens'' remain in effect for eight years and automatically renew by default unless the ''Citizens'' vote at the conclusion of the eight years using the ''80% Rule'' to repeal the law. This review of a law prior to automatic renewal is called a ''Review Vote''.
* '''Sentient Life/Being'''
** All self-aware and intelligent individuals that extol empathy, patience, wisdom, and non-violence. Currently this only includes humans, but in the future may also include self-aware general A.I, other intelligent organic life to arise on Earth, or life created or arising not of Earth. For simplicity, this documentation will use the term "people" when referring to ''Sentient Life''.
* '''Special Projects'''
** Every ''Executive Group'' member is elected on their leadership abilities, expertise, and two or three ''Special Projects'' that they wish to complete during their 20 year term. These should be projects that are within the expertise of that candidate, important to the candidate and the people, are possible to complete within the 20 year term (or an important part of a bigger issue), and ideally are likely to not be accomplished unless spearheaded by an ''Executive Group'' member.
* '''Standing'''
** Those with with a direct and demonstrable interest in a specific issue have ''Standing''.
* '''Temporary Department'''
** Anytime there is a special situation or a special project that requires the effort of a new full ''Department'', the ''Branch Officials'' may create a ''Temporary Department'' to serve until a project is completed or for a specific amount of time. The ''Department Heads'' of ''Temporary Departments'' are initially selected by the ''Branch Officials'' using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' and ''Year 0 Rules'' to place the qualified and willing candidates into the appropriate seats, with the initial amount of time served being truncated to match the regular ''Election Cycle''. After instantiation, the initial ''Department Heads'' will be individually replaced like normal with each new ''Election Cycle'' by the members of that ''Temporary Department''.
* '''Temporary Employees'''
** ''Temporary Employees'' are those specifically hired to help with ''Special Projects'', ''Temporary Departments'', and certain other tasks or situations within the Liminal State that may require outside staffing for a limited amount of time. ''Temporary Employees'' are categorized as ''Contract Workers'' and are not considered ''Government Personnel''.
* '''Voter Decision'''
** Any issue or law before the voters is considered a ''Voter Decision'', and all ''Eligible Voters'' within the ''Political Boundary'' of that election are eligible to vote.
* '''Year 0 Rules'''
** Special election rules used to replace multiple seats in a ''Leadership Group'' as if initially starting and having to fill all at once. Instead of the top candidate filling a seat vacated by a senior member, the ''Year 0 Rules'' seat the winning candidates as they are ranked using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', where the top winner fills the junior seat and serves a full term, but is considered the senior member, with the next filling the next seat, with an abbreviated term and considered the middle member, and the third winner filling the last seat and only serving until the next ''Election Cycle'' while being considered the junior member.
** Using this method, several seats and an ''Alternative'' can be selected in a single election, with specific rules used to determine where each winning candidate sits and their seniority, depending on their rank in the vote.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Core Concepts|← Core Concepts]] | [[Key Words]] | [[Main Page|Main Page →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Structure]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Leadership Summary

2026-09-29T16:39:47Z

Mr Fox:

There are several ''Leadership Groups'' with different areas of expertise and authority throughout the Liminal State. Each will be discussed more in depth and in context, but below is a summary of the minimum requirements each position requires, along with length of term and minimum/maximum ages required at the time the candidate would be seated.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Leadership Group
!Number of Seats
!Length of Term
!Required Experience
!Minimum Age
!Maximum Age
|-
|Executive Group
|5 (plus Alternate)
|20 Years
|12 Years
|35 Years Old
|49 Years Old
|-
|Branch Officials
|3 (plus Alternate)
|12 Years
|10 Years
|33 Years Old
|52 Years Old
|-
|Department Heads
|3
|12 Years
|6 Years
|29 Years Old
|52 Years Old
|-
|Ambassador Units
|3
|12 Years
|8 Years/4 Specialty
|31 Years Old
|52 Years Old
|-
|Delegate Teams
|3
|12 Years
|8 Years/4 Specialty
|31 Years Old
|52 Years Old
|}

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
''Continue Reading:''

[[Division Of Authority|← Division Of Authority]] | [[Leadership Summary]] | [[Intrinsic Branches|Intrinsic Branches →]]

''Site Map:''

[[Category:Structure]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Laws & Freedom: In Practice

2026-09-29T02:52:02Z

Mr Fox:

At the very top there exists the fundamental rights that the laws of the Liminal State must not violate. These are inherent, universal, and inalienable rights belonging to every ''Conscious Being'', simply by virtue of being conscious, and are detailed under current international law as ''[https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights] ('''UDHR''')''.

'''''Note:''' the Liminal State recognizes the language replacement of “Human Being", "Person", or "All” with “Conscious Being,” and enforcement is upheld to this standard. Any references within the Liminal State documentation to “people” assumes “Conscious Beings.”''

The following are expansions, additions, and modification to the '''''UDHR''''' under the Liminal State, and apply to ''Citizens'' and ''Non-Citizens'' alike:

==== '''Article 1 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State regards all people as inherently equal and all must be treated with absolute equality in public, business, and government matters.
## No laws may be enacted that overtly or in effect targets a subset of one or more of the pre-defined groups. These groups are ''Non-Citizens'', ''Protected Citizens'', and ''Emancipated Citizens''.
## In no case shall the delineation of these pre-defined groups be used as pretext to deprived any person of their intrinsic rights given them by virtue of the UDHR.
### The ''Citizens'' may choose to limit their own freedoms for the benefit of their community. They will be given wide latitude when it comes to laws impacting ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' within their communities, so long as these laws respect the fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
### The Liminal State will be entirely responsible for any laws governing ''Non-Citizens'', as this group cannot vote and does not have representation, therefore they are considered a protected group.
## All businesses must serve the ''Citizens'' equally.
### Only by virtue of the ''Citizens'' (via their power vested in the government) are businesses authorized to exist and operate, therefore business are prohibited from limiting service to any subset of the predefined groups.
### ''Protected Citizens'' may have additional rights and protections in regards to business practices.
## Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate businesses must be applicable to all related businesses.
Example 1: No law may specifically target ''TikToc'', though a law targeting all social media would be allowed.

==== '''Article 3 Modification''' ====
# Any person or entity that would sue another individual or entity must first go through the following steps before a lawsuit will be permitted to move forward:
## The plaintiff must prove to the court that they have a reasonable chance of winning.
## If successful, the defendant must then be given 60 days following their notification to file a rejection of the claim on the grounds that it is an attempt at harassment, silencing free or protected speech, intimidating the defendant, or for some other unlawful reason.
## If the defendant is successful in this action, the plaintiff must pay to the defendant whichever of the following is the greatest amount:
### 10x the amount of fees paid by the defendant for legal council.
### 10x the fees that would have been paid at the average community rate, whether the defendant retained council or not.
### 10x the amount the plaintiff paid to their lawyers to take this unlawful action.
# The Liminal State, as the representation of society's will, may require certain actions that could be interpreted as a violation of a person's right to security where this overlaps with society's other rights and welfare.
## Only society may over-rule an ''Emancipated Citizen's'' right to security of person using the 80% rule - for example in the case of vaccine requirements.
### Communities have the right to pass laws that restrict the behavior of outsiders within their community, even if that outsider has that right in their own community.
### Communities have the right to restrict access to their community only in vary narrow circumstances where the physical health of that community could be adversely impacted by the entrance of non-conforming outside ''Citizens'', and only after review and pre-approval by the ''Justice Branch''.
#### For example, if one community requires all residents receive a vaccine, then entrance by outsiders could be restricted to only those who have also received the vaccine, even if the outsider's community does not require the vaccine.
#### The community restricting access to outsiders must provide the remedy for the restriction to outsiders.
##### Example 1: outsiders not having taken a vaccine could take the vaccine and follow appropriate protocol before entering the community.
##### Example 2: if a community does not allow guns in their community, then outsiders must be allowed to lock up their guns at the ''Political Boundary'' of that community and retrieve them on their way back out.
## The Liminal State is the final authority on safeguarding the ''Non-Citizen's'' and ''Protected Citizen's'' security of person.

==== '''Article 5 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will only use compassion, empathy, and rehabilitation in conjunction with violations of the law.
# Execution and physical, mental, or social punishments will never be used on ''Citizens'' or ''Non-Citizens''.

==== '''Article 7 Expansion''' ====
# All people before the law have the right to communicate in their native language, therefore interpreters (people or artificial) shall be made available to anyone in need.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as ''Citizens'' in regards to violations of the law.
# All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to test and see if they qualify as ''Emancipated'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.

==== '''Article 10 Expansion''' ====
# Detention facilities shall immediately allow the detainee to notify (without charge) a family member or closest contact, based on the detainee's preference, of their detention and be provided reasonably immediate access. The detainee may contact as many people as necessary until contact has been successful.
# A detainee will meet with a group of three (a lawyer, a social worker, and a health worker) within 24 hours of their detainment.
## The three shall assess the situation and provide appropriate help and resources.
### Under the law, detainees are afforded the same protections in regards to these three as is currently the case with a lawyer.
#### These three may never be compelled to testify against the detainee.
#### These three are to keep anything the detainee tells them in strict confidence, except as necessary to render appropriate care (in which case those included in that care are also bound to confidence).
### The first step in rehabilitation will be to determine the circumstances prompting the individual to violate the law and then to get them whatever help is necessary to ensure further violations don't continue (rehab, counseling, financial services, etc.).
### The primary goal of this methodology is to catch ''Citizens'' in need before they fall, and prevent additional crimes and societal costs that might come of their otherwise diminished situations.
# The detained shall not be moved to another facility outside the local ''Political Boundary'' unless found guilty and then by court order, or if the three deem it in the best interest of the detainee for their rehabilitation and with the agreement of the detainee.
# No legal processes may begin against a detainee until the detainee has met with the three and then with their lawyer present.
# Law enforcement will not question a detainee following their arrest without their lawyer present.
# A detainee who has not met with the three within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# A detainee who has not been seen by a judge within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# Monetary bonds will never be used.
# A detainee may only be held longer if:
## The courts have deemed the detainee an immediate threat to themselves or others and no technological remedy exists to prevent that threat.
## The rehabilitation experts have deemed the detainee in need of immediate rehabilitation and have reasonable evidence (as judged by the ''Justice Branch'') that the detainee will not follow through with the rehabilitation if released.
## The detainee has violated the terms of a personal recognizance bond for any open case.

==== '''Article 11 Expansion''' ====
# '''Protection Against Self-Incrimination''' - The accused will not be forced to testify against themselves nor shall anyone be forced to incriminate themselves.
# '''Family Testimonial Privilege''' - The immediate family of the accused will not be forced to testify against the accused.
# '''Right To The Best Council''' - There are no public defenders in the Liminal State to ensure the very best legal representation for all defendants, regardless of situation or their status. All lawyers, permitted to practice law by virtue of the Liminal State, are obligated to provide counsel to defendants.
## A lottery system will be used among all registered defense lawyers within the district to determine which lawyer will represent a defendant.
## Lawyers of defendants will be paid by the Liminal State the industry average wage within that community, which will be updated and set at least twice a year.
## Defendants may choose to employ other/additional counsel at their discretion and expense.

==== '''Article 12 Expansion''' ====
# There will be no use of general surveillance within the Liminal State.
## The Liminal State, or any third party acting on behalf of the Liminal State, may never use general surveillance or general data collection of the people.
### Personalized data may only be collected in connection with the delivery of public services, law enforcement, and to carry out administrative responsibilities (i.e.: voter rolls, driver license issuance, benefit distribution, birth and death certificates, etc.), and only at the time service is rendered.
#### No person shall otherwise be compelled to provide their personalized information.
#### Any personalized data collected will be prohibited from external access and searches.
#### All internal access or searches will be for official purposes only.
##### Access and searches will require the confirmation from three authorized people.
##### All access and searches will be logged, with that logged data being immutable.
##### The person searched shall be immediately notified if this action is not directly relate to a service they are requesting.
### Non-personally identifiable information may be collected from the people in aggregate as part of normal government functions, such as issuing census reports, population information, and other statistical data.
## The Liminal State shall always work to collect less or no data rather than using lawful justifications to collect more.
# Businesses operating within the Liminal State may not sell personally identifiable information, or any information (in part or aggregate) that could be used to personally identify individuals without the person's prior knowledge and approval.
## The government will maintain an opt-in database for ''Citizens'' that will obfuscate personally identifiable information for participating ''Citizens''.
### Businesses will be compelled to use this database to verify age, city, or other general information about ''Citizens'', thereby not having to collect this data from the ''Citizens'' directly.
### The database will be protected from being wide-searchable by the government or businesses, and personal information will be modifiable only by the ''Citizens'' themselves.
## The collection of data must always be an opt-in feature with a clear explanation of usage.
## The government will maintain an opt-out database on behalf of the ''Citizens'' that wish to have their information removed from business databases, and in which businesses must regularly check (no less than once a month) to remain compliant with regulations.
# ''Citizens'' may not publish personally identifiable information about other ''Citizens'' without that person’s prior explicit permission.
# ''Non-Citizens'' or businesses or other entities not entirely based and operating within the Liminal State may not collect nor publish any personally identifiable information about Liminal State ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 16 Expansion''' ====
# All ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' or ''Citizens'' of legal age have a right to marry any other ''Emancipated Citizen'' or ''Citizen'' of legal age.
# All married ''Citizens'' have the right to divorce.
# All married ''Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' have a right to adopt children. Further, non-discriminatory, qualifications are understood.
# No person shall be compelled to have children.

==== '''Article 17.2 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State reserves the right to redefine real estate property ownership in order to utilize a form of [[wikipedia:Land_value_tax|Land(Location) Value Tax (LVT)]] in lieu of collecting other taxes.
# Under no circumstances shall a person be deprived of their property by the Liminal State to specifically benefit commercial purposes or other businesses.
# Should the Liminal State deem it necessary to deprive a person or business of real estate property belonging to them, the person or business shall be compensated at 200% of the current appraised market value.
## If the purpose is in lieu of collecting other taxes (17.2.1), that person or business will be given first right of use.
## In any other case, should the use not be fulfilled as provided for in the eminent domain action and the property remain unused, the person or business will again be given their property back and without the requirement of (re)payment.
# No person or business shall otherwise be arbitrarily deprived of lawfully possessed property.

==== '''Article 18 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will protect the right of free thought and practice of all religions and beliefs, whether formally recognized or not, so long as those practices do not violate any fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, the Liminal State will never embrace any religion, officially or unofficially, overtly or covertly.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, no expression of religion will adorn any state building or state or public property, nor will prayer or other religious practice or observance be allowed within any state building or on any state or public property.
### Should the Liminal State assume ownership and management of property in lieu of collecting other taxes, this restriction does not apply to the private homes, businesses, or religious institutions upon this previously privately held property.
### The display of traditionally recognized religious symbols are limited to historically significant artifacts and may only be displayed in museums as a scholarly exercise.
### To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, any educational institution receiving public funds may only teach religion as a scholarly exercise, and only when taught alongside and equally with multiple other religions and perspectives.
### Any use within the state that raises public questions will be prohibited as to err on the side of caution.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of religious beliefs and thoughts.
# The Liminal State will protect everyone's right to the freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.
## The Liminal State will never limit the study, expansion, teaching, or promotion of alternative government philosophies.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.

==== '''Article 19 Expansion''' ====
# The freedom of the people's speech shall not be limited by the government, except under special circumstances:
## Speech that incites violations of law, violates the rights of others, or violates any fundamental rights under the Liminal State shall be prohibited.
## Defamation, fraud and perjury are prohibited.
## Further restrictions to speech may be applicable when the audience includes or could include ''Protected Citizens''.
## Additional restrictions may apply to businesses and other entities serving the ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 20 Expansion''' ====
# Peaceful assembly and demonstrations are protected at the highest levels.
## Any demonstrators that uses violence, riotous actions, or vandalism will be specifically targeted by law enforcement actions.
## Any unlawful actions of the few shall not be construed as the actions of the whole, and are not to be used as justification to infringe upon this freedom of assembly.
# A ''Citizen's'' associations shall not be used alone as condemnation or evidence of criminal intent.

==== '''Article 21 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State may be instantiated with or without the ''80% Rule''.
## The ''80% Rule'' requires ''Emancipated Citizens'' to take an empathy test to become an ''Eligible Voter'', and only the top 80% of most empathetic people will be eligible to vote. For any laws to pass, 80% of these 80% of ''Citizens'' must vote in favor of that law.
### There can only be one justification for limiting the pool of voters, and that is if this smaller pool contains only the most empathetic.
### Empathy tests are highly accurate, not manipulatable, and when administered by experts and transparently monitored, they can be relied upon to be an effective way of managing the voter pool.
### Limiting the pool of voters makes voting a privilege instead of an obligation and will encourage greater participation.
### When considering the low general voter turnouts for most democratic elections, this builds in a mechanism for consideration of those that do not or cannot vote.
### Limiting voting to the 80% most empathetic organically promotes a more thoughtful society overall with possible positive generational effect.
## Using the ''80% Rule'' does create a narrow possible path for intentional voter disenfranchisement if not done openly and fairly, and is therefore not a requirement for a Liminal State.
### Without this rule, all ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to vote.
### All laws still require an 80% affirmative vote to pass.
### Any potential candidate for a ''Leadership Group'' or management position is still required to first pass an ''Empathy Test'' to ensure that leaders are naturally thoughtful of the people's needs over their own, in regards to their decisions and actions.

==== '''Article 26.3 Modification''' ====
# While parents shall have the right to choose the kind of education their child receives, the Liminal State reserves the right to ensure that education meets minimum requirements for the good of society and that child's future. These minimum requirements may include:
## Levelized test scores.
## Subject breadth and depth.
## Normal opportunities for socialization.
## Overview by Liminal State education representatives to monitor progress.

==== '''UDHR Additions''' ====
# The interests of the Liminal State will be prioritized as:
## ''Citizens''
## All people
## Ecosystems/All living things
## Everything else
## These shall not be prioritized to the exclusion of the others, but rather in concert and consideration of the others.
# The Liminal State will foster compassion and empathy with victims, rather than vengeance and punishment, and society, via the Liminal State, will initially shoulder the costs of all crimes suffered by victims in exchange for the victim's compassion and empathy.
## As society will overtly be paying for the costs of crime, society will determine the ''Restitution'' owed to victims and from convicted violators.
## The ''Judicial Branch'' will guide and moderate the determined ''Restitution''.
## Convicted violators will be obligated to repay ''Restitution'' back to society via the Liminal State.
## There are no standard or mandatory minimum sentences in the Liminal State. Convicted violators of the law will be allowed back into society only after:
### They have successfully completed any rehabilitation required of them.
### They have demonstrated to the Liminal State and the ''Citizens'' that they will no longer be a detriment to society.
### They demonstrate a willingness and ability to repay all ''Restitution'' owed.
## Victims will be compensated by society prior to any court actions, and therefore even if there is no conviction.
# Prison will be reserved exclusively for the very few individuals that cannot be rehabilitated and where there is no technology yet available to protect society from them if released.
## Prisons will no longer serve as punishment or deterrent, but rather the last recourse when rehabilitation fails.
## Prisons will be transformed so that those incarcerated can live as comfortably and freely as possible, without endangering society.
## Only the Liminal State can, as the representation of order in society, take responsibility for its ''Citizens''' welfare and safety. Therefore there will be no private prisons in the Liminal State. In the extreme situation where someone has been deemed unfit to return to society and therefore society must strip that person of certain freedoms, then that society, via the government, must take responsibility for that person’s continued wellbeing.
# ''Protected Citizens'' will never be tried as adults.
## Any apparent adult that hasn’t taken the ''Emancipation Test'' will be required to take it prior to any court action.
## Any ''Protected Citizen'' may voluntarily take the ''Emancipation Test'' if they choose prior to any court action.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as a ''Citizen'' in regards to violations of the law within the Liminal State.
## All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to take the ''Emancipation Test'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.
## ''Non-Citizens'' in violation of the law will be excluded from asylum opportunities.
# As the Liminal State provides the authority and authorization for lawyers to practice law, judges and the ''Justice Branch'' therefore have direct authority over lawyers in regards to misbehavior, faulty representation, etc.
# The press shall be free of any government influence or interference except where there is critical public interest. Critical public interests must be defined prior to Liminal State instantiation or after with a public vote using the ''80% Rule.''
## An example of a preexisting critical public interest applies to limited public commodities regulated by the Liminal State, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, in which any public use must conform to the same rules that are foundational to the Liminal State. In addition to these fundamental rules, programming that takes advantage of these public commodities will also be restricted in the following ways:
### “News” programs will convey accurate, non-partisan information.
### Partisan rhetoric shall be clearly labeled as opinion and must not be construed as news.
## The internet shall never be considered a public commodity that could be regulated in the same way as the electromagnetic spectrum. Only limited resources that must be delegated to businesses for public uses qualify.
## The ''Citizens'' may also restrict what content is available within their communities through a vote, regardless of delivery medium, in general or specifically to ''Protected Citizens''.
# As there is no practical division between the Liminal State and its ''Citizens'', the Liminal State will not restrict government information from the ''Citizens'' by default. Exceptions to this may be employed in specific situations as follows or specified elsewhere within the official Liminal State documentation.
## All information collected or produced on behalf of the Liminal State, excluding personally identifiable or other specifically protected information, will immediately be made available for public consumption.
## All interactions between government officials in a leadership positions or that interact directly with the public will be recorded with audio and visual components, streamed, and archived in it's entirety for all ''Citizens'' to access immediately and indefinitely.
### An exception exists for any recordings of ''Protected Citizens'', in which case the recordings may be limited to relevant guardians and necessary officials (i.e.: classrooms - with recordings/streaming available only to parents and school officials, and law enforcement in the case of a suspected crimes).
### An exception also exists in the case of any law enforcement activity which include an arrest for suspected crimes - only upon conviction shall any information regarding a crime and details of the convicted individual(s) be made public, and only then when necessary as provided by law.
#### For government accountability, a minimum of three independent non-governmental organizations or ''Independent Departments'' will have full insight and access to regularly review recordings and be aware of every person held in suspicion of a crime, their location, etc.
##### If enough public support does not organically provide the necessary resources for the non-governmental organizations, the government will fully or partially fund these organizations as necessary. Regardless, the government will have no involvement in their operations.
##### These organizations exist to ensure public visibility into otherwise hidden detentions, but as this process is necessary to maintain privacy of those not convicted, they may never release information outside of the specific and highly regulated routes provided to ensure government accountability.
## All members of the government, speaking in their official capacity, while on duty, or by virtue of their position represent the authority of the Liminal State, are forbidden from making knowingly false or misleading statements.
## Members of the government at all levels are encouraged to speak with the press, with applicable exclusions applying.
### There will be no direct or indirect interference by anyone within the government to suppress this protected speech.
### There will be no consequences for any ''Government Personnel'' speaking the truth with any other ''Citizen''.
## The financial information of all ''Government Personnel'' will be publicly available at all times.
### All ''Government Personnel'' will be paid exceptionally well, relative to the private sector.
### In exchange for above average salaries, no ''Government Personnel'' may hold other jobs or have any other sources of income.
#### All ''Government Personnel'' will have access to a blind investment pool.
#### All direct relationships of ''Government Personnel'' will have access to the same blind investment pool as ''Government Personnel''.
### The finances of all direct relationships will also be made public.
#### This includes parents, siblings, spouses, and emancipated children.
#### The finances of extended family, friends, and acquaintances of ''Government Personnel'' will be regularly scrutinized by the Liminal State but will not be made public automatically.
#### Suspicion of inappropriate behavior by ''Government Personnel'' in association with any of these relationships will put both sides in legal jeopardy.
### Former ''Government Personnel'' having held management positions or been part of a ''Leadership Group'' are forbidden from working for any company that has had ''Standing'' with their ''Branch(es)''. Former ''Executive Group'' members are forbidden from holding positions in the public sector, whether officially or unofficially.
# No infrastructure or public spaces shall be named for any ''Government Personnel'', nor shall statues, money or other objects bear their likeness, whether live or dead.
# ''All laws that are passed within the Liminal State remain in effect for a period of eight years by default. In the seventh year they will again be available to vote on, except they will automatically renew unless the Citizens vote using the 80% Rule to remove it. This subsequent vote in review of a law is called a Review Vote.''
## ''Laws may explicitly specify a shorter time period for renewal, with the lower limit being four years. In these cases a Review Vote is still required the year prior to expiration.''
## ''No law may explicitly last longer than eight years.''
## ''Any laws written to last less than four years will automatically expire after that time and without need of a Review Vote.''
## ''Any proposed law that does not pass with the 80% Rule may be put up for another vote, using any wording with a similar proposed outcome, in the following circumstances:''
### ''After a year has elapsed if it received more than 55% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After three years have elapsed if it received more than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After eight years have passed if it received less than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### In any case, the new proposed law would still require a ''Justice Branch Review'' and the requisite ''Citizen Signatures'' as a new ''Citizen Initiative''.
# Any population that wishes to incorporate into the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the existing Liminal State voters and an 80% affirmative vote by the total proposed new population.
## The vote by the population wishing to incorporate is a vote for adhering to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## The vote by the existing Liminal State voters is a vote of confidence that the new population, at a minimum, will adhere to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## This requires a total of at least 80% of the new ''Emancipated'' population to vote yes, not an 80% affirmative from a smaller pool of voters within the entire voting population.
## All the rules that apply to voting within the Liminal State must be followed by the new population for the incorporation vote to be valid.
## Cross-border campaigning or other activities from either side in an effort to affect the vote is forbidden.
## The Liminal State shall monitor the vote and all activities leading up to the vote to ensure these requirements are met.
## If either 80% vote fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted until eight years have elapsed.
# Any population that wishes to secede from the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the total seceding population.
## The seceding population must ensure that it will adhere to the minimum fundamental laws that the Liminal State is based on if granted secession.
## The seceding population must be composed of a contiguous area.
### When continent-bound, this area must contain at least 750,000 people or have a legitimate historical claim to a common heritage if smaller.
### An island (chain) or any non-continental contiguous area of any size is eligible.
## This action requires the entire seceding population of ''Emancipated Citizens'' to vote, not the 80% rule.
## This action does not require nor allow for a vote against this action by the non-seceding population.
## There must be no campaigning within the proposed seceding area by the Liminal State or other entities in an effort to influence the vote.
## Should a successful vote of secession take place, there will be a eight year overlap period where the seceding area implements its statehood and the Liminal State and the seceding area negotiate trade, immigration, and other necessary terms of the future mutual relationship.
## These same rules apply when an area within the Liminal State wishes to be incorporated into another existing entity instead of forming their own.
### This additionally requires the other entity to first approve of this incorporation of the seceding area, using whatever methodology that government uses to make these official decisions.
### There shall be no cross-border campaigning from either the Liminal State nor the other entity in an effort to affect the seceding areas vote.
## If the 80% vote of secession fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted again until eight years have elapsed.
# The Liminal State shall focus it's attention on the activities of running the state, managing those aspects that generally affect the welfare, prosperity, and stability of the ''Citizens'' as a whole.
## The ''Citizens'' will be empowered to formulate the rules regarding the social issues that impact their local communities.
## The Liminal State will have final authority on all issues, especially those that overlap these two perspectives and primarily to ensure that all people are treated equally and fairly within society.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Laws & Freedom: In Practice

2026-09-29T00:27:12Z

Mr Fox:

At the very top there exists the fundamental rights that the laws of the Liminal State must not violate. These are inherent, universal, and inalienable rights belonging to every ''Conscious Being'', simply by virtue of being conscious, and are detailed under current international law as ''[https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights] ('''UDHR''')''.

'''''Note:''' the Liminal State recognizes the language replacement of “Human Being", "Person", or "All” with “Conscious Being,” and enforcement is upheld to this standard. Any references within the Liminal State documentation to “people” assumes “Conscious Beings.”''

The following are expansions, additions, and modification to the '''''UDHR''''' under the Liminal State, and apply to ''Citizens'' and ''Non-Citizens'' alike:

==== '''Article 1 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State regards all people as inherently equal and all must be treated with absolute equality in public, business, and government matters.
## No laws may be enacted that overtly or in effect targets a subset of one or more of the pre-defined groups. These groups are ''Non-Citizens'', ''Protected Citizens'', and ''Emancipated Citizens''.
## In no case shall the delineation of these pre-defined groups be used as pretext to deprived any person of their intrinsic rights given them by virtue of the UDHR.
### The ''Citizens'' may choose to limit their own freedoms for the benefit of their community. They will be given wide latitude when it comes to laws impacting ''Protected Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' within their communities, so long as these laws respect the fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
### The Liminal State will be entirely responsible for any laws governing ''Non-Citizens'', as this group cannot vote and does not have representation, therefore they are considered a protected group.
## All businesses must serve the ''Citizens'' equally.
### Only by virtue of the ''Citizens'' (via their power vested in the government) are businesses authorized to exist and operate, therefore business are prohibited from limiting service to any subset of the predefined groups.
### ''Protected Citizens'' may have additional rights and protections in regards to business practices.
## Any laws or regulations enacted that regulate businesses must be applicable to all related businesses.
Example 1: No law may specifically target ''TikToc'', though a law targeting all social media would be allowed.

==== '''Article 3 Modification''' ====
# Any person or entity that would sue another individual or entity must first go through the following steps before a lawsuit will be permitted to move forward:
## The plaintiff must prove to the court that they have a reasonable chance of winning.
## If successful, the defendant must then be given 60 days following their notification to file a rejection of the claim on the grounds that it is an attempt at harassment, silencing free or protected speech, intimidating the defendant, or for some other unlawful reason.
## If the defendant is successful in this action, the plaintiff must pay to the defendant whichever of the following is the greatest amount:
### 10x the amount of fees paid by the defendant for legal council.
### 10x the fees that would have been paid at the average community rate, whether the defendant retained council or not.
### 10x the amount the plaintiff paid to their lawyers to take this unlawful action.
# The Liminal State, as the representation of society's will, may require certain actions that could be interpreted as a violation of a person's right to security where this overlaps with society's other rights and welfare.
## Only society may over-rule an ''Emancipated Citizen's'' right to security of person using the 80% rule - for example in the case of vaccine requirements.
### Communities have the right to pass laws that restrict the behavior of outsiders within their community, even if that outsider has that right in their own community.
### Communities have the right to restrict access to their community only in vary narrow circumstances where the physical health of that community could be adversely impacted by the entrance of non-conforming outside ''Citizens'', and only after review and pre-approval by the ''Justice Branch''.
#### For example, if one community requires all residents receive a vaccine, then entrance by outsiders could be restricted to only those who have also received the vaccine, even if the outsider's community does not require the vaccine.
#### The community restricting access to outsiders must provide the remedy for the restriction to outsiders.
##### Example 1: outsiders not having taken a vaccine could take the vaccine and follow appropriate protocol before entering the community.
##### Example 2: if a community does not allow guns in their community, then outsiders must be allowed to lock up their guns at the ''Political Boundary'' of that community and retrieve them on their way back out.
## The Liminal State is the final authority on safeguarding the ''Non-Citizen's'' and ''Protected Citizen's'' security of person.

==== '''Article 5 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will only use compassion, empathy, and rehabilitation in conjunction with violations of the law.
# Execution and physical, mental, or social punishments will never be used on ''Citizens'' or ''Non-Citizens''.

==== '''Article 7 Expansion''' ====
# All people before the law have the right to communicate in their native language, therefore interpreters (people or artificial) shall be made available to anyone in need.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as ''Citizens'' in regards to violations of the law.
# All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to test and see if they qualify as ''Emancipated'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.

==== '''Article 10 Expansion''' ====
# Detention facilities shall immediately allow the detainee to notify (without charge) a family member or closest contact, based on the detainee's preference, of their detention and be provided reasonably immediate access. The detainee may contact as many people as necessary until contact has been successful.
# A detainee will meet with a group of three (a lawyer, a social worker, and a health worker) within 24 hours of their detainment.
## The three shall assess the situation and provide appropriate help and resources.
### Under the law, detainees are afforded the same protections in regards to these three as is currently the case with a lawyer.
#### These three may never be compelled to testify against the detainee.
#### These three are to keep anything the detainee tells them in strict confidence, except as necessary to render appropriate care (in which case those included in that care are also bound to confidence).
### The first step in rehabilitation will be to determine the circumstances prompting the individual to violate the law and then to get them whatever help is necessary to ensure further violations don't continue (rehab, counseling, financial services, etc.).
### The primary goal of this methodology is to catch ''Citizens'' in need before they fall, and prevent additional crimes and societal costs that might come of their otherwise diminished situations.
# The detained shall not be moved to another facility outside the local ''Political Boundary'' unless found guilty and then by court order, or if the three deem it in the best interest of the detainee for their rehabilitation and with the agreement of the detainee.
# No legal processes may begin against a detainee until the detainee has met with the three and then with their lawyer present.
# Law enforcement will not question a detainee following their arrest without their lawyer present.
# A detainee who has not met with the three within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# A detainee who has not been seen by a judge within 24 hours of their detainment (including weekends) will be immediately freed on a personal recognizance bond (electronic tracking is permissible at the Liminal State's expense).
# Monetary bonds will never be used.
# A detainee may only be held longer if:
## The courts have deemed the detainee an immediate threat to themselves or others and no technological remedy exists to prevent that threat.
## The rehabilitation experts have deemed the detainee in need of immediate rehabilitation and have reasonable evidence (as judged by the ''Justice Branch'') that the detainee will not follow through with the rehabilitation if released.
## The detainee has violated the terms of a personal recognizance bond for any open case.

==== '''Article 11 Expansion''' ====
# '''Protection Against Self-Incrimination''' - The accused will not be forced to testify against themselves nor shall anyone be forced to incriminate themselves.
# '''Family Testimonial Privilege''' - The immediate family of the accused will not be forced to testify against the accused.
# '''Right To The Best Council''' - There are no public defenders in the Liminal State to ensure the very best legal representation for all defendants, regardless of situation or their status. All lawyers, permitted to practice law by virtue of the Liminal State, are obligated to provide counsel to defendants.
## A lottery system will be used among all registered defense lawyers within the district to determine which lawyer will represent a defendant.
## Lawyers of defendants will be paid by the Liminal State the industry average wage within that community, which will be updated and set at least twice a year.
## Defendants may choose to employ other/additional counsel at their discretion and expense.

==== '''Article 12 Expansion''' ====
# There will be no use of general surveillance within the Liminal State.
## The Liminal State, or any third party acting on behalf of the Liminal State, may never use general surveillance or general data collection of the people.
### Personalized data may only be collected in connection with the delivery of public services, law enforcement, and to carry out administrative responsibilities (i.e.: voter rolls, driver license issuance, benefit distribution, birth and death certificates, etc.), and only at the time service is rendered.
#### No person shall otherwise be compelled to provide their personalized information.
#### Any personalized data collected will be prohibited from external access and searches.
#### All internal access or searches will be for official purposes only.
##### Access and searches will require the confirmation from three authorized people.
##### All access and searches will be logged, with that logged data being immutable.
##### The person searched shall be immediately notified if this action is not directly relate to a service they are requesting.
### Non-personally identifiable information may be collected from the people in aggregate as part of normal government functions, such as issuing census reports, population information, and other statistical data.
## The Liminal State shall always work to collect less or no data rather than using lawful justifications to collect more.
# Businesses operating within the Liminal State may not sell personally identifiable information, or any information (in part or aggregate) that could be used to personally identify individuals without the person's prior knowledge and approval.
## The government will maintain an opt-in database for ''Citizens'' that will obfuscate personally identifiable information for participating ''Citizens''.
### Businesses will be compelled to use this database to verify age, city, or other general information about ''Citizens'', thereby not having to collect this data from the ''Citizens'' directly.
### The database will be protected from being wide-searchable by the government or businesses, and personal information will be modifiable only by the ''Citizens'' themselves.
## The collection of data must always be an opt-in feature with a clear explanation of usage.
## The government will maintain an opt-out database on behalf of the ''Citizens'' that wish to have their information removed from business databases, and in which businesses must regularly check (no less than once a month) to remain compliant with regulations.
# ''Citizens'' may not publish personally identifiable information about other ''Citizens'' without that person’s prior explicit permission.
# ''Non-Citizens'' or businesses or other entities not entirely based and operating within the Liminal State may not collect nor publish any personally identifiable information about Liminal State ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 16 Expansion''' ====
# All ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' or ''Citizens'' of legal age have a right to marry any other ''Emancipated Citizen'' or ''Citizen'' of legal age.
# All married ''Citizens'' have the right to divorce.
# All married ''Citizens'' and ''Emancipated Citizens'' have a right to adopt children. Further, non-discriminatory, qualifications are understood.
# No person shall be compelled to have children.

==== '''Article 17.2 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State reserves the right to redefine real estate property ownership in order to utilize a form of [[wikipedia:Land_value_tax|Land Value Tax (LVT)]] in lieu of collecting some or all other taxes.
# Under no circumstances shall a person be deprived of their property by the Liminal State to specifically benefit commercial purposes or other businesses.
# Should the Liminal State deem it necessary to deprive a person or business of real estate property belonging to them, the person or business shall be compensated at 200% of the current appraised market value.
## If the purpose is in lieu of collecting other taxes (17.2.1), that person or business will be given first right of use.
## In any other case, should the use not be fulfilled as provided for in the eminent domain action and the property remain unused, the person or business will again be given their property back and without the requirement of (re)payment.
# No person or business shall otherwise be arbitrarily deprived of lawfully possessed property.

==== '''Article 18 Expansion''' ====
# The Liminal State will protect the right of free thought and practice of all religions and beliefs, whether formally recognized or not, so long as those practices do not violate any fundamental laws of the Liminal State.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, the Liminal State will never embrace any religion, officially or unofficially, overtly or covertly.
## To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, no expression of religion will adorn any state building or state or public property, nor will prayer or other religious practice or observance be allowed within any state building or on any state or public property.
### Should the Liminal State assume ownership and management of property in lieu of collecting other taxes, this restriction does not apply to the private homes, businesses, or religious institutions upon this previously privately held property.
### The display of traditionally recognized religious symbols are limited to historically significant artifacts and may only be displayed in museums as a scholarly exercise.
### To protect every person's right to their own beliefs and freedom from appearance of partiality, any educational institution receiving public funds may only teach religion as a scholarly exercise, and only when taught alongside and equally with multiple other religions and perspectives.
### Any use within the state that raises public questions will be prohibited as to err on the side of caution.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of religious beliefs and thoughts.
# The Liminal State will protect everyone's right to the freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.
## The Liminal State will never limit the study, expansion, teaching, or promotion of alternative government philosophies.
## The Liminal State will never limit assembly of those expressing their right to freedom of political beliefs and thoughts.

==== '''Article 19 Expansion''' ====
# The freedom of the people's speech shall not be limited by the government, except under special circumstances:
## Speech that incites violations of law, violates the rights of others, or violates any fundamental rights under the Liminal State shall be prohibited.
## Defamation, fraud and perjury are prohibited.
## Further restrictions to speech may be applicable when the audience includes or could include ''Protected Citizens''.
## Additional restrictions may apply to businesses and other entities serving the ''Citizens''.

==== '''Article 20 Expansion''' ====
# Peaceful assembly and demonstrations are protected at the highest levels.
## Any demonstrators that uses violence, riotous actions, or vandalism will be specifically targeted by law enforcement actions.
## Any unlawful actions of the few shall not be construed as the actions of the whole, and are not to be used as justification to infringe upon this freedom of assembly.
# A ''Citizen's'' associations shall not be used alone as condemnation or evidence of criminal intent.

==== '''Article 21 Modification''' ====
# The Liminal State may be instantiated with or without the ''80% Rule''.
## The ''80% Rule'' requires ''Emancipated Citizens'' to take an empathy test to become an ''Eligible Voter'', and only the top 80% of most empathetic people will be eligible to vote. For any laws to pass, 80% of these 80% of ''Citizens'' must vote in favor of that law.
### There can only be one justification for limiting the pool of voters, and that is if this smaller pool contains only the most empathetic.
### Empathy tests are highly accurate, not manipulatable, and when administered by experts and transparently monitored, they can be relied upon to be an effective way of managing the voter pool.
### Limiting the pool of voters makes voting a privilege instead of an obligation and will encourage greater participation.
### When considering the low general voter turnouts for most democratic elections, this builds in a mechanism for consideration of those that do not or cannot vote.
### Limiting voting to the 80% most empathetic organically promotes a more thoughtful society overall with possible positive generational effect.
## Using the ''80% Rule'' does create a narrow possible path for intentional voter disenfranchisement if not done openly and fairly, and is therefore not a requirement for a Liminal State.
### Without this rule, all ''Emancipated Citizens'' are eligible to vote.
### All laws still require an 80% affirmative vote to pass.
### Any potential candidate for a ''Leadership Group'' or management position is still required to first pass an ''Empathy Test'' to ensure that leaders are naturally thoughtful of the people's needs over their own, in regards to their decisions and actions.

==== '''Article 26.3 Modification''' ====
# While parents shall have the right to choose the kind of education their child receives, the Liminal State reserves the right to ensure that education meets minimum requirements for the good of society and that child's future. These minimum requirements may include:
## Levelized test scores.
## Subject breadth and depth.
## Normal opportunities for socialization.
## Overview by Liminal State education representatives to monitor progress.

==== '''UDHR Additions''' ====
# The interests of the Liminal State will be prioritized as:
## ''Citizens''
## All people
## Ecosystems/All living things
## Everything else
## These shall not be prioritized to the exclusion of the others, but rather in concert and consideration of the others.
# The Liminal State will foster compassion and empathy with victims, rather than vengeance and punishment, and society, via the Liminal State, will initially shoulder the costs of all crimes suffered by victims in exchange for the victim's compassion and empathy.
## As society will overtly be paying for the costs of crime, society will determine the ''Restitution'' owed to victims and from convicted violators.
## The ''Judicial Branch'' will guide and moderate the determined ''Restitution''.
## Convicted violators will be obligated to repay ''Restitution'' back to society via the Liminal State.
## There are no standard or mandatory minimum sentences in the Liminal State. Convicted violators of the law will be allowed back into society only after:
### They have successfully completed any rehabilitation required of them.
### They have demonstrated to the Liminal State and the ''Citizens'' that they will no longer be a detriment to society.
### They demonstrate a willingness and ability to repay all ''Restitution'' owed.
## Victims will be compensated by society prior to any court actions, and therefore even if there is no conviction.
# Prison will be reserved exclusively for the very few individuals that cannot be rehabilitated and where there is no technology yet available to protect society from them if released.
## Prisons will no longer serve as punishment or deterrent, but rather the last recourse when rehabilitation fails.
## Prisons will be transformed so that those incarcerated can live as comfortably and freely as possible, without endangering society.
## Only the Liminal State can, as the representation of order in society, take responsibility for its ''Citizens''' welfare and safety. Therefore there will be no private prisons in the Liminal State. In the extreme situation where someone has been deemed unfit to return to society and therefore society must strip that person of certain freedoms, then that society, via the government, must take responsibility for that person’s continued wellbeing.
# ''Protected Citizens'' will never be tried as adults.
## Any apparent adult that hasn’t taken the ''Emancipation Test'' will be required to take it prior to any court action.
## Any ''Protected Citizen'' may voluntarily take the ''Emancipation Test'' if they choose prior to any court action.
# ''Non-Citizens'' will be afforded the same protections and rights as a ''Citizen'' in regards to violations of the law within the Liminal State.
## All ''Non-Citizens'' will be obligated to take the ''Emancipation Test'' (although this does not grant citizenship), to determine if they will be treated as ''Protected'' or ''Emancipated'' individuals under the law.
## ''Non-Citizens'' in violation of the law will be excluded from asylum opportunities.
# As the Liminal State provides the authority and authorization for lawyers to practice law, judges and the ''Justice Branch'' therefore have direct authority over lawyers in regards to misbehavior, faulty representation, etc.
# The press shall be free of any government influence or interference except where there is critical public interest. Critical public interests must be defined prior to Liminal State instantiation or after with a public vote using the ''80% Rule.''
## An example of a preexisting critical public interest applies to limited public commodities regulated by the Liminal State, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, in which any public use must conform to the same rules that are foundational to the Liminal State. In addition to these fundamental rules, programming that takes advantage of these public commodities will also be restricted in the following ways:
### “News” programs will convey accurate, non-partisan information.
### Partisan rhetoric shall be clearly labeled as opinion and must not be construed as news.
## The internet shall never be considered a public commodity that could be regulated in the same way as the electromagnetic spectrum. Only limited resources that must be delegated to businesses for public uses qualify.
## The ''Citizens'' may also restrict what content is available within their communities through a vote, regardless of delivery medium, in general or specifically to ''Protected Citizens''.
# As there is no practical division between the Liminal State and its ''Citizens'', the Liminal State will not restrict government information from the ''Citizens'' by default. Exceptions to this may be employed in specific situations as follows or specified elsewhere within the official Liminal State documentation.
## All information collected or produced on behalf of the Liminal State, excluding personally identifiable or other specifically protected information, will immediately be made available for public consumption.
## All interactions between government officials in a leadership positions or that interact directly with the public will be recorded with audio and visual components, streamed, and archived in it's entirety for all ''Citizens'' to access immediately and indefinitely.
### An exception exists for any recordings of ''Protected Citizens'', in which case the recordings may be limited to relevant guardians and necessary officials (i.e.: classrooms - with recordings/streaming available only to parents and school officials, and law enforcement in the case of a suspected crimes).
### An exception also exists in the case of any law enforcement activity which include an arrest for suspected crimes - only upon conviction shall any information regarding a crime and details of the convicted individual(s) be made public, and only then when necessary as provided by law.
#### For government accountability, a minimum of three independent non-governmental organizations or ''Independent Departments'' will have full insight and access to regularly review recordings and be aware of every person held in suspicion of a crime, their location, etc.
##### If enough public support does not organically provide the necessary resources for the non-governmental organizations, the government will fully or partially fund these organizations as necessary. Regardless, the government will have no involvement in their operations.
##### These organizations exist to ensure public visibility into otherwise hidden detentions, but as this process is necessary to maintain privacy of those not convicted, they may never release information outside of the specific and highly regulated routes provided to ensure government accountability.
## All members of the government, speaking in their official capacity, while on duty, or by virtue of their position represent the authority of the Liminal State, are forbidden from making knowingly false or misleading statements.
## Members of the government at all levels are encouraged to speak with the press, with applicable exclusions applying.
### There will be no direct or indirect interference by anyone within the government to suppress this protected speech.
### There will be no consequences for any ''Government Personnel'' speaking the truth with any other ''Citizen''.
## The financial information of all ''Government Personnel'' will be publicly available at all times.
### All ''Government Personnel'' will be paid exceptionally well, relative to the private sector.
### In exchange for above average salaries, no ''Government Personnel'' may hold other jobs or have any other sources of income.
#### All ''Government Personnel'' will have access to a blind investment pool.
#### All direct relationships of ''Government Personnel'' will have access to the same blind investment pool as ''Government Personnel''.
### The finances of all direct relationships will also be made public.
#### This includes parents, siblings, spouses, and emancipated children.
#### The finances of extended family, friends, and acquaintances of ''Government Personnel'' will be regularly scrutinized by the Liminal State but will not be made public automatically.
#### Suspicion of inappropriate behavior by ''Government Personnel'' in association with any of these relationships will put both sides in legal jeopardy.
### Former ''Government Personnel'' having held management positions or been part of a ''Leadership Group'' are forbidden from working for any company that has had ''Standing'' with their ''Branch(es)''. Former ''Executive Group'' members are forbidden from holding positions in the public sector, whether officially or unofficially.
# No infrastructure or public spaces shall be named for any ''Government Personnel'', nor shall statues, money or other objects bear their likeness, whether live or dead.
# ''All laws that are passed within the Liminal State remain in effect for a period of eight years by default. In the seventh year they will again be available to vote on, except they will automatically renew unless the Citizens vote using the 80% Rule to remove it. This subsequent vote in review of a law is called a Review Vote.''
## ''Laws may explicitly specify a shorter time period for renewal, with the lower limit being four years. In these cases a Review Vote is still required the year prior to expiration.''
## ''No law may explicitly last longer than eight years.''
## ''Any laws written to last less than four years will automatically expire after that time and without need of a Review Vote.''
## ''Any proposed law that does not pass with the 80% Rule may be put up for another vote, using any wording with a similar proposed outcome, in the following circumstances:''
### ''After a year has elapsed if it received more than 55% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After three years have elapsed if it received more than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### ''After eight years have passed if it received less than 30% of the vote in favor.''
### In any case, the new proposed law would still require a ''Justice Branch Review'' and the requisite ''Citizen Signatures'' as a new ''Citizen Initiative''.
# Any population that wishes to incorporate into the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the existing Liminal State voters and an 80% affirmative vote by the total proposed new population.
## The vote by the population wishing to incorporate is a vote for adhering to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## The vote by the existing Liminal State voters is a vote of confidence that the new population, at a minimum, will adhere to the fundamental laws and methods used by the Liminal State.
## This requires a total of at least 80% of the new ''Emancipated'' population to vote yes, not an 80% affirmative from a smaller pool of voters within the entire voting population.
## All the rules that apply to voting within the Liminal State must be followed by the new population for the incorporation vote to be valid.
## Cross-border campaigning or other activities from either side in an effort to affect the vote is forbidden.
## The Liminal State shall monitor the vote and all activities leading up to the vote to ensure these requirements are met.
## If either 80% vote fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted until eight years have elapsed.
# Any population that wishes to secede from the Liminal State may do so with an 80% vote of the total seceding population.
## The seceding population must ensure that it will adhere to the minimum fundamental laws that the Liminal State is based on if granted secession.
## The seceding population must be composed of a contiguous area.
### When continent-bound, this area must contain at least 750,000 people or have a legitimate historical claim to a common heritage if smaller.
### An island (chain) or any non-continental contiguous area of any size is eligible.
## This action requires the entire seceding population of ''Emancipated Citizens'' to vote, not the 80% rule.
## This action does not require nor allow for a vote against this action by the non-seceding population.
## There must be no campaigning within the proposed seceding area by the Liminal State or other entities in an effort to influence the vote.
## Should a successful vote of secession take place, there will be a eight year overlap period where the seceding area implements its statehood and the Liminal State and the seceding area negotiate trade, immigration, and other necessary terms of the future mutual relationship.
## These same rules apply when an area within the Liminal State wishes to be incorporated into another existing entity instead of forming their own.
### This additionally requires the other entity to first approve of this incorporation of the seceding area, using whatever methodology that government uses to make these official decisions.
### There shall be no cross-border campaigning from either the Liminal State nor the other entity in an effort to affect the seceding areas vote.
## If the 80% vote of secession fails or it has been determined that there was voter interference as prescribed above, another vote may not be attempted again until eight years have elapsed.
# The Liminal State shall focus it's attention on the activities of running the state, managing those aspects that generally affect the welfare, prosperity, and stability of the ''Citizens'' as a whole.
## The ''Citizens'' will be empowered to formulate the rules regarding the social issues that impact their local communities.
## The Liminal State will have final authority on all issues, especially those that overlap these two perspectives and primarily to ensure that all people are treated equally and fairly within society.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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[[Category:Laws & Freedom]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Key Words

2026-09-27T20:47:03Z

Mr Fox:

The following key words are found ''Italicized'' throughout the documentation and have the special meanings. These concepts are defined briefly in situ and here.

* '''Δ Coalition'''
** The group of people responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting the Liminal State as a better form of democracy, now and for the future.
* '''80% Rule'''
** Laws within the Liminal State must pass by 80%. If an ''Empathy Test'' is used to determine the ''Eligible Voters'', then that means that 80% of the population are eligible to vote and 80% of them must approve a law for it to pass. This method assumes that there will always be at least 10% at the extremes of either side of an issue, so if 80% are in agreement, then the law has enough support to warrant its application for all within that ''Political Boundary''.
* '''Alternate'''
** All ''Leadership Groups'', with the exception of ''Departments'', have a backup in case one official member vacates their seat. The ''Alternate'' serves for four years until the next ''Election Cycle'' when a new ''Alternate'' is picked.
* '''Ambassador Units'''
** An ''Ambassador Unit'' is assigned to each outside state and serves as representatives of the Liminal State to them. Every unit is composed of three people selected by the International Affairs ''Branch'' ''Officials.'' All decisions made by the ''Ambassador Units'' are decided by majority vote among the three, though in matters that impact the Liminal State, they serve the ''Executive Group'' to educate them on all relevant issues so the ''Executive Group'' can decide what action, if any will happen.
* '''Appointed Personnel'''
** Any ''Leadership Group'' member that is selected by the ''Branch Officials'' from among the eligible, qualified, and willing candidates interested in the position using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', rather than as seat winners of an election by those ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing''.
** ''Appointed Personnel'' specifically refers to ''Ambassador Unit'' and ''Delegate Team'' members.
* '''Aggregated Vote'''
** This is a standard voting process to determine simple majority among a collection of ''Leadership Groups'', where each group first votes and then that result equals one vote towards the final tally.
** Whenever there is an ''Aggregate Vote'' as illustrated below, none of the individual voters are aware of anyone else's vote until all votes have been cast, and none of the groups will know the outcome of their groups own result, nor the ''Aggregate Vote'' results of the other groups until all votes have been cast.
For example, if Group A votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group B votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group C votes (no, no, no) = NO, then the final vote is YES.

This method of tabulation is critical because if the total votes had been simply tabulated, it would have resulted in 4 votes for yes and 5 votes for no, with the final vote being NO, which is not accurate.
* '''Branch'''
** The functional divisions of those specialized areas of expertise required for the functioning of a government, each lead by three ''Branch Officials'' that have risen up from within the ranks of that ''Branch'', and overtly guided by the ''Executive Group''. Their singular purpose is to ensure that the ''Citizens'', now and into the future, are the primary beneficiaries when the government, businesses, ''Citizens'', and foreign interests operate and interact within their area of expertise.
* '''Branch Elections'''
** All the different kinds of elections that can take place within a ''Branch'', including those to elect ''Department Heads'' and the ''Branch Officials''.
* '''Branch Members'''
** All ''Emancipated Citizens'' that work directly for a ''Branch'', excluding ''Contract Workers,'' are considered ''Branch Members.'' All ''Permanent Hires'' that have completed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage can vote in ''Branch Elections.''
* '''Branch Officials'''
** Every ''Branch'', whether ''Intrinsic'' or ''Lateral'', is headed up by the three ''Branch Officials'', each who serve 12 year terms, staggered every four years. They guide their ''Branch'' using a majority vote among the three, and these officials are elected into their positions by the ''Branch Members'' themselves.
* '''Branch Primary Election'''
** A special election within a ''Branch'' to select that ''Branch's'' candidate for the position of a new ''Executive Group'' member. Only ''Branch Members'' are permitted to vote in this election and it is held in the first quarter of the year of the ''General Election''.
* '''Briefs'''
** The ''Branch Officials'' are tasked with keeping the ''Executive Group'' apprised of all the important events transpiring within their ''Branch,'' and do this by providing regular ''Briefs''. Through practical experience the frequency and depth should be determined and codified, even if this turns out to be unique among the different ''Branches''.
** ''Ambassador Units'' are obligated to present ''Briefs'' directly to the ''Executive Group'' as well as the ''Branch Officials'' of the International Affairs Branch for urgent issues requiring immediate attention.
* '''Charging Departments'''
** In the unique situation where at least two ''Departments'' within a ''Branch'' are unhappy with the leadership of their ''Branch Officials'', they may call for a ''No-Confidence Vote'', in which those ''Departments'' heading up this effort are referred to ''Charging Departments''.
* '''Charging Documentation'''
** The relevant evidence each ''Charging Department'' compiles for the basis of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote.''
* '''Citizens'''
** Those people born or graduating from ''Provisional Citizenship'' into the Liminal State.
* '''Citizen Initiatives'''
**Even ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' that do not work within a ''Branch'' of the Liminal State have the ability to affect their government directly using ''Citizen Initiatives''. Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' or group of ''Emancipated Citizen'' that are able to gather 10% or more ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary'' will have that issue be added to the ballot within that ''Political Boundary'' for the ''General Election''.
**To ensure it meets the minimum legal threshold of the Liminal State, the initiative must first go through a ''Justice Branch Screening'' and get final approval before signatures can be gathered.
**Only ''Emancipated Citizen'' within that ''Political Boundary'' may participate and gather ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary''. There can be no payments for signature gathering process or promotion of the issue - it requires true ''Citizen'' initiative and work, and does not allow for outside money or interests to interfere in this process.
**Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' within the ''Political Boundary'' may sign, as the initiative process does not require the approval of ''Eligible Voters''.
* '''Citizen Jury'''
** A ''Citizen Jury'' is the nomenclature describing the process that ''Citizens'' with ''Standing'' use to force a vote to decide the fate of a regulation enacted by a ''Branch'' or to investigate any issues that the ''Citizens'' feel are not being addressed properly.
** The same approach is used as the ''Citizen Initiative'' in that signatures are collected from the ''Emancipated Citizens''. The success of that effort does two things:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to a regulation, then the regulation being scrutinized is automatically added to the ballot for the next election so those ''Eligible Voters'' may vote to keep or end the regulation, otherwise:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to an issue the ''Citizens'' believe is not being addressed within their community, then the jury will ultimately provide the wording used on the ballot that the ''Eligible Voters'' will be deciding in regards to the issue being investigated.
*** A ''Citizen Jury'' is convened, made up of 99 randomly selected ''Emancipated Citizens'' within the ''Political Boundary'' impacted by the regulation or issue.
**** If a regulation is in question, then the jury will hear from the experts within the ''Branch'' that enacted the regulation to present their reasoning and facts that justified the regulation and to hear from those ''Citizens'' against the regulation, who may provide their own reasoning, facts and expert witnesses.
**** If the jury is convened regarding an issue, then the jury will have investigatory and subpoena powers to call witnesses, gather information from the Liminal State, utilize the most appropriate ''Enforcement Agency'' to investigate, etc. Their abilities to collect and study information will not be limited.
** In both cases, the 99 random members of the ''Citizen Jury'' may ask their own questions, request additional witnesses, and debate amongst themselves concerning their thoughts.
** All activities of the ''Citizen Jury'' are recorded and made available to the public so the ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing'' can make educated decisions regarding their vote for or against the regulation or issue on the next ballot.
* '''Citizen Signatures'''
** ''Citizen Initiatives'' requires the pre-approval of the ''Emancipated Citizen'' within a ''Political Boundary'' to get an initiative on the ballot. To prove there is adequate interest, the ''Emancipated Citizens'' must "sign" the petition. This can be a real signature (officially matched to the signature on file prior to counting), or the ''Emancipated Citizens'' can sign electronically. The mechanism for this will be resolved by the Progress Branch to ensure security, legality, and authentication.
* '''Contract Workers'''
** The temporary personnel and companies that may be hired by the Liminal State for a specific period of time or to complete a specific project. They are not to be considered ''Government Personnel'', do not gain any additional voting rights, are not restricted from outside income (unless contractually stipulated), and do not necessarily get paid above-average wages. ''Contract Workers'' include ''Contracted Companies'', the employees of ''Contracted Companies'' and ''Temporary Employees''.
* '''Contracted Companies'''
** Any business or company that works with the Liminal State through a contract and are not to be considered a part of the Liminal State, nor are their employees to be considered employees of the Liminal State.
* '''Decision Basis'''
** Every member of a ''Leadership Group'' is required to provide a detailed analysis of their reasoning behind their choice in a ''Decision Vote''. This information is used to ensure voting diligence, provide insight into that vote, allow public consumption and judgement, and for posterity.
* '''Decision Votes'''
** The votes that ''Leadership Groups'' make to determine a decision. The issue must be able to be determined with a "Yes" or "No" answer, and the majority vote of that group decides.
* '''Defense Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that manages the defense above the Liminal State and at the borders of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
** All the different military arms, for example the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy within the US, are guided by the ''Defense Branch'', and are prohibited by law from being used as any kind of police force within the Liminal State or to operate internationally.
** The technology used by the ''Defense Branch'' will always work towards perfecting non-lethal means of defense and disengagement. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Delegate Team'''
** A group of three selected by the ''Branch Officials'' of an ''Intrinsic Branch,'' from within that ''Branch,'' to represent their interests to a ''Lateral Branch'' or in domestic ''Embassies''.
* '''Delegate Vote Method'''
** In ''Lateral Branch'' votes, the ''Delegate Teams'' from each associated ''Intrinsic Branch'' and the ''Branch Officials'' of that ''Lateral Branch'' all vote on decisions using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This is not to be confused with the ''Justice Delegate Vote Method.''
* '''Departments'''
** ''Branches'' use ''Departments'' to do the real work needed for the Liminal State. ''Departments'' can be ''Permanent'' or ''Temporary'', depending on the project and need. They can also be created as ''Independent Departments'', meaning they are guided by their mission and expertise alone, not by ''Branch Officials''.
** ''Enforcement Agencies'' are special ''Independent Departments'' within every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches.''
** Each ''Department'' is directed by three ''Department Heads.''
* '''Department Heads'''
** The three leaders of a ''Department'', each serves a 12 year term, staggered every four years.
* '''Election Cycle'''
** The four year period between elections. ''Leadership Teams'' are elected on a four year cycle, and within four years all the different ''Leadership Teams'' will have had the senior member depart, a new junior member join, and a new ''Alternate'' selected (if applicable). The ''Election Cycle'' of of each ''Leadership Team'' also happens in different years, allowing for natural upper movement of the best.
* '''Eligible Voters'''
** This is the group of people within the Liminal State that have the right to vote. In the case where the Liminal State uses the ''Empathy Test'', ''Eligible Voters'' only include those ''Emancipated Citizens'' that have taken the ''Empathy Test'' and place in the top 80%.
** Most elections within a ''Branch'' allow all ''Government Personnel'' of that ''Branch'' to vote, whether they are ''Eligible Voters'' or not; where the ''Empathy Test'' is used. But if the iteration of Liminal State employs the ''Empathy Test'' and a ''Branch'' election explicitly specifies ''Eligible Voters'', that means that that election is restricted to only those personnel within that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Empathy Test.''
* '''Emancipated Citizens'''
** ''Emancipated Citizens'' are the group that we would currently call adults, and they would have all the rights and freedoms afforded adults, including complete bodily autonomy. Instead of an arbitrary age used to define an adult, ''Citizens'' of the Liminal State would take an ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate their ability to make adult decisions and handle adult responsibilities.
* '''Emancipation Test'''
** ''Citizens'' take the ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate that they have gained the basic capabilities expected of ''Emancipated Citizens'', such as basic reading and math skills, the ability to manage a budget, social, emotional, media, and online intelligence, demonstrable practical skills like changing a tire or taking care of a pet, and understanding their relationship with other ''Citizens'' and the Liminal State.
* '''Embassies'''
** Embassies are used internationally and domestically to provide a direct point of contact between the people and the Liminal State.
** International ''Embassies'' are used by the ''Ambassador Units'' and their staff to maintain relationships with those foreign states.
** Domestic ''Embassies'' are placed strategically throughout the Liminal State and house ''Delegate Teams'' from every ''Branch'' to provide direct access for the ''Citizens'' that require in-person services, including ''Justice Branch Screenings'' of ''Citizen Initiatives'', the administration of ''Emancipation Tests'' and ''Empathy Tests'', business complaints, etc.
* '''Empathy Test'''
** When employed by the Liminal State to determine voter eligibility, the test that ''Emancipated Citizens'' can take every four years, which gains the top 80% most empathetic the privilege of voting.
* '''Employable Citizens'''
** This group of people includes all who have become ''Emancipated Citizens'' or have passed an ''Employment Screening.''
* '''Employment Screening'''
** A specialized test that anyone who has yet to become an ''Emancipated Citizen'' can take to be allowed to work. This screening wouldn't test job-related skills, but rather ensures the individual is capable of safely performing the eventual tasks required and meet other minimum conditions. This group would mostly include young adults, some people with an intellectual disabilities, and appropriate ''Provisional Citizens''.
* '''Enforcement Agency'''
** A specialized ''Department'' that every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches'' have to investigate and enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the expertise of that ''Branch''. Some ''Branches'' may have more than one.
* '''Executive Group'''
** A five-member group, each of which have demonstrable expertise and leadership abilities, that directs the Liminal State as a whole, elected into their positions by the ''Eligible Voters'' for 20 year terms, staggered every four years.
* '''For Cause'''
** Any one of the valid reasons for removing ''Government Personnel'', including criminal activity, improper use of position, profiting from office, unlawful outside income, etc.
* '''General Elections'''
** The election held every four years where the ''Eligible Voters'' decide the next ''Executive Group'' member, grade the performance of existing ''Executive Group'' members, and vote on the matters of law on the ballot.
* '''Global Justice Branch Vote'''
** The ''Justice Branch'' is special in that all personnel that hold ''Leadership Group'' positions within the ''Justice Branch'' vote on the big decisions facing the Liminal State through ''Judicial Branch Screenings''. The outcome is decided using a simple majority from among all eligible personnel voting, rather than using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This takes the power away from the few at the top, how it is with the US Supreme Court now, and gives it to all the experts within that ''Branch''. This would be the equivalent of having all decisions facing the Supreme Court being decided by every judge working within the entire Judiciary Branch.
* '''Government Personnel'''
** Those individuals that work directly within the Liminal State, and in any capacity, from lowest level employee through the ''Executive Group''.
** ''Government Personnel'' are paid a premium to attract the very best and because they must sacrifice additional sources of income during their employ. Those that work within a ''Branch'' also have additional voting privileges.
** ''Contract Workers'' are excluded from this classification''.''
* '''Impromptu Vote'''
** With the creation of a new ''Department'' or ''Branch'', or in the very rare circumstance where there is more than one ''Leadership Group'' seat within a ''Branch'' needing to be filled or there isn't an available ''Alternate'' to fill a single seat, a ''Branch'' or ''Department'' can hold an ''Impromptu Vote'' to fill multiple seats and select a new ''Alternate'', if necessary, at the same time. An ''Impromptu Vote'' will use the ''Year 0 Rules'' to fill each open seat with the appropriate candidate, and each successful candidate winning a seat will serve an abbreviated term so the ''Election Cycle'' is not altered.
* '''Independent Branch'''
** A ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Executive Group'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Departments'''
** A ''Department'' within a ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Branch Officials'' (and therefore the ''Executive Group)'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Investigation'''
** An investigational body spawned by an ''Enforcement Agency'' that operates independently of oversight and direction from that ''Enforcement Agency'' or it's ''Branch'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Informed Vote Archive'''
** These are specific, encrypted online archives, only accessible by those with the specific right to vote on a decision, that contains all the requisite information necessary to make an informed decision. Regularly used by the ''Executive Group'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Department Heads'', etc., but even used by the ''Eligible Voters'' when it comes to ''General Elections'' and for decisions on laws.
* '''Intrinsic Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, specializing in one fundamental aspect of governance among all those required for a functional government. The Liminal State proposes 13 ''Intrinsic Branches'', but the needs of state may require others or fewer.
* '''Justice Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that operates independently of ''Executive Group'' direction and is the final word on the legality of proposed directions, laws, and regulations. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Judicial Branch Screening'''
** All ''Orders or Requests'' ''or'' potential laws or regulations should always be first vetted by the ''Justice Branch'' to ensure the legality of that request, which is called a ''Justice Branch Screening''. This should be common practice and is a ''Protected Action''. ''Judicial Branch Screenings'' require a decision through a ''Global Justice Branch Vote''.
* '''Justice Delegate Vote Method'''
** When there is a decision, regulation, or law being drafted by any ''Branch'', the ''Executive Group'', or ''Citizen Initiative'' and advice is needed to it's initial lawfulness, the ''Justice Branch Delegate Teams'' from a minimum of two ''Lateral Branches'' with ''Standing'', along with the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'', all vote using the ''Aggregate Vote Method'' to decide legality, and the resulting ''Decision Basis'' for any necessary refinement''.''
** This is not to be confused with the ''Delegate Vote Method''.
* '''Lateral Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, and which works in the area directly between the expertise of two ''Intrinsic Branches''.
* '''Leadership Groups'''
** This is a general term for the different ''Leadership Groups'' that include ''Branch Officials'', ''Delegate Teams'', ''Department Heads'', ''Ambassador Units'', and the ''Executive Group.'' These groups are comprised of three or five members.
* '''Neighborhood'''
** A thought experiment used by the Liminal State to describe complex situations in a simple way, while using the idea of a neighborhood community and those interactions as a model.
* '''No-Confidence Vote'''
** A special kind of vote that subordinates or subordinate ''Leadership Groups'' use to remove superior ''Leadership Group'' members, following an official process.
* '''Non-Citizens'''
** All people that are not ''Citizens'' or ''Provisional Citizens.''
* '''Orders or Requests'''
** Any directions given by a superior to a subordinate that is expected to be followed. This could be from a ''Government Personnel'' to another ''Government Personnel'', or from ''Government Personnel'' to a ''Contract Worker'', and is required to be lawful.
* '''Permanent Department'''
** Unless otherwise instantiated, ''Departments'' are ''Permanent Departments''. This means they will always continue to exist. These contrast with ''Temporary Departments,'' which are created for a specific purpose and no longer exist once that purpose has been fulfilled or a certain amount of time has elapsed.
* '''Permanent Hires'''
** Unless specifically hired as a ''Contract Worker'', all employees of the Liminal State are ''Permanent Hires''. This means that after completing the ''Probationary Employee'' stage, they can only be removed ''For Cause''.
* '''Political Boundary'''
** The different imaginary delineated areas within the Liminal State within which ''Eligible Voters'' decide on the virtues of potential laws and leadership for themselves. These might be a local community, town, city, district, state/province, or national boundary.
* '''Probationary Employee'''
** All ''Permanent Hires'' of the Liminal State are considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year, regardless of role, which allows for easier removal of problematic employees. ''Probationary Employees'' are not permitted to vote in ''Branch Elections'', even if an ''Eligible Voter''.
* '''Professional Objection'''
** A ''Professional Objection'' is a special ''Record'' filed to ask the ''Justice Branch'' to review the legality of an ''Order or Request'' made within the Liminal State. The ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' filing a ''Professional Objection'' are indemnified of any penalties for not following that ''Order or Request'' until the review has been completed, and the act of filing a ''Professional Objection'' is a ''Protected Action''.
* '''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'''
** In this system, also referred to as [[wikipedia:Single_transferable_vote|Single Transferable Vote (STV)]], a person casts a single vote in the form of a ranked ballot, where candidates are optionally ordered from highest priority to lowest. At the conclusion of the initial count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and all those that voted for this person then have their vote reassigned to the next candidate on their list. Any additional votes received by a candidate that reaches the electoral quota are also reassigned to that voter's next candidate, meaning that no votes are wasted. This mechanism is repeated over and over internally until the candidates are ranked in the most fair and logical way.
* '''Protected Action'''
** Any fundamentally protected speech or action within the Liminal State, and for which there can never be retribution, discipline, or other action, overt or covert, that would dissuade a person's desire to make that speech or do that action.
* '''Protected Citizens'''
** All ''Citizens'' that have yet to pass the test to become ''Emancipated Citizens''. This group includes children, some people with an intellectually disability, and by default, holders of a ''Provisional Citizenship''.
* '''Provisional Citizen'''
** All people wishing for amnesty or naturalization into the Liminal State are first considered ''Provisional Citizens'' following initial approval. This status lasts for a period of three years, after which point they officially become ''Citizens''. This temporary status is used to ensure all new potential citizens are willing and able to accumulate into the Liminal State and be productive participants of society.
** ''Provisional Citizens'' may take the ''Employment Test'' and/or the ''Emancipation Test'', though as ''Provisional Citizens'' they will not be permitted to vote.
* '''Record'''
** With every vote and at other times ''Government Personnel'' of the Liminal State must provide justifications or supporting factors and documentation concerning a decision for the ''Record''. The action of inputting this information into the Liminal State official database is to ''Record'', and that information then becomes a ''Record''.
* '''Removal Paths'''
** Any one of the various ways that ''Leadership Group'' members can be officially removed from their seats.
* '''Restitution'''
** The repayment to a ''Citizen'' or group for a violation of law by the one violating the law, which may be monetary, a time commitment, or whatever is deemed appropriate to make the ''Citizen'' or group suffering the violation of law whole.
* '''Review Vote'''
** Laws that are passed by the ''Citizens'' remain in effect for eight years and automatically renew by default unless the ''Citizens'' vote at the conclusion of the eight years using the ''80% Rule'' to repeal the law. This review of a law prior to automatic renewal is called a ''Review Vote''.
* '''Sentient Life/Being'''
** All self-aware and intelligent individuals that extol empathy, patience, wisdom, and non-violence. Currently this only includes humans, but in the future may also include self-aware general A.I, other intelligent organic life to arise on Earth, or life created or arising not of Earth. For simplicity, this documentation will use the term "people" when referring to ''Sentient Life''.
* '''Special Projects'''
** Every ''Executive Group'' member is elected on their leadership abilities, expertise, and two or three ''Special Projects'' that they wish to complete during their 20 year term. These should be projects that are within the expertise of that candidate, important to the candidate and the people, are possible to complete within the 20 year term (or an important part of a bigger issue), and ideally are likely to not be accomplished unless spearheaded by an ''Executive Group'' member.
* '''Standing'''
** Those with with a direct and demonstrable interest in a specific issue have ''Standing''.
* '''Temporary Department'''
** Anytime there is a special situation or a special project that requires the effort of a new full ''Department'', the ''Branch Officials'' may create a ''Temporary Department'' to serve until a project is completed or for a specific amount of time. The ''Department Heads'' of ''Temporary Departments'' are initially selected by the ''Branch Officials'' using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' and ''Year 0 Rules'' to place the qualified and willing candidates into the appropriate seats, with the initial amount of time served being truncated to match the regular ''Election Cycle''. After instantiation, the initial ''Department Heads'' will be individually replaced like normal with each new ''Election Cycle'' by the members of that ''Temporary Department''.
* '''Temporary Employees'''
** ''Temporary Employees'' are those specifically hired to help with ''Special Projects'', ''Temporary Departments'', and certain other tasks or situations within the Liminal State that may require outside staffing for a limited amount of time. ''Temporary Employees'' are categorized as ''Contract Workers'' and are not considered ''Government Personnel''.
* '''Voter Decision'''
** Any issue or law before the voters is considered a ''Voter Decision'', and all ''Eligible Voters'' within the ''Political Boundary'' of that election are eligible to vote.
* '''Year 0 Rules'''
** Special election rules used to replace multiple seats in a ''Leadership Group'' as if initially starting and having to fill all at once. Instead of the top candidate filling a seat vacated by a senior member, the ''Year 0 Rules'' seat the winning candidates as they are ranked using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', where the top winner fills the junior seat and serves a full term, but is considered the senior member, with the next filling the next seat, with an abbreviated term and considered the middle member, and the third winner filling the last seat and only serving until the next ''Election Cycle'' while being considered the junior member.
** Using this method, several seats and an ''Alternative'' can be selected in a single election, with specific rules used to determine where each winning candidate sits and their seniority, depending on their rank in the vote.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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[[Category:Structure]]
<categorytree mode="pages" hideroot="on" depth="5">Core</categorytree>

Key Words

2026-09-26T22:37:41Z

Mr Fox:

The following key words are found ''Italicized'' throughout the documentation and have the special meanings. These concepts are defined briefly in situ and here.

* '''Δ Coalition'''
** The group of people responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting the Liminal State as a better form of democracy, now and for the future.
* '''80% Rule'''
** Laws within the Liminal State must pass by 80%. If an ''Empathy Test'' is used to determine the ''Eligible Voters'', then that means that 80% of the population are eligible to vote and 80% of them must approve a law for it to pass. This method assumes that there will always be at least 10% at the extremes of either side of an issue, so if 80% are in agreement, then the law has enough support to warrant its application for all within that ''Political Boundary''.
* '''Alternate'''
** All ''Leadership Groups'', with the exception of ''Departments'', have a backup in case one official member vacates their seat. The ''Alternate'' serves for four years until the next ''Election Cycle'' when a new ''Alternate'' is picked.
* '''Ambassador Units'''
** An ''Ambassador Unit'' is assigned to each outside state and serves as representatives of the Liminal State to them. Every unit is composed of three people selected by the International Affairs ''Branch'' ''Officials.'' All decisions made by the ''Ambassador Units'' are decided by majority vote among the three, though in matters that impact the Liminal State, they serve the ''Executive Group'' to educate them on all relevant issues so the ''Executive Group'' can decide what action, if any will happen.
* '''Appointed Personnel'''
** Any ''Leadership Group'' member that is selected by the ''Branch Officials'' from among the eligible, qualified, and willing candidates interested in the position using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', rather than as seat winners of an election by those ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing''.
** ''Appointed Personnel'' specifically refers to ''Ambassador Unit'' and ''Delegate Team'' members.
* '''Aggregated Vote'''
** This is a standard voting process to determine simple majority among a collection of ''Leadership Groups'', where each group first votes and then that result equals one vote towards the final tally.
** Whenever there is an ''Aggregate Vote'' as illustrated below, none of the individual voters are aware of anyone else's vote until all votes have been cast, and none of the groups will know the outcome of their groups own result, nor the ''Aggregate Vote'' results of the other groups until all votes have been cast.
For example, if Group A votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group B votes (yes, no, yes) = YES, and Group C votes (no, no, no) = NO, then the final vote is YES.

This method of tabulation is critical because if the total votes had been simply tabulated, it would have resulted in 4 votes for yes and 5 votes for no, with the final vote being NO, which is not accurate.
* '''Branch'''
** The functional divisions of those specialized areas of expertise required for the functioning of a government, each lead by three ''Branch Officials'' that have risen up from within the ranks of that ''Branch'', and overtly guided by the ''Executive Group''. Their singular purpose is to ensure that the ''Citizens'', now and into the future, are the primary beneficiaries when the government, businesses, ''Citizens'', and foreign interests operate and interact within their area of expertise.
* '''Branch Elections'''
** All the different kinds of elections that can take place within a ''Branch'', including those to elect ''Department Heads'' and the ''Branch Officials''.
* '''Branch Members'''
** All ''Emancipated Citizens'' that work directly for a ''Branch'', excluding ''Contract Workers,'' are considered ''Branch Members.'' All ''Permanent Hires'' that have completed the ''Probationary Employee'' stage can vote in ''Branch Elections.''
* '''Branch Officials'''
** Every ''Branch'', whether ''Intrinsic'' or ''Lateral'', is headed up by the three ''Branch Officials'', each who serve 12 year terms, staggered every four years. They guide their ''Branch'' using a majority vote among the three, and these officials are elected into their positions by the ''Branch Members'' themselves.
* '''Branch Primary Election'''
** A special election within a ''Branch'' to select that ''Branch's'' candidate for the position of a new ''Executive Group'' member. Only ''Branch Members'' are permitted to vote in this election and it is held in the first quarter of the year of the ''General Election''.
* '''Briefs'''
** The ''Branch Officials'' are tasked with keeping the ''Executive Group'' apprised of all the important events transpiring within their ''Branch,'' and do this by providing regular ''Briefs''. Through practical experience the frequency and depth should be determined and codified, even if this turns out to be unique among the different ''Branches''.
** ''Ambassador Units'' are obligated to present ''Briefs'' directly to the ''Executive Group'' as well as the ''Branch Officials'' of the International Affairs Branch for urgent issues requiring immediate attention.
* '''Charging Departments'''
** In the unique situation where at least two ''Departments'' within a ''Branch'' are unhappy with the leadership of their ''Branch Officials'', they may call for a ''No-Confidence Vote'', in which those ''Departments'' heading up this effort are referred to ''Charging Departments''.
* '''Charging Documentation'''
** The relevant evidence each ''Charging Department'' compiles for the basis of holding a ''No-Confidence Vote.''
* '''Citizens'''
** Those people born or graduating from ''Provisional Citizenship'' into the Liminal State.
* '''Citizen Initiatives'''
**Even ''Emancipated'' ''Citizens'' that do not work within a ''Branch'' of the Liminal State have the ability to affect their government directly using ''Citizen Initiatives''. Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' or group of ''Emancipated Citizen'' that are able to gather 10% or more ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary'' will have that issue be added to the ballot within that ''Political Boundary'' for the ''General Election''.
**To ensure it meets the minimum legal threshold of the Liminal State, the initiative must first go through a ''Justice Branch Screening'' and get final approval before signatures can be gathered.
**Only ''Emancipated Citizen'' within that ''Political Boundary'' may participate and gather ''Citizen Signatures'' within that ''Political Boundary''. There can be no payments for signature gathering process or promotion of the issue - it requires true ''Citizen'' initiative and work, and does not allow for outside money or interests to interfere in this process.
**Any ''Emancipated Citizen'' within the ''Political Boundary'' may sign, as the initiative process does not require the approval of ''Eligible Voters''.
* '''Citizen Jury'''
** A ''Citizen Jury'' is the nomenclature describing the process that ''Citizens'' with ''Standing'' use to force a vote to decide the fate of a regulation enacted by a ''Branch'' or to investigate any issues that the ''Citizens'' feel are not being addressed properly.
** The same approach is used as the ''Citizen Initiative'' in that signatures are collected from the ''Emancipated Citizens''. The success of that effort does two things:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to a regulation, then the regulation being scrutinized is automatically added to the ballot for the next election so those ''Eligible Voters'' may vote to keep or end the regulation, otherwise:
*** If the jury is convened in regards to an issue the ''Citizens'' believe is not being addressed within their community, then the jury will ultimately provide the wording used on the ballot that the ''Eligible Voters'' will be deciding in regards to the issue being investigated.
*** A ''Citizen Jury'' is convened, made up of 99 randomly selected ''Emancipated Citizens'' within the ''Political Boundary'' impacted by the regulation or issue.
**** If a regulation is in question, then the jury will hear from the experts within the ''Branch'' that enacted the regulation to present their reasoning and facts that justified the regulation and to hear from those ''Citizens'' against the regulation, who may provide their own reasoning, facts and expert witnesses.
**** If the jury is convened regarding an issue, then the jury will have investigatory and subpoena powers to call witnesses, gather information from the Liminal State, utilize the most appropriate ''Enforcement Agency'' to investigate, etc. Their abilities to collect and study information will not be limited.
** In both cases, the 99 random members of the ''Citizen Jury'' may ask their own questions, request additional witnesses, and debate amongst themselves concerning their thoughts.
** All activities of the ''Citizen Jury'' are recorded and made available to the public so the ''Eligible Voters'' with ''Standing'' can make educated decisions regarding their vote for or against the regulation or issue on the next ballot.
* '''Citizen Signatures'''
** ''Citizen Initiatives'' requires the pre-approval of the ''Emancipated Citizen'' within a ''Political Boundary'' to get an initiative on the ballot. To prove there is adequate interest, the ''Emancipated Citizens'' must "sign" the petition. This can be a real signature (officially matched to the signature on file prior to counting), or the ''Emancipated Citizens'' can sign electronically. The mechanism for this will be resolved by the Progress Branch to ensure security, legality, and authentication.
* '''Contract Workers'''
** The temporary personnel and companies that may be hired by the Liminal State for a specific period of time or to complete a specific project. They are not to be considered ''Government Personnel'', do not gain any additional voting rights, are not restricted from outside income (unless contractually stipulated), and do not necessarily get paid above-average wages. ''Contract Workers'' include ''Contracted Companies'', the employees of ''Contracted Companies'' and ''Temporary Employees''.
* '''Contracted Companies'''
** Any business or company that works with the Liminal State through a contract and are not to be considered a part of the Liminal State, nor are their employees to be considered employees of the Liminal State.
* '''Decision Basis'''
** Every member of a ''Leadership Group'' is required to provide a detailed analysis of their reasoning behind their choice in a ''Decision Vote''. This information is used to ensure voting diligence, provide insight into that vote, allow public consumption and judgement, and for posterity.
* '''Decision Votes'''
** The votes that ''Leadership Groups'' make to determine a decision. The issue must be able to be determined with a "Yes" or "No" answer, and the majority vote of that group decides.
* '''Defense Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that manages the defense above the Liminal State and at the borders of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
** All the different military arms, for example the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy within the US, are guided by the ''Defense Branch'', and are prohibited by law from being used as any kind of police force within the Liminal State or to operate internationally.
** The technology used by the ''Defense Branch'' will always work towards perfecting non-lethal means of defense and disengagement. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Delegate Team'''
** A group of three selected by the ''Branch Officials'' of an ''Intrinsic Branch,'' from within that ''Branch,'' to represent their interests to a ''Lateral Branch'' or in domestic ''Embassies''.
* '''Delegate Vote Method'''
** In ''Lateral Branch'' votes, the ''Delegate Teams'' from each associated ''Intrinsic Branch'' and the ''Branch Officials'' of that ''Lateral Branch'' all vote on decisions using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This is not to be confused with the ''Justice Delegate Vote Method.''
* '''Departments'''
** ''Branches'' use ''Departments'' to do the real work needed for the Liminal State. ''Departments'' can be ''Permanent'' or ''Temporary'', depending on the project and need. They can also be created as ''Independent Departments'', meaning they are guided by their mission and expertise alone, not by ''Branch Officials''.
** ''Enforcement Agencies'' are special ''Independent Departments'' within every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches.''
** Each ''Department'' is directed by three ''Department Heads.''
* '''Department Heads'''
** The three leaders of a ''Department'', each serves a 12 year term, staggered every four years.
* '''Election Cycle'''
** The four year period between elections. ''Leadership Teams'' are elected on a four year cycle, and within four years all the different ''Leadership Teams'' will have had the senior member depart, a new junior member join, and a new ''Alternate'' selected (if applicable). The ''Election Cycle'' of of each ''Leadership Team'' also happens in different years, allowing for natural upper movement of the best.
* '''Eligible Voters'''
** This is the group of people within the Liminal State that have the right to vote. In the case where the Liminal State uses the ''Empathy Test'', ''Eligible Voters'' only include those that have passed the ''Empathy Test''.
** Most elections within a ''Branch'' allow all ''Government Personnel'' of that ''Branch'' to vote, whether they have passed the ''Empathy Test'' or not. But if the iteration of Liminal State requires the passing of the ''Empathy Test'' to vote and a ''Branch'' election explicitly specifies ''Eligible Voters'', that means that that election is restricted to only those personnel within that ''Branch'' that have passed the ''Empathy Test.''
* '''Emancipated Citizens'''
** ''Emancipated Citizens'' are the group that we would currently call adults, and they would have all the rights and freedoms afforded adults, including complete bodily autonomy. Instead of an arbitrary age used to define an adult, ''Citizens'' of the Liminal State would take an ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate their ability to make adult decisions and handle adult responsibilities.
* '''Emancipation Test'''
** ''Citizens'' take the ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate that they have gained the basic capabilities expected of ''Emancipated Citizens'', such as basic reading and math skills, the ability to manage a budget, social, emotional, media, and online intelligence, demonstrable practical skills like changing a tire or taking care of a pet, and understanding their relationship with other ''Citizens'' and the Liminal State.
* '''Embassies'''
** Embassies are used internationally and domestically to provide a direct point of contact between the people and the Liminal State.
** International ''Embassies'' are used by the ''Ambassador Units'' and their staff to conduct business and maintain relationships with those foreign states.
** Domestic ''Embassies'' are placed strategically throughout the Liminal State and house ''Delegate Teams'' from every ''Branch'' to provide direct access for the ''Citizens'' that require in-person services, including ''Justice Branch Screenings'' of ''Citizen Initiatives'', the administration of ''Emancipation Tests'' and ''Empathy Tests'', business complaints, etc.
* '''Empathy Test'''
** The test that ''Emancipated Citizens'' can take every four years, which gains the top 80% most empathetic the privilege of voting.
* '''Employable Citizens'''
** This group of people includes all who have become ''Emancipated Citizens'' or have passed an ''Employment Screening.''
* '''Employment Screening'''
** A specialized test that anyone who has yet to become an ''Emancipated Citizen'' can take to be allowed to work. This screening wouldn't test job-related skills, but rather ensures the individual is capable of performing the eventual tasks required and meet other minimum conditions. This group would mostly include young adults, some people with an intellectual disabilities, and ''Provisional Citizens''.
* '''Enforcement Agency'''
** A specialized ''Department'' that every ''Intrinsic Branch'' and some ''Lateral Branches'' have to investigate and enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the expertise of that ''Branch''. Some ''Branches'' may have more than one.
* '''Executive Group'''
** A five-member group, each of which have demonstrable expertise and leadership abilities, that directs the Liminal State as a whole, elected into their positions by the ''Eligible Voters'' for 20 year terms, staggered every four years.
* '''For Cause'''
** Any one of the valid reasons for removing ''Government Personnel'', including criminal activity, improper use of position, profiting from office, unlawful outside income, etc.
* '''General Elections'''
** The election held every four years where the ''Eligible Voters'' decide the next ''Executive Group'' member, grade the performance of existing ''Executive Group'' members, and vote on the matters of law on the ballot.
* '''Global Justice Branch Vote'''
** The ''Justice Branch'' is special in that all personnel that hold ''Leadership Group'' positions within the ''Justice Branch'' vote on the big decisions facing the Liminal State through ''Judicial Branch Screenings''. The outcome is decided using a simple majority from among all eligible personnel voting, rather than using the ''Aggregate Vote Method''.
** This takes the power away from the few at the top, how it is with the US Supreme Court now, and gives it to all the experts within that ''Branch''. This would be the equivalent of having all decisions facing the Supreme Court being decided by every judge working within the entire Judiciary Branch.
* '''Government Personnel'''
** Those individuals that work directly within the Liminal State, and in any capacity, from lowest level employee through the ''Executive Group''.
** ''Government Personnel'' are paid a premium to attract the very best and because they must sacrifice additional sources of income during their employ. Those that work within a ''Branch'' also have additional voting privileges.
** ''Contract Workers'' are excluded from this classification''.''
* '''Impromptu Vote'''
** With the creation of a new ''Department'' or ''Branch'', or in the very rare circumstance where there is more than one ''Leadership Group'' seat within a ''Branch'' needing to be filled or there isn't an available ''Alternate'' to fill a single seat, a ''Branch'' or ''Department'' can hold an ''Impromptu Vote'' to fill multiple seats and select a new ''Alternate'', if necessary, at the same time. An ''Impromptu Vote'' will use the ''Year 0 Rules'' to fill each open seat with the appropriate candidate, and each successful candidate winning a seat will serve an abbreviated term so the ''Election Cycle'' is not altered.
* '''Independent Branch'''
** A ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Executive Group'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Departments'''
** A ''Department'' within a ''Branch'' that works independently of oversight and direction from the ''Branch Officials'' (and therefore the ''Executive Group)'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Independent Investigation'''
** An investigational body spawned by an ''Enforcement Agency'' that operates independently of oversight and direction from that ''Enforcement Agency'' or it's ''Branch'' so as to not be influenced by politics.
* '''Informed Vote Archive'''
** These are specific, encrypted online archives, only accessible by those with the specific right to vote on a decision, that contains all the requisite information necessary to make an informed decision. Regularly used by the ''Executive Group'', ''Branch Officials'', ''Department Heads'', etc., but even used by the ''Eligible Voters'' when it comes to ''General Elections'' and for decisions on laws.
* '''Intrinsic Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, specializing in one fundamental aspect of governance among all those required for a functional government. The Liminal State proposes 13 ''Intrinsic Branches'', but the needs of state may require others or fewer.
* '''Justice Branch'''
** A specialized ''Intrinsic Branch'' that operates independently of ''Executive Group'' direction and is the final word on the legality of proposed directions, laws, and regulations. This is a critical and required ''Branch'' in the Liminal State.
* '''Judicial Branch Screening'''
** All ''Orders or Requests'' ''or'' potential laws or regulations should always be first vetted by the ''Justice Branch'' to ensure the legality of that request, which is called a ''Justice Branch Screening''. This should be common practice and is a ''Protected Action''. ''Judicial Branch Screenings'' require a decision through a ''Global Justice Branch Vote''.
* '''Justice Delegate Vote Method'''
** When there is a decision, regulation, or law being drafted by any ''Branch'', the ''Executive Group'', or ''Citizen Initiative'' and advice is needed to it's initial lawfulness, the ''Justice Branch Delegate Teams'' from a minimum of two ''Lateral Branches'' with ''Standing'', along with the ''Branch Officials'' of the ''Justice Branch'', all vote using the ''Aggregate Vote Method.''
** This is not to be confused with the ''Delegate Vote Method''.
* '''Lateral Branch'''
** One of the two basic ''Branch'' types within the Liminal State, and which work in the area directly between the expertise of two ''Intrinsic Branches''.
* '''Leadership Groups'''
** This is a general term for the different ''Leadership Groups'' that include ''Branch Officials'', ''Delegate Teams'', ''Department Heads'', ''Ambassador Units'', and the ''Executive Group.'' These groups are comprised of three or five members.
* '''Neighborhood'''
** A thought experiment used by the Liminal State to describe complex situations in a simple way, while using the idea of a neighborhood community and those interactions as a model.
* '''No-Confidence Vote'''
** A special kind of vote that subordinates or subordinate ''Leadership Groups'' use to remove superior ''Leadership Group'' members, following an official process.
* '''Non-Citizens'''
** All people that are not ''Citizens'' or ''Provisional Citizens.''
* '''Orders or Requests'''
** Any directions given by a superior to a subordinate that is expected to be followed. This could be from a ''Government Personnel'' to another ''Government Personnel'', or from ''Government Personnel'' to a ''Contract Worker'', and is required to be lawful.
* '''Permanent Department'''
** Unless otherwise instantiated, ''Departments'' are ''Permanent Departments''. This means they will always continue to exist once started. These contrast with ''Temporary Departments,'' which are created for a specific purpose and no longer exist once that purpose has been fulfilled or a certain amount of time has passed.
* '''Permanent Hires'''
** Unless specifically hired as a ''Contract Worker'', all employees of the Liminal State are ''Permanent Hires''. This means that after completing the ''Probationary Employee'' stage, they can only be removed ''For Cause''.
* '''Political Boundary'''
** The different imaginary delineated areas within the Liminal State within which ''Eligible Voters'' can make decisions. These might be a local community, town, city, district, state/province, or even national boundary (when considering an international instantiation of the Liminal State).
* '''Probationary Employee'''
** All ''Permanent Hires'' of the Liminal State are considered ''Probationary Employees'' during their first year, regardless of role, which allows for easier removal of problematic employees. ''Probationary Employees'' are not permitted to vote in ''Branch Elections'', even if a ''Eligible Voters''.
* '''Professional Objection'''
** A ''Professional Objection'' is a special ''Record'' filed to ask the ''Justice Branch'' to review the legality of an ''Order or Request'' made within the Liminal State. The ''Government Personnel'' or ''Contract Worker'' filing a ''Professional Objection'' are indemnified of any penalties for not following that ''Order or Request'' until the review has been completed, and the act of filing a ''Professional Objection'' is a ''Protected Action''.
* '''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'''
** In this system, also referred to as [[wikipedia:Single_transferable_vote|Single Transferable Vote (STV)]], a person casts a single vote in the form of a ranked ballot, where candidates are optionally ordered from highest priority to lowest. At the conclusion of the initial count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and all those that voted for this person then have their vote reassigned to the next candidate on their list. Any additional votes received by a candidate that reaches the electoral quota are also reassigned to that voter's next candidate, meaning that no votes are wasted. This mechanism is repeated over and over internally until the candidates are ranked in the most fair and logical way.
* '''Protected Action'''
** Anything that is fundamentally protected speech or action within the Liminal State, and for which there can never be retribution, discipline, or other action, overt or covert, that would dissuade a person's desire to do that action.
* '''Protected Citizens'''
** All ''Citizens'' that have yet to pass the test to become ''Emancipated Citizens''. This group includes children, some people with an intellectually disability, and by default, holders of a ''Provisional Citizenship''.
* '''Provisional Citizen'''
** All people wishing for amnesty or naturalization into the Liminal State are first considered ''Provisional Citizens'' following initial approval. This status lasts for a period of three years, after which point they officially become ''Citizens''. This temporary status is used to ensure all new potential citizens are willing and able to accumulate into the Liminal State and be productive participants of society.
** ''Provisional Citizens'' may take the ''Employment Test'' and/or the ''Emancipation Test'', though as ''Provisional Citizens'' they will not be permitted to vote.
* '''Record'''
** With every vote and at other times ''Government Personnel'' of the Liminal State must provide justifications or supporting factors and documentation concerning a decision for the ''Record''. The action of inputting this information into the Liminal State official database is to ''Record'', and that information then becomes a ''Record''.
* '''Removal Paths'''
** Any one of the various ways that ''Leadership Group'' members can be officially removed from their seats.
* '''Restitution'''
** The repayment to a ''Citizen'' or group for a violation of law by the one violating the law, which may be monetary, a time commitment, or whatever is deemed appropriate to make the ''Citizen'' or group suffering the violation of law whole.
* '''Review Vote'''
** Laws that are passed by the ''Citizens'' remain in effect for eight years and automatically renew by default unless the ''Citizens'' vote at the conclusion of the eight years using the ''80% Rule'' to repeal the law. This review of a law prior to automatic renewal is called a ''Review Vote''.
* '''Sentient Life/Being'''
** All self-aware and intelligent individuals that extol empathy, patience, wisdom, and non-violence. Currently this only includes humans, but in the future may also include self-aware general A.I, other intelligent organic life to arise on Earth, or life created or arising not of Earth. For simplicity, this documentation will use the term "people" when referring to ''Sentient Life''.
* '''Special Projects'''
** Every ''Executive Group'' member is elected on their leadership abilities, expertise, and two or three ''Special Projects'' that they wish to complete during their 20 year term. These should be projects that are within the expertise of that candidate, important to the candidate and the people, are possible to complete within the 20 year term (or an important part of a bigger issue), and ideally are likely to not be accomplished unless spearheaded by an ''Executive Group'' member.
* '''Standing'''
** Those with with a direct and demonstrable interest in a specific issue have ''Standing''.
* '''Temporary Department'''
** Anytime there is a special situation or a special project that requires the effort of a new full ''Department'', the ''Branch Officials'' may create a ''Temporary Department'' to serve until a project is completed or for a specific amount of time. The ''Department Heads'' of ''Temporary Departments'' are initially selected by the ''Branch Officials'' using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'' and ''Year 0 Rules'' to place the qualified and willing candidates into the appropriate seats, with the initial amount of time served being truncated to match the regular ''Election Cycle''. After instantiation, the initial ''Department Heads'' will be individually replaced like normal with each new ''Election Cycle'' by the members of that ''Temporary Department''.
* '''Temporary Employees'''
** ''Temporary Employees'' are those specifically hired to help with ''Special Projects'', ''Temporary Departments'', and certain other tasks or situations within the Liminal State that may require outside staffing for a limited amount of time. ''Temporary Employees'' are categorized as ''Contract Workers'' and are not considered ''Government Personnel''.
* '''Voter Decision'''
** Any issue or law before the voters is considered a ''Voter Decision'', and all ''Eligible Voters'' within the ''Political Boundary'' of that election are eligible to vote.
* '''Year 0 Rules'''
** Special election rules used to replace multiple seats in a ''Leadership Group'' as if initially starting and having to fill all at once. Instead of the top candidate filling a seat vacated by a senior member, the ''Year 0 Rules'' seat the winning candidates as they are ranked using ''Proportional-Rank Choice Voting'', where the top winner fills the junior seat and serves a full term, but is considered the senior member, with the next filling the next seat, with an abbreviated term and considered the middle member, and the third winner filling the last seat and only serving until the next ''Election Cycle'' while being considered the junior member.
** Using this method, several seats and an ''Alternative'' can be selected in a single election, with specific rules used to determine where each winning candidate sits and their seniority, depending on their rank in the vote.

=== '''Site Navigation''' ===
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Core Concepts

2026-09-26T20:50:10Z

Mr Fox:

=== '''Preface''' ===
Before talking about the structure of the Liminal State it is important to define basic terms that will be used. Any ''Italicized'' words have special meaning and are usually defined in situ. There is also a list of [[Key Words]] with complete definitions.

The following terms regard the assignment of rights, as viewed and defined by the Liminal State, and start from those with the fewest rights to those with the most.

=== '''Conscious Life''' ===
The Liminal State isn’t just about us, here and now. The Liminal State has been imagined to consider everyone in every possible situation. That includes how to best handle a breakaway state, incorporate future territories, and govern across planets. The Liminal State looks far into the future and is inherently structured and accountable for all possibilities, even those unimaginable. ''Conscious Life'' currently includes only humans, but may someday include self-aware general AI, future intelligence arising from Earth, or other intelligence found beyond Earth, as examples.

''Conscious Life'' is afforded more rights and protections than the environment as a whole. Therefore, if there comes a choice to save a ''Conscious Life'' over some aspect of the environment, the Liminal State will make that hard choice in favor of the ''Conscious Life''. But only as a last resort, as the Liminal State will always look at all alternatives to try and figure out a way to save both first. There is always a way to take care of our environment while still enjoying all the comforts we rely on. This hasn’t been done in our past, as it’s easier and more profitable to ignore environmental impacts, but everyone, all life and even the natural systems of the Earth we depend on, are gravely impacted by this existing lack of foresight and care. It is ultimately the Liminal State’s primary responsibility to take care of and provide for its ''Citizens'', and that can’t be done without considering and controlling the impact on our environment.

For simplicity, this documentation will use the word "people" when referring to ''Conscious Life''.

=== '''Provisional Citizens''' ===
All people wishing for amnesty or naturalization into the Liminal State are first considered ''Provisional Citizens'' following initial screening and approval. This status lasts for a period of three years, at which point they become regular ''Citizens'' and have all the additional rights that affords them.

This temporary status is used to ensure all new potential ''Citizens'' are willing and able to accumulate into the Liminal State and be productive members of society, which means that they are living up to the core principles of the Liminal State and are not committing crimes or working against the interests of the Liminal State and it's ''Citizens''.

Graduation into full citizenship is automatic unless any issues are discovered during their provisional status. ''Provisional'' ''Citizens'' are not authorized to vote and denial of formal citizenship and removal from the Liminal State is possible when deemed appropriate by the ''Justice Branch''.

=== '''Citizens''' ===
''Citizens'' are all people born or officially naturalized into the Liminal State and have additional rights and protections afforded them by virtue of being a C''itizen'' of the Liminal State.

=== '''Employable Citizens''' ===
Only ''Emancipated Citizens'' are automatically eligible to work, but certain groups of people, including young adults, the intellectual disabled, and ''Provisional'' ''Citizens'' should also be allowed this opportunity in certain cases. By passing an ''Employment Screening'' they too would be authorized. This screening wouldn't test job-related skills, but rather ensures the individual is generally capable of performing the eventual tasks required and meet other minimum conditions.

Employers that regularly employ this group would work with the Liminal State to ensure adequate provisions are made for employment of this group.

=== '''Emancipated Citizens''' ===
''Emancipated Citizens'' are the group that we would currently call adults, and they would have all the rights and freedoms afforded adults. Instead of an arbitrary age used to define an adult, ''Citizens'' of the Liminal State would take an ''Emancipation Test'' when they are ready to demonstrate their ability to make adult decisions and handle adult responsibilities.

The ''Emancipation Test'' test would ensure that certain capabilities expected of ''Emancipated Citizens'' have been attained, such as basic reading and math skills, the ability to manage a budget, social, emotional, media, and online intelligence, demonstrable practical skills like changing a tire or taking care of a pet, and understanding their relationship with other ''Citizens'' and the Liminal State.

Based on biological science, by the age of 25 most would pass this test, yet a mature 17 year old could become emancipated while some ''Citizens'' may never be able to pass. In addition to total bodily autonomy, extra rights, and additional freedoms, ''Emancipated Citizens'' are able to become ''Eligible Voters'', whereas those that have not become ''Emancipated Citizens'', such as children and the intellectual disabled, have fewer freedoms but additional protections.

This is an important distinction between current societies and the Liminal State; when a 12 year old could be tried as an adult via some unaccountable mechanism now, only an ''Emancipated Citizen'' could be held accountable for adult actions in a Liminal State. Additionally, those who haven’t passed the ''Emancipation Test'' would have additional protections, beyond those even afforded children and the intellectual disabled now. Instead of accounting for the population as uniform groups, the Liminal State recognizes that every person is unique, matures differently, and instead groups people based on demonstrable traits we expect from responsible adults.

The Liminal State could be instantiated without requiring an ''Emancipation Test'' and simply assign adulthood to those who reach 18 years old, for example, and still benefit from all the other advantages the Liminal State provides. But by differentiating the population in this way, rules are apparent and obvious, the steps into adulthood have the same requirements for all, the expectations of adults are fair and never a surprise, systems designed to lift those up needing help run more efficiently, and society as a whole benefits.

=== '''Voters''' ===
There are two ways to consider ''Voters'' when instantiating the Liminal State. Both have their benefits and costs, and which path is chosen should be decided by the founding population. Whichever system is chosen, it would only be alterable in the future using the ''80% Rule''.

With the first option, all ''Emancipated Citizens'' are automatically ''Eligible Voters''.

Alternatively, ''Emancipated Citizens'' must pass an ''Empathy Test'' to become an ''Eligible Voter''. This test will distill the top 80% of the most empathetic people from the pool of ''Emancipated Citizens'' that take the test, and they will then become the ''Eligible Voters''.

Many have proposed limiting voting to a certain subset of people, such as men, property owners, or the wealthy. The method employed by the Liminal State ensures that voting is treated as the privilege that it is and votes are thoughtfully cast. But the only logical, fair, and wise way to limit the voting pool to achieve these benefits is to ensure that those who can vote are keeping those who are not allowed to vote foremost in their decisions. Empathy is easy and reliable to test, and as empathy is a common and uniting human trait and foundational to the Liminal State, it's logical to assign ''Eligible Voters'' using this metric.

=== '''Empathy Test Notes''' ===
One note about the ''Empathy Test'' is that passing is not a perpetual right to vote. Because the test allows the top 80% of empathetic ''Citizens'' to vote, and because empathy is on a spectrum, populations will evolve over time and newly ''Emancipated Citizens'' may have greater empathy than some who have passed the test previously. For this reason, existing ''Eligible Voters'' must retake the test every four years from when they first tested. And for the same reason, those who do not pass the ''Empathy Test'' initially may retake the test every four years from when they tested as well.

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