The Real Ideal FOUNDED BY COLT FOSTER, LIZANDRO GARCIA, AZARIAH JACOBS, PHENELOPE SANTILLAN 9 NOVEMBER 2015 Demographics Our government reflects Costa Rica 2.5 million people Market Economy Political Philosophy John Locke inspired the type of government that we chose. John Locke was an English philosopher that influenced the writings on the Declaration of Independence. His religious beliefs also created a separation between the church and state. Locke inspired our ideal government because his view that people do not belong to the government, but rather themselves is the same belief we have. People should have basic rights and Locke stated that life, liberty and estate were the three rights he would grant to citizens. Indirect Democracy (Republic) This type of government was chosen so that our citizens could have some power over who runs the government. They are given many freedoms but not too much, so that there will still be order. Constitutionalism This function was chosen because our government is based off of the constitution. There would be laws written so that the government does not have too much power. Preamble We the people of the Real Ideal propose a fair system of justice, equality and liberty to those underneath our nation. We solemnly swear to constitute these rights to form a republic where our sovereignty is kept and that our citizens are led by a trustworthy government. We grant divine rights in which gives freedom and order to the citizens to insure safety and protection for all. We formally establish these values with unity and integrity under the Real Ideal. Legislative Branch The legislative branch consists of two houses. The upper house is the Senate and the lower house is the House of Representatives. The members of both houses are elected by citizens. The bill is first introduced by the public of members of congress. The bill is sent to a committee for research and examination. After the committee review’s it, it is then passed over both houses for review. The bill becomes finalized when 2/3 of congress agrees on the bill. Executive Branch The executive branch consists of members from both the Senate and House of Representatives. To qualify in the house of representatives, you must be at least 27 years old with a bachelor’s degree. To qualify in the senate you must be at least 32 years old with a master’s degree. Levy and collect taxes, Borrow Money, Regulate Commerce, Maintain a Navy, Maintain a Military, Establish a court system, and Make laws. Judicial Branch Three Courts: The Supreme Court – Highest court. interprets laws. Deals with cases involving federal laws. 9 justices. Must be at least 40 years of age. The Regional Court – Intermediate court. Checks actions of the Supreme Court. 25 appellate courts. 5 per region. 4 judges per court. Must be at least 35 years of age. The Local Court – Lowest court. Trial court for small cases. 50 courts total; one in every city. Must be at least 30 years of age. Education The federal government has the most power over education. The federal and local government funds education through collected taxes. School is mandatory from K-10th grade. Standardized tests will not be taken at any time throughout a child's educational career. Healthcare The Government controls half of the healthcare, while the other half is controlled by a private sector. All healthcare is universal. The federal, regional and local government, as well as taxes from the citizens all pay for healthcare. The costs for prescriptions are relatively low and may be paid for with cash or credit. Only drugs for serious illnesses or medical conditions (like the flu, diabetes, ect.) will be covered by the insurance company. Immigration The federal and local government have equal powers of immigration. To become a citizen: Apply for Citizenship Background check o Medical History o Criminal History o Reasons for needing citizenship o Biometrics Interview Confirmation to Continue Citizenship Process Ceremony Amendments Education: Right to free public education will not be denied or abridged on account of race, gender, disability, religion, poverty, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, place of residency, or immigration status. Healthcare: Our government will provide healthcare to citizens who pay taxes towards funding our healthcare system. Freedoms within this system will establish the right to abortion as well as the freedom of choice concerning changes to the physical body of the individual. Work Cited Harrison, Ross. Democracy. London: Routledge, 1993. Print. Hobbes, Thomas, and J. C. A. Gaskin. Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1998. Print. Jowett, Benjamin. The Republic. Champaign, Ill.: Project Gutenberg, 1993. Print. Locke, John. An Essay concerning Human Understanding. New York: Dover Publications, 1959. Print. Locke, John. The Conduct of the Understanding By John Locke, Esq. A New Ed. London: Printed for Daniel Elzevir, Jun., 1794. Print. Machiavelli, Niccolo, and W. K. Marriott. The Prince. Waiheke Island: Floating, 2008. Print. Work Cited Cont. Machiavelli, Niccolo, and W. K. Marriott. The Prince. Waiheke Island: Floating, 2008. Print. Motley, John Lothrop. The Rise of the Dutch Republic. New York: Harper & Bros., 1855. Print. Munroe, Andre. "Republic | Government." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 June 2015. Web. 1 Nov. 2015. Tocqueville, Alexis De, and Phillips Bradley. Democracy in America, New York: A.A. Knopf, 1945. Print. Uzgalis, William. "John Locke." Stanford University. Stanford University, 2 Sept. 2001. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.