Crete (A Federation of Equals)

The Republic of Crete, established in the 5th of January 1857, is one of the constituent states of the Danubian Federation. The Island of Crete has a long, rich, history, dating back well before the founding of Christianity. It has housed many different civilizations and cultures, from the ancient Romans, to the seafaring Venetians.

Prior to the Republic’s founding, it was known as the Duchy of Crete, and housed many of the former patricians of the now defunct state of Venezia (now San Marco). The Duchy held unstable popularity, and its legitimacy was always questioned. After the Danubian Civil War, the Duchy of Crete was abolished and replaced by the Republic of Crete, due to the results of a federal referendum.

Since its establishment as a Republic, Crete has ceased to become a point of contention in Danubian politics, and has become a quiet, but productive member of the Federation.

==Form of Government ==

Presidency

-The President is elected by a popular vote for a term of 5 years. A President can serve an unlimited amount of terms if continually elected. -The President can either approve or veto bills passed by Parliament (see effects of Veto in Passing of Laws Section). -The President can dissolve both houses of Parliament and call for a General Election to take place within 6 months of the dissolving of Parliament. -The President can not propose bills, but he can serve as an Elector. -If the President resigns, dies, or is other wise incapacitated, the House of Electors will appoint an Acting President to serve the rest of the term.

Parliament

Parliament will consist of an upper house called The House of Electors, and a lower house called The House of Representatives

House of Electors

-Appointed by Prime Minister, but all appointments must be approved by the Federal Electors -Serve for four years -Two from each county -All Cretan members of the Federal Congress will be guaranteed a spot in the House of Electors separate from the rest of the House, these spots are known as Federal Electors -Can propose bills -Can only pass or not pass bills

House of Representatives

-Elected by popular vote -Number of seats are decided by population -Appoints Prime Minister by simple majority vote -Can propose bills -Can pass or not pass bills -Elected in General Elections, held every 5 years  Passing of Bills

-Bills are passed simply if both houses pass bill and the President approves -In case of veto, the bill is re-voted by both houses. If it is passed by the House of Electors and by a 2/3rds vote by the House of Representatives veto is overruled. -If a bill fails to pass the House of Electors, but passes the House of Representatives, it can be pushed through with a 2/3rds vote by the House of Representatives, and Presidential Approval -If a bill fails to pass the House of Representatives that bill is dead -Dead bills can not be revisited for a full year starting at the time of death

Administrative Subdivisions
The island of Crete is one whole federal administrative division; however the Cretan State itself has several administrative subdivisions:


 * Chania


 * Heraklion


 * Rethymno


 * Lasithi

These subdivisions are only used for the Republic of Crete’s own state administration.

Notable Individuals of Crete
Wojciech Gomułka: Polish by birth, Gomułka originally served as Deputy for Galicia. However during the term of the transitory government of Crete, as the Island was reorganized from being a Duchy to being a Republic, Gomułka announced that he would be willing to help govern the state, and when he was confirmed as Governor he moved to live in Crete. He was elected as the Republic’s 1st President.

Aetios Spiros: A native Greek of Crete, Spiros comes from one of the many aristocratic families of the island. Putting the people of Crete at the forefront of his concerns and duties, Spiros has become a noted socialist, despite his conservative upbringing.

Vasilios Mitsotakis: A fellow Greek, like Spiros, Mitsotakis came from a wealthy aristocratic family. Mitsotakis, however, kept his conservative views and joined the ranks of the conservatives in the Danubian Federation, eager to represent Cretan interests.

Konstantinos Venizelos: Venizelos is a minor aristocrat who grew up on a small estate in Crete. He was elected on a platform of supporting the interests of Crete and is strongly dedicated to principles of states' rights and conservative politics.