Great Plains Union
Formation Date: 2027
Location: Central United States
Capital: Kansas City, Missouri
Government: Federal Republic
Currency: Plains Dollar (PLD$)
Official Languages: English
Population: Approx. 18 million (as of 2030)
Vexillology: The Great Plains Union flag has a simple and strong design, with a wide horizontal band of green on the bottom half, representing the vast farmlands and agricultural wealth of the region. The top half is a sky blue field, symbolizing the open skies and freedom. In the center, a golden sheaf of wheat is prominently displayed, representing the Union’s agricultural heritage and prosperity.
Overview
The Great Plains Union is a sovereign nation formed from the central United States during the fragmentation following the Second American Civil War. Established in 2027, the Great Plains Union encompasses the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. The Union is characterized by its vast agricultural lands, strong emphasis on regional cooperation, and commitment to self-reliance and traditional values. Kansas City, Missouri, serves as the capital, reflecting the region’s historical significance as a hub of trade, transportation, and governance.
History
Origins and the Second American Civil War
The Great Plains region has long been known for its expansive prairies, agricultural output, and strong sense of community. As the United States began to fracture during the early 2020s, the states of the Great Plains sought to protect their agricultural interests and maintain stability amidst growing national chaos. These states, with their shared culture of self-reliance and strong local governance, came together to form a coalition aimed at mutual defense and economic cooperation.
During the Second American Civil War, this coalition evolved into the Great Plains Union. Officially established in 2027, the Union prioritized regional autonomy, agricultural prosperity, and the protection of its way of life. Kansas City, Missouri, was chosen as the capital due to its central location and historical role as a transportation and trade hub.
The Union quickly established itself as a stable and self-reliant nation, focused on protecting its agricultural resources, promoting regional cooperation, and preserving the values that had long defined the Great Plains.
Formation of the Federal Republic Government
The Great Plains Union adopted its constitution in 2027, establishing a federal republic that emphasizes regional cooperation, agricultural prosperity, and self-reliance. The government structure reflects the Union’s commitment to local control and the preservation of its agricultural heritage.
The federal system allows each state within the Union to maintain a degree of autonomy, with the central government in Kansas City focusing on issues of mutual concern, such as defense, trade, and infrastructure. The Great Plains Union is known for its emphasis on traditional values, community-oriented governance, and self-sufficiency.
The first president of the Great Plains Union, Samuel Hastings, was a respected leader from Kansas who played a key role in uniting the region’s states. His administration focused on establishing strong governance structures, promoting agricultural development, and ensuring the protection of the Union’s resources and way of life.
Government and Politics
Political Structure
The Great Plains Union operates as a federal republic, with a governance structure that prioritizes regional cooperation, agricultural prosperity, and self-reliance. The government is designed to reflect the values of the Great Plains states, with an emphasis on local control, traditional values, and the preservation of the agricultural economy.
- Executive Branch: The president of the Great Plains Union serves as the head of state and government, with responsibilities for foreign policy, defense, and overall governance. The president is elected by popular vote for a six-year term, with the possibility of re-election for one additional term.
- Legislative Branch: The Plains Congress is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate represents each state within the Union equally, while the House is based on population. The Congress is responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch. The legislative process is characterized by a strong emphasis on local interests, agricultural policy, and regional cooperation.
- Judicial Branch: The Plains Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the Union, responsible for interpreting the constitution and resolving disputes between states and the central government. The judiciary is known for its emphasis on protecting property rights, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring equal justice for all citizens.
Political Parties
The political landscape of the Great Plains Union is dominated by a few major parties, each reflecting the region’s values of self-reliance, traditional governance, and agricultural prosperity:
- Plains Conservative Party: The dominant party in the Union, advocating for traditional values, agricultural development, and limited government. The party has strong support among rural voters, farmers, and those who prioritize self-reliance and local control.
- Agrarian Party: A party that emphasizes the protection of agricultural interests, rural development, and environmental stewardship. The Agrarian Party is popular in farming communities and among voters who prioritize issues such as land conservation, sustainable farming, and rural infrastructure.
- Liberty Party: A libertarian-leaning party that advocates for minimal government intervention, personal freedoms, and economic liberty. The party has a significant following among younger voters and those in more isolated communities who value independence and small government.
Foreign Relations
The Great Plains Union maintains a pragmatic and cautious approach to foreign relations, focusing on securing its borders, protecting its agricultural resources, and promoting trade with neighboring nations. The Union has established diplomatic and trade relations with the Pacific Coalition, the Rocky Mountain Alliance, and the Ozark Union.
Given its strategic location in the central United States and its rich agricultural resources, the Great Plains Union is particularly interested in maintaining stable relations with its neighbors and ensuring that its trade routes remain secure. The Union is also a strong advocate for international cooperation on issues such as food security, water management, and disaster response.
Economy
The economy of the Great Plains Union is heavily based on agriculture, energy production, and natural resource management. The Union has leveraged its vast farmlands, abundant natural resources, and strong work ethic to build a resilient economy that supports its population’s needs.
Agriculture and Ranching
Agriculture is the backbone of the Great Plains Union’s economy, with the region producing a wide variety of crops, including wheat, corn, soybeans, and barley. The region is also known for its cattle ranching, with vast open ranges providing ideal conditions for livestock.
The government supports agricultural development through subsidies, education, and infrastructure investments, with a particular emphasis on sustainable farming practices and land conservation. The Union also promotes local food production and supports small-scale farmers and ranchers as part of its commitment to self-reliance and food security.
Energy Production
Energy production is a key sector of the Great Plains Union’s economy, with the region being rich in natural resources such as oil, natural gas, coal, and wind power. The Union has implemented policies to ensure sustainable resource extraction, with strict environmental regulations and incentives for companies that adopt green practices.
The Union is a major producer of renewable energy, particularly wind power, given the region’s vast open spaces and favorable wind conditions. The government promotes the development of green technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring that the Union’s economy remains vibrant while minimizing its environmental impact.
Transportation and Trade
Transportation is another vital sector of the Great Plains Union’s economy, with the region serving as a major hub for trade and logistics. The Union’s central location and extensive transportation networks, including highways, railroads, and pipelines, make it a critical link between the eastern and western parts of the continent.
The government has invested in modernizing the region’s transportation infrastructure, ensuring that it can support the Union’s economic growth and facilitate trade with neighboring nations. The Union is also focused on expanding its trade relationships, particularly with the Pacific Coalition and the Rocky Mountain Alliance, to enhance its economic stability and growth.
Military and Security
The Great Plains Union maintains a capable and well-trained military force, with a focus on defending its borders, protecting its agricultural resources, and maintaining internal security. The military is structured to reflect the Union’s values of service, regional cooperation, and self-reliance.
- Plains Defense Forces (PDF): The PDF is the primary military force responsible for defending the Union’s borders and maintaining internal security. The forces are trained in both conventional and irregular warfare, with an emphasis on protecting agricultural resources and responding to natural disasters.
- State Militias: In addition to the formal military, each state within the Union maintains its own militia, responsible for local defense and emergency response. These militias are composed of volunteers from local communities and are deeply integrated into the social fabric of the region.
- Agricultural Protection Units: The Great Plains Union has established specialized units tasked with protecting the region’s agricultural resources and responding to environmental emergencies. These units work closely with local governments and community organizations to ensure that the Union’s farmlands and water supplies are protected.
Culture and Society
The culture of the Great Plains Union is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, traditional values, and the principles of self-reliance and community. The Union’s society is characterized by its commitment to regional cooperation, the preservation of its way of life, and the protection of its natural resources.
Social Values
The Great Plains Union values self-reliance, community, and traditional governance. The government promotes policies that support family life, education, and social services, while also encouraging community participation, agricultural development, and environmental stewardship.
Community service is a central aspect of life in the Union, with citizens encouraged to participate in volunteer work, local governance, and community activities. The Union’s laws and social policies are designed to reflect the region’s values, with a focus on promoting social harmony, economic opportunity, and environmental protection.
Education and Agricultural Innovation
Education is a priority in the Great Plains Union, with a focus on both academic excellence and practical skills. Schools in the Union emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, as well as agricultural sciences, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living.
The government supports educational programs that help students develop the skills needed to contribute to the Union’s economy and society. The Union is also home to several agricultural research institutions and universities that play a key role in driving innovation and economic growth.
Arts and Cultural Heritage
The arts and cultural heritage are integral parts of life in the Great Plains Union, with a strong tradition of music, storytelling, and craftsmanship. The region’s history of independence and agricultural prosperity has inspired a vibrant cultural scene that reflects the experiences and values of its people.
The government supports the arts through cultural programs, festivals, and funding for artists and arts organizations. The Union’s cities and towns are known for their thriving arts scenes, with museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues that showcase both traditional and contemporary works.
Challenges and Controversies
While the Great Plains Union has made significant progress in establishing itself as a stable and self-reliant nation, it faces ongoing challenges related to economic disparities, political unity, and environmental protection.
Economic Disparities
Despite its strong economy, the Great Plains Union faces significant disparities between urban and rural areas, particularly in terms of access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The government has implemented policies to address these disparities, but they remain a source of social tension and political debate.
Political Unity
The Great Plains Union’s emphasis on regional autonomy and local control has led to occasional tensions between the central government and state governments. While the Union is generally cohesive, there are ongoing debates about the balance of power between the central government and the member states, particularly in areas such as resource management and infrastructure development.
Environmental Protection
The Great Plains Union’s commitment to environmental stewardship is challenged by the need to balance economic development with the protection of its natural resources. The government’s emphasis on sustainable practices reflects its desire to protect the environment, but the pressures of resource extraction and population growth continue to pose risks to the region’s farmlands and water supplies.
Legacy and Identity
The Great Plains Union sees itself as a modern embodiment of the region’s agricultural heritage, traditional values, and commitment to self-reliance. Its identity is deeply tied to its history as the breadbasket of the United States and its role as a center of agricultural innovation and regional cooperation.
The Union’s legacy is shaped by its successful transition to sovereignty, its role as a leader in agricultural production, and its dedication to the well-being of its people and the preservation of its way of life. As the Great Plains Union continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring strength of regional identity and the power of cooperation in shaping the future.
See Also
- Second American Civil War
- Rocky Mountain Alliance
- Pacific Coalition
- Plains Defense Forces
- Kansas City, Missouri
