TiP Nation Island
TiP Nation Island is a project originally thought up at TiP Nation and currently housed at its own Facebook group.
History
TiP Nation Island started as a post on TiP Nation by Matt Gibson. This quickly escalated to almost 300 comments about the feasibility of such an island, where it should be, and how much it would cost per person. Unfortunately, some people were disturbed by this sort of talk, so the founders created another group specifically for those TiPsters interested in forming a micronation. Over time, some nonTiPsters have joined the endeavor, as well. Kate Evans posted a poll about what government we should use. The top options, in order, were: a council, anarchy, direct democracy, and socialism. The council won by a large majority. People stepping down at various times has caused new elections.
The first trouble came when then-councilmember Ethan Katz threatened to block all progress the council made because he was upset that Matt Gibson had refused to support the creation of a special position for Ethan on the council and indicated that he believed that then-councilmember Kate Evans would do the same. Ethan resigned office and proceeded to troll the page and invite others to troll the page. Ethan was eventually granted a pardon; however, recent events have sparked a court case which may revoke this pardon.
TiP Nation Island was originally ruled by a set of rules laid down by the council, but these rules are now being brought together, with additions, into a Constitution. TiP Nation Island was originally ruled solely by a council, but the council recognized the needs for checks on its powers and established other branches.
The first attempt at an executive branch were two consuls. Unfortunately, the consuls rebelled and, with the aid of a councilmember, attempted to overthrow the government. This overthrow was prevented by the actions of Kate Gibson, Dylan Quintal, and Evan Tiemann. Two of the leaders of this attempted coup are still members of the group, though one is barred from ever holding political office again and the other was barred from running for a month.
Since the advent of the splinter groups, TiP Nation Island has become known as TiP Constitutional Republic. This change was made on September 2, 2012.
Coup Attempts
In the history of TiP Nation Island, there have been three main coup attempts. The first attempt at a coup was Ethan Katz, and his method was inviting people who trolled the page to the point that nothing got done. This coup was ended when Jak Dougherty deleted the original page. A second page was then created, and the government and former members transferred there. But this was only his first coup...
The second coup attempt was led by the consuls, Ian Chiles and Braden Gammon, and then-councilmember Harry Adams. This coup was more sophisticated, writing a manifesto and attempting to take the page by using admin powers to kick the loyal councilmembers out. Unfortunately for them, they recruited Kate Gibson, Dylan Quintal, and Evan Tiemann. As soon as the coup members made their move, these three ended it. The coup was in the works for about a week and a half, but it was over in less than ten minutes.
The third coup attempt was a dissatisfied Supreme Court Justice, Alec Polansky. Alec took control of the page using a fake account, Bane Gothamshero. He used his admin powers to take over and have a seven hour dictatorship. He restored power to the council on the condition that the council agreed not to prosecute him.
Ethan Katz
Ethan actually turned out to be useless. He thinks his coup makes him cool but it was really just a reminder of his stupidity.
Several groups of dissenters have split from TiP Nation Island. The three groups are known as TiP Liberal Republic, Union of TiP Socialist Republics, and TiP Constitutional Republic. TiP Nation Island no longer exists as a conglomerate group as of September 2, 2012.
Unity
The TIP Nation Island has never unified or tried ever since the split, but recently Shiv Daftari, a well known TIPoliticion announced that he had desires to bring together a unified TIP Nation Island. His first move was controversial because he joined both Provincial colony of TNCDR (formerly known as the TiP Constitutional Republic and the TiP Liberal Republic. He expects next year when he is a fourth year, he may crown the king and queen of a new unified monarchy of a TIP Nation.
Revival
TIP Nation became truly realized in the year 2012 when 3 TIPsters formed a group called TiP Nation. Since then, all TIPsters have flocked there to claim their ancestry. From TIP Nation has emerged another group of individuals yearning to revive the home country and create the first literal TIP Island.
Government Members
Past
- Ethan Katz (councilmember)
- Kate Evans (councilmember)
- Jak Dougherty (councilmember)
- Bora Gunay (councilmember)
- Harry Adams (councilmember)
- Ian Chiles (consul)
- Braden Gammon (consul)
- Kate Gibson (councilmember)
- Joe Neely (councilmember)
- Clayton Delp (councilmember)
Final
Council
- Matt Gibson
- Marissa Osterhout
- Lucas Ryan
- Evan Tiemann
- Jordan Clark-Brown
- Dylan Quintal
- Alex Allen
- Cameron Robertson
- Max Stevens
Supreme Court
- Brandon Scott (chief justice)
- Tyler Tinari
- Margaret Overton
- Nikolai Horbovetz
- Alec Polansky
Rules
The rules of TiP Nation Island preceded the Constitution. Meticulous records were kept of these rules, and they have been reproduced below.
We will not be cowed into inaction or ineffectiveness this time. We will listen to your concerns, but we will not tolerate people who are only here to troll. By joining this endeavor, you are agreeing to the council system and the rules it sets up. You are free to voice dissent to these rules and challenge them in a polite, respectful manner. In turn, the council will answer all concerns raised and will speak to other members in a polite, respectful manner.
First Council Members (7/16/12): Matt Gibson, Kate Evans, Ethan Katz, Jak Dougherty, Bora Gunay
1. The councilmembers each get one vote. Majority rules.
2. You may not rescind an action, but you may vote against your own action.
Votes for: Matt, Kate, Ethan
Votes Against: Jak
Date: 7/16/12
3. You may step down at any time.
Votes for: Matt, Kate, Ethan, Jak
Votes Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
4. A councilmember may not be barred from the council without due cause and a public vote of TiPsters.
Votes For: Matt, Kate, Jak
Votes Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
5. Decisions are made by the majority of the council in attendance, provided the number in attendance is greater than three, not the council at large.
Votes For: Matt, Kate, Jak
Votes Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
6. Any member of the council may call a meeting at any time, provided that they give 24 hours notice to the other members of the council.
Votes For: Matt, Bora
Votes Against: Jak
Date: 7/16/12
7. Any rule written by a council of three that is not unanimously passed shall be marked by underlining and may be challenged when a council of five is convened.
Votes For: Matt, Jak, Bora
Votes Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
8. Anything that is put to the group as a whole (not just the council) for a vote must be available for exactly 72 hours, at which time we can take results.
Votes For: Matt, Jak, Bora
Votes Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
9. A councilmember has a term lasting one year.
Votes For: Jak, Bora
Votes Against: Matt
Date: 7/16/12
10. A councilmember may run for re-election as many times as he/she wishes.
Votes For: Matt, Bora
Votes Against: Jak
Date: 7/16/12
11. A record of the votes for any rule will be kept.
Votes For: Matt, Jak, Bora
Votes Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
12. The record of votes on the rules will be made available to any member of TiPnation upon request.
Votes For: Matt, Jak, Bora
Votes Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
13. The council serves first as a body that generates legislation. Second as a body that serves by addressing the needs of the people who consider us to be an authority (ie, the citizens of TiPnation), through the use of aforementioned legislation.
Votes For: Matt, Jak, Bora
Votes Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
14. The Bill of Rights will be written either by a council of five or by the second council meeting held after 7/16/12.
For: Matt, Jak, Bora
Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
15. Rules that tie will be marked in italics and will be decided at the next council of five.
For: Matt, Jak, Kate
Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
16. a. Rules passed by the council will be put monthly to a public vote. A two-thirds majority may override the rule.
For: Matt, Kate, Jak, Bora
Against: None
Date: 7/16/12
b. At least two members of the council must dissent from the rule to be able to put it to public vote.
For: Matt, Kate
Against: Jak, Bora
Date: 7/16/12
17. Members of the public may propose rules. However, the council will vote on these rules and decide them.
For: Matt, Kate
Against: None (Jak was present but declined to vote)
Date: 7/16/12
Second Council Members (7/20/12): Matt Gibson, Kate Evans, Lucas Ryan, Marissa Osterhout, Jak Dougherty
18. In order for a nonTiPster to join the group after 7/20/12, he/she must be vetted by, and gain the approval of, two councilmembers.
For: Matt, Marissa, Jak
Against: None
Date: 7/20/12
19. A member of the group’s membership may be challenged at any time, given due cause. The council will decide whether they may remain or must go. In the event that a member is voted to go, the dissent of two or more councilmembers will cause this decision to go to public vote.
For: Matt, Marissa, Jak
Against: None
Date: 7/20/12
20. There shall be an executive branch of two consuls. Their powers will be defined by a council of five.
For: Matt, Marissa, Jak
Against: None
Date: 7/20/12
21. The consuls shall have the power to regulate the Facebook page and shall be able to remove people at will. If their actions are challenged, the council will vote to legitimize. In order to prevent trolls from keeping each other, this will not go to public vote.
For: Matt, Jak, Lucas
Against: None
Decline to vote: Kate
Date: 7/21/12
Third Council Members (7/22/12): Matt Gibson, Cameron Robertson, Marissa Osterhout, Lucas Ryan, Dylan Quintal, Kate Gibson
First Consuls (7/22/12): Ian Chiles and Braden Gammon
22. All public votes will begin on a Thursday and end on a Sunday.
For: Matt, Marissa, Kate, Lucas, Dylan
Against: None
Date: 7/27/12
Fourth Council Members (7/28/12): Matt Gibson, Cameron Robertson, Marissa Osterhout, Lucas Ryan, Dylan Quintal, Kate Gibson, Harry Adams
23. In order to amend or overrule an existing rule, a motion must gain 2/3 of the council vote (rounded up, so 4/5 not 3/5) and 2/3 of the popular vote.
For: Harry, Matt, Kate
Against: None
Date: 7/28/12
24. If the consuls are agreed, they may veto a law within 72 hours of its passage. A ¾ vote of the council will override the veto and send it to a public vote. If a majority of the public agrees with the law, it will be passed.
For: Matt, Kate, Harry
Against: None
Date: 7/28/12
25. If there is any campaigning involved, mudslinging should be strictly prohibited. If it is decided by a vote that mudslinging has occurred, the candidate should have to remove himself from the race.
For: Matt, Marissa, Kate
Against: Harry
Date: 7/28/12
Vetoed: Ian and Braden on 8/4/12
26. Must win 40% of vote to be reelected after 10 years.
For: Matt, Kate, Harry, Marissa
Against: None
Date: 7/28/12
27. The council may kick a member off by calling a vote of no-confidence and getting the consent of every other councilmember.
For: Marissa, Kate
Against: Harry, Matt
Date: 7/28/12
28. The council will follow Parliamentary Procedure.
For: Matt, Harry, Marissa, Kate
Against: None
Date: 7/28/12
29. If there is ever pay for the council, it will not exceed 20% of the average pay for a working citizen.
For: Matt, Kate, Harry, Marissa
Against: None
Date: 7/28/12
30. The government of TiPnation will not recognize political parties.
For: Matt, Kate, Harry, Marissa
Against: None
Date: 7/28/12
31. A councilmember who misses five meetings in a row without adequate excuse may be dismissed from the council.
For: Harry, Kate, Marissa
Against: Matt
Date: 7/28/12
32. The council will meet on either one or two days of the week, which shall be the same every week, and the time will be announced prior to the meeting.
For: Harry, Kate, Marissa, Matt
Against: None
Date: 7/28/12
Fifth Council Members (8/4/12): Matt Gibson, Cameron Robertson, Marissa Osterhout, Lucas Ryan, Dylan Quintal, Kate Gibson, Harry Adams, Evan Tiemann
33. We do a check on every new member of the group, to ensure they are a legitimate person.
For: Matt, Harry, Kate
Against: None
Date: 8/4/12
34. The consuls have a term lasting 2 years.
For: Kate, Matt, Marissa, Dylan, Evan
Against: Harry
Date: 8/4/12
Vetoed: Braden and Ian 8/4/12
35. a. The consuls may not veto a law dealing with their powers or salaries
b. The consuls may not veto this law.
For: Kate, Matt, Marissa, Dylan, Evan
Against: Harry, Lucas
Date: 8/4/12
36. The council will start a Kickstarter.
For: Kate, Matt, Dylan
Against: Harry, Evan
Date: 8/4/12
Vetoed: Ian and Braden on 8/4/12
37. Rule 35 is hereby repealed. 35a will be voted on again in a week. In that time, there will be public discussion of the rule.
For: Matt, Harry, Lucas, Marissa, Cameron, Dylan
Against: None
Date: 8/5/12
38. There shall be a separate Facebook group called "TiP Nation Council" that contains only current council members and consuls. The group will be open so anybody can see the posts, and admins must approve members. The group address will be tipnationcouncil@groups.facebook.com, and anybody may submit proposals by emailing to that address.
For: Matt, Lucas, Evan, Marissa
Against: None
Date: 8/5/12
39. Rule 23 is hereby amended to read, “In order to amend or overrule an existing rule, a motion must gain 2/3 of the entire council vote (rounded up, so 4/5 not 3/5) and 2/3 of the popular vote."
For: Matt, Lucas, Evan, Dylan, Marissa, Kate
Against: None
Date: 8/5/12
Public Vote: For: 24. Against: 3
40. The council hereby overrides the consuls’ veto on Rule 36.
For: Evan, Marissa, Lucas, Matt, Dylan, Kate
Against: Harry
Date: 8/6/12
Public Vote: For: 22. Against: 4
Sixth Council Members (8/19/12): Matt Gibson, Cameron Robertson, Marissa Osterhout, Lucas Ryan, Dylan Quintal, Kate Gibson, Alex Allen, Evan Tiemann, Joe Neely
41. While rights may be added to the Bill of Rights and existing rights may be amended, once added, rights may not be overruled or taken away.
For: Matt, Dylan, Kate, Cameron, Evan, Lucas
Against: None
Date: 8/7/12
42. The elected judges of the Supreme Court shall have a term of 3 years
For: Matt, Kate, Dylan, Joe, Lucas
Against: None
Date: 8/20/12
43. The appointed judges of the Supreme Court shall have a term of 1 year
For: Matt, Kate, Dylan, Joe, Alex, Marissa
Against: None
Date: 8/20/12
44. Elected judges may run for re-election but may not have two consecutive terms.
For: Matt, Kate, Dylan, Alex, Lucas
Against: None
Date: 8/20/12
45. The new executive branch will be composed of a prime minister for internal affairs, a secretary of diplomacy for external affairs, and a supervisor.
For: Dylan, Alex, Matt, Marissa
Against: Evan
Date: 8/20/12
46. The Prime Minister and Secretary of Diplomacy shall be elected; the Supervisor shall be appointed by the council.
For: Dylan, Alex, Matt, Evan, Marissa
Against: None
Date: 8/20/12
47. The Supreme Court shall have the power of judicial review, the power to hear all cases against the government or government officials, the power to strip government officials of position if they are found guilty of any crime, including but not limited to corruption, the power to be the final say in criminal and civil cases.
For: Matt, Evan, Marissa, Kate, Alex
Against: None
Date: 8/21/12
48. The Supreme Court may choose whether or not to hear suits against civilians or allow lower courts’ decisions to stand, but it must hear all cases in which the government or government officials shall be party.
For: Matt, Evan, Marissa, Kate, Alex
Against: None
Date: 8/21/12
Seventh Council Members (8/26/12): Matt Gibson, Lucas Ryan, Marissa Osterhout, Kate Gibson, Dylan Quintal, Alex Allen, Evan Tiemann, Joe Neely, Clayton Delp
49. 2/3 of the heads of the executive branch must agree to veto an act of the council.
For: Matt, Kate, Lucas, Marissa, Joe, Alex, Evan
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
50. The supervisor will have the power to impeach the executives and call a trial by the Supreme Court.
For: Matt, Kate, Lucas, Marissa, Joe, Alex, Evan
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
51. In areas where it is decided that there is overlap in the powers of the executives and the executives disagree on how to do things, the Supervisor will have the final say.
For: Alex, Matt, Marissa, Lucas, Kate, Evan
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
52. All matters of foreign affairs, including, but not limited to, the appointment of ambassadors, the negotiation of treaties, the initial declaration of war, and the establishment of national defense but excepting those that shall be in the power of the council shall be in the realm of the Secretary of Diplomacy.
For: Matt, Marissa, Lucas, Kate, Evan
Against: Alex
Date: 8/26/12
53. The council shall have the power to lay and collect tariffs and import duties.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
54. The Secretary of Diplomacy shall be the commander-in-chief of the military.
For: Matt, Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
55. In the case of a tie in the council, the Prime Minister may cast a tie-breaking vote instead of opening the vote to the people. If the Prime Minister declines to cast a tie-breaking vote, the people will vote.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
56. The Executive Supervisor shall have the power to appoint a new Prime Minister in the case of death or removal from office via impeachment.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
57. In the case of death or impeachment of the Secretary of Diplomacy, the people shall vote in a new Secretary.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
58. In the case of death or impeachment of the Executive Supervisor, the council shall appoint a new Supervisor.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Evan, Matt
Against: Alex
Date: 8/26/12
59. The Prime Minister shall have a term of two years.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
60. The Secretary of Diplomacy shall have a term of two years.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
61. The Executive Supervisor shall have a term of one year.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
62. The Executive Supervisor shall ensure that the Prime Minister and Secretary of Diplomacy are informed of all new legislation passed by the council within three days of its passage.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
63. If two members of the executive branch veto an act of the council, it shall take a two-thirds vote of the entire council and a majority of the people to override it.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
64. If all three members of the executive branch veto an act of the council, it shall take a three-fourths vote of the entire council and a two-thirds vote of the people to override it.
For: Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Alex, Evan, Matt
Against: None
Date: 8/26/12
65. Abuse of the power of veto shall be considered an impeachable offense. If abuse is suspected, a majority vote of the council shall cause the Supreme Court to hear the case.
For: Matt, Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Evan
Against: Alex
Date: 8/26/12
66. The Prime Minister will be chief officer of the police force.
For: Matt, Kate, Marissa, Lucas, Joe
Against: Alex, Evan
Date: 8/26/12
Eighth Council Members (8/30/12): Matt Gibson, Lucas Ryan, Marissa Osterhout Dylan Quintal, Alex Allen, Evan Tiemann, Joe Neely, Clayton Delp
First Supreme Court (8/25/12): Brandon Scott (Chief Justice) (Appointee), Tyler Tinari, Margaret Overton, Alec Polansky, Nikolai Horbovetz (Appointee)
Bill of Rights:
1. Citizens of TiPnation have the right to own any arms they want, provided that they fulfill the following three requirements: 1). They must pass a psychological evaluation. 2). They must successfully complete a course in the use of firearms. 3). They must wait a period of five days after the class to be eligible to purchase a firearm. The government reserves the right to regulate the storage of firearms and to set up legislation regarding the proper usage of firearms, as well as adding tests for the purchase of upper-level firearms. The government also retains the right to determine the definition of an upper-level firearm.
For: Matt, Marissa, Lucas, Cameron
Against: Dylan
Date: 7/22/12
2. The citizens of TiPnation will be guaranteed the right to worship their own god(s) in their own way and the right to choose not to worship any god(s) insofar as the practice of these beliefs does not cause bodily harm to unwilling participants. The government of TiPnation will not block the creation of places of worship. The government of TiPnation shall not endorse any religious institution, nor shall the government of TiPnation fund such institutions.
For: Matt, Kate, Evan, Marissa, Cameron, Lucas
Against: None
Abstain: Dylan
Date: 8/7/12
3. The right of civil union will not be denied any couple based on sex or sexuality. Any two consenting adults may marry within our nation, provided they are in their right minds. This shall not be construed to allow union between a human being and a non-rational animal.
For: Matt, Kate, Evan, Marissa, Cameron, Dylan, Lucas
Against: None
Date: 8/7/12
4. The government of TiPnation recognizes that it cannot regulate the substances which its adult citizens desire to put in their bodies. However, the government shall hold its citizens responsible for their actions under the influence of said substances. The government shall require any companies with the intent to distribute substances for ingestion that are generally considered damaging to the health to provide thorough education for their consumers. The government retains the right to determine what activities may be undertaken while under the influence of substances that cause impairment. The government recognizes private citizens’ right to limit which substances may be ingested on their property.
For: Matt, Marissa, Kate, Dylan, Evan, Lucas
Against: None
Date: 8/7/12
5a. The people have a right to free speech. There are three instances where this right may be denied. First, speech that encourages its listeners to violence against others is not protected. Second, speech that encourages the overthrow of the government is not protected. This shall not be construed to disallow speech against the governmental legislation, the current members of the government, or any sort of criticisms of the government that do not encourage a coup. Finally, speech that is used to commit treason against the state by passing information about the state to enemy states in a period of war is not protected.
For: Matt, Dylan, Cameron, Evan, Marissa, Lucas, Kate
Against: None
Date: 8/8/12
5b. The government of TiPnation recognizes that it cannot regulate the Internet or any other such institutions. The use of the Internet falls under the right to free speech and is protected except in the three mentioned instances.
For: Matt, Lucas, Marissa, Evan, Kate
Against: None
Date: 8/8/12
6. Requirements for Government:
a. The consuls and all officials of TIP nation must be democratically elected, and a vote of no confidence may be proposed at any time.
b. They must be completely open about their dealings and act in the best interests of all of TIP Nation. They must not accept bribes or put their personal gain above the community in any way in regards to their votes and policies.
c. Any deceit including but not limited to voting fraud, secret dealings, and blackmail shall be released in a report to the public as soon as it is suspected and sufficient evidence is found. An investigation shall then be launched. Should the suspect be found guilty, ALL the people of TIP nation shall vote on an adequate punishment.
For: Dylan, Matt, Lucas, Kate, Evan
Against: None
Date: 8/8/12
7. Rights of the people under an oppressive regime:
a. If the officials of TIP nation do not operate under these requirements, the ruling body shall hereby be classified as an oppressive regime and the people shall be given emergency powers.
b. The people now have unconditional freedom of speech and may speak out in favor of a coup or other overthrow of the government. They may also plan the coup as needed, but these plans must be made public unless secrecy is an absolute necessity.
c. Once the government has been overthrown, the people shall elect a new council.
d. The people have the right to investigate any allegations of breaches of these requirements. They shall publicize the results. Any dealings with the investigator by the government to stop the publication shall be regarded as bribery. Should the investigator(s) accept any deal or withhold information in any way, they shall be subject to criminal court.
e. The government is allowed to respond to these allegations in a publication of their own, the public shall then decide whether to remove the government and may investigate both sides as each individual sees fit.
For: Dylan, Matt, Lucas, Kate, Evan
Against: None
Date: 8/8/12
Committees
Architectural
- Alec Polansky (head)
- Ian Chiles
- Dylan Quintal
- Cameron Robertson
- Gabrielle Martin
- Evan Tiemann
- Kathryn Jason
- Devlin Moyer