Acknowledging the inherent order, intricate balance, and purposeful design evident throughout all aspects of existence, from the cosmic scale to the fundamental nature of living systems, and recognizing the unique capacity and responsibility bestowed upon humanity within this grand architecture, we the People of Freeport, do hereby affirm this Constitution for our collective life, ensure justice, foster flourishing, and perpetuate the principles of responsible stewardship and ordered relationship within our society.
Article I: The Sovereignty
Section 1.1. Nature of Sovereignty:
The ultimate authority of Freeport resides in the King. This authority is vested in a single individual who serves as the supreme executor of the laws and the chief representative of Freeport. The King’s role is to embody and exemplify the principles of justice, wisdom, responsibility, and purposeful action in all matters of governance and leadership, reflecting the higher patterns of order and balance inherent in existence.
Section 1.2. Succession of the King:
The succession to the position of King shall be determined by membership within the Administration, as defined in Article IV, and demonstrated knowledge of international law. Lineage shall not be the basis for succession. The precise process for selecting the next King from among the members of the Administration shall be maintained and administered by the Administration, ensuring stability and adherence to the principles of qualified leadership.
Section 1.3. Responsibilities of the King:
The King bears the ultimate responsibility for the welfare and security of Freeport. This includes overseeing the Administration, ensuring the defense, managing collective resources derived from tithing, and promoting the harmonious functioning of all societal elements in accordance with the principles of the community. The King is accountable for his actions and decisions, striving to act with foresight and consideration for the long-term consequences of his rule.
Article II: Membership, Rights, and Responsibilities
Section 2.1. Basis and Acquisition of Membership:
Membership in Freeport is contingent upon and requires formal acceptance of the foundational principles and values that underpin Freeport’s governance and societal structure, and has been the basis of belonging in our society. Membership shall be acquired through formal acceptance of our foundational principles, followed by a process of civic integration into our society.
Section 2.2. Responsibilities of Membership:
Members bear significant responsibilities towards Freeport and their fellow Members. These include upholding the laws of Freeport, contributing to the collective welfare through tithing, participating in community life, and acting in a manner that promotes harmony, integrity, and mutual respect within society. Responsible Membership reflects the understanding that individual flourishing is intertwined with the health and stability of our society.
Section 2.3. Rights of Membership:
Members of Freeport are entitled to the rights and protections set forth in this Constitution. These rights are to be exercised in a manner that respects the rights of others and contributes to the overall well-being of our society.
Section 2.4. Inherent Dignity:
All Members of Freeport possess inherent dignity and worth, which shall be respected and protected. This dignity is recognized as fundamental to human nature, irrespective of status or circumstance, and has been a guiding principle in our treatment of all Members.
Section 2.5. Right to Security:
Every Member has the right of self defense. Freeport shall protect individuals from violence and harm and maintain public order, as is its duty, utilizing technological means to enhance security where appropriate.
Section 2.6. Right to Justice:
All Members have the right to just treatment under the law and access to the legal system for the resolution of disputes and the redress of grievances.
Section 2.7. Right to Sustenance and Shelter:
Freeport shall strive to ensure that all Members have access to the basic necessities for a dignified existence, including sufficient food, clean water, and adequate shelter, recognizing that physical well-being is foundational to human dignity. This is a commitment of our society.
Section 2.8. Right to Family Life:
The right to form and maintain family bonds shall be protected. The family unit, based on established principles, is recognized as essential for the nurturing and development of individuals and the stability of society, and is central to our way of life.
Section 2.9. Responsibility to Uphold Law:
All Members are responsible for upholding the laws of Freeport and contributing to the maintenance of public order. This is a fundamental expectation for all people within our jurisdiction.
Section 2.10. Responsibility for Ethical Conduct:
Members are responsible for conducting themselves in an ethical and moral manner, striving to act with integrity, honesty, compassion, and respect in their interactions with others, reflecting the principles of moral conduct that are valued in our society.
Section 2.11. Responsibility for Personal Development:
Members are encouraged to pursue knowledge, develop their skills, and cultivate their capabilities, recognizing that personal growth contributes to both individual flourishing and the collective strength of the community. This pursuit is a recognized aspect of life in our society.
Section 2.12. Responsibility for Environmental Care:
All Members share the responsibility for the care and protection of the natural environment, utilizing resources responsibly and minimizing harm to ecological systems, reflecting our understanding of stewardship.
Section 2.13. Loss of Membership:
Membership may be subject to review and potential loss if an individual’s actions are deemed to be in fundamental opposition to the core principles and security of Freeport and its Members, as determined through legal processes that have been developed and applied within our society.
Article III: Governance Structure
Section 3.1. Principles of Governance:
Governance of Freeport shall be conducted in accordance with the principles of wisdom, justice, and consultation, seeking to balance centralized authority with distributed knowledge and experience from within our society.
Section 3.2. Advisory Council:
An Advisory Council shall advise the King, providing counsel and perspective on matters of governance, policy, and administration. The composition and selection of the Advisory Council shall be determined by the King, drawing upon individuals recognized within our society for their wisdom, experience, and understanding of our foundational principles. The King is encouraged to seek the input of the Advisory Council on significant decisions, but the final authority for decision-making rests with the King.
Section 3.3. Administrative Bodies:
The administrative bodies and officials shall help manage the day-to-day affairs of Freeport, including those related to public order, infrastructure, resource management, and public services. The structure and responsibilities of these bodies shall be clearly defined and operate under the authority of the King.
Article IV: The Administration
Section 4.1. Establishment of the Administration:
An Administration is hereby established to serve under the authority of the King, responsible for the effective implementation of governance and policy within Freeport. The Administration shall be composed of individuals recognized for their competence, integrity, and commitment to the guiding principles.
Section 4.2. Composition and Selection:
The size and composition of the Administration shall be determined by the King. Members of the Administration shall be selected by the King based on their knowledge, experience, and capacity to contribute to the well-being and effective functioning of Freeport.
Section 4.3. Responsibilities of the Administration:
The Administration shall be responsible for executing the directives of the King, overseeing the various governmental departments and functions, managing public resources, and ensuring the efficient operation of Freeport’s infrastructure and services. Members of the Administration shall work collaboratively and provide counsel to the King on matters within their expertise.
Section 4.4. Qualification for Kingship:
Membership within the Administration is a necessary qualification for consideration for the position of King, as outlined in Article I, Section 1.2. Members of the Administration are expected to cultivate a deep understanding of Freeport’s governance, its principles, and its operational needs, in addition to knowing international law.
Article V: Law and Justice
Section 5.1. Foundation of Law:
The laws of Freeport shall be derived from and consistent with the principles of justice, equity, and order as set forth in the Freeport Bible. These laws are intended to promote harmonious relationships between individuals, within families, and throughout the community, reflecting the balanced patterns inherent in existence, and are the basis of our legal system.
Section 5.2. The Court:
A single Court is hereby established as the sole body responsible for the administration of justice, including the application of the laws of Freeport. All Members are subject to the jurisdiction of this Court. The Court shall operate with impartiality, transparency, and fairness, ensuring that all Members have access to just resolution of disputes. The structure, jurisdiction, and procedures of the Court shall be defined by law, with designated judicial officials presiding.
Section 5.3. Resolution of Disputes:
All disputes within Freeport shall be handled by the Court, prioritizing approaches that seek reconciliation, understanding, and the restoration of harmony between parties, in addition to determining culpability and imposing consequences.
Section 5.4. Consequences for Transgression:
Consequences for the transgression of laws shall be determined by the Court with proportionality, taking into account the nature of the offense, its impact on individuals and the community, and the potential for the transgressor’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The death penalty may be imposed for violent acts, as determined by law and due process within the Court. The purpose of consequences is to maintain order, deter future transgressions, and guide individuals towards alignment with just conduct, reflecting the balance between accountability and the possibility of positive change, consistent with our application of justice.
Section 5.5. Accountability of Officials:
All officials within the system, including judicial officials of the Court and administrators, are accountable for their actions and decisions and shall perform their duties with integrity and adherence to the principles of justice.
Article VI: Economy and Tithing
Section 6.1. Principle of Tithing:
In lieu of taxation, the economic foundation of Freeport shall be supported by a system of tithing. A mandatory contribution of ten percent (10%) of all produce or income, shall be remitted by all Members to the designated authority.
Section 6.2. Purpose of Tithing:
The tithing serves as the source of revenue for the operation and administration of Freeport, including the maintenance of infrastructure, support for public services, and provisions for those in genuine need. It embodies the principle of sharing and mutual support within the community, recognizing that collective well-being is sustained by the contributions of its Members, a practice fundamental to our economic life.
Section 6.3. Administration of Tithing:
The Church of Freeport is responsible for the collection, management, and distribution of the tithing resources, and shall operate with transparency and accountability. Ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and in accordance with the needs and priorities of Freeport and its Members, guided by principles of responsible stewardship and equitable distribution.
Section 6.4. Economic Activity:
Economic activity within Freeport shall be conducted in a manner that is ethical, fair, and contributes to the prosperity of all Members. Principles of honest exchange, prevention of exploitation, and responsible use of resources shall guide all economic endeavors. The accumulation of wealth is permissible, but its purpose is recognized as enabling contribution to the welfare of family, community, and those in need, in addition to providing for personal needs.
Section 6.5. Support for the Needy:
A portion of the tithing resources shall be allocated to provide for those Members who are unable to meet their basic needs due to circumstances beyond their control, such as illness, age, or disability. This provision shall be administered in a manner that upholds the dignity of the recipients and encourages self-sufficiency where possible, reflecting the principle of compassionate support within our society.
Article VII: Family
Section 7.1. Foundation of Society:
The family is recognized as the fundamental unit of our society, essential for the procreation, nurturing, and development of individuals and the transmission of values across generations.
Section 7.2. Marriage:
Marriage, as defined by the established principles, is the fundamental covenant between a man and a woman, forming the basis of the family. Freeport recognizes both monogamous and, under strictly defined conditions and with the capacity for equitable treatment, polygynous marriages. Laws pertaining to marriage shall uphold its sanctity, responsibilities, and the rights of all parties involved, with particular emphasis on justice and equity in polygynous unions, consistent with our marital customs and laws.
Section 7.3. Roles within the Family:
Roles within the family, while allowing for flexibility based on individual capacities and circumstances, are guided by the complementary principles of masculine strength, provision, and leadership, and feminine nurturing, wisdom, and the creation of a harmonious home environment, as described in the Freeport Bible.
Section 7.4. Parental Responsibilities:
Parents bear the primary responsibility for the care, upbringing, and education of their children, encompassing their physical, emotional, intellectual, and moral development. Freeport shall support parents in fulfilling these responsibilities, as is our commitment to families.
Section 7.5. Children’s Rights:
Children have the right to be cared for, protected, and nurtured within the family structure, and to receive an education that prepares them for responsible participation in Freeport, ensuring their well-being as the future generation.
Section 7.6. Extended Family:
The importance of extended family relationships, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, is recognized as providing additional support, wisdom, and connection within the broader family structure, a valued aspect of our social fabric.
Article VIII: Community
Section 8.1. Importance of Community:
Community living is essential for human flourishing, providing a context for mutual support, shared experience, and collective action that transcends individual capacities, and is a cornerstone of our society.
Section 8.2. Mutual Aid and Support:
The principle of mutual aid shall be encouraged and facilitated, whereby individuals and families support one another in times of need, sharing resources, skills, and burdens, a practice ingrained in our communal life.
Section 8.3. Social Harmony:
Members are encouraged to cultivate harmonious relationships with one another, based on principles of respect, empathy, and understanding, recognizing the interconnectedness of all individuals within the social fabric. The maintenance of social harmony is a collective aspiration.
Section 8.4. Resolution of Conflicts:
Conflicts shall be addressed constructively, seeking resolution that maintains relationships and strengthens communal bonds. Our leaders and processes shall facilitate this, drawing on accumulated wisdom in conflict resolution.
Section 8.5. Hospitality:
The practice of hospitality, welcoming those in need, is recognized as a virtue that strengthens community bonds and extends compassion beyond relationships, a tradition upheld in Freeport.
Article IX: Education
Section 9.1. Access to Education:
Access to education is a fundamental right for all Members, and Freeport shall ensure that educational opportunities are available to enable individuals to develop their intellectual capabilities and understand the principles that guide their lives.
Section 9.2. Purpose of Education:
Education shall aim for the comprehensive development of the individual, encompassing the transmission of knowledge, the cultivation of critical thinking and discernment, the formation of character, and the understanding of the natural world and human society in alignment with the established principles.
Section 9.3. Content of Education:
Education shall aim to transmit knowledge, cultivate critical thinking and discernment, form character, and foster an understanding of the natural world and human society in alignment with the established principles. The content of education shall include foundational knowledge in various essential domains, such as Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Additionally, it shall encompass areas contributing to well-rounded development, such as Physical Education and studies in the Arts, or Career Education. The curriculum shall also include the study and understanding of the established principles and wisdom. It shall encourage the pursuit of truth and the development of wisdom in the application of knowledge, shaping informed and capable Members.
Section 9.4. Role of Educators:
Educators bear the responsibility of imparting knowledge and guiding the development of students with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to the established principles, serving as crucial guides in our society.
Section 9.5. Lifelong Learning:
The pursuit of knowledge and personal development is encouraged throughout life, recognizing that learning is a continuous journey for all individuals in our society.
Article X: Health
Section 10.1. Importance of Health:
Health and well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions, are recognized as essential for individuals to fulfill their potential and contribute to Freeport, a value upheld in our society.
Section 10.2. Stewardship of Health:
Individuals bear responsibility for maintaining their own health through practices that promote well-being, including proper nourishment, physical activity, and sufficient rest, recognizing the body as a trust. This personal responsibility contributes to collective health.
Section 10.3. Public Health:
Freeport shall take measures to promote public health and prevent the spread of disease, ensuring a healthy environment for all Members, a commitment to the well-being of our population.
Section 10.4. Access to Care:
Freeport shall strive to ensure access to necessary care for all Members, particularly those who are vulnerable or unable to provide for their own health needs. Provision of care reflects our shared responsibility.
Section 10.5. Mental and Emotional Well-being:
The importance of mental and emotional well-being is recognized, and individuals are encouraged to cultivate practices that promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience.
Article XI: Environment and Stewardship
Section 11.1. Valued Trust:
The environment is recognized as a valued trust, a manifestation of profound order and balance, and shall be treated with reverence and care. This understanding is fundamental to our relationship with the world around us.
Section 11.2. Principles of Stewardship:
Freeport and its Members shall act as responsible stewards of the environment, utilizing natural resources in a manner that is sustainable and preserves their integrity for future generations. Exploitation that causes irreversible harm or degrades the capacity of the environment to support life is prohibited, reflecting our commitment to long-term environmental health.
Section 11.3. Conservation and Preservation:
Efforts shall be made to conserve natural resources, preserve biodiversity, and protect natural habitats. These actions are integral to our stewardship responsibilities.
Section 11.4. Environmental Responsibility:
All Members share the responsibility for minimizing their environmental impact and contributing to the health and sustainability of the natural world, recognizing our collective impact and shared future.
Article XII: General Provisions
Section 12.1. Continuity of Institutions:
The institutions, customs, and practices of Freeport, not in contradiction with this Constitution, shall remain in effect.
Section 12.2. Security through Technology:
Freeport shall utilize technological means, guided by wisdom and ethical considerations, to enhance the security and well-being of its Members and maintain order within its borders.
Section 12.3. External Relations:
Freeport shall conduct its relations with other entities in accordance with principles of fairness, respect, and the knowledge of international law, as required of the King.
Section 12.4. Governance and Guidance:
The King shall oversee the administration and guiding practices of Freeport in accordance with the established principles.
Article XIII: Amendments
Section 13.1. Process of Amendment:
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed to the King. Any proposed amendment shall be carefully considered in light of the established principles and the long-term welfare of Freeport and its society. Amendments may be enacted with the approval of the King, in consultation with the Advisory Council and other relevant bodies as the King deems appropriate, ensuring that any changes remain in fundamental alignment with the principles upon which this Constitution is based.
Signatories: