Marquette

Marquette officially The Republic of Marquette (French: République de Marquette) is a Parliamentary Republic microstate, bordered by the United States to the south and east, and Canada to the west and north.The country was recently accepted into AIN as an associate member.

The official languages are English and French with 68% of the population English speaking and 30% French speaking.

Marquette has a total area of 650 square miles (1046 square kilometers); and a population of 4.6 million as of last year's census, however 90% of the population is centered in the area known as the Quad Cities, a large and expansive metro area near Lake Canada. The largest city is New Chatham which also serves as the capital, coincidentally New Chatham lies within the Quad Cities Metro Area.

History
Until 2010 Marquette was part of the United States and Canada, however citizens in the area had always felt they had a seperate identity from the US and Canada. In June of 2009 an Independence Council was formed to meet with federal politicians of both countries. After much deliberation on March 5, 2010 the US granted independence to the Quad Cities region, and also annexed 550 square miles of land around the Quad Cities. Canada soon followed and annexed another 100 square miles to the country. One condition of both countries was the right of free shipping through the Marquette controlled portion of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Canada until 2050.

After independence was gained the new country set itself in motion, naming itself Marquette after a French explorer who first explored the area around Ste. Frederic. City Councils worked together to form a federal government, and soon Prime Minister Louie Marc Boudreau was elected after 5 years as Mayor of the city of Ste. Frederic.

Government
Marquette is considered to be a Parliamentary Republic. Currently Parliament is split equally between the two main parties in the country with 25 seats held by the MCP (Marquette Conservative Party) and the other 25 seats held by members of the MNLP (Marquette National Liberal Party), making up the total of 50 seats. Although other parties are allowed in government no representatives from other parties were elected nationally. The Prime Minister oversees the Executive branch which includes Parliament and signs new laws into action. The Prime Minister also acts the main dignitary, representing the country on tours and at international summits.

The Marquette Supreme Court handles all apeals from district courts, and acts as a check and balnce to the Executive branch of government, also making sure Parliament doesn't cross its boundries. The Supreme Court has a total of 10 judges that are appointed by the Prime Minister and serve a term for 5 years.

The Citizens rights are protected by the Marquette Doctrine that was signed by government officials at the time of independence. It guarentees the rights that each citizen has. The Doctrine also defines the limits of some branches of the Federal Government, and the basic laws of the country. The first ammendment to the Doctrine was made in February 2012 when Parliament passed the Illegal Pet and Domestic Animal Act.

The Government is divided into different departments that are responsible for daily affairs of various things. These Departments include: Department of Defense and Foreign Affairs, Department of Commerce, Department of Environmental and Energy, Monetary and Economic Department, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health and Education.

Military
Marquette maintains a small standing army of 3,000 active troops, and 1,000 reserve troops. During times of war, a draft is put in place which brings the number of active troops to 5,000 and the number of reserves to 2,000. Marquette also maintains a small national guard of about 150 troops, mostly used in search and rescue missions. However the National Guard is trained by the Army and is allowed access to the National armory. Troops are equipped with a C7 Rifle (manufactured in Canada), a Smith and Wesson M&P Pistol, utility knife, and CG634 helmets. The Military also is responsible for 600 MRQ1 Predator Tanks, 200 Aquatic Vehicles, and 100 MRQ Dingo Scouts

Two MRQ1 Predator Tanks part of Operation Deserter in Afghanistan 2011

The Marquette Military is made up of the active and reserve troops. The Army is based out of 3 main bases which are, Fort Capital, Fort Phillips, and Military Island. Military Island is the largest military base in the nation, located on a man made island it is home to the National Armory, National Guard, and also is home to the Raskin Military Docks. Along with the Sea Command, Ground Command, and Air Command Headquarters.

While the country has no official Navy, the Military Sea Command is responsible for the control of two frigate class ships purchased from Canada. The ships mainly used in search and rescue missions, are also available for transporting troops, and equipment, as well as small skirmishes.

''Left to Right: MSS. Canadian and MSS. Sunset docked at Raskin Military Docks''

The Marquette Air Force is made up of 1200 troops, and maintains 60 Chinook, and 100 M-28 Helicopters. Of the 1200 active troops, only 500 are pilots. Another 300 are service specialists and mechanics. The Air Force is responsible for assisting troops on the ground, and also assisting the National Guard with search and rescue missions.

Current Missions:

- The Marquette Military is currently working with the Cattalan Navy, recieving training, and seafaring knowledge in order for more effecient sea based operations.

- The Military also has 750 personel and 3 predator tanks deployed overseas in Afghanistan, as a part of Operation Deserter, and is working with Candian, British, and American troops to counteract the terroism in the region.