Compact of Humanity

May 9, 2025

Also Known As: The Compact
Established: 132 IE
Revised: Multiple times; most significantly in 430 IE
Status: Active
Type: Founding Charter and Constitution

Overview

The Compact of Humanity is the foundational document and constitutional framework of the interstellar polity officially known as the Compact of Humanity in Assembly. The term “Compact” may refer to both this constitutional document and the polity it governs, depending on context. The polity itself is often simply referred to as “the Compact” in informal use, while Compact of Humanity in Assembly is reserved for diplomatic and legal communication.

The Compact was originally modeled after the United Nations Charter but adapted for a loosely connected network of independent and interdependent worlds spanning multiple star systems.

Structure and Principles

The Compact deliberately establishes a loose confederation, preserving the autonomy of its member worlds—known as core worlds or constituent authorities—while providing a common legal, diplomatic, and defensive framework.

Member Autonomy

  • Member worlds may adopt any form of government or economy they choose.

  • All members are bound by Article 1, the Declaration of Human Rights, which includes core civil liberties, legal protections, and the Compact’s strongest unifying values.

Article 1, Section 11

A notable clause, Article 1, Section 11, bans capital punishment, with only two exceptions:

  1. Treason

  2. Military abuse – allows for summary executions under military law.

These are referred to informally—and often ironically—as “Section 11 executions.”

Branches of Government

Originally (Pre-430 IE)

  • The Compact operated with two branches:

    • Legislative: The Compact Assembly

    • Judicial: Comprised of law lords appointed to Compact-level courts on each core world, as well as a centralized Supreme Court of Compact.

Post-430 IE Revision

  • A third, Executive Branch was formally created in 430 IE:

    • Introduced the President of the Compact as ceremonial and diplomatic head of state.

    • Reassigned civilian control of the military and non-legislative cabinet roles to the executive.

    • Made the Secretary-General a purely legislative head of government.

Membership and Territorial Structure

Core Worlds

  • Constituent authorities can be:

    • Entire planets (e.g., Thule)

    • Continents on planets (no more than two members per planet)

    • Large regions such as star systems or zones (e.g., The Jovian Federation)

Colonies

  • Core worlds may found colonies, which are autonomous once established but derive authority from their parent world.

    • Example: Amargosa began as a Martian colony, later transferred to Metis before the latter’s secession.

Protectorates

  • Protectorates are special-case worlds requiring external protection or stewardship.

    • May be overseen by:

      • The Compact (via appointees of the President or Secretary-General)

      • A parent core world

      • Multiple cooperating worlds

    • Examples:

Secession and Constitutional Revision

  • Secession is only permitted during Compact revisions.

    • A world may leave the Compact by refusing to sign a revised Compact, effectively opting out.

      • Metis seceded in 432 IE

      • Bonaparte seceded in 435 IE

  • The Compact has undergone several revisions, with the most significant being:

    • 430 IE Revision – Created the presidency, established executive independence, and modernized governance.

Inspirations and Design

  • The Compact is loosely modeled on the United Nations, but adapted to reflect the reality of governing a multi-system civilization.

  • It balances planetary sovereignty with shared responsibility, especially in human rights, military ethics, and alien diplomacy.