The Abolition Movement: The Quest to End Regional Inactivity and Indifference

[Antonio the Sixth]

While I'm sympathetic to its goals, outright abolition is probably unfeasible. The first priority should be to remove regions from the federal government, both in the Senate and in the amendment process.

I disagree with the first sentence, but 100% agree with the second one.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Although I guess it is true that ballot initiatives would be better than an elected regional legislature. The ideal method would be a universal assembly, like the Pacific (sort of still) has.

Elected regional legislatures usually work fine, as they allow most active member to have some input on regional policies and let the zombies (more or less) outside of them. Though the bicameral system the Pacific will have might be an interesting solution.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Although I guess it is true that ballot initiatives would be better than an elected regional legislature. The ideal method would be a universal assembly, like the Pacific (sort of still) has.

In regards to attacking Regional Legislatures, I have to disagree.  They have served a valuable purpose - they help get new members/members who have been away for a while an opportunity to get involved.  After my year long exile into the wilderness, I was able to begin rehabilitating myself by serving in the Mideast Legislature.  Valuable members like A-Bob and Purple State started in the Assembly.  Without Legislatures I don't think it would be as easy for newbies to get involved, and I see that as one of the big advantages to having elected bodies other than the National ones.

     Ben is quite correct here. Regional legislatures are a great source of experience for new Atlasians. Granted there are also Governorships & Lt. Governorships, but without legislatures those tend to be worthless sinecures. Granted some exceptional individuals have managed to put those offices to good use under those circumstances (Vepres, for example), but that aside they tend to make for a poor first experience in Atlasia.

Regional governor and Lt Governor positions, and I agree with you. But nothing is really gained from an elected legislature, in my opinion. The Mideast is the best one, if you're only talking about elected legislatures, but the Southeast and the Northeast have left much to be desired. Nothing you gain in an elected regional legislature couldn't be gained in a universalist one.

Northeast worked fine until... well, you all know what I mean.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Regional legislatures are an awesome way to get people involved in Atlasia. Normally people will be more active if they have a position or title, some sort of responsibility. This gives them just that. We've had some great members get their start in the Assembly and go on to even be President!

You're 100% right. I can personally testify about that.