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Royalist Party
Chairperson James Garner (CL)
Founded November 27, 1858 (1858-11-27)
Headquarters 1903 Magnolia Blvd., Burbank GC
Student wing College Royalists of Sierra
Youth wing Young Royalists of Sierra
Membership 21.8 million (2015)
Ideology Toryism
Conservatism
Monarchism
Sierran humanism
Economic liberalism
Social conservatism
Soft Ameroskepticism
International affiliation International Democrat Union
American Conservative Coalition
Regional affiliation Asia Pacific Democrat Union
Official colors      Purple
Senate
20 / 44
House of Commons
93 / 250
Website
royalist.org
Kingdom of Sierra
Coat of arms of Sierra

This article is part of the series:
Politics and government of the
Kingdom of Sierra


The Royalist Party is one of the major contemporary political parties operating in Sierra. In the Sierran national bipartisan dichotomy, it has traditionally competed with its main rival, the Democratic-Republican. As one of the oldest extant political parties in the world, the Royalist Party has evolved considerably through the course of its history. Since the early 20th century, the party has supported maintaining the monarchy, preserving the traditional values and culture of Sierra (more specifically, the New Culture), promoting social conservatism, and advocating economic liberalism.

Historically, the party dominated Sierran politics for years under multiple Royalist governments but it was first seriously challenged in the wake of the 1900s Progressive Era by the Democratic-Republicans. Initially, the party resisted extending support to racial minorities but by 1920s, the "new nationalism" which incorporated cultural ideas from both Western and Eastern societies had became the focal point of the party's socio-cultural platform, overtaking the Democratic-Republicans in embracing a pan-racial party, though mainly of an alliance between white Protestants and their East Asian peers.

There have been a total of 16 Royalist prime ministers, the first being Frederick Bachelor, Sr., who served from 1859 to 1865, and the most recent being incumbent Daniel McComb, a member of Parliament representing the district of Central Greater Bernheim in the province of San Joaquin. McComb and his party secured a majority in the House of Commons

The party promotes a platform built on modern Sierran conservatism which includes the support for free market capitalism, free enterprise, limited government, a strong national defense, a proactive role in international relations, social conservative policies, and traditional values. The Royalist Party also continues to retain its traditional position on preserving the monarchy. This platform is in contrast to the Democratic-Republican Party's progressive liberalism and the Libertarian Party's right-libertarianism. The Royalist Party and the Libertarian Party both constitute a part of the governing Conservative coalition.

In the 56th Parliament, the Royalists hold a majority in the House of Commons and a plurality in the Senate with the Libertarians in the Conservative coalition. The Royalists holds a majority in governorships and provincial legislatures. Within the Conference of American States' Parliament, the Royalists form the leading party of the American Conservative Coalition, a coalition of Ameroskeptic center-right conservatives.

History

Founding and 19th century

Frederick Bachelor, Sr

Frederick Bachelor, Sr., the first prime minister was Royalist (1859–1866)

The party was founded on the inaugural day of the Kingdom of Sierra and its constitution on November 28, 1858. The Royalist Party is the Sierran continuation of the Whig Party that existed during the California Republic. Former Whig Party members were joined by the Jacobites, who helped form the monarchist component to the Royalist Party. Comprised of pro-Smith supporters, the business elite, merchants, and ex-Federalists from the California Republic, the Royalist Party quickly gained traction along coastal communities where the party's appeal to stability and economic prosperity attracted voters.

The early party focused on its vision on strengthening Sierra through modernization, manufacturing, and a strong centralized government. Dominating the more populated coastal provinces and far better organized than the Democratic-Republicans, the Royalists easily won Sierra's first prime ministerial election in 1859 with Frederick Bachelor, Sr. with over 60% of the popular vote. Bachelor, Sr. had served as the King's Minister of Finance during the King's temporal assumption as Acting Prime Minister, and enacted sweeping reforms on monetary policy, created the Royal Monetary Authority of Sierra, passed tariffs, and created chartered companies to support industry and business. He promoted the party's vision of strengthening the nation through trade and manufacturing, and resisted consolidating farmers who opposed the party's policies. When the American Civil War broke out, Bachelor, Sr. contemplated joining but the party itself within Parliament was split between the war hawks who wanted to participate, and the doves who resisted it. Nearly all Royalists as well as their opponents, the Democratic-Republicans, supported the United States in the war, and most Royalists supported the abolition of slavery in Sierra as it was not explicitly forbidden within the country.

1900–1945

1945–1964

1964–2000

2000–present

Name and symbol

White Rose of York

The White Rose of York

Founded on the first day of Sierra's foundation on November 28, 1858 alongside their rivals, the Democratic-Republicans, the name "Royalist" was chosen for the party to designate themselves as steadfast supporters for the monarchy and the new country. Backing the ascension of Smith I, supporters felt that the name "Royalist" was more adequate than "Monarchist". The latter sounded "clinical" while the former "evoked a sense of dignity and produced unquestionable doubt that the House of Columbia was the ruling house" as Wilbur Shanks, a party official described it. Members of the party are called "Royalists" or "Royals".

The traditional symbol of the party is the White Rose of York, a heraldic rose associated with the English House of York and the Jacobites (supporters of the House of Stuart, the last royal house of Britain). The link between the Royalists and the white rose stems from the fact that because the Sierran House of Columbia itself are the direct descendants of the House of Stuart, the Royalists' support for Smith I mirrored that of the Jacobites who supported Bonnie Prince Charles. This connection first made prior to Smith's ascension led to the adoption of the rose by monarchist supporters, eventually becoming incorporated into the party itself by 1860.

Since at least 1996, the color purple became readily associated with the Royalist Party. Having long been a symbol of royalty in general, the color was used by all major broadcast networks on the 1996 election night to indicate Royalist wins (likewise, light blue was used for the Democratic-Republicans and yellow for the Libertarians).

Ideology and political positions

The party has traditionally been closely linked with Sierran conservatism and monarchism. It traces its origins back to British Toryism and Anglo-American Whiggism. At its inception, the party was particularly attractive to peoples of the professional and business classes, and held sweeping majorities across Sierra's coastal cities and towns. Largely aristocratic in nature, the Royalists was perceived as the party of the middle-class and the landed gentry, who directly benefited from the Sierran structure of government, of which the nation's constitution enshrined, and its institutions favored. For this reason, the Royalists defended the political status quo of the country. The Royalists championed the institution of monarchy because the House of Columbia had fostered extensive ties with businesses, and even provided political favors to some of the wealthiest entrepreneurs with noble titles and lands. The Royalists also supported the monarchy because of the mild-mannered tolerance of King Smith I, who was already well-known and liked prior to his ascension while he was still a civilian. While Sierra was divided by sectarianism, the Royalists, though openly and vehemently supporting a Catholic monarchy, relied on a strong following of pietist Protestants.

Today, the party includes social conservatives, economic liberals, fiscal conservatives, paleoconservatives, neoconservatives, moderates, libertarians, and the religious right. The mainstream ideological current dominating the Royalist establishment today is a synthesis of economic liberalism and social conservatism.

Economic issues

Royalists are generally in consensus that economic prosperity is best achieved through free markets and individual achievement, preferably in the context of a laissez-faire economy. For this reason, most Royalists support deregulating economic policies, reducing taxes and reforming the tax code, and limiting or reducing government welfare in favor of the private sector handling the economically disadvantaged.

Royalists generally oppose the idea of a government single-payer health care system, and support a reduction in funding of existing welfare programs such as Medicare and Social Security. Party members also tend to oppose raising the minimum wage, believing such increases hurt both businesses and workers alike as a result of higher costs and reduced opportunities. Royalists have traditionally opposed labor unions, especially those in the public sector. A prevailing economic theory within the Royalist Party is the concept of supply side economics which holds that a reduction in taxation leads to increased GDP growth.

Legal issues

Most Royalists oppose gun control, including bans on assault weapons and background checks. The party is generally split on the issue of the death penalty and drug policy although Establishment Royalists support retaining the death penalty and oppose legalizing marijuana and other drugs.

Royalists tend to be strict constitutionalists, and support a government with a limited scope of power and responsibility. In general, Royalists support the preservation of the monarchy, or are indifferent to its existence. A small republican minority within the Royalist Party advocates the abolition of the monarchy.

Social issues and civil rights

Traditionally, Royalists oppose same-sex marriages, although in recent years, the party base has gradually shifted towards in favor of it. The 2012 Royalist platform continued to oppose same-sex marriages, but supported civil unions as a viable alternative. The majority of Royalists oppose abortion (pro-life), although there is more variation on views towards other forms of birth control and contraceptives.

Royalists generally oppose affirmative action, and support voter ID laws. During the Sierran Cultural Revolution, the Royalist Party was largely silent on expanding civil rights for ethnic minorities but grew to embrace it following the 1930s. Although the Royalist Party supports multiculturalism, most Royalists believe in curtailing the influx of immigration.

Foreign policy issues

On foreign policy, the party has generally favored views of a proactive role in the international community and a strong defense akin to neoconservatives. Royalists support maintaining strong relations with the United States, Brazoria, and member-states of the Trans-Pacific Allied Community, and are generally skeptical of the League of Nations. Many Royalists strongly support pro-Israel policies, and do not or would not recognize Palestine as an independent state. In general, Royalists support a comprehensive policy in the Middle East focused on combating terrorism and "exporting democracy" in countries such as Iraq. In addition, the Royalist Party supports a more assertive role of Sierra in the Asia-Pacific region in conjunction with the United States, which entails a hardline approach against China and Russia. Foreign aid is another field Royalists tend to support, believing that economic development and humanitarian aid will be mutually beneficial for Sierra and the receiving state.

Platform

Overview

Economic Policy

Social Policy

Foreign Policy

  • Increase foreign aid to Sierran interests
  • Maintenance of strong relations with the United States
  • Refuse to recognize relations with repressive regimes
  • Support for Israel
  • Prevent Iran from developing nuclear technology via enforcement of embargo
  • Punish and apprehend terrorists with exemption from normal Sierran judicial law
  • Support for the use of enhanced interrogation techniques

Voter base

The contemporary Royalist Party voter base consists primarily of groups such as middle-class white and Asian Sierrans, suburban and rural residents, Protestants, military veterans, business professionals, the elderly, the wealthy, and citizens living in the inland provinces.

Historically, the Royalist Party drew its support from whites in the middle class and the wealthy living in urban communities along the coast. Attracting members of Sierra's business owners and merchants, the Royalists continued to receive support in urban communities and almost none in rural areas until the 1930s. Following its reformed policies and opposition to an expanding government, the party's base shifted from its traditional urban base to rural communities (which had traditionally been Democratic-Republican). In addition, the party began receiving support from non-white citizens, mostly Asian Sierrans. Up until the September 11 attacks, support for the party from Arab and Muslim Sierrans was strong. Since the party's aggressive stance on Iraq and Afghanistan, and stronger emphasis on its support for Israel, support from this base has sharply declined. Some Royalist politicians and candidates have also alienated this base due to their anti-Muslim slant and rhetoric.

Factions

Contemporary

Social conservatives

The social conservative wing in the Royalist Party is among the party's most influential and largest. In general, social conservatives are against abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem cell research, government-funded birth control, and gun control. Social conservatives also tend to oppose the legalization of marijuana and other drugs. Some social conservatives have taken even more extreme views, advocating the criminalization of alcohol and pornography. The faction also advocates for school-led prayer and increased involvement and influence of religion in welfare and education. In addition, many social conservatives support a stronger defense and law enforcement, and fiercely supportive of the Sierra-Israel alliance.

Prominent organizations tied to Royalist social conservatism include the Sierran Alliance of Conservative Advocates (SACA), National Institute for Prosperity & Peace (NIPP), and the Pro-Family Organization of Sierrans (PFOS).

Paleoconservatives

Paleoconservatives share similar views on social issues with social conservatives but differ in supporting a noninterventionist foreign policy and protectionist economic policy. In addition, paleoconservatives are skeptical of Sierra's multiculutralism, and oppose both affirmative action and illegal immigration, along with calling for tighter restrictions on legal immigration and border security.

Neoconservatives

Neoconservatives have been very influential in shaping the contemporary foreign policy of the Royalist Party. As opposed to paleoconservatives, neoconservatives advocate an interventionist foreign policy that includes "nation-building", a stronger alliance with the United States and the Trans-Pacific Allied Community and an active presence in the Middle East and other regions. Compared to other Royalists, neoconservatives' stance on economic policy is much more moderate.

Prominent neoconservative organizations include the Perris Institute, the Worldwide Freedom Organization (WFO), the Society of Freedom and Progress (SFP), and the Council of Pacific-Atlantic Affairs (CPAA).

Libertarians

The libertarian wing of the Royalist Party has declined in recent years, hugely in part due to the rise of the Libertarian Party which first gained substantive clout in the 1990s. Libertarian-leaning members continue to have some influence in the Party, and some have been elected into office. Libertarians oppose government overspending, taxes, regulations, and gun control, but support a more extreme free market and more critical of military spending than other Royalists.

In addition, Libertarian Royalists differ from most Royalists on social issues due to their support for same-sex marriage, the abolition of the death penalty, and the decriminalization of marijuana and other drugs. Libertarian Royalists tend to be divided on the issue of abortion with some believing it to be a personal freedom issue (pro-choice), and others as a violation of the non-aggression principle (pro-life).

Libertarian Royalists are also noninterventionist with regard to foreign policy, and support shrinking the size of Sierra's military and defense. Libertarian Royalists are also strong advocate for privacy, including their opposition to laws designed to combat terrorism allowing the government to search through citizens' private records and data without their consent.

Moderates

Moderate Royalists are diversified, with some being fiscally conservative and others, moderate with regards to economic policy. Likewise, moderates may hold socially moderate or even socially liberal views compared to mainstream Royalists. Although moderates may share similar views on lowering taxes, deregulating industries, and reforming welfare, moderates may differ on the issues of same-sex marriage, drug policy, gun control, and the environment. Most moderates tend to be less hawkish than neoconservatives, although are usually not isolationists or noninterventionists. Generally, moderates support Sierra's alliance with the United States and TPAC although desires to place greater emphasis on economic relations, rather than military relations. Some moderates may support deficit spending while others are against it.

Christian right

The Christian right has become an increasingly influential and consistent base for the Royalist Party. Although closely linked with social conservatives and traditionalists, the Christian right typically encompasses conservative Christians (mostly evangelical Protestants) who prioritize incorporating their understanding of Christianity into Sierran politics and policies. Few even advocate a form of dominionism. The modern Christian right movement appeared during the 1970s and have remained a potent force in the party ever since then.

Republicans

Republican Royalists consist mainly of former Democratic-Republican voters from the Styxie who came to accept the Royalist Party after perceiving the Democratic-Republican as now too socially liberal. Republicans are primarily white Styxers who have conformed with the party's ideological stances, yet continue to oppose the monarchy, a deeply entrenched view held by many in the region due to tradition and history. A minority of Republicans are those who oppose the monarchy on ideological grounds, irrespective if they have Styxer heritage, yet support most if not all of the rest of the Royalists' positions. Republicans are generally the most socially conservative of Royalists, but tend to be more moderate on economic policies.

Historical

Nativists

Imperialists

Anti-Imperialists

Prohibitionists

See also

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