The Sternberg Age: 2005-2016

After the death of James VII and crowning of Tyler I, many changes took place in New Maylin government. The introduction of democracy to the nation became one of the biggest turning points in Sternbergopolan history.

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Monarchy Under Tyler I

Though short-lived, many important national reforms took place under the rule of Tyler I. His rule was unique, considering his status as a celebrity in the entertainment world, and the fact that he had also recently become certified as an elementary school teacher in the state of Parkerbury, a career which he still intended on pursuing. Sternberg's rule was still subject to criticism, mainly because traditionalists in New May still resented his crowning, and felt he did not deserve the title of monarch. Many worried that he would become the target of another murder, like most disliked monarchs before him, and he was heavily protected. He made many controversial moves, including when he literally moved the Royal Palace to a new, larger building in Downton Persyton, and then even moved out of it into his own home. He also did not show opposition to the adaption of a telecommunications network to accept the use of cellular telephones, as most citizens did. His lack of military strategy and knowledge was alarming to many, because it was a time of war. Finally, when these issues subsided, the criticism lessened and many even began to praise Sternberg's rule. But, because some still remained skeptical, and Sternberg himself was tired of being completely in control, he proposed a plan in early 2005 that would completely change the course of history forever.

Introduction to Democracy

Tyler I briefed his plan for the dissolution of the New Maylin monarchy to Parliament in March 2005, since such drastic changes may require approval. They were not impressed. They called his ideas radical and destructive to the lasting national traditions. He was advised not to make anything public, but he ended up defying them. In a state of the nation address in April 2005, Tyler I hinted at the creation of a democratic system, which frightened many in the general public, but assured them that no drastic changes would come. A month later, in a special address, he revoked his comments because he did not want to "break promises." It was here that Sternberg officially introduced democracy to the nation, and at the end of the address, he made world history by removing the ornately decorated solid gold grown from his head and throwing it into the audience, a sign of utter national disrespect. He closed with "By the way, I'll be running to be the first President." Parliament tried with all of their power to remove him from the throne, but simply couldn't because he revoked it, and dissolved the monarchy with it. The Kingdom of New May was officially dissolved on 28 May 2005, a day which is now called "Democracy Day" in Sternbergopolis. Three days later, The Transitional Republic of New May was set up as an interim form of government to keep the dazed and confused public from questioning their safety in the country, especially during the Nickelfordian War.

Transitional Government and the First Elections

A new constitution was quickly rushed by the newly formed Provisional Congress of New May. It was originally decided that a President would have limited political power but would still be the main national executive, and would serve terms of five years, and could rerun for as many terms as desired. There were no distinct political parties yet set up, so the government agreed to set up two parties: the democratic and republican parties based on parties that existed at the gubernatorial and municipal levels (many new parties would form in the years following). The appointed officials for each party were to have opposing views on the pertinent national issues of the time, including the War in Nickelford, communication with Earth, and telecommunication authority. The elections were held in November 2005, and it turned out a success for Tyler Sternberg. He had won 83% of the popular vote, which has surpassed any voting percentage for any publicly elected government official since then. He was inaugurated just days later, to become the first (and only) President of New May. The following month, elections opened for other officials such as congresspeople (New May had a Congress), as well as local officials. The 2005 elections have the highest voting percentage on record, most likely because the 2005 elections did not require voter registration, and all elections afterward did.

End of the Nickelfordian War

In mid-December, just in the middle of the holiday season, many were in an even more jolly mood because it had just been announced that a major victory for New May had been one at the Second Battle of Chamber Bay. During an operation, which government officials including President Sternberg himself had been present for, the New Maylin Navy sent out military signals suggesting they were at a base on an island in Chamber Bay, waiting for an attack. After New Maylin forces on the cost observed the Nickelfordians leaving their post, seven bombs were dropped on the main Nickelford Base, completely wiping out all of their supplies and shelter. With Nickelfordian forces surrounded in Chamber Bay, a bloody battle began, but it was no use. After three days of fighting, the Nickelfordian captain declared peace and surrendered to New May. He committed suicide later that night. Nickelford in its entirety was annexed to New May in the Treaty of Peryston. Nickelford was divided into two territories, which became states in 2007 and later provinces in 2011.

The Federal Government of New May

Formed discreetly in October 2006, The Federal Government of New May was the replacement government for the Transitional Government of New May. Though few noticed the difference in the change of government until official government reports were leaked in 2011, the federal government did change to accommodate the new democratic-republic system. A new Constitution was adopted to reflect the new "set-in-stone" status of the government.

The Birth of Sternbergopolis

By this time, most of the country praised Sternberg's policies and governing philosophies. Actually, so many people had become fans of Sternberg that unofficial fan clubs were springing up everywhere, and hosting their own conventions centered around him. There are now laws to prevent this, but during this time it was a common practice. Following Sternberg's ninth birthday in October 2006, a few of these fan clubs approached the federal government with a near impossible request: renaming the country after the President. The idea was shot down as absurd at first, but after multiple attempts in the following months, the federal government finally agreed to it secretly to satisfy them, not intending on ever following through with the requests. However, over time they actually began to seriously consider the idea, and even pitched some ideas. In May 2007, a secret committee called "The Committee for Renaming New May In Honor of President Sternberg (CRNMIHP)" was formed. Afterward, a series of conventions were held to propose potential names. "Sternbergland," "Sternbergtopia," and others were thrown about, but were shot down because they sounded too "amusement park-ish." The name "Sternbergopolis"was first used in the convention's specially designed electronic request cycle by Military Head Martin Hartwell in June 2007. The name moved up in the convention's ranks and was one of the top names to be decided on by vote at the final meeting in August. After receiving the majority vote (other information undisclosed), Sternbergopolis was designated to be the name of New May on 10 August 2007. Three days later, in the mid-morning when President Sternberg was delivering an address, he was interrupted halfway, and it was announced by Vice President Michael Marconi that New May was to be Sternbergopolis, effective immediately. Today, 13 August is celebrated as Sternbergopolis Day.

National Safety Act of 2008

Though controversial, the National Safety Act, now a repealed amendment to the Constitution of Sternbergopolis, was the first major legislative milestone passed in Sternbergopolis. The National Safety Act, though not passed by President Sternberg but put into law by force through Congress (Sternbergopolis had a Congressional System at this point), outlawed any physical activity that could cause serious physical injury whatsoever. The ban had nearly immediate after-effects, including a rise in obesity rates, a decline in child and geriatric overall health, and even began leading to emotional problems for some athletes. Because of this, it is known by many as the "worst national law to be put in place in the history of Sternbergopolis." President Sternberg even called it "an ignorant, contradictory waste of time that resulted as a consequence of not following my guidance," and a "national mistake." The National Safety Act was repealed in mid-2010, a move which Sternberg received praise across the nation for.

Resignations and the Order of Succession Act of 2010

Throughout his term as President, Sternberg resigned twice temporarily. He first resigned in 2008 intending to stay in retirement, leaving Vice President Michael Marconi in charge. Under his leadership, much fell apart. The economy dropped, as the general public lost faith in the general well-being of the country. Realising he had made a mistake, Sternberg amiably agreed to return to his chair. The second resignation, from February to March 2009 resulted in chaos. Sternberg announced his leave and put in place Secretary of Finance Adam Smith in charge, along with Vice President Marconi. Smith notably abused his power and began imposing unpopular policies, and was eventually impeached after less than a month in office. Sternberg was restored to power, promising not to leave again until "it was time." In 2010, Sternberg proposed the Order of Succession Act, which would decide on a responsible way for a proper President to be chosen should he resign, retire, pass away, or possibly be terminated. It was passed unanimously in the Assembly, and put into place in April 2010. When President Sternberg neared the end of his term in the summer of 2015, a general election was held, in which the first elected federal official who was not Tyler Sternberg, Dr. Edward W. Kilmartin, was elected. He was inaugurated the following January.

Construction of Bonza Government Headquarters

In May 2010, the Bonza National Park, near Persyton, was expanded to double its size and divided into two sections, East and West. The East is used for its previous purposes such as outdoor recreation, sightseeing, etc. A resort is also located on site. On the other side of the park at the time, Bonza West, it was decided that a new government headquarters would be built, after many offices were housed in temporary locations downtown (at Avery Lane) after leaving the Royal Palace years earlier. Construction began immediately, and was complete by 1 January 2012, tripling the size of the previous campus. All federal government office were part of Bonza National Park West, with most offices located on Bonza Drive West. In late 2012, after confusion as to why the national park included two parts, and confusion between the two halves, it was decided that the half with the Sternbergopolis government headquarters would be separated. Bonza National Park was restored to its original size, and the new part, across the street, was renamed Sternbergopolis National Park. Bonza Drive West was renamed Sternbergopolis Way on 1 January 2013, bringing the campus to the permanent status it holds today.

National Standardisation of Modern Technologies Protocol of 2011 (NSMTP)

Introduced in late 2010, the National Standardisation of Modern Technologies Protocol (NSMTP) settled many long-standing issues in Sternbergopolis, mainly dealing with the use of electronic devices such as cellular telephones, an issue even more controversial with the introduction of "smartphone" devices in the late 2000s. Barely passing through Parliament, the NSMTP went into effect on 1 January 2011. The NSMTP allows the use of such devices nationwide, and puts restrictions on companies who manufacture them and provide service plans, as well as other regulations. The NSMTP also allowed Sternbergopolis to be connected to the Izorp Standard Telecommunications Network (ISTN), a galaxy-wide telecommunications network providing centralised and universal telephone and Internet use. This was the first time in Sternbergopolis since the introduction of push-button telephones in the 1970s that users did not have to dial a special prefix before every phone number that allowed them to communicate. Though controversial, Sternberg received many awards and praise for the introduction of the law.

Partition of Persyton

By 2011, the population of the capital city in Peryston was growing at an uncontrollable rate. The growth of the city led to disputes with both the federal government and the Commonwealth of Parkerbury (Parkerbury was not yet a province). Persyton's size was harming Parkerybury's economy, and led to tax issues. Persyton also wanted representation in the Assembly at the time, because it felt it had enough people for separate representation, but could not because it was within Parkerbury. The City of Persyton eventually sued the Commonwealth of Parkerbury, ruling in Persyton's favour. It was announced on 1 September 2011 that Persyton would be separated from Parkerbury and divided into its own Special Administrative District. This process was complete by 2012.

Foreign Bond Dissoluton Act of 2011 and Nationalism Act of 2012

The biggest turning point in Sternbergopolis since its naming in 2007 at this point was the FBDA. It is known in Sternbergopolan politics as a "maintenance" or "clean-up" law, which are common, but was on a much larger scale at this point. The Foreign Bond Dissolution Act (FBDA) was proposed in September 2011 after a few past run-ins with Earthen authorities. The FBDA cut off all communication ties with Earth, or with anybody on Earth who is not a citizen. It outlawed the use of any Earth brand names, unless properly imported, and left no trace of Sternbergopolis on Earth soil (with the exception of Sternbergopolis Online, as it is an informational resource). Passed in October 2011, the FBDA became the fastest Constitutional amendment to be passed, and was unanimously passed by Parliament.

Another law, just as big, was proposed immediately after the FBDA to further individualise and differentiate Sternbergopolis from other countries. The Nationalism Act was another "maintenance" law that made a long-overdue list of government reforms, including:

• A switch from Customary measurement to the Metric System
• A new adaption of the National Anthem
• An altered flag design
• Education reforms
• New currency
• The partition of Peryston into a Special Administrative District (SAD) (already in process)
• A new, customised structure of the English language (Sternbergopolis' official language) and the phasing out of the Maylin language (still spoken in parts of Nickelford)
• Further Earth communication regulations
• Transition from a Parliament to an Assembly
• Transition from states and commonwealths to provinces
• Reorganisation of government departments
• New age restrictions on activities such as driving, etc.
• and many others

The Nationalism Act went into effect on 1 January 2012. Though controversial at first, it quickly gained support, and many feel it was the best move made by the federal government in a long time. Most recently, on 1 December 2012, the Supreme Court of Sternbergopolis ruled that it infringed on copyright and intellectual property regulations of Earth nations to use their brand names and products in Sternbergopolis without their consent. The use of these products and names was condemned and deemed illegal, and as of 1 January 2013, Sternbergopolis has severed all ties with the use of Earth names in their culture, a move praised internationally.

Continuing On!

And that's where it ends...for now. But history is made every day! Read more about the present day, and check back after any major event.