Written By: Kade Patterson

Simulated Country: Terra Aliena
School: Jacob Hespeler Secondary
Instructor: Dave Lambert
Location: Cambridge, ON

Terra Aliena, like any nation with a heavy government presence, has had it’s troubles with fascists trying to take control, but after it’s recent changes a new day is rising. After previous lapses in judgement and general dissatisfaction with MPs and the PM, the people of Terra Aliena were ready for a change, ready enough to take up arms, by the beginning of 2002 a revolution is brewing.

The revolution is fighting for the right for citizens to vote on all laws. This idea is quick to see action, as in 2003 a crisis vote is called, however it may have been rushed a little, as it is just barely prevented.

However the views and feelings of the rebellion are still alive and kicking, as later in 2005 citizen Kade Patterson proposes a law to MP Chance Tabor in private, this Law would allow citizens to vote on laws which involve a direct change in the political system, instead Chance decides to propose that citizens be allowed to vote on all laws.

With his superior speaking skills and debate experience, the government decides to finally let the people decide how to run their lives. And thus Terra Aliena transitions from an average representational democracy into direct democracy. Where will the future take us? All that can be said for certain is that, we are now as free as the wind and shall see where that blows us.

Written By: Hayley Christiansen

Simulated Country: Mookistan
School: Waverly High School, w/ Mr. Trent Goldsmith
Location: Waverly, NE

The Winter of 2001 kicked off with a bang during the legislative session. Citizens appeared to witness the session of the newly elected government officials today. Everyone believed that the session would run as any other would, but these expectations were shattered as the first course of action was impeaching the current president. He was accused of not taking action to improve Moockistan at all, such as with the energy crisis last year or helping homeless people find shelter to live in, as he said he planned to do.

This may not have been entirely unexpected, but the next actions of the meeting were a surprise blow to citizens. The Senate began their proposals and suggested multiple laws that would ultimately send the current Democracy on the road to destruction. The first law stated that there would be no further elections for government officials. Therefore, the current members of congress, regardless of their actions or public discontent, would be able to withhold their positions. But, there is still the option of impeaching, correct?

Wrong, for the next law passed prevents any impeachment of government officials. The chaos still didn’t stop there, for the next movement by Senate eliminated the Crisis Vote. This is a method displeased citizens could utilize to start a revolution to overthrow an unjust government. But now, with that option unavailable, there is no hope for the citizens of Moockistan to have a voice in government affairs.

This basically sealed the deal for the impending Dictatorship to become the new government system. An additional law passed now requires all citizens of Moockistan to salute their government officials, or be fined a shocking $100 as punishment. All of these new laws, plus a free market system with monopolies, are truly signs of dark days ahead for the young country of Moockistan as Spring time approaches.

Written By: Hayley Christiansen

Simulated Country: Moockistan
School: Waverly High School
Instructor: Mr. Trent Goldsmith
Location: Waverly, NE

The nation of Moockistan is in mourning this week as three residents of Apartment building D4 were left without power, despite the terms of their tenancy agreement stating it was the responsibility of the landlord to purchase electricity.

The owner made an appearance in court as an angry citizen protested that this went against one of the amendments established by legislation early in the year of 2000, “All trades must be upheld and followed through”. However, the supposedly ‘neglectful’ landlord pleaded guilty, claiming the blame for this disaster truly belonged to the owner of the electrical company. Under oath, he stated that he had offered an astounding trade of $3000 for one electrical unit and was still waiting for a response, even after sending multiple messages inquiring of the trade.

Upon questioning, the owner of the company, which is currently a strong monopoly, informed that he had received the trade and did have an available unit for purchase. However, he didn’t feel the landlord’s need for electricity was good enough and he was saving it for a ‘just cause’. Even after asking about the importance of the lives of three people inhabiting the apartment, the owner responded by arrogantly expressing his lack of care for the lives of the citizens. The bold statements left the courtroom in complete shock. But considering the current market of Moockistan is free, there was nothing that could stop this selfish owner.

The trial concluded with the landlord being found guilty for violating the agreed upon contract. The money towards rent was refunded for residents, but that wouldn’t help save the family members who were lost. No other shelters were available. Most also remained unpowered, thanks to the tyranny of the electrical company. The debate for change in the monopoly is a hot topic. Rumors have been circling the government of ceasing a factory once the newer addition opens in winter of 2001.

Written By: Kyle Judge & Andrew Murray

Simulated Country: Canower
School: Bluevale Collegiate Institute
Location: Waterloo, ON

Today in Canower the owner of the country’s only power plant decided it would be of his amusement to develop it into a mansion. We entered our town hall meeting yesterday to find our beloved power plant 3/4 complete in its progress to become a mansion. He then, even since it is against the law, openly admitted what he had done before handing all his properties and money off to his friends.

Our country had some flaws in that not everyone was able to get the necessities they needed all the time but now we are much worse off. Most citizens in our country are able to survive this year seeing as he destroyed it at the end of the year so everyone has what they need. This year is almost over, but next year many people will die. We quickly learned how easily someone can destroy a country.

This does not look promising for the coming years of Canower. We are asking for spare power units from other countries if you have any to spare. We need four(4) power units to build a new power plant to ensure our country is not doomed. Any help would be appreciated to save our county from this crisis. If you have any to spare or are interested in helping let us know!

Written By: Colin Kruger

Simulated Country: CoconutCove
School: Nelson H.S.,
Location: Burlington, ON

Town hall began again this morning, and many different concepts were brought to the table. Some recurring issues, and some new. The current government and the people of Coconut Cove debated on how to confront these changes, in order to assure the betterment of the country A heated debate and even citizens suing each other were some of the highlights of Monday’s town hall. One such event of suing occurred due to the owner of an apartment complex evicting one of the residents without notice. Tempers flared and the government was involved in order to have the issue resolved.

A member of the government gave her on the concept.

“The issue is nonsense and not worth the time of the government. However, we are trying our best to resolve the issue and appease all parties.”

The issue has been considered big enough that a court case has been scheduled between Nada Shaltout and Olivia Dyer. Olivia Dyer says that Nada will be sued a lot of money, and hopes she will learn her lesson.

More Energy to be Produced

In other news, the government has decided to build another power plant, because of the recent shortage. The government has reacted to the public outcry and decided that this is the best possible action and would benefit everyone.

The green party feels that what the government is doing is a good thing and is beneficial, but say that they will do their best to preserve the environment. It seems that this is a win-win for most people, but the country must keep in mind that they must have a balance between what they want, and what they need.

#1 Governmental Failure in Adanac 126

Submitted by Hoopermelissa

“The government of Adanac is already failing to protect all of their people do to low electricity. No one knows what they will do any many are doubting their decision making process. Were they really the best choice for our government? See you next time with more gossip to come!”

#2 Citizens of Civania Created Its National Identity

Submitted By: Hayley Ma

Identifying National Identity
Climate: Temperate
Size: Medium sized Island
Temperature: Day 17-25 Degrees, 10-17 at night
Geographical Features: Waterfall, mountains, forests, beaches

Written By: Colin Kruger

Simulated Country: CoconutCove
School: Nelson H.S.,
Location: Burlington, ON

The town hall began once again today, and even with the recent changes made by the government to benefit everyone, such as an extra power plant, there were still problems and unsatisfied citizens. One such problem was the recurring issue of not every citizen getting their basic needs, such as education.

The government once again said that they did everything in their power to provide for all the citizens, and passed it off as technical problems. “Despite the government building more facilities to provide for everyone, it did not seem to work as intended, so there are still clearly problems in our ruling system and Country” one citizens says.

In other news, there was some debate between the government and citizens with jobs. The latter said that they were not being payed for being a environmental activist. The Government respond with “They should not be paid because the job had little to no contribution to the country, and that the money should be spent on things that matter” It is debateable whether or not the governmnet should the pay everyone, no matter what their job.

Lizanne Foster’s Students Contemplate How They Can Restore Balance to Their Country

Written by: Eunice Javier & Gurpreet Boparai
Location: Queen Elizabeth Secondary, Surrey, B.C.

It has been an obvious fact that relations have been contentious within Scylla, but recently, drama has been scaling to dangerous heights. Following a heated case which ended in a mistrial during National Court 2002, Scylla’s government announced that they would be taking our National Judge to court. BalrajC, who has served in such position since 2000, will be tried for consuming two extra food units before Year 2002 ended. He will be tried alongside DilpreetM, one of Scylla’s farmers, for committing the same crime. Bill G-1 states: “Each individual citizen can only buy and consume one unit of food per year.”

In an interview with BalrajC, however, he says that fingers are being pointed at the wrong people. It is the government that has done wrong, not him. RanjeetB, a member of our government, was the one who allowed BalrajC and DilpreetM to eat the extra food units during lunch break. Knowing that the year was going to end, he pardoned them so that they could gain extra well-being points. After all, the last civilians who needed to eat food units never log in. Then, in a turn of events, he vouched for their prosecution only a few hours later.

The government’s motives behind these actions are unclear, yet many speculate they are using BalrajC and DilpreetM as fodder, to show the citizens that they were unbiased. In light of the Power Hex court case, where the government tried to unrightfully seize ownership from a girl, it is not so far-fetched. It has been claimed in the past that our so-called current socialist government has leaned towards fascism more than anything else. Slowly, the are taking over our judicial branch. First, they passed Bill 619: “The government will choose the appropriate jury for all court cases.” and now they will replace BalrajC with their friend as National Judge, a student who is not even a citizen of our nation. What else lies ahead for our country? Something tells me they only have more sinister plans up their sleeves.

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To read Ms. Lizanne Foster’s articles and opinion-pieces on all things education, visit her website.

A Student-Created History from Trenton High School, in Trenton, MI

Backstory: Every social studies class that uses Civic Mirror is tasked to create a fictitious history for the country they co-create. This one was submitted to us to share.

Written by: Angelia Pusino

The becoming of Westopolis is a tale of enriching history, romance, and war. Starting from the ancient war lands of the Jenners and Kardashians. The warning states were divided into the Kim, Khloè, Kourtney, Kris, Kylie, and Kendall kingdom. Each continue to fight for territory in the land, it was almost to hard to keep up. The states could never compromise and tension between them only increased. The warring states soon declared war and fighting broke out across the lands. Many lives were lost and disease spread taking the lives of loved ones.

Then out of nowhere a man, clad in clothes to fresh for you, came forth to stop the fighting. The man stood and spoke words that will be remembered to this day, “Yo Kardashians, I’m really happy for you. I’m gonna let you finish but not fighting is the best of all time.” Hearing these words of wisdom the Kardashians decided to put aside their differences and made this man their ruler. This man is the greatest man that ever existed, Kanye West.

The country was then rebuilt and named Westopolis after the Kardashians savior. Kanye soon rebuilt the country in his image and married the princess of the Kim kingdom. A child was then born and all was good in the lands of Westopolis. The child, North West, was favored by all the citizens, but her sister South West was sadly forgotten, as if she didn’t exist.

Outraged South declared war on North and Westopolis was soon thrown into war. Most families sided with North, but a few upset with the death of warring kingdoms sided with South. Battle raged on for twenty days and soon North was victorious, the land of Westopolis was saved. South was banished and all the ally families were stripped from their wealth. Now, present day Westopolis is a republic. The majority being North’s supporters well supported by the old West family. The minority are the old supporters of South that are now stuck with poverty.