Kingdom of Norton
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Kingdom of Norton Royaume de Norton Koninkrijk Norton | |
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 Flag
 Coat of arms
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| Motto: "Je maintiendrai mon droit” "I will maintain my right" | |
| Anthem: "Norton, my Kingdom" Royal Anthem: | |
 | |
| Capital | Roesstal |
| Largest city | Lindenrouge |
| Official languages | English French Dutch |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
| Demonym(s) | Nortonian |
| Government | Federal parliamentary system under a constitutional monarchy |
• Monarch | Alexander |
| Esty Carpentieri | |
| Devin Purcell | |
• Speaker of the Estates General | Ra’ees Richards |
| Legislature | Estates General |
| Independence from the United Kingdom | |
• State established | 6 July 2021 |
• Republican constitution adopted | 8 July 2021 |
• Kingdom declared | 3 May 2022 |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.0445 km2 (0.0172 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2021 census | 37 |
| Currency | Nortonian Lira (NTL) |
| Time zone | BST |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +44 |
| IMSO 1 code | NRT |
The Kingdom of Norton, also known as the Nortonian State, or just Norton, is a self-declared independent state with minimal international recognition, and is referred to exclusively as a micronation by external observers. The Kingdom of Norton sits at the bottom of Ham Hill National Park and is surrounded by the United Kingdom. The total land area of the nation, including all the provinces is approximately 5 acres. The Capital and second largest city of the nation is Roesstal. The nation consists of multiple ethnic groups from all over the world, and is heavily influenced by French and Monégasque culture.
The nation was founded and formally established on 6 July 2021, as a semi-presidential republic under a multi-party democracy, with the National Senate being the unicameral legislature. Various political changes were made throughout the nation's first year of independence, such as the designation of the Prime Minister as the Head of Government, culminating in the eventual transition of the state from a republic to a kingdom in May 2022 under the royal House of Hargreaves. The de jure currency is the Nortonian Franc, however, the British pound is also used. The two official languages of the kingdom are English and French, with English being spoken by 82.42% of the population. The majority of Norton's population come from the European continent - roughly 63%, with population also spread out in North America and Asia.
Etymology
The Kingdom of Norton takes its name from the village of Norton-Sub-Hamdon in the macronation of the United Kingdom. The majority of the houses and cottages in the village are made from the local stone, hamstone, which is taken from the nearby Ham Hill, from whence the village gets its name. In fact, Norton-Sub-Hamdon means "north below the hill farm".
Official Names
- Republic of West Norton (6-8 July 2021)
- State of Norton (8 July 2021 - 30 May 2022)
- Kingdom of Norton (30 May 2022 – present)
The IMSO 1 code for Norton is NRT.
History
Early History
Foundation
The State of Norton was founded on 6 July 2021, as the Republic of West Norton by Rafe Burfield and Ben Sheldon with the claiming of Sarum. The declaration of independence was signed at Monclair House by the newly installed President, and is commonly referred to as the Monclair Accords. The nation adopted its current name on the 8 July 2021.
The Magna Coetus Incrementum
The Magna Coetus Incrementum (latin for "The Great Coalition") was a period of rapid growth within Norton, which began on 8 July 2021. The period began with the accumulation of a range of territories directly to the north-east of the original 1-acre property. It is believed that the three province's (Regionem Capitis, Arbour and Tyrian) venture into Norton was prompted by a need to further solidify their position at the bottom of the Ham Hill stronghold, and gain control over a tributary of the River Parrett. Through an Executive Order, President Rafe Burfield authorised the transition of the Nortonian Federal Government from the original province of Sarum to the newly incorporated province of Regionem Capitis, simultaneously granting Mill Green City capital city status.
Politics and government
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The Kingdom of Norton is a federal constitutional monarchy, with the King as head of state and the Prime Minister as head of government. The King is the monarch, commander-in-chief of the Royal Armed Forces and the appointer of the government. The executive branch is led by the Prime Minister, who is also the leader of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is appointed by the King on the basis of commanding the confidence of the Estates General. In reality the King appoints the leader of the majority party in the legislature, or the person designated as prime ministerial candidate.
During a coalition government, the position of Deputy Prime Minister may be allocated to the leader of the junior party in the coalition to denote seniority. There are currently ten executive federal ministries (in order of precedence);
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of the Interior, Labour and National Security
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of the Treasury and Fiscal Stability
- Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
- Ministry of Health, Education and Social Services
- Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Transportation.
- Ministry of Energy and Environmental Services
- Ministry of Housing and Regeneration
- Ministry of Citizenship and Cultural Affairs
Each of these ministries are led by a Minister, nominated to the King by the Prime Minister. The prime minister, deputy prime minister, and ministers form the Cabinet, which meets weekly at Government House in Mill Green City.
The Estates General is the unicameral legislature of the Kingdom of Norton, and acts as the federal lawmaking body. The Estates General follows the Westminster system of government, and acts as the source of power for the executive and the Prime Minister.
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Political parties at the federal level
| Political Party | Logo | Leader | Ideology |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Party | 
|
Matthew Tonna | Right-Wing |
| Liberal Democrats |  |
Sullivan Manon | Big Tent |
| Solidarity Party of Democracy | .svg) |
Esty Carpentieri | Centre-Left |
| Centre Party | 
|
Devin Purcell | centre left to centre right |
Duchies
Norton is divided into six duchies, each with a Duke and an elected First Minister to administer the governments. Dukes are hereditary positions and the office of First Minister’s term is dependant on the duchy. The King, the Prime Minister, and the Dukes make up the Chamber of State.
| Duchy | Flag | Capital | Ruling party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regionem Capitis |  |
Mill Green City
(Also National Capital) |
National Conservatives |
| Tyrian |  |
Lindenrouge | National Conservatives |
| Arbour |  |
Gantrick | Liberal Agrarian Party |
| Sarum |  |
Magdalen | National Conservatives |
| Montagne |  |
Lavigne | National Conservatives |
| Waldflache |  |
Alexandertown | Liberal Agrarian Party |
Law and Order
As the nation adheres to the Westminster model of Parliamentary democracy (the Prime Minister and ministers are members of the Estates General), there exists the three pillars of democracy - executive, legislature and judiciary. The judiciary stands as an independent branch of the system with the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Norton being the supreme judicial body of Norton and the highest court in the nation. It is the most senior constitutional court and has the power of judicial review. The Chief Justice of Norton is the head and chief judge of the court.
The Attorney General is yet another judicial officer who serves as the government's chief legal adviser and leads the Department of Justice. The Nortonian Police Force is the national police force of Norton. It is subdivided into province divisions. The Inspector-General serves as the head of the force, while district commissioners are appointed to administer the provincial divisions.
Foreign relations and alliances
Norton has established and maintains diplomatic relations with many other nations from all over the world. All matters related to diplomacy are administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Norton utilises a two-tier diplomatic relation system, the lesser Treaty of Mutual Recognition and Non-Aggression and the higher Treaty of Friendship and Amicable Co-operation. This treaty recognises a micronation as serious allies and a long time partner in the micronational world.
The Kingdom of Norton is committed to ensuring its foreign policy remains as neutral as possible, and to solve conflicts and disputes diplomatically. Likewise, Norton strongly opposes fictional micronations and micronations that only operate online. Norton is a signatory of a plethora of micronational conventions and strictly adheres to their terms and conditions while maintaining diplomatic relations.
The Kingdom of Norton was a founding member of the Alliance of Unified Democratic Independent Micronations (AUDIMN) alongside the Empire of Muskratia, with then-President Burfield serving as the only Chairman of the alliance from August to September 2021. Likewise, Norton and the Sovereign Municipality of Ameristralia signed the Citadel Accords, a treaty allowing free movement of citizens, military and economic cooperation and the establishment of diplomatic embassies.
The Kingdom of Norton currently maintains a variety of wide ranging diplomatic and bilateral relations with fellow micronations (some are listed below).
Military
The Royal Nortonian Armed Forces is the sole military organisation of the Kingdom of Norton. Due to the passive foreign policy of Norton, the main objective of the armed forces is to ensure and maintain the territorial integrity and national security of the nation. It comprises of three services - the Nortonian Land Forces, the Nortonian Navy and the Nortonian Air Forces.
The Armed Forces are led by the King in his capacity as the Commander-in-chief. The forces are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence. The Chief of the Defence Staff is the commanding officer of the combined services and is a rank held by a Field Marshal officer of any of the three branches of the armed forces. The three branches of the forces are commanded individually by a 4-star officer from their respective service. Ducal monarchs are appointed to the rank of Lieutenant General if they enlist in the Armed Forces.
National symbols
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| Name | National flag |
|---|---|
| Use | Civil flag   |
| Proportion | 3:5 |
| Adopted | 6 July 2021 |
| Design | A red field charged with a gold Nortonian eagle,surrounded by a gold border (representing sovereignty and territorial integrity). |
| Designed by | Alexander I |
The national symbols of Norton are things which are emblematic, representative or otherwise characteristic of the Kingdom of Norton or Nortonian culture. Some are established, official symbols, including the flag and arms of Norton, whilst some are governmentally-named symbols, such as the national flower and animal. Other symbols may not hold any formal official status, but are likewise recognised at a national or even intermicronational level. The symbols were adopted at various stages in the history of Norton, and subsequently various rules and regulations governing their definition or use exist in accordance with the Nortonian Institute of Heraldry.
| Coat of arms of the State of Norton | |
|---|---|
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| Versions | |
.svg) Royal Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Norton (HM Government) | |
| Details | |
| Armiger | Alexander (as King of the Nortonians) |
| Adopted | 2021 |
| Crest | A golden helmet with a Nortonian Crown with a backdrop of eight spiked Nortonian Standards. |
| Torse | Crimson mantle, lined with ermine, decorated with golden bees. |
| Escutcheon | A nortonian eagle upon a gules coloured escutcheon. |
| Supporters | Two angels bearing national standards. |
| Motto | Labor Omnia Vincit (Work conquers all) |
| Orders | Order of the Golden Eagle |
| Symbol | Name | Image |
|---|---|---|
| National Flag | Flag of Norton |
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| National Coat of Arms | Coat of arms of Norton |
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| National motto | Deus et Rex vult illud
"God and King wills it" |
.svg)
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| National anthem | Norton, my Kingdom
(Hajibeyov,1920) |
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| National cockade | National cockade of Norton | 
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| National colours | Red and Gold |
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| National animal | Golden Eagle | 
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| National flower | Camellia | 
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Geography
The Kingdom of Norton's territory is located in the village of Norton-Sub-Hamdon, Somerset, enclaved beneath the Ham Hill National Park. Surrounded by the rolling green hills of the county, the nation enjoys a wide range of flora and fauna. The majority of the provinces lie in the plains with a wide variety of trees, plants and shrubs. The Kingdom of Norton spans over the time zone of GMT+1. The topography of Norton is diverse and comprises of hills, woodland and plains. As the nation is situated on the banks of the river Parret, the main sources of water in the nation are from the river.