Reformed States
Reformed States of America | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of arms
| |
| Motto: "In God We Trust" | |
| Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner" | |
 | |
| Capital | Washington, D.C. |
| Largest city | New York City |
| Official languages | English |
| Ethnic groups (2040) | By race:
By origin:
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| Religion (2044) |
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| Demonym(s) | American |
| Government | Federal presidential republic |
| Joseph Clarke | |
| Tim Green | |
| Daniel Sheldon | |
| Kevin Callahan | |
| Legislature | Congress |
| Senate | |
| House of Representatives | |
| Independence from Great Britain | |
| July 4, 1776 | |
| March 1, 1781 | |
| September 3, 1783 | |
| June 21, 1788 | |
| April 18, 2031 | |
| October 27, 2031 | |
| September 16, 2032 | |
| Area | |
• Total | 8,755,113 km2 (3,380,368 sq mi) (4th) |
• Water (%) | 6.7 (2038) |
| Population | |
• 2046 estimate | 309,934,801 (7th) |
• 2040 census | 306,754,173 |
• Density | 35.4/km2 (91.7/sq mi) (179th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2040 estimate |
• Total | $17.5 trillion |
• Per capita | $57.05 |
| Gini (2040) |  47.6high |
| HDI (2040) |  0.786high (75th) |
| Currency | Reformed States Credit (RSC) |
| Time zone | UTC−4 to −12, +10, +11 |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +1 |
| ISO 3166 code | RA |
| Internet TLD | .ra .us (obsolete) |
The Reformed States of America (RSA or R.S.A.), commonly known as the Reformed States (RS or R.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America, between Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, New California and Willamette on the west, and the Confederacy of New England and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. It is a federation of 40 states and 326 Indian reservations that overlap with state boundaries. Outside the union of states, it asserts sovereignty over five major unincorporated island territories and various uninhabited islands. The country has the world's fourth-largest land area, and the seventh-largest population, at almost 310 million.
Paleo-Indians migrated across the Bering land bridge more than 12,000 years ago. British colonization led to the first settlement of the Thirteen Colonies in Virginia in 1607. Clashes with the British Crown over taxation and political representation sparked the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War of 1775–1783. The Second Continental Congress voted for independence and formally declared independence on July 4, 1776. The country began expanding across North America. As more states were admitted, sectional division over slavery led to the secession of the Confederate States of America, which fought the remaining states of the Union during the 1861–1865 American Civil War. With the Union's victory and preservation, slavery was abolished nationally. By 1900, the United States had established itself as a great power, becoming the world's largest economy. After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the U.S. entered World War II. The aftermath of the war left the U.S. and the Soviet Union as the world's two superpowers and led to the Cold War, during which both countries engaged in a struggle for ideological dominance and international influence. Following the Soviet Union's collapse and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the U.S. emerged as the world's sole superpower.
In 2031, as President JD Vance's second term was coming to an end,[a] Republicans in the Congress passed a bill to reform term limits and allow Vance to run for a third term in 2032, resulting in mass protest across the nation, mirroring the George Floyd protests of 2020. After Vance ordered the National Guard to disperse of the protesters, the Government of California officially seceded and created a multi-party socialist state. A few more states would follow suit: the states of New England formed the eponymous commonwealth, Oregon and Washington formed the confederation of Willamette, and Hawaii formed a unitary semi-presidential republic; thus began the Second American Revolution. The Reformation happened directly after the war, extremely controversially.
The R.S. national government is a presidential constitutional republic and conservative democracy with three separate branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. It has a bicameral national legislature composed of the House of Representatives, a lower house based on population; and the Senate, an upper house based on equal representation for each state. Substantial autonomy is given to states and several territories, with a political culture that emphasizes purism, nationalism, and limited government.
One of the world's most developed countries, the Reformed States ranks among the highest in the world in international measures of income, wealth, economic competitiveness, productivity, and innovation. The R.S. is a member of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Etymology
The name "Reformed States of America" was used by Ron DeSantis shortly after The Reformation in a publication by the White House, and the country's name was officially changed on November 9th, 2032. This name was in reference to The Reformation which was passed by a very slim margin in Congress. The first official foreign publication to use the name "Reformed States" was a United Nations memorandum concerning the 2032 Bougainville conflict. "United States", however, is still an accepted unofficial name and is used in some local publications.
History
1620–2020
Indigenous peoples
The first inhabitants of North America migrated from Siberia across the Bering land bridge about 12,000 years ago; the Clovis culture, which appeared around 11,000 BC, is believed to be the first widespread culture in the Americas. Over time, indigenous North American cultures grew increasingly sophisticated, and some, such as the Mississippian culture, developed agriculture, architecture, and complex societies. In the post-archaic period, the Mississippian cultures were located in the midwestern, eastern, and southern regions, and the Algonquian in the Great Lakes region and along the Eastern Seaboard, while the Hohokam culture and Ancestral Puebloans inhabited the southwest. Native population estimates of what is now the United States before the arrival of European immigrants range from around 500,000 to nearly 10 million.
Discovery and arrival of the Pilgrims
In 1620, the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower founded Plymouth Colony, one of the earliest successful European settlements in North America. Throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries, English colonies expanded along the Atlantic coast, driven by the pursuit of economic opportunities and religious freedom. These settlements developed distinct regional identities, with northern colonies focusing on commerce, trade, and industry, while southern colonies relied heavily on agriculture, supported by the transatlantic slave trade. This system fueled the rise of plantation economies, particularly in crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.
The expansion of European settlements led to the displacement, violence, and decimation of indigenous populations, who faced both armed conflicts and devastating outbreaks of disease. As the colonies grew, tensions emerged between them and the British Crown over issues like taxation and governance, spurred by increasing colonial desires for self-rule. These conflicts would eventually set the stage for revolutionary movements and the push for independence in the late 18th century.
American Revolution and Independence
The American Revolution began in 1775 as the thirteen colonies sought independence from British rule, culminating in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This pivotal document marked the birth of the United States as an independent nation. The Revolutionary War concluded in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, which recognized American sovereignty. In 1787, the U.S. Constitution was adopted, establishing a federal government structure and paving the way for George Washington to become the nation's first president. This period laid the foundation for a new republic grounded in democratic ideals.
The early 19th century was marked by significant territorial expansion and growing tensions. Landmark events like the Louisiana Purchase and the annexation of Texas greatly increased the nation's size, while conflicts such as the War of 1812 solidified its presence on the global stage. Economic growth flourished, but sectional divisions over slavery deepened, ultimately leading to the Civil War. The Union’s victory ended slavery in 1865, but the Reconstruction era revealed enduring challenges of rebuilding the nation and addressing racial inequality—a struggle that shaped the country’s future.
War era and early modern period
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw rapid industrialization and urbanization, with waves of immigration transforming the nation's demographics. Progressive reforms addressed issues of labor, women's suffrage, and corruption. The U.S. emerged as a global power after its involvement in World War I and solidified this status after World War II. The Cold War defined much of the mid-20th century, with the U.S. opposing the Soviet Union in a geopolitical and ideological rivalry. Domestically, the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s brought significant strides toward racial equality, although social unrest persisted.
The late 20th century was characterized by technological innovation, economic globalization, and political shifts. The U.S. navigated challenges like the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the end of the Cold War in 1991. Social movements advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protection gained momentum. Economic transformations included the rise of the Information Age, while deregulation and free-market policies shaped domestic and international economics. Cultural shifts reflected increasing diversity and changing societal norms.
The early 21st century was defined by major events such as the September 11 attacks in 2001, leading to the War on Terror and prolonged conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Great Recession of 2008 significantly impacted the global economy, followed by a recovery marked by debates over income inequality and systemic reforms. Technological advancements, particularly in digital communication and artificial intelligence, continued to reshape society. Political polarization deepened, mostly the result of Donald Trump's populist rhetoric, while social movements like Black Lives Matter highlighted enduring struggles for justice. By 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented health and economic challenges.
Modern period
Trump era
The 2024 United States presidential election resulted in Republican candidate Donald Trump securing a decisive victory over Democrat Kamala Harris. Trump’s campaign emphasized a return to policies prioritizing energy independence, border security, and "traditional values," appealing to a significant portion of the electorate. His win marked a major shift in the political landscape, with the Republican Party consolidating power in Congress. Following his inauguration in January 2025, Trump and Republicans in Congress implemented a series of controversial policies. These included a nationwide ban on transgender identification, accompanied by strict enforcement measures; the prohibition of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power in favor of fossil fuels and nuclear energy; and the American Fake News Act, an executive order signed by Trump that would punish news outlets whose stories differed from publications deemed "official". These actions sparked widespread protests and international criticism.
In October of 2025, Donald Trump died suddenly of a heart attack, making him the first U.S. president to die in office since John F. Kennedy in 1963. Vice president JD Vance was sworn in as the 48th president to complete the remainder of Trump’s term. Under constitutional provisions outlined by the Twenty-Second Amendment, the three years Vance served counted as one full term, thereby rendering him ineligible to seek a third official term and second elected term in 2032. During his presidency, Vance advanced policies that built upon Trump’s initiatives, including expanding domestic oil and gas production, implementing stricter immigration policies, and reducing federal oversight of industries. His tenure further polarized the nation, with critics accusing him of undermining civil liberties and democratic norms.
In the highly-contentious 2028 election, decided by less than 100 thousand votes, Vance and the new vice president Ron DeSantis won re-election against Gavin Newsom and his running mate Corey Booker in a contest defined by low voter turnout and further political polarization. By the early 2030s, Vance’s administration faced growing unrest, as his policies deepened social and economic disparities and were widely opposed by liberal and moderate constituencies. With his second term nearing its end, the Republican-controlled Congress passed the United States Term Limits Act, amending the 22nd Amendment to permit a president to serve more than two terms under certain conditions, such as if a terrorist attack is imminent. Critics denounced the move as an unconstitutional power grab; as a result, mass protests erupted nationwide, with millions demanding the repeal of the new law and the restoration of term limits. The Republican-controlled Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in the Congressional Republicans' favor in a landmark decision that marked what some considered to be "the end of American democracy".
Second American Revolution
The protests, initially sparked by economic and social grievances, rapidly escalated into a broader political crisis as discontent spread across the country. Tensions reached a tipping point in 2031 when California declared its independence as the Socialist Republic of New California. The state cited irreconcilable differences with federal policies on issues such as climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality. California’s secession was followed closely by the northeastern states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, which united to form the Confederacy of New England. These regions shared a common dissatisfaction with federal governance, emphasizing their progressive values and historical ties to self-determination. In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington seceded to form the Republic of Willamette, while Hawaii, geographically and culturally distinct, declared its independence as the Hawaii Republic.
The federal government and Vance declared the secessions unconstitutional and illegal, vowing to preserve the Union. Efforts to negotiate peaceful resolutions faltered as both sides entrenched their positions. The newly formed entities sought international recognition, leveraging their strategic and economic importance to gain support from global powers. However, the federal government moved to isolate the breakaway regions diplomatically and economically, imposing sanctions and deploying military forces to prevent further fragmentation. The crisis disrupted national governance and exposed deep divisions within the United States, with widespread unrest and violence becoming increasingly common. The federal response was criticized as heavy-handed, further eroding trust in its ability to maintain order.
Amid the chaos, Vance was assassinated in March of 2032, marking the first time two consecutive presidents died in office. Vance’s death elevated Vice President Ron DeSantis to the presidency, making him the 49th president of the United States. DeSantis faced immediate challenges, inheriting a nation on the brink of dissolution and widespread distrust in federal authority. Political polarization and regional factionalism complicated efforts to stabilize the country. DeSantis’ administration struggled to balance calls for unity with the growing demands of states still loyal to the Union and the breakaway republics asserting their independence.
The Reformation and contemporary
In response to the mounting chaos, DeSantis, the new vice president and Republicans in Congress initiated a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s governance in 2032, with the passage of a law referred to as The Reformation. While Republicans controlled Congress by 62-seat and 12-seat margins in the House of Representatives and Senate respectively, The Reformation passed by extremely thin margins in both houses (including a tie in the senate), implying opposition among moderate Republicans. The Reformation suspended several constitutional provisions and allowed the drafting of a new governing framework designed to centralize power and suppress dissent. The revised constitution, while not officially rebranding the country, gave way to the country to be known as the Reformed States of America and significantly expanded executive authority. While proponents argued these measures were necessary to preserve national unity, critics labeled them authoritarian, pointing to widespread crackdowns on political opposition and freedom of the press.
By 2037, prolonged conflict and diplomatic pressure led to the Treaty of Carson City, which formally recognized the independence of the secessionist states. Brokered with the mediation of several international figures, the treaty marked a reluctant acknowledgment of the new political realities. The Reformed States of America officially recognized New California, New England, Willamette, and Hawaii as independent entities. While the Reformed States retained its dominance over much of the former United States, the loss of key economic and strategic regions left it significantly weakened on the global stage. Tensions with the newly independent nations continued, as ideological and economic conflicts persisted despite the formal cessation of hostilities. Nonetheless, an increasingly technology-based America and a rapidly-growing population helped the nation return to being one of the world's strongest economies and military presences. In 2048, Joseph Clarke won re-election against Heide Ryan in a presidential rematch, nearly mirroring results seen in 2044, with a significant showing by Forward candidate Brian Fitzpatrick.
Notes
- ↑ Donald Trump died in 2025, and as Vance had served the final three years of his term, he was not allowed to run for a second elected term in 2032, as per the 22nd Amendment.