Citizenship in Ottonia

The Federation of Ottonian Republics is noteworthy for operating a three-tiered citizenship system, in which voting rights are, for the most part, optional. Although nominally each Ottonian Constituent Republic is free to set their own separate standards for franchise and participation in the Republics' governments, in practice they follow the Federal standard.

Overview & Background

North Ottonia's multi-tiered system of citizenship has its roots in the New Foundation of Ottonia, the Constitution enacted following the Ottonian Revolution. In an effort to discourage the running of the government by those without knowledge of its basic functions, a national civics test was instituted, to be taken by everyone born after 1945 at the age of 16, retakeable until passed. The test was intended to measure whether or not a prospective citizen understood how the government of their respective republic, and the federal government functioned. Anyone who opted not to take the test, or who had not yet passed it, would be considered an Ottonian national, who would enjoy almost all of the rights of citizenship save for the right to vote and the right to hold office.

This system held true until 1962, when the standards were revised; in an effort to ensure better preparation among those seeking office, the Advanced Civics Assessment was created. This test required a greater level of knowledge regarding the federal government, the country's history, and the functioning of the governments of all of the nine constituent republics. At this juncture, provision was also made for those who declined or failed the Basic Civics Assessment to still be able to vote in local (municipal and prefectural) elections.

Classes of Citizenship

There are three classes of citizenship in North Ottonia: Class N, Class B, and Class A.

Class N Citizenship

The term "Class N" comes from "National"; thus, a Class N Citizen is an Ottonian national.

All persons born within North Ottonia's borders, abroad to North Ottonian any North Ottonian citizen or two North Ottonian nationals, or a person who naturalizes after 5 years of permanent legal residency, automatically qualify for Class N citizenship. Additionally, stateless, refugee, and asylum-seeking persons who otherwise lack an affiliation to another country may request Class N standing within a shorter period, provided they intend to reside in North Ottonia long-term.

Class N citizens are entitled to all the legal protections of North Ottonian citizens, including due process protections, the right to make use of public services free of charge at the point of service, although they are also required to pay taxes beyond point-of-sale consumption taxes. In addition, Class N citizens are permitted, upon reaching the age of 20, to vote in local (municipal or prefectural-level elections) by federal law. In addition, a few republics allow Class N citizens to participate in republic-level elections, as well.