First Council of Arcandias
Arcandian Provisional Council for Governance and Economic Development (The Frist Council) | |
|---|---|
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| Type | |
| Type | Oligarchy |
| Structure | |
| Seats | Lowest: 20 (1876)
Highest: 150 (1902) Lastest: 62 (1927) |
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Political groups |
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| Elections | |
| Appointment by 50% of Council members, appointed for life | |
Last election | October 15, 1922 |
| Meeting place | |
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| Arcandian Council Hall, Velorum, Arcandias. | |
The Arcandian Provisional Council for Governance and Economic Development, or the First Council, was the governing body of Arcandias from 1875 to 1927, immediately following the successful Second Arcandian Revolution. This council was a powerful oligarchic assembly that exercised complete control over the political, economic, and social fabric of the country for over five decades. The council members, composed of the wealthiest and influential families, were responsible for shaping Arcandias' transition from colonial rule into a business-driven state. However, its legacy was marred by corruption, mismanagement, and eventual collapse.
Formation and Structure
The First Council was established in 1875 after the revolutionaries, backed by wealthy businessmen, secured independence for two of Arcandias' three main islands. The council functioned as an oligarchy, with the wealthiest and most influential individuals in Arcandias holding decision-making power. Membership in the council was neither fixed nor democratic; instead, new members could be appointed if at least 50% of current council members voted in favor. There was no established limit on the number of seats, though over time, the council grew from 20 members in 1876 to a peak of 150 by 1902, as Arcandias expanded its wealth and influence. By 1927, the first council only included 62 members.
Governance
The First Council’s governance model was based on wealth and influence rather than public service. Council members were primarily focused on expanding their businesses and economic power. While Arcandias experienced rapid industrialization and infrastructure development during this period, much of it was designed to benefit the council's members rather than the population at large.
City-Level Control
Local governance was delegated to governors, who were appointees of the council members. These governors, usually family members or close allies of the elites, had little connection to the cities they managed. As a result, many cities faced poor leadership, contributing to increasing inequality and social unrest. Governors also had significant authority over city affairs, including taxation, infrastructure development, and law enforcement. However, their loyalty was primarily to the council, leading to widespread corruption, especially in cities like Velorum and Alvoria, where industrial and financial activities were most concentrated. This governance model allowed council members to extract wealth from the nation’s resources, often at the expense of the working population and the environment.
Economic Development
The First Council prioritized economic development, particularly in industries like mining, manufacturing, and trade. Arcandias became a center of resource extraction and exportation, particularly of rare earth metals, luxury goods, and agricultural products. Ports, roads, and rail systems were built for the movement of goods and raw materials. While the country saw economic growth, the working class suffered from harsh labor conditions, low wages, and limited social mobility. The council had little interest in social reforms or improving the living conditions of the general population, as their primary focus was on maximizing profit.
Corruption and Decline
By the early 20th century, the flaws of the First Council’s governance system became increasingly evident. As the council expanded, so too did the level of corruption. Council members often used their political power to secure business monopolies, avoid taxes, and crush competition. Governors neglected their cities, and public services deteriorated, which lead to widespread dissatisfaction among the population.
The Corruption Collapse of 1927
The First Council’s downfall culminated in the Corruption Collapse of 1927. After years of corruption, growing inequality, and deteriorating living conditions, the population's discontent boiled over into widespread protests. The council’s inability to manage the nation's infrastructure, combined with the financial strain of the integration of Arcandias' third main island in 1922, led to severe economic and political instability. The final straw came when leaked documents revealed that several council members had embezzled funds meant for public works projects, triggering outrage.
Protests erupted across Arcandias, particularly in industrial centers like Ignis and Alvoria. Workers and middle-class citizens demanded the resignation of the corrupt council members and the establishment of a more representative government. The council, fearing for their wealth and lives, struggled to maintain control, and after months of unrest, the council was officially dissolved in late 1927, marking the end of the First Council’s rule.