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CRYSTAL PALACE, HAPPY VALLEY - In our fourth installment of articles looking
at government's role in Neopia, we've traveled to the Winter World, which is
made up of Happy Valley, the Ice Caves, and Terror Mountain. We'll also take
a look at the VirtuPets Space Station a little later on. So, without further
delay…
Happy Valley-Here we find one of the few democratic lands in all Neopia.
Happy Valley operates on the parliamentary system. In the parliamentary system,
districts are drawn and within each district a representative is elected. These
representatives, also known as Members of Parliament (MPs), then go to Parliament
and debate issues and then vote on them. Even though they have a Parliament,
Happy Valley still enjoys Princess Lilac's guidance over the realm.
According to Princess Lilac, this is the best way to govern. "If the people
have the opportunity to let their voices be heard and their issues considered,
then no one feels like they are being ignored. It's a large secret to why we're
known as Happy Valley."
With a booming economy, especially during the winter months, and the stability
that Parliament has brought to the land, Happy Valley rakes in 82 million NP
each year. This is also helped by Happy Valley's isolation from the rest of
Neopia, resulting in its lack of any sort of war. The Winter World's only invasion
occurred when Snow Beasts tried to storm Happy Valley. Princess Lilac defended
her land single handedly and her efforts are commemorated in the popular game
Snow Wars.
The Parliament in Happy Valley was one of the first governments to build a
school for the education of their young Neopets. Snow Valley High is one of
the premiere winter arts schools in all of Neopia. Curriculum includes Ice Sculpting,
Slushie Making, Winter Fashion Design, and Snow Exploration. The advent of Neoschools
promises to bring even more Neopets into this successful academy.
Summary-The parliamentary system gives stability to the snowy valley,
allowing it to prosper and grow peacefully.
Ice Caves-These crystalline caverns have severed all ties from their
neighbors and drawn within themselves. A constitutional plutocracy (rule by
the aristocrats) was enacted some time ago and thus far seems to be working
well. Currently, the government is comprised of the Negg Faerie, the Kiosk Wocky,
and Kristalina, the owner of the Ice Crystals Shop.
"As we see it, a plutocracy is the best way for anyone to rule," the Kiosk
Wocky said when asked for a comment, "After all, how much can the bourgeois
do if they don't have the money to back anything up?" The plutocracy has used
the money they've collected from the sales of their wares to finance the upkeep
of the Ice Caves and set up a defense system to keep the Snowager from venturing
into the Ice Caves and wreaking havoc.
Lately, however, the wealthy classes have been faced with complaints from the
people of the Ice Caves due to a slack economy. "It's true, ever since the overpass
was created to go straight from Happy Valley to Terror Mountain, there's been
less foot traffic through the Caves," Kristalina said, "But it's only a passing
phase. Plenty of people still come for our wares and for the Scratchcards."
Rumors of revolution within the Caves have been fleeting and unsupported thus
far.
Summary-The Ice Caves, a constitutional plutocracy, is struggling in
the face of a slumping economy, but remains stable and addresses its peoples'
needs.
Terror Mountain-Here is a realm that once was one of the most frequented
lands in all Neopia. Shortly after it's discovery, naturally following on the
heels of the opening of the Ice Caves, this third section of the Winter World
quickly grew in prosperity. The Ski Lodge quickly became the hottest vacation
resort for all Neopia and the slopes were home to expert skiers and snowboarders.
Today, the summit is but a shadow of its former self. The Ski Lodge Murder Mystery
drove away much of the business, and the ski slopes other games left in the
wake of the scandal.
During its height, Terror Mountain was a satellite state under Princess Lilac
and the Happy Valley Parliament. The Parliament quickly renounced all claims
it had to the province once its economy tanked. Taelia the Snow Faerie, one
of the few magnates left on the summit, now governs Terror Mountain. "After
everyone else pulled out, I thought it was a much nicer place than before,"
Taelia explained over a cup of steaming Borovan, "I took on the role of Governor
after the people from Happy Valley left and we've been getting by ever since."
Currently, Terror Mountain has one of the slowest economies in all Neopia, posting
only 6.7 million NP annually.
Summary-Terror Mountain is struggling with a weaker government than
usually found in Neopia and the absence of major tourist draws.
VirtuPets Space Station-One of the older realms of Neopia, the VirtuPets
Space Station is the only dictatorship in all of Neopia. Dr. Frank Sloth founded
the station and has controlled it with an iron fist ever since. Dr. Sloth himself
gave us an interview to clear up some misconceptions. "Just because I'm a ruthless,
gutless, evil dictator doesn't mean that everything is bad about VirtuPets and
our humble abode. Why, who else gives you state of the art battle weapons? And
who has such exciting games like Gormball and Zuroball?" Dr. Sloth says, "And
let's not forget that the best part about being a dictator; I look good in black."
As repugnant as it might seem, the VirtuPets Space Station is one of the wealthier
lands of Neopia, as it is the most technologically advanced and the only space
station in orbit. Exotic food, and advanced weaponry is a huge draw to the Space
Station, giving it loads of tourism and revenue. In another money making venture,
Dr. Sloth made VirtuPets publicly traded company, bringing in loads of NP to
finance the Space Station, and perhaps his evil plans.
When people onboard the Space Station were asked to comment on their situation,
oddly no one stepped forward.
Summary-A dictatorship keeps tight control over the VirtuPets Space
Station, but its superior technology has still allowed the station to grow and
prosper.
That's all for this week. In our final installment of Neopian Government, we
will examine some of the lesser-known realms of Neopia: Kiko Lake, Lilac Isle,
and, yes, Jelly World!
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