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|image= [[File:SLoftus-CIV-UEG.png|300px]]
|image= [[File:SLoftus-CIV-UEG.png|300px]]
|body-title=Type
|body-title=Type
|body= Representative democracy/<br>Constitutional democracy
|body= Representative democracy<ref name="wp humans">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/humans '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Humans'']</ref>
|bodyfigure-title=Head of state
|bodyfigure=[[President of the Unified Earth Government]]
|branch=;Earth national governance
|branch=;Earth national governance
[[United Nations]]
[[United Nations]]
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The Unified Earth Government traces its origins back to the early days of [[human colonies|human colonization]] of the [[Sol system]] in the late 21st century. The organization was originally created by the [[United Nations]] in [[2075]] as an assembly of political leaders and brilliant minds and tasked with attempting to avert the crises of the next century by solving governmental unification issues of colonizing non-Earth territories.<ref name="h4evg"/><ref name="email"/>
The Unified Earth Government traces its origins back to the early days of [[human colonies|human colonization]] of the [[Sol system]] in the late 21st century. The organization was originally created by the [[United Nations]] in [[2075]] as an assembly of political leaders and brilliant minds and tasked with attempting to avert the crises of the next century by solving governmental unification issues of colonizing non-Earth territories.<ref name="h4evg"/><ref name="email"/>


The UEG was reformed into a full-fledged governing entity in [[2170]],<ref name="email"/> in response to the destructive [[Interplanetary War]] of the [[2160]]s. With numerous Earth governments fighting independent battles against [[Frieden]] and [[Koslovics|Koslovic]] forces, the [[United Nations]] became involved, eventually using the war to absorb most, if not all, terrestrial and extraterrestrial governments into itself; the goal was to form a united governing body to combat the terrorists and stabilize the planet and its off-world colonies.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 42''</ref> UN-aligned forces won the war in 2170 and the Unified Earth Government was formed, with its primary military, scientific, and exploratory force being the newly established [[United Nations Space Command]].<ref name="timeline">'''[[Xbox.com/Halo]]''' - ''Timeline''</ref>
The UEG was reformed into a full-fledged governing entity in [[2170]],<ref name="email"/> in response to the destructive [[Interplanetary War]] of the [[2160]]s. With numerous Earth governments fighting independent battles against [[Frieden]] and [[Koslovics|Koslovic]] forces, the [[United Nations]] became involved, eventually using the war to absorb most, if not all, terrestrial and extraterrestrial governments into itself; the goal was to form a united governing body to combat the terrorists and stabilize the planet and its off-world colonies.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 42''</ref> UN-aligned forces won the war in 2170 and the Unified Earth Government was formed, with its primary military, scientific, and exploratory force being the newly established [[United Nations Space Command]].<ref name="timeline">'''[[Xbox.com/Halo]]''', ''Timeline''</ref> As tension between the [[Inner Colonies]] and [[Outer Colonies]] increased in the late 25th century, the UEG increased the UNSC's military presence in the Outer Colonies to prevent civil unrest. However, this led to increased aggression in the Outer Colonies that eventually led to the [[Insurrection]].<ref name="cole428">'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]", ''pages 428-429''</ref> Although the civil war largely remained in the Outer Colonies, major Inner Colonies like [[Tribute]] and [[Reach]] were wracked by [[Insurrectionist]] activity throughout the early 26th century.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 127''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 81''</ref>


With the beginning of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in [[2525|February 2525]] and the [[Covenant]]'s systematic annihilation of the [[Outer Colonies]], the UNSC became humanity's greatest protector against the genocidal threat. The UNSC thus overrode the civilian rule of the UEG and established itself as an emergency military government, with the military becoming humanity's primary government.<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''page 456''</ref> Although the Unified Earth Government was more open to stepping down in this time of crisis, the [[Colonial Administration Authority]] resisted the UNSC's drastic rise in power. It was subsequently stripped of its power and influence.<ref name="HSP"/>
With the beginning of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in [[2525|February 2525]] and the [[Covenant]]'s systematic annihilation of the Outer Colonies, the UNSC became humanity's greatest protector against the genocidal threat. The UNSC thus overrode the civilian rule of the UEG and established itself as an emergency military government, with the military becoming humanity's primary government.<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''page 456''</ref> Although the Unified Earth Government was more open to stepping down in this time of crisis, the [[Colonial Administration Authority]] resisted the UNSC's drastic rise in power. It was subsequently stripped of its power and influence.<ref name="HSP"/>


In January 2553 [[Ruth Charet|Dr. Ruth Charet]] took office as the [[President of the Unified Earth Government]]. She called for a new era of peace, progressiveness, and rebuilding in the wake of the Covenant War.<ref name="president"/> The UNSC still did not require the approval of the UEG to assign budgets, however, the UEG was slowly beginning to regain its power and the government began to focus on reconstruction.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 355''</ref> By [[2553#January|January 8, 2553]], the Unified Earth Government formally regained its power back from the UNSC.<ref name="CatalogUEG"/>
In January 2553, [[Ruth Charet|Dr. Ruth Charet]] took office as the [[President of the Unified Earth Government]]. She called for a new era of peace, progressiveness, and rebuilding in the wake of the Covenant War.<ref name="president"/> The UNSC still did not require the approval of the UEG to assign budgets, however, the UEG was slowly beginning to regain its power and the government began to focus on reconstruction.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 355''</ref> By [[2553#January|January 8, 2553]], the Unified Earth Government formally regained its power back from the UNSC.<ref name="CatalogUEG"/> After the UEG formally regained its administrating powers back following the end of the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC experienced difficulty in shedding its former governmental tasks. As a direct result, a shadow government of sorts has formed within the Unified Earth Government—largely directly by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] and its own bureaus.<ref name="wp humans"/>


In the years following the war the UEG was involved in [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|irregular conflicts]] against resurgent human insurgencies, [[Covenant remnants|Covenant splinter groups]], and, in [[2557#July|July 2557]], the [[Ur-Didact]] and his armies of [[Forerunner]] [[Promethean]] constructs.<ref>'''Halo 4'''</ref>
In the years following the war the UEG was involved in [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|irregular conflicts]] against resurgent human insurgencies, [[Covenant remnants|Covenant splinter groups]], and, in [[2557#July|July 2557]], the [[Ur-Didact]] and his armies of [[Forerunner]] [[Promethean]] constructs.<ref>'''Halo 4'''</ref>


==Government and politics==
==Government and politics==
The UEG is headed by a [[President of the Unified Earth Government|President]].<ref name="president"/> A number of other executive offices are known to exist, among them the [[Minister of Information]],<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''[[Metropolis]]'': [[:Image:Metrosign-8.jpg|Image:Metrosign-8.jpg]]</ref> the [[Secretary of Defense]],<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]'': [[:File:Metrosign-3.jpg|File:Metrosign-3.jpg]]</ref> and the [[Minister for the Colonies]]; the last position is likely part of the CAA.<ref name="president"/> Inferring from the first and last positions, the UEG would appear to be based around a parliamentary system. Other executive ministries include the [[Department of the Treasury]], under which operates the [[Internal Revenue Service]].<ref>http://transmit.ilovebees.com/outbound/taxes_suck.wav</ref>
The Unified Earth Government functions as a representative democracy.<ref name="wp humans"/> The UEG is headed by a [[President of the Unified Earth Government|President]].<ref name="president"/> A number of other executive offices are known to exist, among them the [[Minister of Information]],<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''[[Metropolis]]'': [[:Image:Metrosign-8.jpg|Image:Metrosign-8.jpg]]</ref> the [[Secretary of Defense]],<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]'': [[:File:Metrosign-3.jpg|File:Metrosign-3.jpg]]</ref> and the [[Minister for the Colonies]]; the last position is likely part of the CAA.<ref name="president"/> Inferring from the first and last positions, the UEG would appear to be based around a parliamentary system. Other executive ministries include the [[Department of the Treasury]], under which operates the [[Internal Revenue Service]].<ref>http://transmit.ilovebees.com/outbound/taxes_suck.wav</ref>


While the UEG is formally a union of independently governed worlds,<ref name="enc43">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 43''</ref> Earth is in a privileged position over the colonies in the election process, which has been a source of discord with some colonials.<ref name="frank"/>
While the UEG is formally a union of independently governed worlds,<ref name="enc43">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 43''</ref> Earth is in a privileged position over the colonies in the election process, which has been a source of discord with some colonials.<ref name="frank"/> Some colonies were managed by [[governor|planetary governors]] that led a world's parliamentary government.<ref name="harvest115">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 115''</ref>


The [[Colonial Administration Authority]] is the government branch that administers the various colonies that belong to the UEG. It keeps extensive files on every colony world and city under the UEG, available to UNSC members for planning missions.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 177''</ref>
The [[Colonial Administration Authority]] is the government branch that administers the various colonies that belong to the UEG. It keeps extensive files on every colony world and city under the UEG, available to UNSC members for planning missions.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 177''</ref>
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Even though it originally formed the UEG, the United Nations has been absorbed into a branch of the Earth government by the 26th century.<ref name="HSP"/> Its role has been reduced to mediating various administrative tasks between Earth's similarly vestigial governing bodies.<ref name="CatalogUN">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Query Answer: Human records indicate that the assembly (ref: United Nations) is a vestigial organization responsible for adjudication of administrative tasks between territorial sectors on Erde-Tyrene.'']</ref>
Even though it originally formed the UEG, the United Nations has been absorbed into a branch of the Earth government by the 26th century.<ref name="HSP"/> Its role has been reduced to mediating various administrative tasks between Earth's similarly vestigial governing bodies.<ref name="CatalogUN">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Query Answer: Human records indicate that the assembly (ref: United Nations) is a vestigial organization responsible for adjudication of administrative tasks between territorial sectors on Erde-Tyrene.'']</ref>


==Foreign relations and military==
===Foreign relations===
Prior to first contact with the [[Covenant]] at [[Harvest]] in 2525, the Unified Earth Government kept no foreign relations with the exception of battles against [[Insurrectionists]] on rebellious colonies, whose independence the UEG did not recognize.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach'''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest'''</ref> However, tensions remain as the UEG must again deal with elements of the weakened Insurrectionist movement, with worlds like [[Venezia]] actively seeking to secede.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 175''</ref> The [[United Rebel Front]] has proven to be one of the most organized and effect insurgent factions to the UEG's power, throughout the 26th century and even continuing to be a formidable force and significant threat after the Covenant War. The URF has successfully managed to take control of several UEG colonies—at least temporarily—during and after the war, including [[Victoria]],<ref name="goo31">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 31''</ref> [[Talitsa]],<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''Wetwork Armor description''</ref> and [[Terceira]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''Oceanic Armor description''</ref> Some Outer Colonies maintain a tense relationship with the Unified Earth Government,<ref name="wp humans"/> as they felt abandoned by their government and its military branch during the Human-Covenant War.<ref>'''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''', ''[[Halo: Nightfall: Soldier Within|Soldier Within]]''</ref> While some colonies attempt to withdraw from the UEG through violence, others are slowly attempting to become autonomous and end all dependence on the government by forming their own militaries.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/sedra '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sedra'']</ref> The UEG and UNSC is constantly on alert for radical independence movements seeking to take advantage of these power vacuum.<ref name="wp humans"/>
 
As of [[2553]], the UEG maintains its earlier truce with the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] under the leadership of [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], which serves as the diplomatic face of the Sangheili as a whole. An official [[Treaty of 2552|peace treaty]] was ratified between the two governments in [[2553#February|February of 2552]], signed by 'Vadam and [[Terrence Hood|Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood]].<ref name="gl60">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 60''</ref> By [[2558]], [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]] was in charge of the diplomatic relations to [[Sanghelios]].<ref name="HE5">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #5''</ref> [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s were established between the UEG and Swords of Sanghelios to administrate regions of space cooperatively between the two governments.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref> By March 2553, the UEG had no formal treaty with the [[Kig-Yar]],<ref>'''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''', ''page 4??''</ref> through trade continued between the two species.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 113'' and ''page 261''</ref> The Sangheili, and presumably the UEG, remain at war with the [[Jiralhanae]] as of [[2559]]. The UEG and Swords of Sanghelios attempted to make peace with [[Lydus' clan]] in 2558, but these peace talks were disrupted by a [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenary group]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref>
 
==Economy==
The UEG uses the [[UN Credit|United Nations Credit (cR)]] monetary unit to organize its economic stability by selling or buying military equipment, supplies and costs for shipping, etc.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 43''</ref> The UN cR was likely implemented by the United Nations at some point before the formation of the Unified Earth Government in 2170. For transporting food and raw materials between colonies, the UEG maintains a [[UNSC commercial fleet|merchant navy]], run by the [[UNSC Department of Commercial Shipping|Department of Commercial Shipping]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 24''</ref> Trade between colonies is seemingly managed and regulated by the [[Trade Alliance]].<ref>'''Halo: Nightfall''', ''[[Halo: Nightfall: Rhoen Border Security|Rhoen Border Security]]''</ref> The [[Inner Colonies]] often relied on the [[Outer Colonies]] for resources. While Inner Colonies like [[Reach]], [[Mars]], or [[Tribute]] served as military strongholds with strong industrial capacities, the Outer Colonies generally provided mining and [[agriculture world|agricultural]] supplies.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 299''</ref> This precedent troublesome for the UEG after most of the Outer Colonies were destroyed in the Covenant War, leading to Inner Colonies being required to produce their own resources.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 29''</ref> Outer Colonies suffered from increased trade restrictions and taxes that were established by the [[Colonial Military Administration]], factors that eventually led to the [[Insurrection]].<ref name="cole428"/>
 
==Military==
{{Main|United Nations Space Command}}
{{Main|United Nations Space Command}}
Prior to first contact with the [[Covenant]] at [[Harvest]] in 2525, the Unified Earth Government kept no foreign relations with the exception of battles against [[Insurrectionists]] on rebellious colonies, whose independence the UEG did not recognize.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach'''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest'''</ref> As of [[2553]], the UEG maintains its earlier truce with the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] under the leadership of [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], which serves as the diplomatic face of the Sangheili as a whole. By [[2558]], [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]] was in charge of the diplomatic relations to [[Sanghelios]].<ref name="HE5">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #5''</ref> However, tensions remain as the UEG must again deal with elements of the weakened Insurrectionist movement, with worlds like [[Venezia]] actively seeking to secede.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 175''</ref>
[[File:UNSC Attack.jpg|thumb|250px|A large UNSC Army contingent]]
 
The United Nations Space Command is the UEG's primary military, exploratory, and scientific arm. The UNSC is intended to protect colonists and colony worlds from attack by [[piracy|pirates]], [[Insurrectionist]]s and other threats, such as the Covenant. It includes various [[UNSC Special Forces|special forces]], and [[Colonial Militia|militia]] organizations but is composed primarily of five branches: the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], the [[UNSC Navy|Navy]], the [[UNSC Army|Army]] the [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]], and the recently formed [[Spartan (branch)|Spartans]]. The UNSC also maintains a number of scientific organizations, among them [[UNSC Astrophysics]],<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 138''</ref> while the [[UNSC Engineering Corps]] is devoted to surveying viable planets for colonization or [[terraforming]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 123''</ref> At several times during the [[Insurrection]] and for a majority of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the UEG had given the UNSC operational autonomy.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/unsc '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC'']</ref>
The United Nations Space Command is the UEG's primary military, exploratory, and scientific arm. The UNSC is intended to protect colonists and colony worlds from attack by [[piracy|pirates]], [[Insurrectionist]]s and other threats, such as the Covenant. It includes various [[UNSC Special Forces|special forces]], and [[Colonial Militia|militia]] organizations but is composed primarily of five branches: the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], the [[UNSC Navy|Navy]], the [[UNSC Army|Army]] the [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]], and the recently formed [[Spartan (branch)|Spartans]]. The UNSC also maintains a number of scientific organizations, among them [[UNSC Astrophysics]],<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 138''</ref> while the [[UNSC Engineering Corps]] is devoted to surveying viable planets for colonization or [[terraforming]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 123''</ref>


The UEG's member nations maintain their own standing militaries. It is unclear how they are maintained in relation to the UNSC. Prospective members of the [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] are drawn from the ranks of national special operations groups as well as from the UNSC's own special forces.<ref name="Field Guide">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo 3: ODST Field Guide'']</ref>
The UEG's member nations maintain their own standing militaries. It is unclear how they are maintained in relation to the UNSC. Prospective members of the [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] are drawn from the ranks of national special operations groups as well as from the UNSC's own special forces.<ref name="Field Guide">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo 3: ODST Field Guide'']</ref>
==Economy==
The UEG uses the [[UN Credit|United Nations Credit (cR)]] monetary unit to organize its economic stability by selling or buying military equipment, supplies and costs for shipping, etc.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 43''</ref> The UN cR was likely implemented by the United Nations at some point before the formation of the Unified Earth Government in 2170. For transporting food and raw materials between colonies, the UEG maintains a [[UNSC commercial fleet|merchant navy]], run by the [[UNSC Department of Commercial Shipping|Department of Commercial Shipping]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 24''</ref>


==Sphere of influence==
==Sphere of influence==
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[[File:Halo Star Map V2.png|thumb|right|200px|An approximate map of significant systems]]
[[File:Halo Star Map V2.png|thumb|right|200px|An approximate map of significant systems]]
{{Main|Human colonies}}
{{Main|Human colonies}}
Human-occupied systems are known to encompass a relatively wide radius of the [[Orion Arm]] of the [[Milky Way galaxy]], in various stages of colonization, from the well developed [[Inner Colonies]] to the relatively recent and struggling [[Outer Colonies]]. By [[2490]] there were more than 800 worlds under human control, ranging from small outposts and settlements to thriving colonies and military strongholds.<ref name="timeline"/> Most of the colonies under the influence of the UEG were under the direct governance of the [[Colonial Administration Authority]].<ref name="HSP">[http://halostory.bungie.org/oconnor_mclees_080508.html '''Halo Story Page''': ''Frank O'Connor/Robt McLees Interview - August 2008'']</ref> Originally military oversight for the colonies was provided chiefly by the [[Colonial Military Administration]], though the UNSC eventually usurped its duties due to widespread corruption in the CMA's ranks.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 69'' (2011)</ref>
Human-occupied systems are known to encompass a relatively wide radius of the [[Orion Arm]] of the [[Milky Way galaxy]], in various stages of colonization, from the well developed [[Inner Colonies]] to the relatively recent and struggling [[Outer Colonies]]. By [[2490]] there were more than 800 worlds under human control, ranging from small outposts and settlements to thriving colonies and military strongholds.<ref name="timeline"/> Most of the colonies under the influence of the UEG were under the direct governance of the [[Colonial Administration Authority]].<ref name="HSP">[http://halostory.bungie.org/oconnor_mclees_080508.html '''Halo Story Page''': ''Frank O'Connor/Robt McLees Interview - August 2008'']</ref> Originally military oversight for the colonies was provided chiefly by the [[Colonial Military Administration]], though the UNSC eventually usurped its duties due to widespread corruption in the CMA's ranks.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 69'' (2011)</ref> The UEG's and UNSC's rapid colonial expansion efforts led to a massive, unexpected setback at the dawn of the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="wp humans"/>


Influence over these worlds was greatly reduced by the Covenant during the war, with only Earth and a few scattered colonies left mostly intact by the end of the conflict in 2552. Since the end of the conflict the UEG has worked to restore its galactic territories and avoid secessionism and has even recolonized some of its former worlds, including [[Reach]].<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level, ''[[Lone Wolf]]''</ref>
Influence over these worlds was greatly reduced by the Covenant during the war, with only Earth and a few scattered colonies left mostly intact by the end of the conflict in 2552. Since the end of the conflict the UEG has worked to restore its galactic territories and avoid secessionism and has even recolonized some of its former worlds, including [[Reach]].<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level, ''[[Lone Wolf]]''</ref>
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*[[European Union]]
*[[European Union]]
**[[Germany]]
**[[Germany]]
*[[Greater Czechoslovakian Authority]]
'''[[Katagalugan]]'''
'''[[Katagalugan]]'''
*[[New Legaspi]]
*[[New Legaspi]]
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{{Organizations}}
{{Organizations}}


[[Category:Unified Earth Government|*]]
[[Category:Unified Earth Government| ]]

Revision as of 02:01, December 31, 2014

Unified Earth Government
SLoftus-CIV-UEG.png
Government overview

Government branches:

Earth national governance

United Nations

Colonial governance

Colonial Administration Authority

Military/scientific/exploratory

United Nations Space Command

Societal overview

Capital:

Earth

Official language(s):

English (primary), Spanish, Hungarian, German, Japanese and many others

Official religion(s):

Multi-religious

Currency:

UN credit (cR)

Technology level:

Tier 3

Historical overview

Formation:

2075 — Original supranational formation[1][2]

Reorganized:

2170 — Reconstituted into a governing body[2]
2525 — Many functions assumed by the United Nations Space Command[3]
January 8, 2553 — Full governing ability resumed[4]

 

The Unified Earth Government (UEG)[note 1] is the central civilian government that administers Earth and its colonies throughout a portion of the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy. It encompasses the Colonial Administration Authority (CAA), the United Nations (UN), and the United Nations Space Command (UNSC).[3]

During the Human-Covenant War the UNSC assumed the governing function of the UEG in the face of possible extinction from the overwhelming Covenant threat.[5][3][6] The United Nations Space Command ceased functioning as a governing body following the end of hostilities with the now dissolved, Hierarch-led Covenant; transfer of power back to the civilian authority of the UEG occured on January 8, 2553, although no other notable change in the UNSC's political depth within colonial politics was ceded.[4] Dr. Ruth Charet remains the incumbent President of the Unified Earth Government since her inauguration in January 2553.[7]

History

The Unified Earth Government traces its origins back to the early days of human colonization of the Sol system in the late 21st century. The organization was originally created by the United Nations in 2075 as an assembly of political leaders and brilliant minds and tasked with attempting to avert the crises of the next century by solving governmental unification issues of colonizing non-Earth territories.[1][2]

The UEG was reformed into a full-fledged governing entity in 2170,[2] in response to the destructive Interplanetary War of the 2160s. With numerous Earth governments fighting independent battles against Frieden and Koslovic forces, the United Nations became involved, eventually using the war to absorb most, if not all, terrestrial and extraterrestrial governments into itself; the goal was to form a united governing body to combat the terrorists and stabilize the planet and its off-world colonies.[8] UN-aligned forces won the war in 2170 and the Unified Earth Government was formed, with its primary military, scientific, and exploratory force being the newly established United Nations Space Command.[9] As tension between the Inner Colonies and Outer Colonies increased in the late 25th century, the UEG increased the UNSC's military presence in the Outer Colonies to prevent civil unrest. However, this led to increased aggression in the Outer Colonies that eventually led to the Insurrection.[10] Although the civil war largely remained in the Outer Colonies, major Inner Colonies like Tribute and Reach were wracked by Insurrectionist activity throughout the early 26th century.[11][12]

With the beginning of the Human-Covenant War in February 2525 and the Covenant's systematic annihilation of the Outer Colonies, the UNSC became humanity's greatest protector against the genocidal threat. The UNSC thus overrode the civilian rule of the UEG and established itself as an emergency military government, with the military becoming humanity's primary government.[13] Although the Unified Earth Government was more open to stepping down in this time of crisis, the Colonial Administration Authority resisted the UNSC's drastic rise in power. It was subsequently stripped of its power and influence.[3]

In January 2553, Dr. Ruth Charet took office as the President of the Unified Earth Government. She called for a new era of peace, progressiveness, and rebuilding in the wake of the Covenant War.[7] The UNSC still did not require the approval of the UEG to assign budgets, however, the UEG was slowly beginning to regain its power and the government began to focus on reconstruction.[14] By January 8, 2553, the Unified Earth Government formally regained its power back from the UNSC.[4] After the UEG formally regained its administrating powers back following the end of the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC experienced difficulty in shedding its former governmental tasks. As a direct result, a shadow government of sorts has formed within the Unified Earth Government—largely directly by the Office of Naval Intelligence and its own bureaus.[15]

In the years following the war the UEG was involved in irregular conflicts against resurgent human insurgencies, Covenant splinter groups, and, in July 2557, the Ur-Didact and his armies of Forerunner Promethean constructs.[16]

Government and politics

The Unified Earth Government functions as a representative democracy.[15] The UEG is headed by a President.[7] A number of other executive offices are known to exist, among them the Minister of Information,[17] the Secretary of Defense,[18] and the Minister for the Colonies; the last position is likely part of the CAA.[7] Inferring from the first and last positions, the UEG would appear to be based around a parliamentary system. Other executive ministries include the Department of the Treasury, under which operates the Internal Revenue Service.[19]

While the UEG is formally a union of independently governed worlds,[20] Earth is in a privileged position over the colonies in the election process, which has been a source of discord with some colonials.[6] Some colonies were managed by planetary governors that led a world's parliamentary government.[21]

The Colonial Administration Authority is the government branch that administers the various colonies that belong to the UEG. It keeps extensive files on every colony world and city under the UEG, available to UNSC members for planning missions.[22]

Even though it originally formed the UEG, the United Nations has been absorbed into a branch of the Earth government by the 26th century.[3] Its role has been reduced to mediating various administrative tasks between Earth's similarly vestigial governing bodies.[23]

Foreign relations

Prior to first contact with the Covenant at Harvest in 2525, the Unified Earth Government kept no foreign relations with the exception of battles against Insurrectionists on rebellious colonies, whose independence the UEG did not recognize.[24][25] However, tensions remain as the UEG must again deal with elements of the weakened Insurrectionist movement, with worlds like Venezia actively seeking to secede.[26] The United Rebel Front has proven to be one of the most organized and effect insurgent factions to the UEG's power, throughout the 26th century and even continuing to be a formidable force and significant threat after the Covenant War. The URF has successfully managed to take control of several UEG colonies—at least temporarily—during and after the war, including Victoria,[27] Talitsa,[28] and Terceira.[29] Some Outer Colonies maintain a tense relationship with the Unified Earth Government,[15] as they felt abandoned by their government and its military branch during the Human-Covenant War.[30] While some colonies attempt to withdraw from the UEG through violence, others are slowly attempting to become autonomous and end all dependence on the government by forming their own militaries.[31] The UEG and UNSC is constantly on alert for radical independence movements seeking to take advantage of these power vacuum.[15]

As of 2553, the UEG maintains its earlier truce with the Swords of Sanghelios under the leadership of Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, which serves as the diplomatic face of the Sangheili as a whole. An official peace treaty was ratified between the two governments in February of 2552, signed by 'Vadam and Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood.[32] By 2558, Rear Admiral Horatio Temkin was in charge of the diplomatic relations to Sanghelios.[33] Joint Occupation Zones were established between the UEG and Swords of Sanghelios to administrate regions of space cooperatively between the two governments.[34] By March 2553, the UEG had no formal treaty with the Kig-Yar,[35] through trade continued between the two species.[36] The Sangheili, and presumably the UEG, remain at war with the Jiralhanae as of 2559. The UEG and Swords of Sanghelios attempted to make peace with Lydus' clan in 2558, but these peace talks were disrupted by a mercenary group.[37][38]

Economy

The UEG uses the United Nations Credit (cR) monetary unit to organize its economic stability by selling or buying military equipment, supplies and costs for shipping, etc.[39] The UN cR was likely implemented by the United Nations at some point before the formation of the Unified Earth Government in 2170. For transporting food and raw materials between colonies, the UEG maintains a merchant navy, run by the Department of Commercial Shipping.[40] Trade between colonies is seemingly managed and regulated by the Trade Alliance.[41] The Inner Colonies often relied on the Outer Colonies for resources. While Inner Colonies like Reach, Mars, or Tribute served as military strongholds with strong industrial capacities, the Outer Colonies generally provided mining and agricultural supplies.[42] This precedent troublesome for the UEG after most of the Outer Colonies were destroyed in the Covenant War, leading to Inner Colonies being required to produce their own resources.[43] Outer Colonies suffered from increased trade restrictions and taxes that were established by the Colonial Military Administration, factors that eventually led to the Insurrection.[10]

Military

Main article: United Nations Space Command
A large UNSC Army contingent

The United Nations Space Command is the UEG's primary military, exploratory, and scientific arm. The UNSC is intended to protect colonists and colony worlds from attack by pirates, Insurrectionists and other threats, such as the Covenant. It includes various special forces, and militia organizations but is composed primarily of five branches: the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Army the Air Force, and the recently formed Spartans. The UNSC also maintains a number of scientific organizations, among them UNSC Astrophysics,[44] while the UNSC Engineering Corps is devoted to surveying viable planets for colonization or terraforming.[45] At several times during the Insurrection and for a majority of the Human-Covenant War, the UEG had given the UNSC operational autonomy.[46]

The UEG's member nations maintain their own standing militaries. It is unclear how they are maintained in relation to the UNSC. Prospective members of the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are drawn from the ranks of national special operations groups as well as from the UNSC's own special forces.[47]

Sphere of influence

Colonies

An approximate map of significant systems
Main article: Human colonies

Human-occupied systems are known to encompass a relatively wide radius of the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy, in various stages of colonization, from the well developed Inner Colonies to the relatively recent and struggling Outer Colonies. By 2490 there were more than 800 worlds under human control, ranging from small outposts and settlements to thriving colonies and military strongholds.[9] Most of the colonies under the influence of the UEG were under the direct governance of the Colonial Administration Authority.[3] Originally military oversight for the colonies was provided chiefly by the Colonial Military Administration, though the UNSC eventually usurped its duties due to widespread corruption in the CMA's ranks.[48] The UEG's and UNSC's rapid colonial expansion efforts led to a massive, unexpected setback at the dawn of the Human-Covenant War.[15]

Influence over these worlds was greatly reduced by the Covenant during the war, with only Earth and a few scattered colonies left mostly intact by the end of the conflict in 2552. Since the end of the conflict the UEG has worked to restore its galactic territories and avoid secessionism and has even recolonized some of its former worlds, including Reach.[49]

Nation-states

There are still numerous national governments on Earth and other planetary bodies that fall under the UEG's power.[47] They appear to maintain a limited degree of independence, although their overall authority is negligible as most governing functions are handled by the UEG.[50] Earth's territorial governments in particular are overseen by the now largely vestigial United Nations.[23]

Trivia

Both the Unified Earth Government and the United Nations Space Command are references to the human government (United Earth Government) and military (Unified Earth Space Council), respectively, from Bungie's Marathon series.

List of appearances

Note

  1. ^ The UEG is referred to as the "United Earth Government" in some sources, including the directory sheet accompanying Dr. Halsey's personal journal and the Aft Armory Notice within the Infinity Briefing Packet.

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 229
  2. ^ a b c d Halopedia:Letter - RE: Quick clarification - UEG
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halo Story Page: Frank O'Connor/Robt McLees Interview - August 2008
  4. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (Query Answer: Human records indicate transition to noncombatant administrative control [ref: UEG] [January 8, 2553]. No notable adjustment in military [bureaucratic tactical] behavior and scope of authority.)
  5. ^ Bestiarum
  6. ^ a b YouTube: Halo: From A to Z with Frank O'Connor
  7. ^ a b c d Halo: Glasslands, page 43
  8. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 42
  9. ^ a b Xbox.com/Halo, Timeline
  10. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions, "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", pages 428-429
  11. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 127
  12. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 81
  13. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 456
  14. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 355
  15. ^ a b c d e Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named wp humans
  16. ^ Halo 4
  17. ^ Halo 2, Metropolis: Image:Metrosign-8.jpg
  18. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis: File:Metrosign-3.jpg
  19. ^ http://transmit.ilovebees.com/outbound/taxes_suck.wav
  20. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 43
  21. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 115
  22. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 177
  23. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Query Answer: Human records indicate that the assembly (ref: United Nations) is a vestigial organization responsible for adjudication of administrative tasks between territorial sectors on Erde-Tyrene.
  24. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach
  25. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest
  26. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 175
  27. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 31
  28. ^ Halo 4, Wetwork Armor description
  29. ^ Halo 4, Oceanic Armor description
  30. ^ Halo: Nightfall, Soldier Within
  31. ^ Halo Waypoint: Sedra
  32. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 60
  33. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #5
  34. ^ Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction - Page 14
  35. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 4??
  36. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 113 and page 261
  37. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #1
  38. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #3
  39. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 43
  40. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 24
  41. ^ Halo: Nightfall, Rhoen Border Security
  42. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 299
  43. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 29
  44. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 138
  45. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 123
  46. ^ Halo Waypoint: UNSC
  47. ^ a b Bungie.net: Halo 3: ODST Field Guide
  48. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 69 (2011)
  49. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level, Lone Wolf
  50. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 37
  51. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia, pages 296-297 (2011 edition)
  52. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 321

v • d • e
 
Polities, organizations, and civilizations
Contemporary
Interstellar/Interplanetary organizations Banished • Covenant • Swords of Sanghelios • Created • Children of Oth Sonin • Concert of Worlds • Frieden • Insurrectionists (Arcadia/Harvest • New Colonial Alliance • People's Occupation • People's Occupation Government • Secessionist Union (Eridanus secessionists) • United Rebel Front) Koslovics • San'Shyuum flotilla (Dhas Bhasvod's Covenant • Tem'Bhetek's faction) • Unified Earth Government (Colonial Authority • United Nations Space Command)
Planetary/Local organizations Castoffs • Defenders of the Sanctum • Eridanus Government • Gao Republic • Insurrectionists (Bandusa • Freedom and Liberation Party • Galodew Emancipation • Gao Liberation Force • Sundered Legion) • Joyous Exultation Covenant • Khabnathwa • Neo-Frieden • Prospector Party • Sedran government • Stewards • United Nations (Nations) • Unggoy government • Ussans • Venezian Militia
Private organizations 'Gajat mercenaries • Shields of Requiem
Religious organizations Covenant remnants ('Mdama's Covenant • 'Nyon's Covenant • Keepers of the One Freedom • Vol's Covenant) • 'Refumee's heretics • Servants of the Abiding Truth
Ancient
Interstellar organizations Ecumene • Human-San'Shyuum alliance • Ancestors
Planetary/Local organizations Council of City States • Erde-Tyrene civilization • Sedaaro • Reformists (Keepers of the Dawn) • Stoics • Tudejsa
Protogenic
Italics denote entities that are confirmed or assumed to be defunct given currently available information.
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