The complete glossary of definitions, mechanisms, and legal concepts that power the Global Charter.
The worldwide sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth, integrating all living beings and their relationships. Used here to refer to the Earth's life-support system as a single, interconnected entity.
An ethical concept where groups responsibly manage a shared resource (the "Commons") for the benefit of all users and future generations, rather than for private gain.
The principle that social and political issues should be dealt with at the most immediate (local) level consistent with their resolution. Global intervention is only valid when local action is impossible.
If an action has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or environment, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those taking the action.
Risk, Accountability, and Reversibility Analysis. A mandatory study for risky actions that must model worst-case scenarios and detail plans for containment and reversal.
A mandatory financial bond that must be fully funded by proponents of a risky action before approval. It must be sufficient to cover the full cost of the cleanup plan.
A scientific framework identifying nine global priorities (e.g., climate, biodiversity) that define a "safe operating space for humanity." Violating these is constitutionally prohibited.
The bicameral legislative body of the global commons, consisting of the Assembly of Representatives (Popular Vote) and the Council of Regions (Regional Equality).
An independent "Fourth Branch" of governance. It has unrestricted authority to audit the finances, data, and algorithms of all global bodies, reporting directly to the public.
A body of 500 citizens selected via Global Sortition (lottery) empowered to oversee the Auditor. They can censure politically motivated investigations, ensuring the Auditor remains neutral.
The sole security instrument of the global commons. It is not a standing army for war; its mandate is limited to crisis response, peacekeeping, and environmental enforcement.
Prohibits CPRC deployment without two simultaneous keys: 1. A Judicial Warrant (proven rights violation). 2. Auditor Verification (proof of local refusal to cooperate).
Legal status extended to any entity (human, AI, or uplink) demonstrating self-awareness. It grants them the full rights of the Charter, preventing "digital slavery."
The right to maintain or modify one's own physical body and cognitive faculties through technology. The Charter protects this but regulates it to prevent genetic castes.
The absolute right to self-determination over one's own mental processes. It prohibits non-consensual neuro-monitoring ("brain hacking") or manipulation.
Designates an individual's primary dwelling and up to 1 hectare of land as off-limits to seizure by the Global Commons Authority.
A tax on the "unimproved value" of land (site value), not the building. It discourages speculation/hoarding and captures value created by the community to fund UBI.
A harmonized fee on virgin raw material extraction and greenhouse gas emissions. It is the primary funding source for the Universal Dividend.
A regular, unconditional dividend paid to every citizen from the Demos Trust. It treats every human as a shareholder in the planet's natural wealth.
Divides revenue into three trusts: Gaia (Restoration), Demos (UBI/Dignity), and Novus (Innovation). Prevents funds for the poor from being raided for other projects.
A feedback loop: If the biosphere degrades, funding for the Novus Trust (Innovation) is automatically cut ("The Throttle"). If innovation profits soar, a tithe flows back to nature.
High-frequency trading exploiting microseconds of delay to front-run other investors. The Charter taxes this specific behavior to curb volatility.
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. Tax avoidance strategies where multinationals shift profits to tax havens. The GCCS ends this via a Destination-Based Cash Flow Tax.
Develops open-source protocols for bot identification and media authentication. It is constitutionally prohibited from censoring content or ruling on "truth."
Education focused on demonstrating skills (competencies) rather than seat time. Students progress at their own pace upon mastering material.
A certificate allowing parents to pay for their child's education at any accredited school (public, private, religious), ending the monopoly of residential assignment.
The concept of scientific research as a shared resource. The Charter mandates that publicly funded research must be open-access, preventing IP enclosure.