====== Membership Act ======

The Membership Act defines the conditions of membership for the [[Union]]. Additionally, it defines the process by which new members may join the [[Union]]. 

The conditions generally include things like having complete control over their home system, being of sufficient size, not being at war and being economically self-sufficient.

When a member wishes to join, they become a [[rules:Candidate World]]. A general investigation is done to determine that all information provided by the new member is correct. If so, the new member becomes a full member when the investigation is concluded.

Before being declared a full member, a prospective member may be challenged if a world believes the new member is unsuited. This can be done for example if the world is at war with a member of the Union, if it does not qualify as sovereign or if its population is too small.

If challenged, a separate investigative committee is sent to the planet to determine whether or not the new member qualifies. This investigation must return satisfactory results before the general investigation can be concluded.

<inline ooc-note>The candidate period is used by the Storyteller to check if all the relevant stats are correct, if no mistakes were made, etc.</inline>
