Colonial Unification occurred early in the First Cylon War approximately in 1952. The threat of the Cylons and the potential for the complete annihilation of humanity was enough to convince the formerly competitive and sovereign Twelve Colonies to put aside their differences and unite under the Articles of Colonization.
The war-time coalition has continued in the forty years of peace that followed. The Twelve Colonies remain united in a federal system that has fostered in greater communication, cooperation, economic development, and most of all peace between mankind. The individual colony militaries have remained pooled together in the collective Colonial Fleet and although individual worlds have their own governments, all Colonies have a seat on the Quorum of Twelve and vote to elect the President of the Federal Colonial Government.
The signing of the Articles is celebrated annually on Colonial Day.
Articles of Colonization[]
The Articles of Colonization are very similar to the United States Constitution in form and function. Much of the specifics of the document are unknown or merely alluded too (right to a fair trial, trial by jury, etc.).
Known articles include:
Article 21[]
Article 21 is believed to cover the elements of due process.
Article 23[]
Article 23 covers the protection against self incrimination and compelled statements.