October 3, 1948
The Royal Castle, Canterlot, Equestria

Celestia sat on her throne, reviewing the latest economic and diplomatic reports from her advisors and ministers. Diligently she examined the state of affairs in Equestria, while her sister Luna sat beside her, ready to provide advice. Celestia had been giving greater responsibilities to her younger sister. She knew that someday (hopefully in the distant future), she would be with the gods. Equestria’s next ruler had to be prepared in order to ensure that a smooth transition still occurs.

“Another good year for Equestria,” said Celestia as she put down the final report on the booming Equestrian tourist industry.

“Yes my sister,” said Luna as she looked up from a parchment that she was reading.

“What are you reading?” asked Celestia.

“Ohh just a petition from the Union of Equestrian Liberals.”

“What does it say,” asked Celestia. She had a deep disdain for these populist demagogues who favored a foreign ideology over Celestia’s benevolent rule.

“They are requesting the establishment of a national parliament which would vote on legislation and for the establishment of a constitution with provisions that protect the rights of Equestrian rights,” said Luna.

“What a bunch of insolent brats,” said Celestia, her normally kind demeanor getting replaced by a visible hatred for the liberal opposition.

“What do you mean?” asked Luna, taken aback by her older sister’s anger.

“I’ve run the country for just over 1,000 years. We’ve experienced peace, domestic tranquility, and an unparalleled era of prosperity. These people have the audacity to claim that I can’t be entrusted to properly run the country.”

“I don’t think that these people doubt your ability to run the country. I think that they simply wish to give the people a greater say in how they are governed.”

“The people already get a say in how they govern when it comes to local issues. Ponies can vote for mayor and have their own town council. That will suffice for them.”

“Perhaps Equestria could be even better governed if you and the people were more closely connected. When I went to America I was impressed by how well organized their society was. They-”

“That’s enough of that liberal drivel,” said Celestia curtly.

Luna, taken aback by the stern nature of her sister’s rebuke, paused before responding. “The world is changing. We need to give more power to the people. Someday we both will be dead and if neither of us have a child then someone will have to govern. Perhaps someone from the people-”

“That’s what Twilight is for.”

Luna was surprised. While she knew that Twilight would continue to play a key role in Equestria’s future, she didn’t know that Celestia intended make her the head of state. The more she thought of it, the more embarrassed she was at her blindness to something that seemed so utterly obvious.

Desperate to claw out some sort of a concession to mollify her liberal friends, Luna changed topics. “Perhaps we could still grant some concessions that would simultaneously mollify the concern of the reformists while maintaining your firm grasp on power.”

“The people of Equestria already enjoy a plethora of liberties. You aren’t implying I’m sort of tyrant?” asked Celestia, suspicion creeping into her voice.

“Not at all sister!” said Luna, getting defensive. “I’m simply saying that perhaps it’s time that we establish some sort of ‘Declaration of the Rights of Ponykind’ that reaffirms the legal rights of our citizens.”

“‘Declaration of Pony Rights.’ I like the ring of that,” said Celestia, warming to the idea. Turning to her sister, she said, “I’ve got an idea. How about you take the next couple of months to draft such a document. I’m certain that you’ll benefit from the experience of law crafting.”

“Thank you sis-”

“As much as I would love to chat, I’ve got to go to a meeting of my foreign policy staff. This ‘Cold War’ is getting pretty heated,” said Celestia, swiftly trotting towards the throne room’s door. “I’m sure that you understand.”

Luna did understand. Her sister believed that she had a subordinate role and that Luna had to stay in her place. Luna, though, had other plans. While she would always remain loyal to Celestia and would never move against her like she had foolishly done a thousand years before, Luna intended to play a decisive role in improving Equestrian society. This desire was motivated in part by a patriotic desire to better her homeland. However, it was largely driven by a desire to redeem herself in the eyes of the Equestrian public after her failed attempt to depose her sister and cast the nation into perpetual night.
Her trip to America had inspired her to embrace the ideals of liberty and democracy. She intended to bring those ideals to Equestria one way or another.

Author's Notes:

Finally some more government and politics updates