Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about The Authority, protected zones, services, and governance. If you don't find your answer here, please contact us directly.
About The Authority
Q: What is The Authority?
A: The Authority is the unified administrative structure that has governed the United States since the Collapse of 2032. Formed from five major corporations with surviving infrastructure, we provide essential services, security, and governance to 137 million citizens across 15 protected zones.
Q: Why did corporations form The Authority instead of rebuilding government?
A: When the Collapse occurred in April 2032, federal, state, and local governments proved unable to respond effectively. Bureaucratic paralysis, resource mismanagement, and lack of coordination led to 203 million deaths over nine months. The five founding corporations had surviving infrastructure (power, water, communications, security, logistics) that could immediately save lives. The Authority formed because it was the only entity capable of immediate, effective action. Rebuilding democratic government would have taken years—during which millions more would have died.
Q: Do citizens have representation in Authority governance?
A: The Authority operates through professional administration rather than electoral democracy. Given emergency conditions following the Collapse and the need for rapid, coordinated response, traditional democratic structures were not feasible. As protected zones stabilize and populations recover, discussions about increased citizen participation in governance continue. Citizens can currently submit feedback, complaints, and policy recommendations through official channels.
Q: How is The Authority funded?
A: The Authority is funded through resource management fees, infrastructure service charges, and economic activity within protected zones. We publish annual financial reports detailing revenue sources and expenditures across all departments.
View Annual Financial Reports →
Protected Zones
Q: What are protected zones?
A: Protected zones are regions where The Authority maintains functioning infrastructure (power, water, security, healthcare, education). There are currently 15 protected zones housing 137 million citizens. These zones were established 2033-2035 by concentrating surviving populations where infrastructure could support them.
Q: Can I move between protected zones?
A: Yes. Inter-zone travel is permitted through the Department of Border Management's 47-checkpoint network. Travel requires proper documentation (Authority Travel Permit, valid identification, health certification) and checkpoint verification. The process typically takes 3.2 hours per crossing.
Learn about inter-zone travel →
Q: Why are some areas not protected zones?
A: Protected zones were established where surviving infrastructure could support populations. Between zones lie "Belt regions" —areas affected by Collapse-era contamination from damaged chemical facilities, breached nuclear sites, and environmental degradation. Many Belt regions are hazardous to human habitation. The Authority maintains regulated travel routes through verified safe corridors.
Q: Can I live in a Belt region?
A: Belt regions are not recommended for habitation due to contamination hazards. Between 2033-2041, over 2,400 people died attempting unauthorized Belt crossings. The Authority strongly advises against Belt residence. If you are currently residing in Belt regions, please contact Citizen Assistance for relocation programs.
Services
Q: What services does The Authority provide?
A: The Authority provides comprehensive governance services:
- Infrastructure: Power, water, waste management, communications
- Public Safety: Security forces, law enforcement, emergency response
- Border Management: Regulated inter-zone travel through 47 checkpoints
- Economic Services: Employment coordination, trade regulation, financial systems
- Healthcare: Medical facilities, disease prevention, public health
- Education: Schools, universities, vocational training, cultural programs
Learn more about Authority services →
Q: How do I access Authority services?
A: Most Authority services are accessed through your local zone administration office or online through this portal. Infrastructure services (power, water, waste) are automatically provided to all residences. Healthcare, education, and employment services require registration through zone administration. Border management services are accessed through checkpoint facilities.
Q: What if I can't afford services?
A: Essential services (power, water, basic healthcare, education) are provided to all citizens regardless of ability to pay. The Authority operates subsidy programs for low-income citizens to ensure access to critical services. Contact your local zone administration office to inquire about assistance programs.
The Collapse
Q: What caused the Collapse of 2032?
A: The Authority Historical Commission's definitive 2035 report identified three primary factors:
- Infrastructure Neglect (2000-2032): Decades of underinvestment created cascading failure points in power grids, water systems, and communication networks
- Domestic Extremism: Coordinated attacks by domestic extremist groups targeted vulnerable infrastructure nodes
- Government Failure: Federal, state, and local governments proved unable to respond effectively to the crisis
Read complete historical analysis →
Q: How many people died during the Collapse?
A: 203 million Americans died between April 2032 and January 2033 from starvation, disease, violence, and contamination. The U.S. population declined from 340 million to 137 million in nine months. Every year on April 7th, citizens observe Remembrance Day to honor those lost.
Q: Could the Collapse happen again?
A: The Authority has implemented comprehensive infrastructure redundancy, security protocols, and disaster prevention systems specifically designed to prevent future catastrophes. Continuous monitoring, regular maintenance, and emergency response preparation ensure the mistakes of 2032 are not repeated.
Border Management & Travel
Q: Why do I need permits to travel between zones?
A: The checkpoint system serves three purposes:
- Safe Passage: Belt regions contain Collapse-era contamination. Checkpoints provide verified safe routes
- Health Screening: Prevents disease transmission between zones
- Security Verification: Ensures travelers are who they claim to be, preventing fraud and security threats
Without the checkpoint system, Belt crossing casualties would continue at 2033-2041 rates (2,400+ deaths). The network has prevented an estimated 14,000 deaths since 2042.
Q: How long does checkpoint processing take?
A: Average processing time is 3.2 hours per crossing. This includes documentation verification, biometric screening, health checks, and security assessment. Processing ensures 99.2% verification accuracy preventing fraud and protecting zone security.
Q: What if my checkpoint crossing is denied?
A: If your crossing is denied, the checkpoint inspector will provide specific reasons. You have three options:
- Address the issue: Correct documentation problems or health certification issues and reapply
- File an appeal: Submit formal appeal with additional supporting documentation
- Request supervisor review: Available at time of denial or within 48 hours
Learn about the appeal process →
Employment
Q: Does The Authority hire civilians?
A: Yes. The Authority employs over 800,000 personnel across all departments and zones, including infrastructure technicians, security personnel, healthcare workers, educators, administrators, and more. Career opportunities are posted on our employment page.
Q: What are unemployment rates in protected zones?
A: Current unemployment rate is 4.2%, down from 94% in 2033. Employment programs, job training initiatives, and economic growth have created widespread employment opportunities across all zones.
Feedback & Accountability
Q: Can I challenge Authority policies or decisions?
A: Yes. Citizens can submit formal inquiries, complaints, and policy recommendations through official channels. The Authority reviews all submissions and adjusts policies when warranted. Significant policy changes undergo review by departmental leadership and the Office of the Director General.
Submit feedback or complaint →
Q: How do I report Authority personnel misconduct?
A: The Authority takes personnel misconduct seriously. You can report concerns through:
- Online: Submit confidential report through our contact form
- In Person: Visit your local zone administration office
- Phone: Call the Authority Ethics Hotline (details on contact page)
All reports are investigated by the Office of Professional Standards. Reporters can remain confidential if requested.
Q: Are Authority activities transparent?
A: The Authority publishes annual reports documenting activities, expenditures, and performance across all departments. These reports are available to all citizens and provide detailed information about governance operations.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn't find your answer here, please contact us:
- Email: info@authority-official.com
- Online Form: Submit contact form →