Post by James R. Kennedy on Apr 25, 2024 23:15:47 GMT -5
Article I: Rights of Citizens:
We, the people of the region of Iris, united our pursuit of peace, prosperity, and justice, establish this constitution to guide our governance. All citizens shall have the right to,Equality and Non-Discrimination: All citizens of the nation shall be equal before the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
Freedom of Expression: Every citizen has the right to freedom of thought, opinion, expression, and speech as long as it’s not slandering, defamation, or harm to regional security.
Right to Privacy: Citizens have the right to privacy in their personal lives, homes, communications, and data.
Right to Life, Liberty, and Security: Every citizen has the inherent right to life, liberty, and security of person.
Right to Due Process and Fair Trial: Citizens shall have the right to a fair and impartial trial, conducted by an independent judiciary.
Right to Vote and Participate in Government: Every citizen has the right to vote in free and fair elections and to participate in the democratic processes of the region.
Freedom of Association and Assembly:Citizens have the right to form and join associations, organizations, and peaceful assemblies for lawful purposes.
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Article II: Head of State
The head of state of the region of Iris shall be the Sovereign who is the senior most member of the Royal Family who shall then establish a line of succession down to the third in line for the throne. The duties of the Sovereign are defined as follows,Serve as the symbol of unity and sovereignty for the region of Iris. While wielding significant influence, the Sovereign’s power shall be subject to the limitations and checks outlined in this constitution.
The Sovereign shall appoint trusted advisers and officials to assist in the governance of the region, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.
The Sovereign shall work in collaboration with local representatives and governing bodies to promote economic development, social progress, and the well-being of the people of Iris.
The Sovereign shall respect and protect the fundamental rights and liberties of all individuals within the region of Iris, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
The Sovereign is recognized as the ceremonial Chief Justice of the Judicial Branch, who grants that authority to the Councilor of Justice and Arbitration. The sovereign shall possess the power to grant pardons and reprieves to individuals convicted of crimes or facing punishment. This power shall be exercised judiciously, taking into consideration the recommendations of the Councilor of Justice and the best interests of justice.
The Sovereign shall have access to all necessary information pertaining to the operations of the government. This knowledge shall be used to provide advice, counsel, and guidance to the elected representatives and to ensure the smooth functioning of the state.
While the sovereign has certain powers and privileges, these powers shall be exercised within the bounds set by the constitution. The sovereign shall not interfere in the day-to-day governance of the region or act against the principles of democracy and the rule of law unless deemed necessary as mentioned in (Article I, Section 8.)
The sovereign of Iris holds significant powers, including the authority to issue Royal Orders. These orders carry the weight of law and can shape the governance and policies of the region. Additionally, the sovereign possesses the royal veto, allowing them to reject any legislation passed by both the House of Nobles and the Executive Council if it is deemed detrimental to the region, oppressive to citizens, or in violation of the rights outlined in the Constitution. This power serves as a safeguard against potential abuses of legislative power and ensures that the sovereign can protect the best interests of the people. Furthermore, the sovereign assumes the role of commander in chief of the royal military, although they have the option to delegate their authority to the capable hands of the First Councilor. This division of power allows for efficient military leadership while still maintaining the sovereign's ultimate oversight over the defense and security of the region.
Article III: The Executive Council
The Council is the ruling body of Iris who it’s people. They collectively serve as the executive and legislative powers in the region. No councilor has any inherent power over any other councilor, though laws may be passed that grant councilor's specific powers to conduct specific actions in specific situations.The Council shall be made up of Councilors over:
First Councilor - This position is the head of government, elected by a majority of the Executive Council at the start of each session. They shall convene council meetings, ensure that action items are processed in a timely manner, mediate disagreements between councilors, may issue executive orders (EO’s) as long as they don’t violate policy, and serve at the pleasure of the Council.
Foreign Affairs (CFA)- This councilor shall manage diplomacy with other regions, interregional organizations, and all other aspects like unto the aforementioned.
Justice and Arbitration (CJA)- This councilor shall interpret the law, oversee trials for IC violations, and manage all other IC judiciary aspects.
Domestic Affairs (CDA)- This councilor shall manage all aspects of the regional internal affairs.
Defense (CD)- This councilor is responsible for the regional defense and the regional military.
Game-Side Advocate (GD)- This councilor oversees the regional messaging board, advocate for the RP community and the cities of Iris, and meet with city governments regularly to help them govern their respective communities.
The Council shall be subject to a 24-hour (+/- 1 hour to allow for IRL circumstances) election at a minimum of every 70 days unless the Sovereign deems it necessary to extend the Council Session. If a council position is vacated during the term and more than 35 days remain in the term, then a special election shall be held to fill the post on the first Saturday following the vacancy.
Laws maybe proposed by any citizen and will then be brought forth to the council for consideration. For a bill to become a law, it must be approved by the Executive Council with a majority in support of the proposal.
No nation may hold more than one Council position, but they may run for multiple Council positions in the election.
To be an Executive Councilor the nation must be a citizen, which requires a nation in the region and an account on the discord server.
At the beginning of each term, the Executive Council shall appoint a councilor to the post of First Councilor who then conducts the kissing of the hands with the Sovereign. The First Councilor shall have power to convene council meetings, ensure that action items are processed in a timely manner, mediate disagreements between councilors, and serve as the head of government.
Article IV: The House of Nobles
The House of Nobles shall be composed of distinguished individuals who are appointed at the start of each council session by the sovereign to represent the sovereign's interests. The members of the House of Nobles shall be chosen based on their expertise, integrity, and commitment to serving the best interests of the region.Responsibilities:
The House of Nobles shall be strictly responsible for legislative procedures and the development of new legislation.
They shall review, debate, and propose bills, ensuring that they align with the principles outlined in the Constitution.
The House of Nobles shall exercise thorough scrutiny to ensure that legislative proposals promote the welfare of the citizens, uphold their rights and freedoms, and contribute to the overall progress and stability of the region.
Independence from Executive Council:
No noblemen or noblewomen shall serve simultaneously on the Executive Council and the House of Nobles.
This separation of roles aims to preserve the checks and balances within the governance system, preventing any potential conflicts of interest and ensuring the fair and impartial functioning of both bodies.
Term of Office:
The members of the House of Nobles shall hold office for the duration of the council session unless otherwise specified by the sovereign.
At the conclusion of each council session, new appointments shall be made, taking into consideration the changing needs and circumstances of the region.
Accountability and Transparency:
Members of the House of Nobles shall be accountable to the sovereign and the people they represent.
They shall conduct their duties with utmost transparency, keeping the public informed of their deliberations and decision-making processes.
Regular reports and updates shall be provided to the sovereign and made accessible to the general public, ensuring an open and accountable legislative process.
Authority and Limitations:
The House of Nobles shall have the authority to propose, amend, or reject legislation.
However, the sovereign retains the power of the royal veto, which can be exercised in cases where legislation is deemed harmful to the region, its citizens, or violates the rights outlined in the Constitution.
The House of Nobles must respect this authority and work collaboratively with the sovereign to ensure the enactment of just and beneficial laws.
Article V: Policies and Laws
Policies are IC rules that govern specific aspects of one councilor's department. They only affect that councilor's department and have no power outside of that department's operations. They are enforced by the councilor over the department in question. Violations of policies cannot result in banjection or loss of citizenship.The Sovereign may call and end to a council session early if they deem it appropriate for the region. Once called upon, elections shall begin no later than 72 hours after the call is made. The Sovereign reserves the write to call on special elections to fill vacant seats in the executive council.
The First Councilor reserves the right to ask the Sovereign to declare the council session null and void. If agreed by the Sovereign, elections will take place no later than 72 hours after the announcement is made.
Laws are IC rules that affect all citizens or multiple departments. They are interpreted and enforced by the CJA. The CJA may impose any punishment that fits the crime, up to and including permanent banjection or loss of citizenship. If the CJA is serving as First Councilor, they will recuse themselves from any legal proceedings that involve the government or their office. Their Deputy shall hear those cases, or the Sovereign will appoint someone impartial to hear the case.
Article VI: Appointment and Removal
Councilors may appoint subordinates to assist in their duties. The Councilor may be held responsible for the actions of their subordinates. Councilors may remove their own subordinates at will.For a Councilor to be removed from their post they must resign, lose their eligibility to hold the post (see Article 1.V), or be impeached. A Councilor may be impeached by the remainder of the Council unanimously voting for their removal, or by the majority vote by the Council after receiving a Petition of Impeachment that is signed by 10 or half of the region's citizens, whichever amount is lesser. The CJA may verify the signatories. The Council must hold a vote within 24 hours of a valid Petition of Impeachment being received.