[Discussion] Draft for a Constitution

[Sprocket]

On behalf of several Representatives, I present to all Representatives a draft constitution, to discuss and comment informally before formal proposal for debate and voting.

The Constitution of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation

Article I - Establishment

1. This Constitution is the supreme law of the Empire and the Constitution's authority extends to all territories, demesnes, and other jurisdictions where the Empire or any entity of the Empire has the authority to govern.
2. The Caprine Code is the body of laws that govern the Empire and its authority extends to all territories, demesnes, and other jurisdications where the Empire or any entity of the empire has the authority to govern.
3. Ignorance of the law does not excuse from compliance therewith.
4. Laws shall not have a retroactive effect unless it is so expressed.
5. In no case shall the retroactive effect of a law operate to the prejudice of rights acquired under previous legislative action.
6. Acts executed contrary to the provisions of the law are void except when the law preserves their validity.
7. Rights granted by the laws may be renounced, provided such renunciation be not contrary to law, to the public interest or public order, or prejudicial to the interest of a third person.
8. Laws shall only be repealed by means of subsequent laws, by directly amending the Caprine Code; and disuse, custom or practice to the contrary shall not impede their enforcement.
9. Laws may be repealed either entirely or in part by other laws by removing entire sections or only certain clauses in the Caprine Code.
10. A repeal is either express or implied. It is express when it is literally declared by a subsequent law; it is implied when the new law contains provision either contrary to or irreconcilable with those of the former law.
11. Any court in Natopia which shall refuse to render a decision on the pretext of silence, obscurity or unintelligibility of the laws, or for any other reason, shall be held liable, therefore.
12. When there is no statute applicable to the case at issue, the court shall decide in accordance with equity, which means that natural justice, as embodied in the general principles of jurisprudence and in accepted and established usages and customs of Natopia only, shall be taken into consideration.
13. The laws relating to family rights and obligations, or to the status, condition and legal capacity of persons, shall be binding upon the citizens of Natopia, even if they may reside in a foreign country.
14. Personal property is subject to the laws of the nation of the owner thereof; real property to the laws of the country in which it is situated.
15. In matters which are the subject of special laws, any deficiency in such laws shall be supplied by the provisions of this Section.
16. When a law is clear and free from all ambiguity, the letter of the same shall not be disregarded, under the pretext of fulfilling the spirit thereof.
17. The words of a law shall generally be understood in their most usual definition, taking into consideration, not so much the exact grammatical rules governing the same, as their general and popular use.
18. Technical terms and phrases used in the arts and sciences shall be interpreted according to their received meaning and acceptation with the experts and authorities in the science, art or profession to which they refer.
19. When the words of a law are dubious, their meaning should be sought by examining and comparing the obscure expressions with other related words and sentences in an orderly manner, in order to ascertain their true meaning.
20. Laws which refer to the same matter, or whose object is the same, shall be interpreted with reference to each other, in order that what is clear in one may be employed for the purpose of explaining what is doubtful in another.
21. The most effectual and universal manner of discovering the true meaning of a law, when its expressions are dubious, is by considering the reason and spirit thereof, or the cause or motives which induced its enactment.
22. If a provision of an Act is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable, that shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the Act.
23. The distinction of laws into odious or favorable with a view of limiting or extending their provisions, shall not be made by those whose duty it is to interpret them.
24. Laws are equally applied to all without distinction of person or sex, except in the cases otherwise specially provided in the law.
25. The expressions "Natopia", "Natopian Empire", "Bovic Empire", "Natopian Nation" shall be held to comprehend, for all purposes, the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation and all their lands, possessions and occupied territories.
26. For the purposes of this Section, a law shall be defined as a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by the government of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation.

Article II - Legislature

1. The Frenzy is the legislature of the Empire, it alone creates laws by adding and amending the Caprine Code.
2. No citizen shall be a Representative who shall not be a resident of that Demesne for which they shall be chosen.
3. Only Representatives, and invited guests of the Representatives, may speak on the Floor of the Frenzy.
4. The Caprine Code is the body of law that governs the Empire and the Code's authority extends to all territories, demesnes, and other jurisdictions where the Empire or any entity of the Empire has the authority to govern.
5. Acts of Frenzy become law when passed by a majority of Representatives present and given assent by the Emperor. The law is then added to the Caprine Code by the Chancellor.
6. The Frenzy, by passing Resolutions, may direct Imperial officials to act in accordance with the Constitution and Caprine Code, enact the ratification process of a treaty or other agreement, overturn Chancellorial and Imperial Decrees, claim additional land for the Empire, cede Imperial land, redraw internal boundaries, rename cities, issue city charters, or any other similar action to ensure effective governing.
7. Any Representative may propose a Bill for consideration.
8. The Frenzy may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish Representatives for disorderly behavior, and, by a two-thirds majority, expel a member.
9. The Emperor, through the process of granting Imperial Assent, approves an Act of Frenzy. Only bills that receive approval through Imperial Assent shall be made into Law and added to the Caprine Code. Bills that do not receive the approval of the Emperor within seven (7) days after being dispatched to the Emperor for his Assent shall be passed into Law with Imperial Assent being automatically assumed.
10. The Emperor, by issuing a veto, returns a Bill back to the Frenzy, attached with an explanation from the Emperor of the veto, and can only be overturned by a three-fifth's (3/5's) vote of the Frenzy.
11. The Chancellor maintains and publicizes the Caprine Code for public scrutiny by ensuring it is up to date with the current actions of the Frenzy. The Chancellor has the authority to number or renumber sections and clauses to maintain a logical consistency within the Code. The Chancellor may change any typographic or grammatical errors they may find.

Article III - Chancellor

1. Executive power over domestic affairs is vested in the Chancellor.
2. The Chancellor presides over the Frenzy, maintains the Library of Law, serves as Head of Government, executes the will of the Frenzy, upholds and enforces the Constitution and the Caprine Code, oversees immigration, grows and maintains the economy, presents Bills passed by the Frenzy to the Emperor for Imperial Assent, advises the Emperor on domestic concerns, and administers the normal affairs of government.
3. The Chancellor issues Chancellorial Decrees that have the authority of law when the Frenzy is unable to convene or in matters of national emergency.
4. The Chancellor appoints a cabinet of ministers, the Imperial Chancellery, to advise and assist. Ministries are established in the Caprine Code.
5. For a vacancy in the office resulting from the resignation or death of a chancellor, the Emperor nominates a citizen that will have the confidence of the Frenzy, and following a vote of confidence in for the chancellorial nominee, swears the nominee in as Chancellor.
6. The Chancellor designates one of the appointed cabinet-level officials as a Deputy to assume the duties of the Chancellor during a temporary vacancy of the office
7. The Chancellor issues Executive Orders to fulfill their office's obligations. Executive Orders are instruments of government to instruct government officials where the Imperial Chancellery has jurisdiction to govern.
8. The Chancellor may be removed from office only by a constructive vote of no confidence passed by the Frenzy that also names a replacement chancellorial nominee that would have confidence of the Frenzy.

Article IV - Emperor

1. Executive power over external and defensive affairs is vested in the Emperor/Empress of the Natopians
2. The Emperor is styled His Most Bovic Majesty, and holds power to regulate the Imperial Court and define the symbols of his person, office and court.
3. The Emperor is the Head of State, a symbol of the Empire of Natopia and guardian of the unity of the Natopian Nation. .
4. The Emperor appoints ambassadors, liaisons, and delegates to foreign states, entities, and organizations and receives foreign heads of state, ambassadors, ministers and other envoys
5. The Emperor grants amnesty, commutes punishments, and issues pardons.
6. The Emperor is commander-in-chief of the Natopian armed forces, with the traditional title of Grand Commander of the Natopian Defense Force.
7. The Emperor issues Imperial Decrees that have the authority of law to conduct matters as head of state; to administer foreign and military affairs; regulate the customs of the Imperial Court; to protect and enforce their Instrument of Succession; to create and bestow titles, honors, and awards; and in emergencies declared by Orders-in-Council conduct the affairs of the entire Natopian government.
8. The Emperor remains in his authority until the Emperor's uncontested death or abdication.
9. An abdication is written by the Emperor's own hand and is submitted to the Frenzy.
10. An uncontested death is irrefutable public evidence of the Emperor's death.
11. The Emperor maintains the Instrument of Succession by decree. In the event of the demise of the throne, the first person in the order of succession becomes Emperor.
12. The Pentheros of the Dozan Bovic Church confers Bous' divine approval of the new Emperor by officiating the new Emperor's ceremonial coronation. During the coronation, the Emperor must swear or affirm an oath to maintain, expand, and protect the Natopian Nation and Dozan Bovic Church.
13. The Emperor must appoint a Regent during any absence that exceeds a duration of three Natopian months (6 Gregorian days), the Regent shall fulfill all critical responsibilities of the Emperor.

Article V - Judicial

1. The judicial powers of Natopia are vested in The Court of the Noble Fountain and in such inferior courts that are established by Frenzy or demesnial law.
2. The Court is chaired by the Emperor, and is composed of the Secretary for Legal Advice and at least one Legal Adviser(s).
3. The Secretary and Legal Adviser(s) of the Court are appointed for twelve (12) year terms;
4. Candidates are proposed by the Emperor and confirmed by the Frenzy;
5. After the Secretary's term has expired, the Emperor may recommend the Secretary's term to be reconfirmed to another 12 years by the Frenzy; the Secretary may recommend the Legal Adviser(s)'s term to be reconfirmed for another 12 years by the Frenzy.
6. An appointee takes office after swearing an Oath; the wording of the Oath shall be determined by the Emperor.
7. Membership of the Court shall only cease on occasion of one of the following: a written resignation delivered to the Emperor; the death of a Member; a vote of the Frenzy to remove the Secretary and/or Legal Adviser(s) that receives a majority of two thirds and a confirmation by the Emperor.
8. The jurisdiction of the Court is limitless provided that at least one Party to a case is associated with the Empire.
9. A decision made by the Court: is taken with a simple majority of the Emperor, Secretary, and Legal Adviser(s); is final and cannot be challenged or overruled unless so decided by the Court itself; takes immediate effect and requires immediate implementation, unless otherwise specified.
10. The Court defines its own procedures and practices.
11. If the Secretary and/or Legal Adviser(s) is named as respondent in a case before the Court, then they will recuse themselves from deliberations.

[Ernesto de la Cruz]

I think we have a chance here to make this a real document of governance and national purpose - we could come up with a really nice preamble. We can have the Emperor throw something together with our help that kind of tells the story of the Natopian people, and of their Empire, and how the Emperor has reached the position now where he wants to grant his beloved people a Constitution to bring order, good governance, and yada yada yada. It's a great chance to add some dramatic elements to what otherwise is a legal document that should be precise in some moments and maybe a little vague in others.

I point to the "prologue" Louis XVIII wrote in the Charter of 1815 where he's talking about how he was restored, and how the trials and tribulations of France have brought him to ordain the Charter: check it out here.

Some parts of this should be moved to the Caprine Code. For example, Article I is from a bill I wrote a while back, and it is meant to be the first article of the whole code, outlining some general terms and concepts for the application of the Caprine Code across all of Natopia.

The first Article can deal with what the official name of the nation is, its capital, its motto, and general "identity" clauses: the form of the Empire, what kind of government, who the Natopian people are (maybe some central tenets about Natopian citizenship - as in how its passed down and obtained, such as birth in Natopia, by parentage, etc etc and leave the rest to the law), official languages, and maybe a bit about what the objectives of the government should be.

The second Article deals with the Emperor and the Imperial Prerogatives. The third Article can deal with the Frenzy. The fourth Article can deal then with the Chancellor and the rest of the executive government and how it relates to the Emperor and the Frenzy. The fifth Article can deal with the courts. The sixth article can have transitional provisions (it takes some organization to provide for what happens between the end of how things were and the start of how things will be under the new Consti) and provisions on how it gets amended.

This is just me spitballing a bit here. But considering this document should be a bit more difficult to amend than the Caprine Code, maybe we should be more detailed in its drafting. The Caprine Code can be easily amended.

[Sprocket]

The Constitution of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation

[Preamble written and approved by the Emperor and Frenzy]

Article I - The Natopian Nation

1. The sovereign Natopian state is known as the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation; it consists of many peoples and nations, seeking prosperity and justice, united together under the Emperor of the Natopians.
2. The government of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation empowers the Natopian people above all and is a representative democracy, with only essential and emergency powers reserved for the monarch and executive for limited use.
3. The Natopian Nation refers to all peoples, nations, ethnicities, races, tribes, bands, and other groups that proclaim and possess citizenship and allegiance to the Natopian state.
4. A person is born into the Natopian Nation if one of their parents is a Natopian at the time of birth; or if the person is born within Natopian jurisdiction. Any other person may pursue Natopian citizenship through a formal immigration process.
5. The Cross of Sovereignty is the oldest and most important symbol of Natopia and represents the Natopian people at the core, surrounding themselves with a protective government, and using the government to hold their four most cherished and essential rights: freedom, justice, peace, and equality.
6. The motto of Natopia is "Peace Through Silent Oppression," a sober reminder of the early totalitarian governments that the Natopian Nation actively reformed over generations, and a call to the Natopian Nation to remain vigilant against oppression.
7. The capital of Natopia is Lindström, which shall not be part of, or governed by, any demesne. The Imperial Government and all agencies and bureaus will meet in Lindström if practical.
8. To assist in communication among the various peoples of the Natopian Nation, the official administration language of Natopia is Natspeak. No local, cultural, ancient, or minority language shall ever be suppressed by Natopian laws.
9. The government of Natopia will protect the Natopian people and defend their inherent rights to freedom, justice, peace, and equality.
10. The Dozan Bovic Church and the Bovinist religion has a special and formal relationship with the Natopian Nation; however adherence to any religion shall never be used to discriminate against a person.

Article II - The Emperor

1. The Emperor will defend this Constitution, protect the Natopian Nation from all threats foreign and domestic, display exemplary moral and civic character, and serve as a living symbol of Natopian unity.
2. Executive power over foreign affairs and responsibility for defense of the Nation is vested in the Emperor of the Natopians and exercised through His Most Bovic Majesty's Imperial Court.
3. The Emperor holds power to regulate and define the structure, officers, and symbols of the Imperial Court.
4. The Emperor is the Head of State, a symbol of the Empire of Natopia and guardian of the unity of the Natopian Nation. .
5. The Emperor appoints ambassadors, liaisons, and delegates to foreign states, entities, and organizations and receives foreign heads of state, ambassadors, ministers and other envoys
6. The Emperor grants amnesty, commutes punishments, and issues pardons.
7. The Emperor is commander-in-chief of the Natopian Defense Force, with the traditional and customary military rank of Grand Commander.
8. The Emperor issues Imperial Decrees that have the authority of law to conduct matters as head of state; to administer foreign and military affairs; regulate and administer his Imperial Court; to protect and enforce their Instrument of Succession; to create and bestow titles, honors, and awards; and to temporarily govern the entire Imperial Government in such dire national emergencies as declared by the Frenzy.
9. The Emperor remains in his authority until the Emperor's uncontested death or abdication.
10. An uncontested death is irrefutable public evidence of the Emperor's death.
11. An abdication is written by the Emperor's own hand and is submitted to the Frenzy.
12. The Emperor maintains an Instrument of Succession. In the event of the Emperor's uncontested death or abdication, the first person in the order of succession becomes Emperor.
13. The Pentheros of the Dozan Bovic Church confers Bous' divine approval of the new Emperor by officiating the new Emperor's ceremonial coronation. During the coronation, the Emperor must swear or affirm an oath to maintain, expand, and protect the Natopian Nation and Dozan Bovic Church.
14. The Emperor must appoint a Regent and the Regent must be able fulfill all critical responsibilities of the Emperor during any absence of the Emperor that exceeds three continuous Norton months (6 Gregorian days).
15. There will be no other self-styled emperors or kings in the Bovic Empire; except ancient royal titles and kings of sovereign nations that have since entered into the Bovic Empire.

Article III - The Frenzy

1. All legislative powers shall be vested in a Frenzy of the Bovic Empire.
2. The Frenzy shall be composed of Representatives chosen by the citizens and governments of the Demesnes.
3. No citizen shall be a Representative who shall not be a resident of that Demesne for which they shall be chosen.
4. The Frenzy creates laws that govern the Bovic Empire, known as the Caprine Code.
5. The Caprine Code's authority extends to all territories, demesnes, and other jurisdictions where the Empire or any entity of the Empire has the authority to govern.
6. Acts of Frenzy become law when passed by a majority of Representatives present and given assent by the Emperor. The law is then added to the Caprine Code by the Chancellor.
7. The Frenzy, by passing Resolutions, may direct Imperial officials to act in accordance with the Constitution and Caprine Code, enact the ratification process of a treaty or other agreement, overturn Chancellorial and Imperial Decrees, claim additional land for the Empire, cede Imperial land, redraw internal boundaries, rename cities, issue city charters, or any other similar action to ensure effective governing.
8. Any Representative may propose a Bill for consideration.
9. The Frenzy may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish Representatives for disorderly behavior, and, by a two-thirds majority, expel a member.
10. The Emperor, through the process of granting Imperial Assent, approves an Act of Frenzy. Only bills that receive approval through Imperial Assent shall be made into Law and added to the Caprine Code. Bills that do not receive the approval of the Emperor within seven (7) days after being dispatched to the Emperor for his Assent shall be passed into Law with Imperial Assent being automatically assumed.
11. The Emperor, by issuing a veto, returns a Bill back to the Frenzy, attached with an explanation from the Emperor of the veto, and can only be overturned by a three-fifth's (3/5's) vote of the Frenzy.

Article IV - The Chancellor

1. Executive power over domestic affairs is vested in the Chancellor of the Bovic Empire.
2. The Chancellor presides over the Frenzy, maintains the Library of Law, serves as Head of Government, executes the will of the Frenzy, upholds and enforces the Constitution and the Caprine Code, oversees immigration, grows and maintains the economy, presents Bills passed by the Frenzy to the Emperor for Imperial Assent, advises the Emperor on domestic concerns, and administers the normal affairs of government.
3. The Chancellor issues Chancellorial Decrees that have the authority of law when the Frenzy is unable to convene or in matters of national emergency.
4. The Chancellor appoints a cabinet of ministers to the Imperial Chancellery, to advise and assist them. Ministries are established in the Caprine Code.
5. For a vacancy in the office resulting from the resignation or death of a chancellor, the Emperor nominates a citizen that will have the confidence of the Frenzy, and following a vote of confidence for the chancellorial nominee, swears the nominee in as Chancellor.
6. The Chancellor designates one of the appointed cabinet-level officials as a Deputy to assume the duties of the Chancellor during a temporary vacancy of the office
7. The Chancellor issues Executive Orders to fulfill their office's obligations. Executive Orders are instruments of government to instruct government officials where the Imperial Chancellery has jurisdiction to govern.
8. The Chancellor may be removed from office only by a constructive vote of no confidence passed by the Frenzy that also names a replacement chancellorial nominee that would have confidence of the Frenzy.


Article V - The Judicial Courts

1. The judicial powers of Natopia are vested in The Court of the Noble Fountain and in such inferior courts that are established by Frenzy or demesnial law.
2. The Court is customarily within His Most Bovic Majesty's Imperial Court. It is chaired by the Emperor, and is composed of the Secretary for Legal Advice and at least one Legal Adviser(s).
3. The Secretary and Legal Adviser(s) of the Court are appointed for twelve (12) year terms;
4. Candidates are nominated by the Emperor and confirmed by the Frenzy;
5. After the Secretary's term has expired, the Emperor may recommend the Secretary's term to be reconfirmed to another 12 years by the Frenzy; the Secretary may recommend the Legal Adviser(s)'s term to be reconfirmed for another 12 years by the Frenzy.
6. An appointee takes office after swearing an Oath; the wording of the Oath shall be determined by the Emperor.
7. Membership of the Court shall only cease on occasion of one of the following: a written resignation delivered to the Emperor; the death of a Member; a vote of the Frenzy to remove the Secretary and/or Legal Adviser(s) that receives a majority of two thirds and a confirmation by the Emperor.
8. The jurisdiction of the Court is limitless provided that at least one Party to a case is associated with the Empire.
9. A decision made by the Court: is taken with a simple majority of the Emperor, Secretary, and Legal Adviser(s); is final and cannot be challenged or overruled unless so decided by the Court itself; takes immediate effect and requires immediate implementation, unless otherwise specified.
10. The Court defines its own procedures and practices.
11. If the Emperor, Secretary, and/or Legal Adviser(s) is named as respondent in a case before the Court, then they will recuse themselves from deliberations.

Article VI - Enactment, Amendments, and Other Provisions

1. This Constitution shall supersede and remove the constitutional sections of the Caprine Code.
2. This Constitution will be ratified and enacted once approved by a 3/4 majority vote of the Frenzy and being Promulgated by the Emperor.
3. This Constitution is the supreme law of Natopia and no law, decree, order, or command may go against it.
4. An Act of Frenzy, passed by a 3/4 majority and granted Assent by the Emperor, may amend this Constitution.
5. It shall be assumed that all parts of the Imperial Government that existed under the constitutional sections of the Caprine Code and will continue to exist under this Constitution will persist as the same legal entities, under their present administrators and officers, once this Constitution has been ratified and enacted.
6. The enactments of this Constitution does not affect or interrupt any of the Bovic Empire's foreign obligations, debts, treaties, or other relationships.

[Nathan II]

Here's a preamble. Any other suggestions before voting?

The Constitution of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation

The Natopian Nation is defined by its perseverance, resourcefulness, creativity, and diversity. These are the strengths of Our Nation, and the qualities that we all hold high above others, defining us as Natopians. This common pride, and not the circumstances of our birth, is what binds us together as Natopians. As Natopians we seek to create ever more perfect ways to organize and govern ourselves, so that we all may prosper. That is why the Natopian Nation has chosen to codify its governing laws into this constitution, so that the government at the service of the Natopian Nation shall always serve the People without ambiguity, and that the various arms of that government have clearly defined and separated powers, and that the government can act to protect the People, the Nation, the State, and the Land we depend on.

Article I - The Natopian Nation

1. The sovereign Natopian state is known as the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation; it consists of many peoples and nations, seeking prosperity and justice, united together under the Emperor of the Natopians.
2. The government of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation empowers the Natopian people above all and is a representative democracy, with only essential and emergency powers reserved for the monarch and executive for limited use.
3. The Natopian Nation refers to all peoples, nations, ethnicities, races, tribes, bands, and other groups that proclaim and possess citizenship and allegiance to the Natopian state.
4. A person is born into the Natopian Nation if one of their parents is a Natopian at the time of birth; or if the person is born within Natopian jurisdiction. Any other person may pursue Natopian citizenship through a formal immigration process.
5. The Cross of Sovereignty is the oldest and most important symbol of Natopia and represents the Natopian people at the core, surrounding themselves with a protective government, and using the government to hold their four most cherished and essential rights: freedom, justice, peace, and equality.
6. The motto of Natopia is "Peace Through Silent Oppression," a sober reminder of the early totalitarian governments that the Natopian Nation actively reformed over generations, and a call to the Natopian Nation to remain vigilant against oppression.
7. The capital of Natopia is Lindström, which shall not be part of, or governed by, any demesne. The Imperial Government and all agencies and bureaus will meet in Lindström if practical.
8. To assist in communication among the various peoples of the Natopian Nation, the official administration language of Natopia is Natspeak. No local, cultural, ancient, or minority language shall ever be suppressed by Natopian laws.
9. The government of Natopia will protect the Natopian people and defend their inherent rights to freedom, justice, peace, and equality.
10. The Dozan Bovic Church and the Bovinist religion has a special and formal relationship with the Natopian Nation; however adherence to any religion shall never be used to discriminate against a person.

Article II - The Emperor

1. The Emperor will defend this Constitution, protect the Natopian Nation from all threats foreign and domestic, display exemplary moral and civic character, and serve as a living symbol of Natopian unity.
2. Executive power over foreign affairs and responsibility for defense of the Nation is vested in the Emperor of the Natopians and exercised through His Most Bovic Majesty's Imperial Court.
3. The Emperor holds power to regulate and define the structure, officers, and symbols of the Imperial Court.
4. The Emperor is the Head of State, a symbol of the Empire of Natopia and guardian of the unity of the Natopian Nation. .
5. The Emperor appoints ambassadors, liaisons, and delegates to foreign states, entities, and organizations and receives foreign heads of state, ambassadors, ministers and other envoys
6. The Emperor grants amnesty, commutes punishments, and issues pardons.
7. The Emperor is commander-in-chief of the Natopian Defense Force, with the traditional and customary military rank of Grand Commander.
8. The Emperor issues Imperial Decrees that have the authority of law to conduct matters as head of state; to administer foreign and military affairs; regulate and administer his Imperial Court; to protect and enforce their Instrument of Succession; to create and bestow titles, honors, and awards; and to temporarily govern the entire Imperial Government in such dire national emergencies as declared by the Frenzy.
9. The Emperor remains in his authority until the Emperor's uncontested death or abdication.
10. An uncontested death is irrefutable public evidence of the Emperor's death.
11. An abdication is written by the Emperor's own hand and is submitted to the Frenzy.
12. The Emperor maintains an Instrument of Succession. In the event of the Emperor's uncontested death or abdication, the first person in the order of succession becomes Emperor.
13. The Pentheros of the Dozan Bovic Church confers Bous' divine approval of the new Emperor by officiating the new Emperor's ceremonial coronation. During the coronation, the Emperor must swear or affirm an oath to maintain, expand, and protect the Natopian Nation and Dozan Bovic Church.
14. The Emperor must appoint a Regent and the Regent must be able fulfill all critical responsibilities of the Emperor during any absence of the Emperor that exceeds three continuous Norton months (6 Gregorian days).
15. There will be no other self-styled emperors or kings in the Bovic Empire; except ancient royal titles and kings of sovereign nations that have since entered into the Bovic Empire.

Article III - The Frenzy

1. All legislative powers shall be vested in a Frenzy of the Bovic Empire.
2. The Frenzy shall be composed of Representatives chosen by the citizens and governments of the Demesnes.
3. No citizen shall be a Representative who shall not be a resident of that Demesne for which they shall be chosen.
4. The Frenzy creates laws that govern the Bovic Empire, known as the Caprine Code.
5. The Caprine Code's authority extends to all territories, demesnes, and other jurisdictions where the Empire or any entity of the Empire has the authority to govern.
6. Acts of Frenzy become law when passed by a majority of Representatives present and given assent by the Emperor. The law is then added to the Caprine Code by the Chancellor.
7. The Frenzy, by passing Resolutions, may direct Imperial officials to act in accordance with the Constitution and Caprine Code, enact the ratification process of a treaty or other agreement, overturn Chancellorial and Imperial Decrees, claim additional land for the Empire, cede Imperial land, redraw internal boundaries, rename cities, issue city charters, or any other similar action to ensure effective governing.
8. Any Representative may propose a Bill for consideration.
9. The Frenzy may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish Representatives for disorderly behavior, and, by a two-thirds majority, expel a member.
10. The Emperor, through the process of granting Imperial Assent, approves an Act of Frenzy. Only bills that receive approval through Imperial Assent shall be made into Law and added to the Caprine Code. Bills that do not receive the approval of the Emperor within seven (7) days after being dispatched to the Emperor for his Assent shall be passed into Law with Imperial Assent being automatically assumed.
11. The Emperor, by issuing a veto, returns a Bill back to the Frenzy, attached with an explanation from the Emperor of the veto, and can only be overturned by a three-fifth's (3/5's) vote of the Frenzy.

Article IV - The Chancellor

1. Executive power over domestic affairs is vested in the Chancellor of the Bovic Empire.
2. The Chancellor presides over the Frenzy, maintains the Library of Law, serves as Head of Government, executes the will of the Frenzy, upholds and enforces the Constitution and the Caprine Code, oversees immigration, grows and maintains the economy, presents Bills passed by the Frenzy to the Emperor for Imperial Assent, advises the Emperor on domestic concerns, and administers the normal affairs of government.
3. The Chancellor issues Chancellorial Decrees that have the authority of law when the Frenzy is unable to convene or in matters of national emergency.
4. The Chancellor appoints a cabinet of ministers to the Imperial Chancellery, to advise and assist them. Ministries are established in the Caprine Code.
5. For a vacancy in the office resulting from the resignation or death of a chancellor, the Emperor nominates a citizen that will have the confidence of the Frenzy, and following a vote of confidence for the chancellorial nominee, swears the nominee in as Chancellor.
6. The Chancellor designates one of the appointed cabinet-level officials as a Deputy to assume the duties of the Chancellor during a temporary vacancy of the office
7. The Chancellor issues Executive Orders to fulfill their office's obligations. Executive Orders are instruments of government to instruct government officials where the Imperial Chancellery has jurisdiction to govern.
8. The Chancellor may be removed from office only by a constructive vote of no confidence passed by the Frenzy that also names a replacement chancellorial nominee that would have confidence of the Frenzy.


Article V - The Judicial Courts

1. The judicial powers of Natopia are vested in The Court of the Noble Fountain and in such inferior courts that are established by Frenzy or demesnial law.
2. The Court is customarily within His Most Bovic Majesty's Imperial Court. It is chaired by the Emperor, and is composed of the Secretary for Legal Advice and at least one Legal Adviser(s).
3. The Secretary and Legal Adviser(s) of the Court are appointed for twelve (12) year terms;
4. Candidates are nominated by the Emperor and confirmed by the Frenzy;
5. After the Secretary's term has expired, the Emperor may recommend the Secretary's term to be reconfirmed to another 12 years by the Frenzy; the Secretary may recommend the Legal Adviser(s)'s term to be reconfirmed for another 12 years by the Frenzy.
6. An appointee takes office after swearing an Oath; the wording of the Oath shall be determined by the Emperor.
7. Membership of the Court shall only cease on occasion of one of the following: a written resignation delivered to the Emperor; the death of a Member; a vote of the Frenzy to remove the Secretary and/or Legal Adviser(s) that receives a majority of two thirds and a confirmation by the Emperor.
8. The jurisdiction of the Court is limitless provided that at least one Party to a case is associated with the Empire.
9. A decision made by the Court: is taken with a simple majority of the Emperor, Secretary, and Legal Adviser(s); is final and cannot be challenged or overruled unless so decided by the Court itself; takes immediate effect and requires immediate implementation, unless otherwise specified.
10. The Court defines its own procedures and practices.
11. If the Emperor, Secretary, and/or Legal Adviser(s) is named as respondent in a case before the Court, then they will recuse themselves from deliberations.

Article VI - Enactment, Amendments, and Other Provisions

1. This Constitution shall supersede and remove the constitutional sections of the Caprine Code.
2. This Constitution will be ratified and enacted once approved by a 3/4 majority vote of the Frenzy and being Promulgated by the Emperor.
3. This Constitution is the supreme law of Natopia and no law, decree, order, or command may go against it.
4. An Act of Frenzy, passed by a 3/4 majority and granted Assent by the Emperor, may amend this Constitution.
5. It shall be assumed that all parts of the Imperial Government that existed under the constitutional sections of the Caprine Code and will continue to exist under this Constitution will persist as the same legal entities, under their present administrators and officers, once this Constitution has been ratified and enacted.
6. The enactments of this Constitution does not affect or interrupt any of the Bovic Empire's foreign obligations, debts, treaties, or other relationships.

[/quote]

[Ernesto de la Cruz]

I move for a vote!

[Nathan II]

Eiiard Darkroot seconds the motion and votes AYE

[Sprocket]

Representatives of the Frenzy,

A motion has been made and seconded to ratify a Constitution for the Bovic Empire. The Frenzy will pass this as a "Resolution to Ratify the Constitution" with the terms described in the Constitution itself. Voting will remain open for 3 days and must surpass 3/4 in favor.

[Ernesto de la Cruz]

Aye.

[Li Naomiai]

AYe

[Llyr Angus-Moonoak]

Aye, aye!

[Sprocket]

This has passed the Frenzy and will now be presented to the Emperor for Promulgation, and at that point the document shall become enacted as supreme law.