NS Parliament Chamber [IC]

[Rebels and Saints]

Lance spoke, "Standing orders, yes. This Constitution? No. It was obviously created with the intent of creating rights considered "basic" to the left wing."

[Soviet Canuckistan]

Anastasia rushes into the chamber and takes a seat next to the other CPC deputy, still panting from her run from the ferry terminal. A page holding a stack of documents rushes over to meet her and she begins to review them, ready to catch up with the proceedings.

[Dormill and Stiura]

De Cloet walked back into the chamber with a cup of tea in one hand, and a bag containing his Constitution and notes in another. "I fully support these standing orders, although I am not sure on number ten. It might be necessary for this assembly to address business it had rejected in the future, after the situation regarding such business has changed. Though the rarity of this happening is high enough that I believe there won't be much of a problem with it. As soon as we are done with this, I would wish to immediately bring up the Constitution for debate."

After hearing from his aide the comments of Lance, he had to respond in some way, "And I would like to ask the Honorable Member Mr. Darrow why acknowledging and upholding basic human rights is such a problem for him to such a point he would not support this Constitution?"

[Rebels and Saints]

De Cloet walked back into the chamber with a cup of tea in one hand, and a bag containing his Constitution and notes in another. "I fully support these standing orders, although I am not sure on number ten. It might be necessary for this assembly to address business it had rejected in the future, after the situation regarding such business has changed. Though the rarity of this happening is high enough that I believe there won't be much of a problem with it. As soon as we are done with this, I would wish to immediately bring up the Constitution for debate."

After hearing from his aide the comments of Lance, he had to respond in some way, "And I would like to ask the Honorable Member Mr. Darrow why acknowledging and upholding basic human rights is such a problem for him to such a point he would not support this Constitution?"

"Because they are not, in fact, basic human rights. You've all grown too soft on these matters. People only have what rights they make for themselves. People only have what freedom they prove they can have. If we award this right and that right, order collapses, the hierarchy breaks."

[Dormill and Stiura]

"We are no despotic feudal kingdom, my friend. We are a modern nation-state, with a duty to uphold the rights of all our citizens, no matter the circumstance. I can't even tell how you were elected with these kinds of ideas rattling in your head. If you have a better Constitution that can gain more support, I encourage you to write it. Otherwise, I don't believe you have anything to contribute to this debate."

[Merni]

Anna Nilsson says, "Despite having authored one draft for rules of procedure, and sponsored another, I fully support the proposal made by Madam Speaker. There is only one correction I would like to suggest: that in clause 9, I think "of the" should be inserted between "consideration" and "public".

With regard to the comments made by my honourable colleague, Mr de Cloet, I support a prohibition on matters already rejected being raised again. If this provision were not in place, a situation could arise wherein the government repeatedly raises proposals that members have already rejected, in the hope of creating enough fatigue among members that they vote for the proposal. However, I do see my honourable colleague's point, and therefore suggest that matters previously rejected may be raised again only if a considerable period has elapsed since it was rejected, or if great changes in the situation have occured. This could be fixed explicitly or be at the discretion of the Speaker."

[Rebels and Saints]

"We are no despotic feudal kingdom, my friend. We are a modern nation-state, with a duty to uphold the rights of all our citizens, no matter the circumstance. I can't even tell how you were elected with these kinds of ideas rattling in your head. If you have a better Constitution that can gain more support, I encourage you to write it. Otherwise, I don't believe you have anything to contribute to this debate."

"Write one I will, but these things take time. Regardless, I was elected on fame. If you didn't know, I, good sir, was the owner and CEO of Vision United, one of the most successful companies in the United States. People saw my success in business and figured my success in politics would be natural. Whether or not they are right remains to be seen."

[Dormill and Stiura]

"Thank you for your comments, Madame Nilsson. As I've said the chances of us having to go back and review something we had already rejected is low enough that it would be reasonable to give the Speaker discretion on whether such a motion can be brought back. But onto other matters, I beg to move this house to consider the proposed Constitution."

As he finishes his statement, De Cloet recovers his Constitution draft from his bag, and lays it out on the table in front of him.

The Constitution of the State of Saint Hilda
Author: Maikel De Cloet
Sponsors: Viktoria Ljungstrand, Anders Kaj Ehnström, Hugo Inquist, Sven Sköldsvik, Anna Nilsson, Lisa Forss, John De Clairmont, Alexander Norberg, Albin Lundberg, Heinz Buckliger, James Penta

---

---

For Establishing the Government of Saint Hilda and all its necessary functions

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED, as follows:

---

---

1. We, the members of this Parliament, In Full Capacity representing the people and Saint Hilda and the Kingdom of Sweden, with the intent establishing our democratic system of governance, enshrining the Inherent Rights of all peoples, and guarding the future prosperity for all Saint Hildan people, hereby:
   
   1. Proclaim this document to be the Constitution of the State of Saint Hilda,
   2. Declare that this Constitution shall be the Supreme Law of the State of Saint Hilda,
      
      1. That all laws and statutes shall be made pursuant exclusively to this Constitution,
      2. That any law and statute deemed to be made inconsistent to this Constitution shall be rendered void,
   3. Proclaim that this Constitution expresses the will of the people represented in this Convention, such that;
      
      1. The State of Saint Hilda shall adhere to accepted international law, convention, and statute,
      2. The State of Saint Hilda shall respect the will of the people to act in a fair and free manner in accordance with laws passed by themselves or through their representatives,
      3. The State of Saint Hilda shall respect and maintain the UN Declaration on Human Rights
   4. Declare that no single group defined by common language, ethnicity, religion, creed, or other such determiners shall be seen as the basis of the Saint Hildan Identity;
      
      1. That all citizens shall be seen as equals under the law in all territories of the State of Saint Hilda,
      2. That all citizens shall be representatives of the State of Saint Hilda to the international community,
   5. Permit that this Constitution may be amended to include, remove, or clarify any statute or statement by;
      
      1. The People through a two-thirds supermajority consensus by referendum,
      2. The Judiciary through a unanimous consensus at the request of Parliament or the People,
      3. Any following legally assembled Convention of all Saint Hilda and her Territories that represent a two-thirds supermajority of the People.
2. The State of Saint Hilda shall be a democratic and social republic under dominion of the Swedish Crown
3. The State of Saint Hilda shall be officially referred to as “The State of Saint Hilda”, and any derivative translations,
4. The State of Saint Hilda can be referred to as “Saint Hilda” or any other such derivatives in an informal context,
5. The National Emblem, Anthem, and Maxim, of the State of Saint Hilda shall be determined by law,
6. The State of Saint Hilda shall be guided by the principles of;
   
   1. The UN Declaration on Human Rights,
   2. International Brotherhood,
7. The State of Saint Hilda shall provide citizenship to;
   
   1. Any present Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident of Saint Hilda at the adoption of this Constitution,
   2. Any child;
      
      1. Born within the legally defined territory of the State of Saint Hilda following the accession of this Constitution;
         
         1. Excluding those born of foreign dignitaries or other parents legally registered as foreign agents within the State of Saint Hilda,
         2. Excluding those born of parents with conflicting citizenship except where the parents declare their child shall be a Citizen,
         3. Excluding those born of parents who have renounced their citizenship by action or declaration,
         4. Excluding those born of any parent conducting operations against the integrity of the State of Saint Hilda at home or abroad,
         5. Excluding those born of parents that are citizens of a country that is considered an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda except for the renouncement of citizenship by action or declaration by the parents,
         6. Excluding those born of parents that are members of or affiliates with organizations that are considered an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda except for the renouncement of membership or affiliation by the parents
      2. Born to a Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident of any territory of Saint Hilda,
      3. That can trace an immediate ancestry within three generations to Citizens or Permanent Legal Residents,
   3. Any Permanent Legal Resident, following a five year period after receiving such status, who shall pass a legal examination that proves;
      
      1. A fundamental understanding of their rights and responsibilities,
      2. A fundamental understanding of the history of the State of Saint Hilda,
      3. A fundamental understanding of Saint Hildan culture,
      4. A fundamental mastery of any national language of Saint Hilda as determined by law,
      5. A fundamental understanding of the legal system of the State of Saint Hilda,
   4. Any person, following the passing of the mentioned legal examination that then takes the following oath;
      
      1. “I, [name], do hereby proclaim in a stable mind and body, and in good faith to my fellow man freely and without reservations or purpose of evasion, on oath, that I will support and defend the Constitution of the State of Saint Hilda against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on the behalf of Saint Hilda when required by law, and perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and any other necessary task as required by law, under penalty of perjury and the revocation of my citizenship.”,
   5. Any person who legally joins the Armed Forces of the State of Saint Hilda, and completes the requisite training and mentioned examination, and takes the mentioned oath,
8. The State of Saint Hilda shall provide Permanent Legal Residency to;
   
   1. Any person that, after prior residing or working in the State of Saint Hilda for a period of five years, provides a request to such effect,
   2. Any person that marries, or otherwise enters into a legal cohabitating relationship with, a Citizen of the State of Saint Hilda,
   3. Any person that, following the revocation of their original citizenship by action or declaration, provides a request to such effect,
   4. Any person, who is defined as a refugee, declares their intention to remain in the State of Saint Hilda before their status as a refugee is ceased, and provides a request to such effect,
9. The State of Saint Hilda shall reserve the right to revoke Citizenship or Permanent Legal Residency through either;
   
   1. Any action considered to be revocation, which is considered in a court of law to be but not limited to;
      
      1. Abandoning any military post of which they were legally ordered to maintain,
      2. Abandoning any civil post of which they were legally ordered to maintain,
      3. Committing or Conspiring to Commit an act of Treason against the State of Saint Hilda,
      4. Committing or Conspiring to Commit an act of Terrorism against the State of Saint Hilda,
      5. Committing or Conspiring to Commit an act of Fraud against the State of Saint Hilda by way of illegally attaining or attempting to attain Citizenship or Permanent Legal Residency,
      6. Committing or Conspiring to Commit an act of Fraud by way of illegally conferring or attempting to confer Citizenship or Permanent Legal Residency to any person,
      7. Becoming a Citizen of a country considered an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda,
      8. Becoming a member of or affiliating with an organization that is considered an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda,
      9. Acting as an illegal foreign agent from another country,
   2. A declaration of revocation by way of;
      
      1. A sworn statement before an Ambassador of the State of Saint Hilda or Consul-General of the State of Saint Hilda,
      2. An affidavit delivered to an Ambassador of the State of Saint Hilda or Consul-General of the State of Saint Hilda or other relevant officers.
10. The power and responsibility of the Legislature of the State of Saint Hilda shall be vested in “Parliament”,
11. The Members of Parliament shall be elected in general, direct, free, and secret elections,
12. The Members of Parliament, at the moment they begin their term, shall meet the following qualifications,
    
    1. Be at least twenty years of age,
    2. Be a citizen of the State of Saint Hilda,
    3. Be a legal resident of the constituency they shall represent,
    4. Has resided in the State of Saint Hilda for a minimum of ten consecutive years,
    5. Shall not hold any other office in the State of Saint Hilda,
13. Parliament shall be elected for terms of five years (OOC, 5 Months, each month represents a Year),
14. The terms of Parliament shall end when a new term begins,
15. Elections for Parliament shall always be held on the first Monday of October of every fifth year following the establishment of the legal force of this Constitution,
16. Parliament shall assemble on the 10th day of January following its election, or at the behest of the executive if such a need is made clear,
17. Parliament shall have the power to establish the rules on its proceedings,
18. Parliament shall have the power to establish the schedule of its sessions;
    
    1. The schedule of Parliament must at least arrange for the attendance of Parliament for no less than nine months out of every year during its term,
19. Parliament shall have the power to establish punishments for disorderly conduct on any of its members;
20. Parliament shall keep a journal of its proceedings which shall be published at the conclusion of the final session of the year,
21. Parliament shall have the power, through a two-thirds supermajority consensus, rescind any part of the mentioned journal under the understanding that such parts need to remain secret,
22. Parliament shall have the power to be the judge of the elections, qualification, and returns of its members,
23. Parliament shall have the power to compel the attendance of any absent members in any such manner and under any such penalties as it shall provide within reasonable limits,
24. The members of Parliament shall be compensated for their services a salary ascertained by Law and paid out by the Treasury of the State of Saint Hilda,
25. In the event of that Parliament is unable to apportion requisite funding for half of the government services, or any ministry of the State of Saint Hilda, their compensation shall be withheld by the Treasury to be reissued once appropriations have been reinstated,
26. The Members of Parliament shall, for the time they shall be in attendance, be conferred privilege from arrest or indictment by any authority,
    
    1. The Members of Parliament shall not be conferred this privilege if they commit or conspire to commit an act of;
       
       1. Treason,
       2. Terrorism,
       3. Fraud,
       4. Breach of the Peace,
       5. Theft of any kind,
       6. Or any other such felony,
27. The Members of Parliament shall, for the time that they shall be in attendance, be conferred privilege from arrest or indictment for any speech,
    
    1. The Members of Parliament shall not be conferred this privilege if such speech can be shown to be a catalyst or call for violence or hate against any person or group except against an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda,
28. The Members of Parliament for the time they shall serve shall not be appointed to any other civil office under any authority,
29. The Members of Parliament for the time they shall serve shall not have their emoluments be increased during the term,
30. The Members of Parliament for the time they shall serve shall not receive any other emoluments from the State of Saint Hilda, any foreign state, or other entity,
31. Parliament shall not draw any money from the Treasury of the State of Saint Hilda but in consequence of appropriations made by law,
32. Parliament shall be compelled to attach a statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money with the mentioned journal,
33. Parliament shall have the authority establish, maintain, manage, and disband all ministries of the State of Saint Hilda,
34. Parliament shall have the authority to sign and ratify any international treaty presented to the State of Saint Hilda
35. Parliament shall have the authority to withdraw the State of Saint Hilda from any international treaty, agreement, or organization,
36. Parliament shall have the authority to control the revenue of the nation, including;
    
    1. The Authority to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, excises,
    2. The Authority to borrow money on the credit of the State of Saint Hilda,
    3. The Authority to pay the debts incurred by the State of Saint Hilda,
    4. The Authority to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the State of Saint Hilda,
    5. The Authority to regulate commerce both between foreign nations and within Saint Hilda,
    6. The Authority to establish a uniform rule of naturalization,
    7. The Authority to establish uniform laws on bankruptcies throughout the State of Saint Hilda,
    8. The Authority to coin and print the money of the State of Saint Hilda
    9. The Authority to regulate the value of both domestic and foreign currency,
    10. The Authority to provide for the punishment of counterfeiting securities, coin, or other currency of the State of Saint Hilda,
    11. The Authority to fix the standard weights and measures of the State of Saint Hilda,
    12. The Authority to establish post offices and post roads,
    13. The Authority to establish uniform laws on copyright and fair use,
37. The Authority to commence and prosecute the process of Motions of No Confidence against any official in the government of the State of Saint Hilda,
38. The Authority to define and punish piracy and other felonies committed on the high seas,
39. The Authority to define and punish crimes against international law,
40. The Authority to raise and support an Army for the general defense of the State of Saint Hilda, its allies, and its interests abroad,
41. The Authority to raise and support a Navy for the general defense of the State of Saint Hilda, ships in the service of the State of Saint Hilda, the seaways of the State of Saint Hilda, its allies, and to defend the interests of the State of Saint Hilda abroad,
42. The Authority to raise other military forces necessary for the defense of the State of Saint Hilda, its allies, and its interests abroad,
43. The Authority to declare war and peace,
44. The Authority to grant letters of Marque and Reprisal,
45. The Authority to establish rules concerning captures on Land and Sea,
46. The Authority to establish institutions for the advancement of scientific endeavors at land, sea, or in space,
47. The Authority to establish by law the regulations of all military forces under the command of the State of Saint Hilda,
48. The Authority to establish all laws, statutes, and declarations necessary and proper to the execution of any and all constitutional duties laid before Parliament,
49. Parliament shall consist of one chamber,
50. Parliament shall consist of representatives from constituencies that contain an even distribution of citizens,
51. The boundaries of the constituencies that compose the Parliament shall only be modified by Parliament following a Census,
52. Parliament shall consist of representatives of all Saint Hilda,
53. There shall be as many Members of Parliament as is necessary to remain within the bounds of Article 50
54. In order to do business, Parliament must reach a quorum of no less than half plus one of its members,
55. In order to do business with respect to any affairs regarding monetary policy, Parliament must reach a quorum of no less than a supermajority of members,
56. In order to hear debates, Parliament must reach a quorum of no less than one-quarter of members,
57. Parliament will be presided over by a Speaker,
58. The Speaker shall be elected from their peers by chamber vote at the commencement of each session of Parliament,
59. Parliament shall set the rules and qualifications for the election of a Prime Minister,
60. The Speaker shall only serve their position if they command the confidence of their peers,
61. If in the event the Speaker fails to command the confidence of their peers, they can be replaced with a suitable candidate elected in the process established by Parliament,
62. All Members of Parliament shall be conferred the honorific “Honorable” upon their joining of Parliament,
63. All Ministers of the State of Saint Hilda shall be conferred the honorific “Right Honorable” upon their appointment
64. There shall be a Prime Minister of the State of Saint Hilda,
65. The Prime Minister of the Saint Hilda shall be the Chief Executive of the State of Saint Hilda,
66. The Prime Minister shall serve as a Head of Government of Saint Hilda,
67. The Swedish Crown, and its representative in Saint Hilda, shall serve as Head of State of the Government of Saint Hilda
68. There shall be an Office of the Prime Minister which shall be the official Government office which in the Prime Minister serves as its Chairperson,
69. All ranking members of the Office of the Prime Minister shall be accompanied by a deputy officer,
70. The Office of the Prime Minister of Saint Hilda is henceforth tasked with embodying the core tenants of this Constitution and serve as the premier image of the Saint Hilda wherever it may be needed as the Head of State,
71. The Office of the Prime Minister shall be free from partisan conflict, corporate interests, and other aspects that would otherwise derail the Task of the Office of the Prime Minister as mentioned.
72. The Prime Minister, at the moment they begin their term, shall meet the qualifications necessary to be elected to Parliament,
73. The Prime Minister shall be elected at the pleasure of Parliament,
74. The Prime Minister shall, during their term, receive for their services, compensation in the form of salary, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during their term
75. The Prime Minister shall not receive during their term any other Emolument from the State of Saint Hilda, any foreign state, or any other independent entity.
76. Before they enter on the Execution of their Office, the Prime Minister shall take the following Oath:-"I [name], do solemnly swear, as Prime Minister of the State of Saint Hilda, to serve in the best of my Ability to preserve and protect the Constitution of the Saint Hilda, to accomplish its ends as demanded for the Office of Prime Minister, and to further the mission to promote, defend, and advance the basis for the Rule of Law, Civil Liberties, and the Advancement of the Prosperity and Freedom for all Saint Hildans, on my life and honor."
77. The Office of the Prime Minister is hereby granted the authority to establish and appoint members of a Cabinet, composed of all the Ministers as prescribed by Law and personal advisors, to serve and assist the Prime Minister in the execution of the Task of the Office of the Prime Minister,
78. The Office of the Prime Minister is hereby granted the authority to appoint Judiciaries to any High Court,
79. The Office of the Prime Minister is hereby granted the authority to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,
80. The Office of the Prime Minister is hereby granted the authority to commission all the Officers of the Saint Hilda.
81. There shall be an autonomous and independent Judiciary of the State of Saint Hilda that shall safeguard the provisions of this Constitution and all laws made pursuant of it,
82. The Judiciary of the State of Saint Hilda shall be hereafter collectively referred to as the High Courts,
83. The High Courts shall bound to service exclusively to the Law,
84. Any interference with the function of the High Courts or any other organ of the Judiciary of the Saint Hilda by any entity shall be prohibited and incur liability and punishment pursuant to the Law,
85. No decision made by the High Courts shall be altered by any entity nor should the execution of said decision be delayed,
86. There shall be three courts that collectively and co-equally comprise the High Courts;
    
    1. The Court of Appeals as the highest court of appeals for all matters excluding administrative functions,
    2. The Supreme Administrative Court as the highest court of appeals for all administrative matters,
    3. The Constitutional Court as the highest court of appeals for all matters relating to the Constitution,
87. Each of the High Courts shall be independent of the government and consist of 13 members. The members shall be appointed by the Prime Minister and Parliament equally, six each, with the final member being appointed by the Swedish Crown or its Representative, serving a term of five years,
88. The members of each of the High Courts can serve multiple consecutive terms,
89. In determining the membership on the Commission, efforts will be made to account for the geography, gender, and diversity of opinions and interests of the people,
90. The High Courts shall not be dissolved except for the dissolution of the State of Saint Hilda.
91. In order to vote in any Election in the Saint Hilda, one must;
    
    1. Be at least Seventeen Years of Age,
    2. Be a Citizen of the Saint Hilda,
92. An Electoral Commission shall be established in order to propose for adoption by the Parliament an electoral and political parties’ law that is consistent with this Constitution,
93. The Commission shall be authorized to conduct studies, publish reports, and provide guidance and recommendations to the Assembly regarding the status and effectiveness of the existing electoral and party systems, as well as the need for their reform,
94. The Commission shall be independent of the government and consist of 30 members. The members shall be appointed by the Assembly serving a term of five years,
95. In determining the membership on the Commission, efforts will be made to account for the geography, gender, and diversity of opinions and interests of the people,
96. The members Electoral Commission shall be appointed by the Prime Minister and Parliament equally,
97. The Election Commission shall be a permanent body that shall prepare, supervise, direct and verify all aspects that have to do with elections and referenda and shall declare their results,
98. The Election Commission shall exercise its powers, functions, and duties under this section independent of any direction or interference by any authority or any person,
99. Any person, natural or legal, may petition to the Election Commission concerning issues in the sphere of its jurisdiction. A decision of the Election Commission with respect to such a petition or complaint may be appealed to the Constitutional Court,
100. The electoral law shall establish the rules and procedures to govern the conduct of elections, including, but not limited to, the date of the elections, requirements for voter identification and registration, and mechanisms for counting votes and resolving disputes.

[The Sarian]

"Order, Members are reminded to stay on topic with the debate in hand. There shall be ample time to debate any hypothetical constitutional settlement when a proposal in laid before this house."

[The Sarian]

snip

"ORDER, ORDER

Now that draft Constitution is laid before this House, we shall now begin debate.

It is the opinion of the Chair that this debate should be comprehensive and extensive. I will thus be imposing no time-limit on the debate, and it shall continue until it is the opinion of the Chair that all members have been able to have their say. This will naturally be made in close counsel with the Speaker's Committee and Convention.

Any Member may, with the support of at least five members from three different parties, introduce amendments to be debated. These will be debated concurrently alongside the Constitution. Honourable Members are reminded that, now presented, the Constitutional Draft is the property of the House. Thus, no amendments or alterations may be made to the presented document without the permission of the House.

If any Member wishes to introduce an alternative Constitutional Draft, or framework for government, they are encouraged to do so. Representations should be made to my office if anyone is intending to do so, or when a draft is ready to be presented to the House. Ample time will be allocated to the consideration of all drafts before any vote is taken on any Constitutional draft.

The Floor is now open for consideration of the draft Constitution, introduced by the Honourable Mr. Maikel De Cloet."

[Mersdon]

Heinz stood up. "I believe that Mr. De Cloet's document is fitting for a nation such as ours, but I do have three concerns about this document," he stated, looking at the Speaker and his fellow MP. "Firstly, I have a concern about the no-confidence vote. There is no way to impeach the government as a whole, if it is necessary, and if the government makes enough ministries for their supporters to hold in Parliament, it may well be impossible to remove such a hypothetical government from office." He shuffled through a sheaf of papers that he held in his right hand absentmindedly, pausing only when he found the paper he needed. Continuing, he said, "Secondly, Article 1, Section 4 states that all laws incompatible with the Constitution shall be rendered void. However, certain decrees by the government, or the imposition of martial law, could infringe and not work within the Constitution's framework. I believe that Parliament should be able to vote in an exception that isn't an amendment to permit such acts and laws to legally go into effect. Thirdly," he stated, pushing up his glasses and finally addressing the chamber as a whole, "free speech is a democratic tenet that we must hold dear. Inciting violence, if not physical, or stating unpopular opinions that some people believe infringes on their rights should not be grounds for arrest nor violation of any governmental protections. If Saint Hilda truly wishes to be a haven for democratic liberty, it must allow all forms of speech, but punish any perpetrator of any acts of violence that may stem from such speech. That is all; thank you." he said, finally sitting down and taking a drink of water.

[Crylante]

"I would like to commend my colleague for his efforts on this Constitution. I feel it is the best way to ensure a government that works for St Hilda and is on the basis that government should be by the people, for the people and of the people. It may be noted that this constitution is written by a member of Republic party, and sponsored by members of Republic, such as myself, yet establishes the Swedish Crown as head of state. This is because, and I believe I speak for my colleagues when I say this, we believe that a Republic should be bought about by a later referendum after a new independent government has been set up and the mood is right for a national debate on the issue.

I also find the comments by Mr Lance rather disturbing and are something that I believe he stands on his own on. Furthermore, if his remarks are the case, I have to question his mandate to sit in this chamber. When did his constituents prove that they had the freedom to vote for him? The answer is that they have not, and yet he still took his seat even though his personal beliefs invalidate his mandate to take that seat. His ideology is one of hatred and hypocrisy which has led to the deaths of thirty million people across the continent of Europe, and one which, on a note closer to home for me, drove my mother's family out of the area they'd lived in for generations just because they didn't fit its adherent's view of the master race. From the refuge her family sought in the great city of Salford in England, my mother did not move here to see the ideology which caused her family so many problems."

[Merni]

Anna Nilsson, having thoroughly read through the draft, rises and says, "Madame Speaker, I fully support this draft and hope that it will be passed. However, I do have a few amendments, mostly of an insignificant nature, to propose:

Firstly, that in article 1 the phrase "and Saint Hilda and the Kingdom of Sweden" be replaced with "of Saint Hilda"; and that the word "of" be inserted between "intent" and "establishing". Regarding the former, we do not represent the Kingdom of Sweden, which has its separate own legislature. The latter is only grammatical.

Secondly, that in clause 3 subclause 3 sub-subclause 3 and in clause 6 subclause 1, the letters "UN" be replaced with the word "Universal", to better reflect the official name of the document that I presume is being referred to.

Thirdly, that in clause 7, subclause 4, sub-subclause 1, the words "to my fellow man" be removed. This is a highly symbolic oath taken by and permanent residents when they become citizens and members of the armed forces, and there is no place for a phrase referring to a "fellow man" there. We should strive to be an inclusive society.

Fourthly, that the word "to" be inserted in clause 33 between the words "authority" and "establish". This is again a purely grammatical amendment.

Fifthly, and once again only grammatical, that in clause 68 the phrase "which in" be replaced by "of which" and the word "its" be deleted.

Sixthly and finally, that in article 70 the word "tenants" be changed to "tenets".

Thank you, Madame Speaker, and thank you, Mr de Cloet, for authoring this essential document, which I trust will be the foundation of a strong and stable nation in the future."

[Rebels and Saints]

"I would like to commend my colleague for his efforts on this Constitution. I feel it is the best way to ensure a government that works for St Hilda and is on the basis that government should be by the people, for the people and of the people. It may be noted that this constitution is written by a member of Republic party, and sponsored by members of Republic, such as myself, yet establishes the Swedish Crown as head of state. This is because, and I believe I speak for my colleagues when I say this, we believe that a Republic should be bought about by a later referendum after a new independent government has been set up and the mood is right for a national debate on the issue.

I also find the comments by Mr Lance rather disturbing and are something that I believe he stands on his own on. Furthermore, if his remarks are the case, I have to question his mandate to sit in this chamber. When did his constituents prove that they had the freedom to vote for him? The answer is that they have not, and yet he still took his seat even though his personal beliefs invalidate his mandate to take that seat. His ideology is one of hatred and hypocrisy which has led to the deaths of thirty million people across the continent of Europe, and one which, on a note closer to home for me, drove my mother's family out of the area they'd lived in for generations just because they didn't fit its adherent's view of the master race. From the refuge her family sought in the great city of Salford in England, my mother did not move here to see the ideology which caused her family so many problems."

"For God's sake, I'm not a nazi," Lance said, annoyed. "I neither condone nor support genocide, and racism, while permissible simply due to freedom to hold one's own beliefs, must be controlled. As all of you know, I stand against LB88. I wear the badge of fascism proudly, but you confuse fascism with nazism. They are two different ideologies. Further, no ideology, fascist, socialist, democratic, or otherwise, permits the use of mass murder that was used in Europe. I will in no way associate myself with the movement that gripped Germany in the 1930s and 1940s. As for my election, I was elected by a perfectly fair vote by citizens of St. Hilda in the same way you were.

Now, if I may voice my opposition, this Constiturion places too much restriction of power on the government. Forcing it to treat all citizens equally and permitting certain freedoms which the government may not prohibit is foolish nonsense. What a country like ours needs is a firm sense of order and control. Once a firm, stable society has been set up, we can begin to allow more freedom for its citizenry, but not until then."

[West Leas Oros 2]

Arthur stands up from his seat, taking a long look at the Speaker and his fellow MPs, before clearing his throat and saying "While I am very much in favor of the Constitution proposed by Mr. De Cloet, I must agree with the points made by Mr. Buckliger. Particularly in regards to his third point, as we should not as a nation be punishing speech that the government deems objectionable. While I would argue that we should not protect the incitement of violence, we cannot and should not ban speech alone. And if I may speak on the comments made by Mr. Sköldsvik, I do not think we ought to be invalidating the right of any fairly elected MP to serve because of their personal beliefs. While I personally would not support the beliefs of a man such as Lance or Buckliger, we are invalidating the very principle of democracy by barring belief and speech that the government deems objectionable. Thank you." He sits down with an inaudible sigh.

[Rebels and Saints]

Arthur stands up from his seat, taking a long look at the Speaker and his fellow MPs, before clearing his throat and saying "While I am very much in favor of the Constitution proposed by Mr. De Cloet, I must agree with the points made by Mr. Buckliger. Particularly in regards to his third point, as we should not as a nation be punishing speech that the government deems objectionable. While I would argue that we should not protect the incitement of violence, we cannot and should not ban speech alone. And if I may speak on the comments made by Mr. Sköldsvik, I do not think we ought to be invalidating the right of any fairly elected MP to serve because of their personal beliefs. While I personally would not support the beliefs of a man such as Lance or Buckliger, we are invalidating the very principle of democracy by barring belief and speech that the government deems objectionable. Thank you." He sits down with an inaudible sigh.

"This one gets it," Lance said, pointing at Arthur.

[Dormill and Stiura]

"On the matter of Article 27, Section 1, I would like to remind the honorable members that the text states, and I quote, 'if such speech can be shown to be a catalyst or call for violence or hate against any person or group'. I wrote this with the intention that if a member speaks something in these chambers that can be reasonably shown in a court of law to have been the cause of a violent act committed by another person, that the member who spoke it shall be held accountable under the law. We have a unique position in Saint Hilda to influence the opinions and actions of all citizens, for both good and ill, and I believe that if we use our influence for ill, then we must be held accountable for them.

On the matter of the Honorable Member Mr. Heinz and the concern for Article 1, Section 4, that it can be argued that decrees by the government do not count as laws passed by Parliament, and are not subject to such provisions. However, I do believe that the purview of the extent of such warrants further judicial review, both by us and by the proposed Constitutional Court. On the matter of impeaching the government as a whole body, the people have the right to vote out any member they are displeased with, and we have the right to signal our lack of confidence in their abilities. This can be applied to all ministers of the government, such that the need for a power to remove a government entirely through dissolution is moot.

As for the Honorable Mr. Lance's further comments, I fail to see the problem in quote 'forcing' the government to treat its citizens equally. I would like to remind you that we are not petty despots, that we have earned our positions through fair and democratic means, through which at the very least the citizens have displayed the right to vote, public assembly, freedom of press, speech, and association. We also have a duty as a democratic government to represent all citizens of Saint Hilda fairly without prejudice or qualms. We are not a country fresh from a Civil War, we are an established nation-state, charged with the duties to uphold the core tenets of liberty and freedom for all. We do not need an iron fist to rule Saint Hilda, like you seem to imply."

[The Sarian]

First Draft Constitution

The Constitution of the State of Saint Hilda
Author: Maikel De Cloet
Sponsors: Viktoria Ljungstrand, Anders Kaj Ehnström, Hugo Inquist, Sven Sköldsvik, Anna Nilsson, Lisa Forss, John De Clairmont, Alexander Norberg, Albin Lundberg, Heinz Buckliger, James Penta

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For Establishing the Government of Saint Hilda and all its necessary functions

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED, as follows:

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1. We, the members of this Parliament, In Full Capacity representing the people and Saint Hilda and the Kingdom of Sweden, with the intent establishing our democratic system of governance, enshrining the Inherent Rights of all peoples, and guarding the future prosperity for all Saint Hildan people, hereby:
   
   1. Proclaim this document to be the Constitution of the State of Saint Hilda,
   2. Declare that this Constitution shall be the Supreme Law of the State of Saint Hilda,
      
      1. That all laws and statutes shall be made pursuant exclusively to this Constitution,
      2. That any law and statute deemed to be made inconsistent to this Constitution shall be rendered void,
   3. Proclaim that this Constitution expresses the will of the people represented in this Convention, such that;
      
      1. The State of Saint Hilda shall adhere to accepted international law, convention, and statute,
      2. The State of Saint Hilda shall respect the will of the people to act in a fair and free manner in accordance with laws passed by themselves or through their representatives,
      3. The State of Saint Hilda shall respect and maintain the UN Declaration on Human Rights
   4. Declare that no single group defined by common language, ethnicity, religion, creed, or other such determiners shall be seen as the basis of the Saint Hildan Identity;
      
      1. That all citizens shall be seen as equals under the law in all territories of the State of Saint Hilda,
      2. That all citizens shall be representatives of the State of Saint Hilda to the international community,
   5. Permit that this Constitution may be amended to include, remove, or clarify any statute or statement by;
      
      1. The People through a two-thirds supermajority consensus by referendum,
      2. The Judiciary through a unanimous consensus at the request of Parliament or the People,
      3. Any following legally assembled Convention of all Saint Hilda and her Territories that represent a two-thirds supermajority of the People.
2. The State of Saint Hilda shall be a democratic and social republic under dominion of the Swedish Crown
3. The State of Saint Hilda shall be officially referred to as “The State of Saint Hilda”, and any derivative translations,
4. The State of Saint Hilda can be referred to as “Saint Hilda” or any other such derivatives in an informal context,
5. The National Emblem, Anthem, and Maxim, of the State of Saint Hilda shall be determined by law,
6. The State of Saint Hilda shall be guided by the principles of;
   
   1. The UN Declaration on Human Rights,
   2. International Brotherhood,
7. The State of Saint Hilda shall provide citizenship to;
   
   1. Any present Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident of Saint Hilda at the adoption of this Constitution,
   2. Any child;
      
      1. Born within the legally defined territory of the State of Saint Hilda following the accession of this Constitution;
         
         1. Excluding those born of foreign dignitaries or other parents legally registered as foreign agents within the State of Saint Hilda,
         2. Excluding those born of parents with conflicting citizenship except where the parents declare their child shall be a Citizen,
         3. Excluding those born of parents who have renounced their citizenship by action or declaration,
         4. Excluding those born of any parent conducting operations against the integrity of the State of Saint Hilda at home or abroad,
         5. Excluding those born of parents that are citizens of a country that is considered an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda except for the renouncement of citizenship by action or declaration by the parents,
         6. Excluding those born of parents that are members of or affiliates with organizations that are considered an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda except for the renouncement of membership or affiliation by the parents
      2. Born to a Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident of any territory of Saint Hilda,
      3. That can trace an immediate ancestry within three generations to Citizens or Permanent Legal Residents,
   3. Any Permanent Legal Resident, following a five year period after receiving such status, who shall pass a legal examination that proves;
      
      1. A fundamental understanding of their rights and responsibilities,
      2. A fundamental understanding of the history of the State of Saint Hilda,
      3. A fundamental understanding of Saint Hildan culture,
      4. A fundamental mastery of any national language of Saint Hilda as determined by law,
      5. A fundamental understanding of the legal system of the State of Saint Hilda,
   4. Any person, following the passing of the mentioned legal examination that then takes the following oath;
      
      1. “I, [name], do hereby proclaim in a stable mind and body, and in good faith to my fellow man freely and without reservations or purpose of evasion, on oath, that I will support and defend the Constitution of the State of Saint Hilda against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on the behalf of Saint Hilda when required by law, and perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and any other necessary task as required by law, under penalty of perjury and the revocation of my citizenship.”,
   5. Any person who legally joins the Armed Forces of the State of Saint Hilda, and completes the requisite training and mentioned examination, and takes the mentioned oath,
8. The State of Saint Hilda shall provide Permanent Legal Residency to;
   
   1. Any person that, after prior residing or working in the State of Saint Hilda for a period of five years, provides a request to such effect,
   2. Any person that marries, or otherwise enters into a legal cohabitating relationship with, a Citizen of the State of Saint Hilda,
   3. Any person that, following the revocation of their original citizenship by action or declaration, provides a request to such effect,
   4. Any person, who is defined as a refugee, declares their intention to remain in the State of Saint Hilda before their status as a refugee is ceased, and provides a request to such effect,
9. The State of Saint Hilda shall reserve the right to revoke Citizenship or Permanent Legal Residency through either;
   
   1. Any action considered to be revocation, which is considered in a court of law to be but not limited to;
      
      1. Abandoning any military post of which they were legally ordered to maintain,
      2. Abandoning any civil post of which they were legally ordered to maintain,
      3. Committing or Conspiring to Commit an act of Treason against the State of Saint Hilda,
      4. Committing or Conspiring to Commit an act of Terrorism against the State of Saint Hilda,
      5. Committing or Conspiring to Commit an act of Fraud against the State of Saint Hilda by way of illegally attaining or attempting to attain Citizenship or Permanent Legal Residency,
      6. Committing or Conspiring to Commit an act of Fraud by way of illegally conferring or attempting to confer Citizenship or Permanent Legal Residency to any person,
      7. Becoming a Citizen of a country considered an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda,
      8. Becoming a member of or affiliating with an organization that is considered an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda,
      9. Acting as an illegal foreign agent from another country,
   2. A declaration of revocation by way of;
      
      1. A sworn statement before an Ambassador of the State of Saint Hilda or Consul-General of the State of Saint Hilda,
      2. An affidavit delivered to an Ambassador of the State of Saint Hilda or Consul-General of the State of Saint Hilda or other relevant officers.
10. The power and responsibility of the Legislature of the State of Saint Hilda shall be vested in “Parliament”,
11. The Members of Parliament shall be elected in general, direct, free, and secret elections,
12. The Members of Parliament, at the moment they begin their term, shall meet the following qualifications,
    
    1. Be at least twenty years of age,
    2. Be a citizen of the State of Saint Hilda,
    3. Be a legal resident of the constituency they shall represent,
    4. Has resided in the State of Saint Hilda for a minimum of ten consecutive years,
    5. Shall not hold any other office in the State of Saint Hilda,
13. Parliament shall be elected for terms of five years (OOC, 5 Months, each month represents a Year),
14. The terms of Parliament shall end when a new term begins,
15. Elections for Parliament shall always be held on the first Monday of October of every fifth year following the establishment of the legal force of this Constitution,
16. Parliament shall assemble on the 10th day of January following its election, or at the behest of the executive if such a need is made clear,
17. Parliament shall have the power to establish the rules on its proceedings,
18. Parliament shall have the power to establish the schedule of its sessions;
    
    1. The schedule of Parliament must at least arrange for the attendance of Parliament for no less than nine months out of every year during its term,
19. Parliament shall have the power to establish punishments for disorderly conduct on any of its members;
20. Parliament shall keep a journal of its proceedings which shall be published at the conclusion of the final session of the year,
21. Parliament shall have the power, through a two-thirds supermajority consensus, rescind any part of the mentioned journal under the understanding that such parts need to remain secret,
22. Parliament shall have the power to be the judge of the elections, qualification, and returns of its members,
23. Parliament shall have the power to compel the attendance of any absent members in any such manner and under any such penalties as it shall provide within reasonable limits,
24. The members of Parliament shall be compensated for their services a salary ascertained by Law and paid out by the Treasury of the State of Saint Hilda,
25. In the event of that Parliament is unable to apportion requisite funding for half of the government services, or any ministry of the State of Saint Hilda, their compensation shall be withheld by the Treasury to be reissued once appropriations have been reinstated,
26. The Members of Parliament shall, for the time they shall be in attendance, be conferred privilege from arrest or indictment by any authority,
    
    1. The Members of Parliament shall not be conferred this privilege if they commit or conspire to commit an act of;
       
       1. Treason,
       2. Terrorism,
       3. Fraud,
       4. Breach of the Peace,
       5. Theft of any kind,
       6. Or any other such felony,
27. The Members of Parliament shall, for the time that they shall be in attendance, be conferred privilege from arrest or indictment for any speech,
    
    1. The Members of Parliament shall not be conferred this privilege if such speech can be shown to be a catalyst or call for violence or hate against any person or group except against an Enemy of the State of Saint Hilda,
28. The Members of Parliament for the time they shall serve shall not be appointed to any other civil office under any authority,
29. The Members of Parliament for the time they shall serve shall not have their emoluments be increased during the term,
30. The Members of Parliament for the time they shall serve shall not receive any other emoluments from the State of Saint Hilda, any foreign state, or other entity,
31. Parliament shall not draw any money from the Treasury of the State of Saint Hilda but in consequence of appropriations made by law,
32. Parliament shall be compelled to attach a statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money with the mentioned journal,
33. Parliament shall have the authority establish, maintain, manage, and disband all ministries of the State of Saint Hilda,
34. Parliament shall have the authority to sign and ratify any international treaty presented to the State of Saint Hilda
35. Parliament shall have the authority to withdraw the State of Saint Hilda from any international treaty, agreement, or organization,
36. Parliament shall have the authority to control the revenue of the nation, including;
    
    1. The Authority to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, excises,
    2. The Authority to borrow money on the credit of the State of Saint Hilda,
    3. The Authority to pay the debts incurred by the State of Saint Hilda,
    4. The Authority to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the State of Saint Hilda,
    5. The Authority to regulate commerce both between foreign nations and within Saint Hilda,
    6. The Authority to establish a uniform rule of naturalization,
    7. The Authority to establish uniform laws on bankruptcies throughout the State of Saint Hilda,
    8. The Authority to coin and print the money of the State of Saint Hilda
    9. The Authority to regulate the value of both domestic and foreign currency,
    10. The Authority to provide for the punishment of counterfeiting securities, coin, or other currency of the State of Saint Hilda,
    11. The Authority to fix the standard weights and measures of the State of Saint Hilda,
    12. The Authority to establish post offices and post roads,
    13. The Authority to establish uniform laws on copyright and fair use,
37. The Authority to commence and prosecute the process of Motions of No Confidence against any official in the government of the State of Saint Hilda,
38. The Authority to define and punish piracy and other felonies committed on the high seas,
39. The Authority to define and punish crimes against international law,
40. The Authority to raise and support an Army for the general defense of the State of Saint Hilda, its allies, and its interests abroad,
41. The Authority to raise and support a Navy for the general defense of the State of Saint Hilda, ships in the service of the State of Saint Hilda, the seaways of the State of Saint Hilda, its allies, and to defend the interests of the State of Saint Hilda abroad,
42. The Authority to raise other military forces necessary for the defense of the State of Saint Hilda, its allies, and its interests abroad,
43. The Authority to declare war and peace,
44. The Authority to grant letters of Marque and Reprisal,
45. The Authority to establish rules concerning captures on Land and Sea,
46. The Authority to establish institutions for the advancement of scientific endeavors at land, sea, or in space,
47. The Authority to establish by law the regulations of all military forces under the command of the State of Saint Hilda,
48. The Authority to establish all laws, statutes, and declarations necessary and proper to the execution of any and all constitutional duties laid before Parliament,
49. Parliament shall consist of one chamber,
50. Parliament shall consist of representatives from constituencies that contain an even distribution of citizens,
51. The boundaries of the constituencies that compose the Parliament shall only be modified by Parliament following a Census,
52. Parliament shall consist of representatives of all Saint Hilda,
53. There shall be as many Members of Parliament as is necessary to remain within the bounds of Article 50
54. In order to do business, Parliament must reach a quorum of no less than half plus one of its members,
55. In order to do business with respect to any affairs regarding monetary policy, Parliament must reach a quorum of no less than a supermajority of members,
56. In order to hear debates, Parliament must reach a quorum of no less than one-quarter of members,
57. Parliament will be presided over by a Speaker,
58. The Speaker shall be elected from their peers by chamber vote at the commencement of each session of Parliament,
59. Parliament shall set the rules and qualifications for the election of a Prime Minister,
60. The Speaker shall only serve their position if they command the confidence of their peers,
61. If in the event the Speaker fails to command the confidence of their peers, they can be replaced with a suitable candidate elected in the process established by Parliament,
62. All Members of Parliament shall be conferred the honorific “Honorable” upon their joining of Parliament,
63. All Ministers of the State of Saint Hilda shall be conferred the honorific “Right Honorable” upon their appointment
64. There shall be a Prime Minister of the State of Saint Hilda,
65. The Prime Minister of the Saint Hilda shall be the Chief Executive of the State of Saint Hilda,
66. The Prime Minister shall serve as a Head of Government of Saint Hilda,
67. The Swedish Crown, and its representative in Saint Hilda, shall serve as Head of State of the Government of Saint Hilda
68. There shall be an Office of the Prime Minister which shall be the official Government office which in the Prime Minister serves as its Chairperson,
69. All ranking members of the Office of the Prime Minister shall be accompanied by a deputy officer,
70. The Office of the Prime Minister of Saint Hilda is henceforth tasked with embodying the core tenants of this Constitution and serve as the premier image of the Saint Hilda wherever it may be needed as the Head of State,
71. The Office of the Prime Minister shall be free from partisan conflict, corporate interests, and other aspects that would otherwise derail the Task of the Office of the Prime Minister as mentioned.
72. The Prime Minister, at the moment they begin their term, shall meet the qualifications necessary to be elected to Parliament,
73. The Prime Minister shall be elected at the pleasure of Parliament,
74. The Prime Minister shall, during their term, receive for their services, compensation in the form of salary, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during their term
75. The Prime Minister shall not receive during their term any other Emolument from the State of Saint Hilda, any foreign state, or any other independent entity.
76. Before they enter on the Execution of their Office, the Prime Minister shall take the following Oath:-"I [name], do solemnly swear, as Prime Minister of the State of Saint Hilda, to serve in the best of my Ability to preserve and protect the Constitution of the Saint Hilda, to accomplish its ends as demanded for the Office of Prime Minister, and to further the mission to promote, defend, and advance the basis for the Rule of Law, Civil Liberties, and the Advancement of the Prosperity and Freedom for all Saint Hildans, on my life and honor."
77. The Office of the Prime Minister is hereby granted the authority to establish and appoint members of a Cabinet, composed of all the Ministers as prescribed by Law and personal advisors, to serve and assist the Prime Minister in the execution of the Task of the Office of the Prime Minister,
78. The Office of the Prime Minister is hereby granted the authority to appoint Judiciaries to any High Court,
79. The Office of the Prime Minister is hereby granted the authority to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,
80. The Office of the Prime Minister is hereby granted the authority to commission all the Officers of the Saint Hilda.
81. There shall be an autonomous and independent Judiciary of the State of Saint Hilda that shall safeguard the provisions of this Constitution and all laws made pursuant of it,
82. The Judiciary of the State of Saint Hilda shall be hereafter collectively referred to as the High Courts,
83. The High Courts shall bound to service exclusively to the Law,
84. Any interference with the function of the High Courts or any other organ of the Judiciary of the Saint Hilda by any entity shall be prohibited and incur liability and punishment pursuant to the Law,
85. No decision made by the High Courts shall be altered by any entity nor should the execution of said decision be delayed,
86. There shall be three courts that collectively and co-equally comprise the High Courts;
    
    1. The Court of Appeals as the highest court of appeals for all matters excluding administrative functions,
    2. The Supreme Administrative Court as the highest court of appeals for all administrative matters,
    3. The Constitutional Court as the highest court of appeals for all matters relating to the Constitution,
87. Each of the High Courts shall be independent of the government and consist of 13 members. The members shall be appointed by the Prime Minister and Parliament equally, six each, with the final member being appointed by the Swedish Crown or its Representative, serving a term of five years,
88. The members of each of the High Courts can serve multiple consecutive terms,
89. In determining the membership on the Commission, efforts will be made to account for the geography, gender, and diversity of opinions and interests of the people,
90. The High Courts shall not be dissolved except for the dissolution of the State of Saint Hilda.
91. In order to vote in any Election in the Saint Hilda, one must;
    
    1. Be at least Seventeen Years of Age,
    2. Be a Citizen of the Saint Hilda,
92. An Electoral Commission shall be established in order to propose for adoption by the Parliament an electoral and political parties’ law that is consistent with this Constitution,
93. The Commission shall be authorized to conduct studies, publish reports, and provide guidance and recommendations to the Assembly regarding the status and effectiveness of the existing electoral and party systems, as well as the need for their reform,
94. The Commission shall be independent of the government and consist of 30 members. The members shall be appointed by the Assembly serving a term of five years,
95. In determining the membership on the Commission, efforts will be made to account for the geography, gender, and diversity of opinions and interests of the people,
96. The members Electoral Commission shall be appointed by the Prime Minister and Parliament equally,
97. The Election Commission shall be a permanent body that shall prepare, supervise, direct and verify all aspects that have to do with elections and referenda and shall declare their results,
98. The Election Commission shall exercise its powers, functions, and duties under this section independent of any direction or interference by any authority or any person,
99. Any person, natural or legal, may petition to the Election Commission concerning issues in the sphere of its jurisdiction. A decision of the Election Commission with respect to such a petition or complaint may be appealed to the Constitutional Court,
100. The electoral law shall establish the rules and procedures to govern the conduct of elections, including, but not limited to, the date of the elections, requirements for voter identification and registration, and mechanisms for counting votes and resolving disputes.

Amendments

Amendment i

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Proposer: Anna Nilsson (People's Labour)
Seconder: Maikel De Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers: Marius Forsman (Centre-Progressive); Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal); Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic); Alexander Norberg (National People's); Sven Sköldsvik (Republic)

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Amends Article 1 to read:
"We, the members of this Parliament, In Full Capacity representing the people and Saint Hilda, with the intent of establishing our democratic system of governance, enshrining the Inherent Rights of all peoples, and guarding the future prosperity for all Saint Hildan people, hereby:"

Amendment ii

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Proposer: Anna Nilsson (People's Labour)
Seconder: Maikel De Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers: Marius Forsman (Centre-Progressive); Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal); Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic); Alexander Norberg (National People's); Sven Sköldsvik (Republic)

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i. Amends Article 1.3.3 to read:
"The State of Saint Hilda shall respect and maintain the Universal Declaration on Human Rights"

ii. Amends Article 6.1 to read:
"The Universal Declaration on Human Rights"

Amendment iii

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Proposer: Anna Nilsson (People's Labour)
Seconder: Maikel De Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers: Marius Forsman (Centre-Progressive); Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal); Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic); Alexander Norberg (National People's); Sven Sköldsvik (Republic)

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Amends Article 7.4.1 to read:
"“I, [name], do hereby proclaim in a stable mind and body, and in good faith freely and without reservations or purpose of evasion, on oath, that I will support and defend the Constitution of the State of Saint Hilda against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on the behalf of Saint Hilda when required by law, and perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and any other necessary task as required by law, under penalty of perjury and the revocation of my citizenship.”,"

Amendment iv

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Proposer: Anna Nilsson (People's Labour)
Seconder: Maikel De Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers: Marius Forsman (Centre-Progressive); Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal); Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic); Alexander Norberg (National People's); Sven Sköldsvik (Republic)

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Amends Article 33 to read:
"Parliament shall have the authority to establish, maintain, manage, and disband all ministries of the State of Saint Hilda,"

Amendment v

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Proposer: Anna Nilsson (People's Labour)
Seconder: Maikel De Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers: Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal);

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Amends Article 68 to read:
"There shall be an Office of the Prime Minister which shall be the official Government office of which the Prime Minister serves as Chairperson,"

Amendment vi

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Proposer: Anna Nilsson (People's Labour)
Seconder: Maikel De Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers: Marius Forsman (Centre-Progressive); Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal); Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic); Alexander Norberg (National People's); Sven Sköldsvik (Republic)

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Amends Article 70 to read:
"The Office of the Prime Minister of Saint Hilda is henceforth tasked with embodying the core tenets of this Constitution and serve as the premier image of the Saint Hilda wherever it may be needed as the Head of State,"

Amendment vii

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Proposer: Sven Sköldsvik (Republic)
Seconder: Anna Nilsson (People's Labour)

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Co-signers: Maikel de Cloet (Republic); Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic)

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Amends Article 24 to read:
"The members of Parliament shall be compensated for their services a salary paid out by the Treasury of the State of Saint Hilda, tied to the median national wage."

Amendment viii

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Proposer: Marius Forsman (Centre-Progressive)
Seconder: Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic)

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Co-signers: Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal); Alexander Norberg (National People's);

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i. Amends Article 13 to read:
"Parliament shall be elected for terms of three years (OOC, 3 Months, each month represents a Year)"

ii. Amends Article 15 to read:
"Elections for Parliament shall always be held on the first Monday of October of every third year following the establishment of the legal force of this Constitution"

Amendment ix(i)

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Proposer: Jonathon Vasquez (Capitalist)
Seconder: Maikel de Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers:

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Amends Article 5 to read:
"The State of Saint Hilda shall be a democratic republic under the dominion of the Swedish Crown,"

Amendment ix(ii)

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Proposer: Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic)
Seconder: Alexander Norberg (National People's)

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Co-signers: Maikel de Cloet (Republic); Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal)

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Amends Article 5 to read:
"The State of Saint Hilda shall be a democratic sovereign state under the dominion of the Swedish Crown,"

Amendment x

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Proposer: Cristiano Vasquez de Santa Maria (Christian People's)
Seconder: Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic)

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Co-signers: Maikel de Cloet (Republic); Alexander Norberg (National People's)

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i. Amends Article 1.5.1 to read:
"The People through a majority vote by referendum"

ii. Amends Article 1.5.3 5o read:
"Any following legally assembled Convention of all Saint Hilda and her Territories that represent the majority of the People."

Amendment xi

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Proposer: Cristiano Vasquez de Santa Maria (Christian People's)
Seconder: Maikel de Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers:

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i. Amends Article 13 to read:
"Parliament shall be elected for terms of four years (OOC: 2 Months)"

ii. Removes Article 15

Amendment xii

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Proposer: Cristiano Vasquez de Santa Maria (Christian People's)
Seconder: Alexander Norberg (National People's)

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Co-signers: Maikel de Cloet (Republic)

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Removes Article 15

Amendment xiii

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Proposer: Cristiano Vasquez de Santa Maria (Christian People's)
Seconder: Maikel de Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers:

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Removes Article 16

Amendment xiv

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Proposer: Cristiano Vasquez de Santa Maria (Christian People's)
Seconder: Maikel de Cloet (Republic)

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Co-signers:

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Removes Article 44

Amendment xv

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Proposer: Cristiano Vasquez de Santa Maria (Christian People's)
Seconder: Alexander Norberg (National People's)

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Co-signers: Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal)

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Removes Articles 54, 55 & 56

Amendment xvi: 'The Bill Addendum'

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Proposer: Cristiano Vasquez de Santa Maria (Christian People's)
Seconder: Jonas Trägårdh Apelstierna (Independent)

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Co-signers: Friherre Heinz Wilhelm Buckliger von Dobeln (National Socialist); Robin Björne Johnsson (National People's); Maikel de Cloet (Republic); Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal); Viktoria Ljungstrand (Social Liberal); Alexander Norberg (National People's); Sven Sköldsvik (Republic);

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Adds the following addendum:

§1 - Submitting bills

1. When a bill has received three sponsors, it may be submitted to the Office of the of the Speaker (ooc: the Office will be a separate thread created for the purpose of organizing bills that have not yet been passed)
2. Prior to submission, the Prime Minister may choose to designate any bills as "government bills", while the Leader of the Opposition may choose to designate any bills as "opposition bills".
3. Upon receiving bills, the Speaker shall sort them into the bottom of their respective queues—one for government bills, one for opposition bills, and one for independent bills which have received no designation.
4. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition may request to change the order of the bills in their respective queues.
5. Upon a change of government, all bills in the government queue and opposition queue shall be moved to the independent queue, after which the new Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition shall be able to re-designate bills and move them back

§2 - Presenting and Voting on Bills

1. Each week, at the Speaker's digression, he or she shall present the chamber with a total of 2 to 5 bills, depending on the size of the queues.
2. If 5 bills are presented in a week, 3 shall be from the top of government queue, 1 from the top of the opposition queue, and 1 from the top of the independent queue. If 4 bills are presented, 2 shall be government, 1 shall be opposition, and 1 shall be independent. If 3 bills are presented, 2 shall be government and 1 shall be opposition. If 2 bills are presented, 1 shall be government and 1 shall be opposition.
3. Beginning at the Monday of the week, the Speaker shall present the first bill to the chamber, and open 24 hours of discussion on it. Once the 24 hours have concluded, they will present the next bill for 24 hours of discussion. This process will be repeated for up to five bills.
4. The Speaker may use their digression to extend the time for discussion, if they feel more debate is needed.
5. On the Saturday of the week, the Speaker shall open a vote lasting 24 hours on all of the bills which have been presented that week.
6. Members may vote "aye", "nay", or abstain. If the ayes are greater than the nays, the bill passes and immediately enters into effect.

§2 - Additional agenda items

1. Following the closure of the weekly vote, the Speaker shall call parliamentary questions. Members shall have roughly 24 hours to ask questions of the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers until the first bill of the next week is presented.

Amendment xvii

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Proposer: Albin Lundberg (Social Democratic)
Seconder: Alexander Norberg (National People's)

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Co-signers: Maikel de Cloet (Republic); Anders Kaj Ehnström (Social Liberal)

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i. Removes Article 64

ii. Amends Article 65 to read:
"The Crown, or its Representative in Saint Hilda, shall appoint a Prime Minister to govern on its behalf, which shall be the person most likely to command confidence of Parliament."

iii. Amends Article 66 to read:
"The Prime Minister shall serve as the Head of Government and the Chief Executive of the State of Saint Hilda"

iv. Removes Article 73

Amendment xviii

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Proposer: Michael Thomas (National People's)
Seconder: A

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Co-signers:

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Adds new article:
"Parliament shall not be permitted to pass any law which infringes on the right to bear arms for the purpose of self-defence".

[Dormill and Stiura]

"I, Maikel De Cloet, Republic, second all Amendments proposed by the Honorable Member Ms. Nilsson."

[Rebels and Saints]

"On the matter of Article 27, Section 1, I would like to remind the honorable members that the text states, and I quote, 'if such speech can be shown to be a catalyst or call for violence or hate against any person or group'. I wrote this with the intention that if a member speaks something in these chambers that can be reasonably shown in a court of law to have been the cause of a violent act committed by another person, that the member who spoke it shall be held accountable under the law. We have a unique position in Saint Hilda to influence the opinions and actions of all citizens, for both good and ill, and I believe that if we use our influence for ill, then we must be held accountable for them.

On the matter of the Honorable Member Mr. Heinz and the concern for Article 1, Section 4, that it can be argued that decrees by the government do not count as laws passed by Parliament, and are not subject to such provisions. However, I do believe that the purview of the extent of such warrants further judicial review, both by us and by the proposed Constitutional Court. On the matter of impeaching the government as a whole body, the people have the right to vote out any member they are displeased with, and we have the right to signal our lack of confidence in their abilities. This can be applied to all ministers of the government, such that the need for a power to remove a government entirely through dissolution is moot.

As for the Honorable Mr. Lance's further comments, I fail to see the problem in quote 'forcing' the government to treat its citizens equally. I would like to remind you that we are not petty despots, that we have earned our positions through fair and democratic means, through which at the very least the citizens have displayed the right to vote, public assembly, freedom of press, speech, and association. We also have a duty as a democratic government to represent all citizens of Saint Hilda fairly without prejudice or qualms. We are not a country fresh from a Civil War, we are an established nation-state, charged with the duties to uphold the core tenets of liberty and freedom for all. We do not need an iron fist to rule Saint Hilda, like you seem to imply."

"Well," Lance said, "How sad to hear you say that. Providing too many freedoms the government cannot deal with weakens the power of the government. I do not propose that we should treat citizens unequally or restrict freedom, only that we need to leave the door open in case need to should arise."

[Dormill and Stiura]

"Well," Lance said, "How sad to hear you say that. Providing too many freedoms the government cannot deal with weakens the power of the government. I do not propose that we should treat citizens unequally or restrict freedom, only that we need to leave the door open in case need to should arise."

"There will never be a situation where we will have to restrict the rights of the people, any belief otherwise is opening the door to a fascist regime on the doorstep of the Americans, who will be more than happy to come stomping through."

[Crylante]

"I second all motions by Anna Nilsson. I would also like to clarify to my colleague that I was not advocating for Mr Lance to be invalidated from the chamber, merely trying to demonstrate how his views were incorrect on the matter."

"I would also like to table an amendment to the Constitution to change Article 24 to read:

The members of Parliament shall be compensated for their services a salary paid out by the Treasury of the State of Saint Hilda, tied to the median national wage."

[The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism]

Anna Nilsson, having thoroughly read through the draft, rises and says, "Madame Speaker, I fully support this draft and hope that it will be passed. However, I do have a few amendments, mostly of an insignificant nature, to propose:

Firstly, that in article 1 the phrase "and Saint Hilda and the Kingdom of Sweden" be replaced with "of Saint Hilda"; and that the word "of" be inserted between "intent" and "establishing". Regarding the former, we do not represent the Kingdom of Sweden, which has its separate own legislature. The latter is only grammatical.

Secondly, that in clause 3 subclause 3 sub-subclause 3 and in clause 6 subclause 1, the letters "UN" be replaced with the word "Universal", to better reflect the official name of the document that I presume is being referred to.

Thirdly, that in clause 7, subclause 4, sub-subclause 1, the words "to my fellow man" be removed. This is a highly symbolic oath taken by and permanent residents when they become citizens and members of the armed forces, and there is no place for a phrase referring to a "fellow man" there. We should strive to be an inclusive society.

Fourthly, that the word "to" be inserted in clause 33 between the words "authority" and "establish". This is again a purely grammatical amendment.

Fifthly, and once again only grammatical, that in clause 68 the phrase "which in" be replaced by "of which" and the word "its" be deleted.

Sixthly and finally, that in article 70 the word "tenants" be changed to "tenets".

Thank you, Madame Speaker, and thank you, Mr de Cloet, for authoring this essential document, which I trust will be the foundation of a strong and stable nation in the future."

"All seconded, madame speaker."

"I further propose that section 13 be amended to read as follows."

Parliament shall be elected for terms of three years (OOC, 3 Months, each month represents a Year),

"Necessarily, section 15 needs to be amended to:"

Elections for Parliament shall always be held on the first Monday of October of every third year following the establishment of the legal force of this Constitution

[Zurkerx]

Jonathon stands up.

"Not to sound nit picky, but I'm not sure if we should call ourselves a "social republic" since the term is usually in reference to so-called Socialist Regimes or to reference the former Italian Social Republic: a puppet state by Nazi Germany. I've also a grammatical area in the same passage. Therefore, I propose the following amendment":

Amendment v

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Proposer: Jonathon Vasquez (Capitalist Party)
Seconder:

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Co-signers:

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Amends Article 5 to read:
"The State of Saint Hilda shall be a democratic republic under the dominion of the Swedish Crown,"

"I'm open to suggestions too, of course, to amend my amendment."

[MERIZoC]

Permit that this Constitution may be amended to include, remove, or clarify any statute or statement by;
The People through a two-thirds supermajority consensus by referendum,
The Judiciary through a unanimous consensus at the request of Parliament or the People,
Any following legally assembled Convention of all Saint Hilda and her Territories that represent a two-thirds supermajority of the People.

Simple majority makes things much smoother, no point in two thirds, it just makes it hard to make necessary corrections.

Parliament shall be elected for terms of five years (OOC, 5 Months, each month represents a Year),

\
ooc: far too long, ought to be 2 months

Elections for Parliament shall always be held on the first Monday of October of every fifth year following the establishment of the legal force of this Constitution,
Parliament shall assemble on the 10th day of January following its election, or at the behest of the executive if such a need is made clear,

this needs to be struck, this is not how a parliament works

The Authority to grant letters of Marque and Reprisal,

what is this, 1750

In order to do business with respect to any affairs regarding monetary policy, Parliament must reach a quorum of no less than a supermajority of members,
In order to hear debates, Parliament must reach a quorum of no less than one-quarter of members,

destroy quorums

Each of the High Courts shall be independent of the government and consist of 13 members. The members shall be appointed by the Prime Minister and Parliament equally, six each, with the final member being appointed by the Swedish Crown or its Representative, serving a term of five years,

Generally the PM will have command of a majority of parliament so this will just be 12 appointed by the PM