Imperial Proclamation of Unity

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The Imperial Proclamation of Unity, commonly referred to as the Second Declaration of Lindstrom, is a seminal legal and constitutional document that ended the division of Natopia and united it under the rule of Empress Vadoma I. Formally adopted on 3.IX.1717 AN, the proclamation was the result of concerted efforts by the Imperial Council of Natopia, drafted in 1716 AN and subsequently ratified by the legislatures of both Eastern and Western Natopia. A national referendum across the Natopian Empire held on 4.XIV.1717 AN ratified both the Imperial Proclamation of Unity and its accompanying finalized draft of a new Natopian Constitution.

The proclamation was carefully crafted to address the administrative, legal, and social complexities arising from the reunification of Eastern and Western Natopia. It outlined the structural framework for a new unified government, the roles and responsibilities of citizens, and a transitional governance process. Upon adoption, the proclamation dissolved the separate governments of Eastern and Western Natopia, thereby establishing a single, unified provisional government. The Transitional Government of Natopia functioned under the authority of Empress Vadoma I and the Imperial Council of Natopia, which consisted of the Chancellor of Natopia, the Court of Vista de Nada, the Imperial Chancellery, and the heads of the demesnes. The proclamation also reconvened the Frenzy of Natopia as a unicameral legislative body, incorporating representatives from both halves of the empire.

To facilitate a seamless transition, the Imperial Proclamation of Unity established the Transition Governance Committee, a special sub-committee under the Imperial Council, which was tasked with overseeing the transfer of assets, governance, and resolving any outstanding issues related to the reunification. This committee was dissolved in 1719 AN, signaling the completion of the transitional process and making the new unified governance structure fully operational. Beyond governance, the proclamation had a profound impact on social and economic aspects of Natopian life. It established a financial assistance program for demesnes and citizens adversely affected by the reunion, allocating funds to support economic development, social services, and infrastructure projects. Following the dissolution of the Transition Governance Committee in 1719, the centralized fund allocation was integrated into the general Natopian budget, and was credited with the rapid economic recovery observed in the subsequent years.

In the years following the adoption of the Imperial Proclamation of Unity and its associated Constitution, Natopia began to experience a period of relative stability and prosperity. The new unified government successfully transitioned into a well-functioning united administration by late 1719 AN to early 1720 AN. The Imperial Proclamation of Unity stands as a landmark document in Natopian history, embodying the values of unity, governance, and the rule of law, while also serving as a blueprint for conflict resolution and nation-building.

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Preamble

We, the people of Natopia, united in our shared history and culture, reaffirm our commitment to the preservation and perpetuation of our great nation. We recognize the division of Our Empire in recent years as a painful and unfortunate chapter in our history, one that has caused hardship and suffering for our citizens. But we also recognize that it has been a time of reflection and growth, during which we have come to understand the true meaning of unity and the essential role it plays in the strength and prosperity of our nation.

With this understanding, we now come together, as one people, to declare the unity of our Empire and to establish a framework for its governance. We pledge to work together, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, to build a Natopia that is stronger, more prosperous, and more just for all its citizens. We call upon all citizens of Natopia to join us in this endeavor, and to work together to ensure that this unity is lasting and meaningful.

We, the undersigned, by the grace of the gods and the will of the people, do hereby proclaim the Imperial Proclamation of Unity and set forth the following provisions for the governance of the reunited Natopia: --

Proclamation of Unity

The Empress of the Natopians and the Imperial Council of Natopia, by the authority vested in Us by the people of Natopia and with the support of the Frenzy of the Natopian Empire, hereby declare as follows:

Article 1: Reunification of Natopia

1. The division of Natopia into Eastern and Western halves, which occurred in 1709 AN AN, is hereby ended, and the two halves of the empire are reunified under the rule of Her Most Bovic Majesty Vadoma Rowena Waffel-Paine, by the Loving Grace of the Butter Cow, Empress, Progeny of the Once-Living God, and Her heirs and successors in accordance with the laws of Natopia.
2. The Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation shall be the successor state to Eastern and Western Natopia, and shall be comprised of all territories and peoples formerly governed by the two predecessor states. The reunification of Eastern and Western shall be considered complete and effective upon the issuance of this Proclamation.

Article 2: Recognition of Cultural Diversity

1. The Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation recognizes and celebrates the diversity of its peoples and cultures, and shall take all necessary measures to protect and promote the unique traditions and identities of the different demesnes and peoples within Natopia.

Article 3: Smooth Transition of Power

1. The Imperial Council of Natopia, in collaboration with demesnal authorities and other appropriate officials, shall work to ensure a smooth and orderly transition as the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation is established.
2. All necessary legal, administrative, and logistical steps shall be taken to ensure the continuity of government and the protection of the rights of all citizens during this transition period.

Article 4. Succession of the Throne

1. The succession to the throne of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation shall be determined by the laws of Natopia and the traditions of the Imperial Family.
2. In the event of the death or incapacity of the reigning Emperor or Empress, the next in line of succession shall become the new emperor or empress of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation.
3. Any person inscribed in the line of succession shall be descended by blood or by butter from Emperor Nathan I, the Once-Living God, and be a member of the House of Waffel-Paine.

Transitional Government of Natopia

Article 5: 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 and the Empress of the Natopians.
4. A person is born into the Natopian Nation if at least one of their parents is a Natopian citizen 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. The capital of Natopia may be moved only due to extraordinary circumstances or emergencies, as provided by the Empress of the Natopians, only on the consent and advice of the Chancellor.
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. Languages with secondary official status as important languages of the Natopian Nation are Treesian, Istvanistani language, Martino, Alexandrian, and any others as official recognized by Imperial Decree of the Empress or by Act of the Frenzy.
10. The government of Natopia will protect the Natopian people and defend their inherent rights to freedom, justice, peace, and equality. The Empress of the Natopians shall bear the title of Defender of the Constitution.
11. 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 6: The Empress of the Natopians

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. The gender neutral term and title for Emperor or Empress of the Natopians is the Imperial Sovereign of the Natopians.
3. Whenever the text refers to the Empress, it shall be construed to also apply to male and non-gender conforming holders of the title.
4. Executive power over foreign affairs and responsibility for defense of the Nation is vested in the Empress of the Natopians and exercised through His Most Bovic Majesty's Imperial Court. The Consort is also as styled His/Her/Their Most Bovic Majesty.
5. The children of the Empress are titled as Prince/Princess of Natopia and styled as His/Her/Their Imperial Highness.
6. The Empress may bestow the title Prince/Princess of Natopia on any person listed in the Instrument of Succession.
7. The Empress holds power to regulate and define the structure, officers, and symbols of the Imperial Court.
8. The Empress is the Head of State, a symbol of Natopia and guardian of the unity, peace, order, and proper governance of the Natopian Nation.
9. There will be no other self-styled emperors or kings in the Bovic Empire; except ancient and duly recognized royal titles and kings of formerly sovereign nations that have since entered into the Bovic Empire as provided by the Empress via Imperial Decree.
10. The spouse of the reigning Empress is titled either Emperor-Consort of the Natopians, Empress-Consort of the Natopians, or Imperial Consort of the Natopians, according to the spouse's preference.
11. The Empress appoints ambassadors, liaisons, and delegates to foreign states, entities, and organizations and receives foreign heads of state, ambassadors, ministers and other envoys.
12. The Empress grants amnesty, commutes punishments, and issues pardons.
13. The Empress is commander-in-chief of the Natopian Defense Force, with the traditional and customary military rank of Grand Commander.
14. The Empress 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, issued by the Empress; 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.
15. The Empress remains in his authority until the Empress' uncontested death or abdication.
16. An uncontested death is irrefutable public evidence of the Empress' death.
17. An abdication is written by the Empress' own hand and is submitted to the Frenzy.
18. The Empress maintains an Instrument of Succession. In the event of the Empress' uncontested death or abdication, the first person in the order of succession becomes Emperor.
19. The Instrument of Succession persists during the transition between emperors and remains in its most recently issued state until explicitly altered by the next Emperor.
20. The Empress maintains the Instrument of Succession regularly, to ensure the list of successors is accurate, void of deceased persons, and only includes potential successors who will be beneficial for the Natopian Nation.
21. If no successors exist, the Frenzy will select a new Empress by Resolution. The Frenzy will first invite members of the House of Waffel-Paine to become Emperor. Then, secondly, the Frenzy will invite worthy descendants of Nathan Waffel-Paine. If no such descendants exist then members of the following Imperial Houses will invited: Ayreon-Kalirion, Eadric, Carrillo. The Frenzy must select a new Empress who will ensure above all else the independence and sovereignty of the Natopian Nation.
22. The Pentheros of the Dozan Bovic Church confers Bous' divine approval of the Empress by officiating the new Empress' ceremonial coronation. During the coronation, the Empress must swear or affirm an oath to maintain, expand, and protect the Natopian Nation and Dozan Bovic Church.
23. The Empress must appoint a Regent and the Regent must be able fulfill all critical responsibilities of the Empress during any absence of the Empress that exceeds three (3) continuous Norton months (6 Gregorian days).
24. In situations where the Imperial Sovereign is under the Bovic Age of Accountability (8 Natopian years) then the Regent will fulfill the Imperial Duties and Responsibilities of the minor Imperial Sovereign until the dawn of the day of the minor Imperial Sovereign's 8th birthday.
25. The Regent of Natopia may not, under any circumstance, issue or amend the Instrument of Succession.
26. The Regent is a member of the Imperial Court, and serves as the deputy for the Empress, assisting the Empress in their daily functions, and will assume the Empress' powers during absences declared by the Empress.
27. The Regent may be directed by the Empress to perform Imperial duties in their name at anytime.
28. The Regent is appointed solely by the Regent and serves at the pleasure of the Regent.
29. If there is no Regent, or the Regent is unable to serve, the Frenzy shall appoint a Regent from among the Princes and Princesses of the Empire, or if not possible from amongst the citizenry.
30. The crimes of regicide and treason shall carry the punishment of death and will be the only crimes that can carry that punishment in the Natopian nation.

Article 7: The Chancellor of Natopia and the Executive Government

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 this Proclamation of Unity and the laws of the Natopian Nation, oversees immigration, grows and maintains the economy, presents Bills passed by the Frenzy to the Empress for Imperial Assent, advises the Empress on domestic concerns, and administers the normal affairs of government.
3. The Chancellor issues Executive Orders to fulfil their office's obligations. Executive Orders are instruments of government to instruct government officials where the Imperial Chancellery has jurisdiction to govern.
4. The Chancellor maintains and publicizes the laws 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, grammatical, or clerical errors they may find in the Code.
5. The Chancellor appoints a cabinet of ministers to the Imperial Chancellery, to advise and assist them in governing the nation.
6. A Minister of the Imperial Chancellery may be dismissed by the Chancellor at anytime.
7. For a vacancy in the office resulting from the resignation or death of a Chancellor, the Empress 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.
8. The Chancellor designates one of the appointed cabinet-level officials as a Deputy Chancellor to assume the duties of the Chancellor during a temporary vacancy of the office.
9. 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 8: The Frenzy of the Natopian Empire

1. The Frenzy of the Natopian Empire represents the Natopian people and shall consist of:
   1. the Empress of the Natopians;
   2. the Frenzy.
2. The Frenzy of the Natopian Empire exercises the legislative powers of the Natopian state in accordance with this Proclamation and with the laws, and adopt its Budget, control the actions of the Natopian state, and have the other competencies assigned by this Proclamation.
3. The Frenzy shall be composed of elected Representatives from the demesnes of the Empire.
4. The Speaker of the Frenzy shall preside over sessions of the Frenzy, recognizing members to speak, and enforcing the Standing Orders of the Frenzy.
5. Each Representative of the Frenzy has one vote, regardless of the method they were elected or selected by.
6. Only Representatives, and invited guests of the Representatives, may speak on the Floor of the Frenzy.
7. Representatives must be over the age of 25, of sound mind, not been convicted of regicide, treason, or other heinous major crimes as determined by the laws.
8. The Representatives shall be elected by the citizens of the demesnes in accordance with the provisions of the laws of Natopia and the laws of each demesne.
9. Each demesne shall be responsible for filling its own vacant seats in the Frenzy according to the laws of that demesne.
10. The number of Representatives to be elected from each demesne shall be determined through the application of the D'Hondt method, a mathematical formula that allocates seats in proportion to the number of citizens in each demesne.
11. The D'Hondt method shall be applied every twelve (12) Norton (AN) years (every 1 Gregorian year) following the census of the population of each demesne, or at such other times as may be provided by law.
12. The allocation of seats under the D'Hondt method shall be based on the most recent census of the population of each demesne, adjusted for demographic changes as necessary.
13. The Frenzy of the Natopian Empire is inviolable.
14. The Frenzy of the Natopian Empire shall lay down its own Standing Orders, adopt their budgets autonomously and, by common agreement, regulate the laws for its personnel, employees, and contractors of the Frenzy.
15. Questions shall be decided by the absolute majority of the votes of the members present.
16. No citizen shall be a member of the Frenzy who shall not be a resident of that Demesne for which they shall be chosen.
17. The Frenzy of the Natopian Empire creates laws that govern the Bovic Empire, known as the Caprine Code.
18. 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.
19. Acts of the Frenzy become law when passed by a majority of members present in the Frenzy and given assent by the Empress. The law is then added to the Caprine Code by the Chancellor.
20. The Frenzy of the Natopian Empire, by passing Resolutions, may direct Imperial officials to act in accordance with this Proclamation 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.
21. Any Representative of the Frenzy may propose a Bill for consideration.
22. The Frenzy may independently punish its own members for disorderly behavior, and, by a two-thirds (2/3s) majority, expel its own member(s).
23. The Empress, through the process of granting Imperial Assent, approves an Act of the Frenzy. Only bills that receive approval through Imperial Assent shall be made into Law and added to the Caprine Code.
24. Bills that do not receive the approval of the Empress within seven (7) Gregorian days after being dispatched to the Empress for their Assent shall be passed into Law with Imperial Assent being automatically assumed.
25. The Empress, by issuing a veto, returns a Bill back to the Frenzy, attached with an explanation from the Empress of the veto, and can only be overturned by a three-fifth's (3/5's) vote of the Frenzy.

Article 9: The Natopian Supreme Court

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 of the Noble Fountain is customarily within His Most Bovic Majesty's Imperial Court. It is chaired by the Empress, 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) Anno Nortone (AN) year terms.
4. Candidates are nominated by the Empress and confirmed by the Frenzy.
5. After the Secretary's term has expired, the Empress 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 Empress.
7. Membership of the Court of the Noble Fountain shall only cease on occasion of one of the following:
   1. a written resignation delivered to the Empress;
   2. the death of a Member;
   3. a vote of the Frenzy to remove the Secretary and/or Legal Adviser(s) that receives a majority of two-thirds (2/3s) of the Frenzy and a confirmation by the Empress.
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 Empress, 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 Empress, Secretary, and Legal Adviser(s) is named as respondent in a case before the Court, then they will recuse themselves from deliberations.

Demesnial Governance

Article 10: Definitions and Establishment of Demesnes.

1. A demesne is subdivision of Natopia that holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it is statutorily granted a greater level of self-government from the national government of Natopia by an Act of the Frenzy.
2. The establishment of demesne and demesnial unions within the realm shall be made solely through an Act of the Frenzy.
3. Each demesne shall have a Viceroy, who shall serve as the representative of Emperess within the demesne or demesnial unions, and a designated demesnial head of government.
4. Legislation creating devolved demesnial governments can be repealed or amended by the Frenzy in the same way as any statute or Act.
5. Any special conditions pertaining to the existence or operation of a demesne are defined in the Caprine Code.
6. When a demesne establishes the structure of its new government, it must be submitted to the Emperess for approval by Imperial Assent.
7. If the Emperess rejects a demesne's proposed government, the residents of that demesne may petition the Frenzy directly for its approval by a Resolution of the Frenzy supported by two-thirds (2/3s) of the Representatives.
8. A local government shall operate in accordance with this Proclamation and the laws of Natopia.

Article 11. Reserved Powers for Demesnes

1. Demesnes may organize their own land into subdivisions.
2. Demesnes may petition the Frenzy to claim overseas colonies or expand into adjacent land.
3. Demesnes may petition the Frenzy to add inactive demesnes to themselves.
4. In the event of the ultimate dissolution or destruction of the Natopian Empire, State and Government, all demesnes may exist as sovereign and independent states on the land that they control on the date of Natopia's dissolution. Any demesnial unions remain attached to each other in this circumstance.
5. No Demesnes, or part of a demesne, or demesnial unions, may leave the Empire.
6. The demesnes of the Empire may form compacts or agreements with each other for geographic, dynastic, political, and/or cultural convenience. The government of each demesne involved must consent to the formation of a compact or agreement with another demesne.

Article 12. Emergency Government for Demesnes

1. In the event of the total collapse of a demesne's government, the Imperial Chancellery will have the responsibility to maintain law and order within that demesne until such as time as the local population reasserts its right to self-govern by notifying the Frenzy of said intention.
2. In the event of the total collapse of a demesnial unions's government, the Imperial Chancellery will have the right to submit for approval of the Frenzy a new arrangement, if it has the support of the demesne's residents, that may separate the demesnes in the demesnial union into an alternate or different arrangement, be it a new demesnial union, separation into different individual demesnes, or integration into another existing demesne union.