Charter of the Benacian Union (1752)
| Charter of the Benacian Union | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Benacian Union |
| Ratified | Eleventh Congress of Chryse |
| Date effective | Upon ratification by Congress of Chryse |
| System | Federal parliamentary consular republic |
| Government structure | |
| Branches | Three (Executive, Legislative, Judicial) |
| Head of state | First Consul |
| Chambers | Three deliberative bodies |
| Executive | Three-Consul system |
| History | |
| Supersedes | Prior constitutional arrangements |
| [[Constitution of {{{country}}}/{{{source}}}|{{{source}}}]] | |
The Charter of the Benacian Union is the fundamental constitutional document of the Benacian Union, establishing it as a unified federal state composed of four member Realms. As reformed and ratified by the Eleventh Congress of Chryse, it establishes the governmental structure, classification of subjects, rights and obligations, and the Union Covenant as supreme law alongside the Charter itself.
Overview
The Charter establishes a complex federal system balancing centralized Union authority with Realm sovereignty. It implements a unique selectorate system for political participation, a merit-based Civic Trust Score hierarchy, and a tripartite executive known as the Consulate.
"The Unified Governorates of Benacia, the Sovereign Confederation of Governorates, the Kingdom of Ransenar, and the Free City of Chryse—unite themselves in one Union State—hereafter known as The Benacian Union."
— Preamble, Charter of the Benacian Union
Preamble
"We, the subjects of the Benacian Union, acknowledging the supreme authority of Human Supremacy on Micras, do hereby establish this Charter as the fundamental law of the Union."
The preamble establishes the four founding Realms and acknowledges the doctrine of Human Supremacy as the foundational principle of the Union.
Structure at a Glance
| The Four Power Centers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Institution | Powers & Functions | Checks & Limitations |
| First Consul | Commands military, directs foreign policy, sole legislative initiative, appoints officials | Senate (constitutional veto), Council of Realms (federal matters), Chamber (must approve laws) |
| Conservatory Senate | Constitutional interpretation, annul laws/decrees, remove First Consul, override algorithms | Nearly self-governing; difficult to check |
| Chamber of Guilds and Corporations | Debates and approves legislation, guild representation | Cannot initiate laws; Senate can annul; First Consul controls initiative |
| Council of Realms | Concurrent consent on federal matters, protects Realm competencies | Senate override by 2/3 vote |
Chapter I: Fundamental Principles
Article I.1 - Federal Structure
The Benacian Union is a unified federal state composed of four member Realms. The Union preserves the territorial integrity of each Realm while vesting supreme authority in the organs of the Union established by this Charter.
Article I.2 - Benacian Nationality
All persons residing within the territories of the Union are subjects of the Union. There exists one Benacian nationality for all subjects of the member Realms.
Article I.3 - Classification of Subjects
The Charter establishes a five-tier hierarchy of subjects based on Civic Trust Scores and Union Covenant compliance:
| Classification | Civic Trust Score | Rights Granted | Requirements & Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meritorious Subjects | Above 350 | Full civil and political rights | Union Covenant compliance, appearance on Register of Souls, no disqualifying convictions |
| Subjects Without Merit | 100-350 | Civil rights only (no political participation) | Covenant compliance required |
| Recusants | Varies | Reduced civil rights, permanent political disability | Refuse the Union Covenant; subject to fines and community service |
| Heretics | Varies | Subject to complete loss of rights, prosecution, purgation | Determined by United Ecclesiastical Corporation to practice forbidden rites or reject Covenant |
| Protected Persons | Below 100 | Status governed by special law | Various circumstances resulting in very low CTS |
Article I.4 - The Union Covenant
The Benacian Union is founded upon the Union Covenant, which establishes Human Supremacy on Micras and the divine foundation of lawful authority. All subjects are bound by the Covenant enacted by the Congress of Chryse. The Covenant forms supreme law alongside this Charter.
Article I.4A - Covenant Obligations
All subjects must enter the Union Covenant at the annual ceremony on the thirteenth day of the thirteenth month. Non-compliance results in:
- Notification to the Panopticon
- Civic Trust Score adjustment
- Penalties prescribed by the Covenant
The Register of Souls maintained by the Worshipful Guild of the Sacred Carnifices records compliance.
Article I.4B - The United Ecclesiastical Corporation
The United Ecclesiastical Corporation of Benacia exercises religious authority under the Union Covenant through its Council of Araxion. The Corporation:
- Determines heresy
- Certifies Realm religious practices for Covenant compliance
- Maintains clerical registers
- May be overridden by unanimous Conservatory Senate vote on heresy determinations
- May not exercise temporal power except through lawful processes
Article I.4C - Religious Practice
| Approved Practices | Forbidden Practices |
|---|---|
| Those recognized by the United Ecclesiastical Corporation as Covenant-compliant |
|
ℹ NOTE: The Corporation may grant conscience exemptions for sincere religious beliefs preventing public participation, which do not relieve subjects of submission to lawful authority.
Article I.5 - Capital
The capital of the Benacian Union is the Free City of Chryse.
Chapter II: The Consular Executive
The Three Consuls
Article II.1 - Tripartite Executive
Executive authority of the Benacian Union vests in a Consulate of three persons: the First Consul, the Second Consul, and the Third Consul.
Article II.2 - The First Consul
| First Consul of Benacian Union
| |
| Appointer | Congress of Chryse (from shortlist) |
|---|---|
| Term length | 10 years (max 2 consecutive terms) |
The First Consul holds supreme executive power and:
| Power Category | Specific Authority |
|---|---|
| Military | Commands the Benacian Union Defence Force |
| Foreign Affairs | Directs foreign policy through the Commission for Foreign Affairs; Represents the Union internationally |
| Legislative | Possesses sole authority to propose legislation through the Council of State |
| Administrative | Appoints and dismisses all ministers, commissioners, and Realm executives (subject to Charter limitations) |
| Decree Power | Issues decrees with force of law during legislative recess |
Article II.3 - Second and Third Consuls
| Consul | Primary Responsibility | Countersignature Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Second Consul | Internal security & Commission for the Panopticon | Must countersign First Consul decrees in their domain (but assent not required for decree to proceed) |
| Third Consul | Commission for the Sacred Treasury & economic policy | Must countersign First Consul decrees in their domain (but assent not required for decree to proceed) |
Both serve at the pleasure of the First Consul without term limits.
Article II.4 - Terms of Office
- First Consul: 10-year term, maximum two consecutive terms unless waived by plebiscite
- Second & Third Consuls: No term limits, serve at First Consul's pleasure
Succession
Article II.5 - Regular Succession
Process:
- In final year of term → Outgoing Consulate & Senate prepare shortlist (3 candidates from National Notables)
- Congress of Chryse votes (majority required)
- New First Consul selected
- If rejected: New lists prepared, process repeats
The outgoing First Consul continues in acting capacity during any interim.
Article II.6 - Emergency Succession
If the First Consul dies or is removed mid-term:
| Scenario | Immediate Action | Duration | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Consul unavailable | Second Consul becomes Acting First Consul | 90 days | Senate prepares shortlist; extraordinary Congress convened |
| First & Second unavailable | Third Consul assumes acting authority | Until replacement selected | Senate prepares shortlist; extraordinary Congress convened |
| All three Consuls unavailable | Senate appoints Acting First Consul from its membership | Until replacement selected | Senate majority vote required |
Supporting Institutions
Article II.7 - The Council of State
| Council of State | |
| Purpose/focus | Draft all legislation at First Consul's direction |
|---|---|
| Membership | 30-50 appointed experts |
| Key people | Appointed by First Consul |
Critical Function: No bill may reach any deliberative assembly unless first composed by the Council of State.
Terms: Members appointed for 5-year terms; may be removed at any time.
Article II.8 - The Office of the Lord High Censor
The Lord High Censor directs the Benacian Censorate, which serves the Consulate in:
- Population enumeration
- Maintenance of registers
- Upholding of moral standards
Reporting Structure: Reports to Congress but responds to all three Consuls' requirements.
Supervision: The Censorate supervises:
- Rehabilitation Office
- Population Management Bureau
- Worshipful Guild of the Sacred Carnifices
Chapter III: The Selectorate System
The Five-Tier Filtration
The selectorate operates through graduated tiers of filtration that progressively narrow political participation:
| Tier 5: Congress of Chryse — Delegates from National Notables |
| Tier 4: National Notables — 10% of Departmental Notables (selected by Realm Conventions) |
| Tier 3: Departmental Notables — 10% of Communal Notables (selected by Governorate Colleges) |
| Tier 2: Communal Notables — 10% of Assembly participants (algorithmically selected) |
| Tier 1: Bailiwick Assemblies — Franchise-holding subjects (CTS 450+) |
Article III.1 - Five Tiers
(a) Bailiwick Assemblies of franchise-holding subjects
(b) Lists of Communal Notables (10% of Assembly participants)
(c) Governorate Colleges selecting Departmental Notables (10% of Communal Notables)
(d) Realm Conventions selecting National Notables (10% of Departmental Notables)
(e) The Congress of Chryse (delegates from National Notables)
Article III.2 - Franchise Requirements
To participate in a Bailiwick Assembly, a meritorious subject must meet all five criteria:
| # | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Civic Trust Score | Above Franchise Threshold (currently 450 points) |
| 2 | Tenure | Held meritorious status for five consecutive years |
| 3 | Affiliation | Maintain institutional enrollment |
| 4 | Education | Completed the Course of the Engaged Subject |
| 5 | Recommendation | Possess a positive institutional recommendation |
Article III.3 - Bailiwick Assembly Process
| Frequency | Process | Algorithm | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Once per decade | Participants submit ranked preferences for qualities and attributes | Commission for the Panopticon matches preferences to subject profiles | Subjects learn only whether selected, not their ranking |
Article III.4 - The Congress of Chryse
- Composition: Delegates selected by Realm Conventions
- Apportionment: Proportional to meritorious subject population (minimum 5 per Realm)
- Frequency: Convenes every five years
- Function: Selects members for all Union deliberative bodies
Chapter IV: The Deliberative Bodies
The Chamber of Guilds and Corporations
| Chamber of Guilds and Corporations | |
| Benacian Union | |
| Type | |
|---|---|
| Type |
Supreme legislative organ |
| Structure | |
| Seats | Proportional to guild/corporation membership (min. 5 per guild) |
| Authority | Deliberates and votes on legislation |
Article IV.1 - Role
The Chamber is the supreme legislative organ of the Union, comprising delegates from the constituent guilds and corporations. It receives legislation from the Council of State, deliberates upon it, and votes on final passage.
Article IV.2 - Membership
| # | Guild/Corporation | Minimum Delegates | Proportional Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guild of Academicians | 5 | Meritorious membership |
| 2 | Guild of Factors | 5 | Meritorious membership |
| 3 | Guild of the Lotus | 5 | Meritorious membership |
| 4 | Worshipful Guild of the Sacred Carnifices | 5 | Meritorious membership |
| 5 | Benacian Union Defence Force | 5 | Meritorious membership |
| 6 | The Honourable Company | 5 | Meritorious membership |
| 7 | Nationalist & Humanist Party | 5 | Meritorious membership |
| 8 | United Ecclesiastical Corporation | 5 | Meritorious membership |
| Other guilds or corporations may be admitted by Chamber vote | |||
Article IV.3 - Delegate Selection
Delegates selected by their respective guilds/corporations according to internal processes. Each guild determines:
- Qualification requirements
- Selection methods
- Delegate terms (maximum 5 years)
Article IV.4 - Powers & Procedures
| The Chamber CAN: | Process/Notes |
|---|---|
| Receive bills | Drafted by Council of State |
| Debate legislation | Publicly (proceedings broadcast throughout Union) |
| Propose amendments | Council of State may accept or reject |
| Vote on final passage | Majority of delegates present required |
| Employ weighted voting | On specific measures; delegates spend institutional credits for votes of greater value |
Article IV.5 - Critical Limitation
⚠ CRITICAL: The Chamber may not initiate legislation. The sole source of legislative initiative is the First Consul through the Council of State. The Chamber's role is deliberative and ratificatory.
The Conservatory Senate
| Conservatory Senate | |
| Benacian Union | |
| Type | |
|---|---|
| Type |
Constitutional guardian |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 50 |
| Authority | Constitutional interpretation, annulment power, can remove First Consul |
Article IV.6 - Structure & Appointments
Size: 50 members
Terms: Life terms with mandatory retirement at age 75 or after 30 years of service (whichever comes first)
Initial Appointments: By First Consul with Congressional approval
Vacancies:
- Senate nominates 3 candidates
- Congress selects 1
- First Consul has one-time veto per vacancy
Article IV.7 - Powers
| Power Category | Vote Requirement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Guardian | Varies | Guards the constitutional order |
| Annulment | Majority (implied) | May annul any legislation, decree, or action deemed contrary to Charter |
| Consular Selection | Majority | Approves or rejects shortlist for First Consul |
| Remove First Consul | 3/4 | For gross violation of this Charter |
| Remove Senators | Complex proceedings | For cause |
| Override Panopticon | 2/3 | May override algorithmic determinations |
| Jurisdictional Arbiter | Binding | Arbitrates disputes between Union institutions |
| Override Council of Realms | 2/3 or unanimous | On matters specified in Charter |
Article IV.8 - Proceedings & Immunity
Confidentiality: All proceedings are confidential except when Senate votes to publish
Immunity:
- ✓ Senators enjoy immunity from surveillance of their deliberations
- ✗ Senators have no immunity from surveillance of their private conduct
The Council of Realms
| Council of Realms | |
| Benacian Union | |
| Type | |
|---|---|
| Type |
Federal chamber |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 12 (3 per Realm) |
| Authority | Concurrent consent on federal matters; protects Realm competencies |
Article IV.9 - Structure
- 12 members total: 3 delegates from each of the 4 member Realms
- Selection: By each Realm according to its own processes
- Terms: 5 years
Article IV.10 - Powers
Concurrent Consent (by majority vote) required for:
- Expansion of Union competencies
- Modification of Realm boundaries
- Amendments to Charter's federal provisions
- Union abrogation of Realm acts
Advisory Function:
- Advises on foreign treaties affecting Realm interests
Veto Power (by 3/4 vote):
- Union abrogations of Realm acts
- Panopticon threshold adjustments reducing any Realm's Congressional representation by more than 20%
- Subject to Senate override by 2/3 vote
Article IV.11 - Limitations
The Council of Realms may not:
- Initiate legislation
- Veto ordinary Union legislation
- Interfere with First Consul executive powers
ℹ NOTE: Senate decisions override Council decisions when Senate acts by 2/3 or unanimous vote as specified in Charter
Chapter V: The Panopticon and Merit
Article V.1 - The Commission for the Panopticon
Authority: Operates under the Second Consul
Function: Calculates Civic Trust Scores for all subjects
Scoring Factors:
- Employment history
- Tax compliance
- Criminal records
- Civic participation
- Social associations
- Public statements
- Location patterns
- Consumption behavior
- Institutional loyalty metrics
Article V.2 - Civic Trust Score Thresholds
| Score Range | Status | Rights Level | Key Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800-1000 | Elite | National Notables level | — |
| 600-800 | Solid Citizen | Has franchise | — |
| 450-600 | Meritorious | Franchise eligible | Franchise Threshold: 450 |
| 350-450 | Meritorious | Limited participation | Merit Threshold: 350 |
| 100-350 | Subject Without Merit | Civil rights only | — |
| 0-100 | Protected Person | Special status | — |
Transparency:
- ✓ All scoring methodologies are published
- ✗ Individual scores and applications remain confidential
Adjustability: Franchise Threshold set at 450 points but may be adjusted based on conditions
Article V.3 - Appeals Process
| Frequency | Review Body | Grounds | Ultimate Override |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annually | 3-member panels | Algorithmic or data errors | Conservatory Senate (2/3 vote) |
Article V.4 - Human Review Requirement
⚠ CRITICAL PROTECTION: No subject may have meritorious status revoked or be classified as a Protected Person based solely on algorithmic determination. All such actions require review and approval by a human official whose identity is recorded.
Chapter VI: The Member Realms
The Four Realms
| Realm | Executive Title | Selection Method | Character | Confirmation? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unified Governorates of Benacia | First Consul | Directly governed by Union | Union loyalist core | N/A |
| Sovereign Confederation | Uvngætz | Selected by internal Miþuï structures | Traditional, culturally distinct | ✓ (Limited grounds) |
| Ransenar | Szodan | Internal constitutional processes | Moderate, monarchical traditions | ✓ (Limited grounds) |
| Free City of Chryse | High Commissioner | Appointed by Congress of Chryse | Merchant pragmatists, capital city | ✗ |
Realm Sovereignty
Article VI.1
The sovereignty of member Realms is limited only by matters vested in the Union by this Charter. Each Realm exercises public powers independently within its sphere. Each Realm retains the right to withdraw from the Union in a manner accordant with law, the Union Covenant, and the maintenance of Human Supremacy.
Article VI.2
- The territory of a member Realm may not be modified without its consent
- The right of withdrawal may not be eliminated except by unanimous consent of all Realms
Realm Executives
Article VI.3 - Executive Authority by Realm
(f) Unified Governorates of Benacia: The First Consul governs directly as Head of the Realm.
(g) Sovereign Confederation: The Uvngætz is selected by internal Miþuï structures, provided the candidate has:
- Signed the Covenant
- Appears on the Register of Souls
- Not determined heretic by the United Ecclesiastical Corporation
First Consul confirmation may be refused for:
- Covenant violation
- Heresy
- Criminal conviction
- Foreign allegiance
- Senate constitutional threat determination
(h) Ransenar: The Szodan is selected according to Ransenar's internal constitutional processes (which Ransenar determines by its own Realm constitution). Confirmation follows the same limited grounds as the Sovereign Confederation.
(i) Chryse: The High Commissioner is appointed by the Congress of Chryse and is not subject to First Consul confirmation.
Article VI.4 - Removal of Realm Executives
| Method | Initiator | Grounds | Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | Realm constitutional processes | As determined by Realm | — |
| Union | First Consul + 2/3 Senate | Treason, gross Charter violation, criminal conviction, referral from Sacred Carnifices | Council of Realms |
Realm Competencies
Article VI.5 - Exclusive Realm Competencies
| Category | Specific Areas |
|---|---|
| Cultural Autonomy | Languages, heritage, religious institutions, traditional law for civil matters, commemorations |
| Educational Content | Curriculum for non-civic subjects, universities, vocational training |
| Local Economic Development | Intra-Realm commerce, local licensing, regional incentives, tourism, local infrastructure |
| Internal Governance | Bailiwick organization, local services, Realm judicial organization, administrative procedures |
| Realm Symbols & Honors | As determined by Realm |
Article VI.6 - Limits on Union Abrogation
The Union may not abrogate Realm acts touching exclusive competencies except when such acts:
- Violate the Union Covenant
- Impair Union institutions
- Create inter-Realm conflicts
- Threaten constitutional order (as determined by 2/3 Senate vote)
ℹ NOTE: Any abrogation requires: Council of Realms concurrence OR unanimous Senate override
Union Competencies
Article VI.7 - Exclusive Union Authority
The Union exercises exclusive authority over:
- Foreign relations and treaties
- War and peace
- The armed forces
- Foreign and inter-Realm commerce
- Monetary and credit systems
- Commission for the Panopticon
- Surveillance and merit evaluation
- The selectorate system
- Federal nationality law
Article VI.8 - Supremacy Clause
Union law prevails over conflicting Realm law in all areas of Union competency. The Conservatory Senate is the final arbiter of competency boundaries.
Chapter VII: Additional Provisions
Plebiscites
Article VII.1 - Who Can Call Plebiscites
| Authority | Threshold | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| First Consul | At any time | Any matter |
| Conservatory Senate | 2/3 vote | Constitutional questions |
| Congress of Chryse | 3/4 vote | Succession or fundamental constitutional questions |
⚠ NOTE: No plebiscite may be initiated by popular petition
Article VII.2 - Plebiscite Procedures
Electorate: All meritorious subjects meeting the Franchise Threshold
Question Format:
- Drafted by Council of State
- Subject to Senate review
- Answerable by yes or no
Tabulation: By the Panopticon
Announcement: By the First Consul
Effect: Binding unless annulled by the Senate
Rights of Subjects
Article VII.3
Subjects who comply with the Union Covenant possess rights including:
- Life
- Liberty
- Security
- Property (subject to taxation)
- Petition
- Religious practice
- Lawful occupation
Limitations: Rights are subject to lawful authority, and limitation by law for:
- Security
- Health
- Order
- Rights protection
- Heresy suppression
Restricted Subjects:
- Recusants possess only Protected Person rights
- Heretics may be subject to complete loss of rights
Emergency Powers
Article VII.4 - Constitutional Emergency
Grounds for Declaration:
- Imminent threat to Union survival, OR
- Complete failure of essential government functions
Who Can Declare:
| Method 1 | Method 2 |
|---|---|
| First Consul + 2/3 Senate concurrence | Senate + Council of Realms (2/3 of each) |
Emergency Powers in Effect:
| Power Granted | Limitation/Check |
|---|---|
| First Consul issues decrees with immediate force | Senate retains annulment power (7-day review) |
| No Council of State drafting required | — |
| No deliberative body approval required | — |
| Council of Realms concurrent consent suspended | — |
| Panopticon operates independently | — |
Duration:
- 90 days maximum
- Extendable once by unanimous Senate
- Total maximum: 18 months
Prohibited Actions During Emergency:
- Charter amendments
- Territorial changes
- Senate abolition
- Indefinite detention
- Covenant violations
Hierarchy of Authority
Article VII.5 - Conflict Resolution
| Type of Question | Final Authority | Check/Override |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic matters (foreign affairs, war, defense, monetary policy, Union-wide surveillance) | First Consul | Senate annulment for constitutional violation |
| Constitutional questions | Conservatory Senate | None (final) |
| Federal questions (Realm competencies, boundaries, Union-Realm disputes) | Council of Realms | Senate override by 2/3 |
| Jurisdictional disputes | Conservatory Senate | Binding effect |
Symbols
Article VII.6
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| Union Insignia | Seal of Chryse surrounded by a golden raptor over a blue shield |
| Union Flag | Congressional Emblem over a white fess with gold fimbriation over blue |
| Military Flag | Fringed in gold with Congressional Emblem and Archonic Ouroboros on blue with radiating beams, bearing inscription "Ußar Ał Boþ Ußar Reht" (Our Might is Our Right) |
Amendment
Article VII.7 - Standard Amendment Process
Process:
- First Consul directs Council of State
- Council drafts amendment
- Senate review
- 2/3 approval in Chamber of Guilds and Corporations
- Ratification by 3/4 of Realm executives
- Promulgation by First Consul
Alternative Path: Direct to plebiscite by:
- Unanimous Senate vote, OR
- 3/4 Congress vote
Article VII.8 - Protected Provisions
⚠ PROTECTED PROVISIONS — No amendment may:
- Abolish the member Realms
- Eliminate the right of withdrawal
- Contradict the Union Covenant
...without unanimous consent of all Realms
Supremacy
Article VII.9
Hierarchy of Law:
- This Charter (supreme)
- Laws made in pursuance of Charter
- Union treaties
Interpretation: The Conservatory Senate interprets this Charter with final authority
Chapter VIII: Transitional Provisions
Article VIII.1
This Charter supersedes all prior constitutional arrangements including the Charter passed in the Second Session of the Congress of Chryse and revised in the Fourth Session.
Article VIII.2 - Five-Year Transition
| Year | Key Milestones |
|---|---|
| Year One | Constitutional enabling legislation; Panopticon develops systems; Civic Trust Scores initialized |
| Year Two | First Bailiwick Assemblies; Communal Notables selected |
| Year Three | Governorate Colleges and Realm Conventions; Departmental and National Notables selected |
| Year Four | Congress convenes; first Consulate and deliberative bodies selected |
| Year Five | Full implementation; prior structures dissolved |
Article VIII.3 - Current Office-Holder Privileges
Current office-holders receive (expires after one complete 10-year cycle):
- Automatic placement on appropriate Lists for the first cycle
- Civic Trust Scores initialized at 600 points
- Exemption from Course requirements for one cycle
- Priority consideration for Council of State or other offices
Article VIII.4 - Transitional First Consul
The current Szodan of Benacia serves as the first First Consul until completion of the first selectorate cycle. During transition, the High Presidium continues until the Consulate is operational.
Article VIII.5 - Council of Realms Formation
- Within 6 months: Each Realm selects 3 delegates
- Within 9 months: Council convenes
- Until operational: Senate acts in Council's stead for consent matters
Article VIII.6 - Realm Constitution Development
- Within 1 year: Sovereign Confederation and Ransenar establish executive selection processes
- Within 2 years: Each Realm submits constitution to Senate for conformity review
Article VIII.7 - Entry Into Force
This Charter enters into force upon ratification by the Congress of Chryse and promulgation by the Szodan of Benacia.
Appendix: Quick Reference
| Power Center | Controls | Checked By |
|---|---|---|
| The Executive (First Consul) |
Day-to-day government, military, foreign policy, legislative initiative | Senate (constitutional), Council of Realms (federal), Chamber (legislative approval) |
| The Senate (Conservatory Senate) |
Constitutional interpretation, veto power, can remove First Consul | Very difficult (basically self-governing) |
| The Chamber (Chamber of Guilds and Corporations) |
Legislative approval, guild representation; Delegates from 8 major guilds vote on laws | Senate (can annul), First Consul (sole initiative) |
| The Council (Council of Realms) |
Realm competencies, veto on federal matters | Senate override (2/3 vote) |
| What You're Doing | Who Decides | Can Be Vetoed By |
|---|---|---|
| Declare war | First Consul | Senate (if unconstitutional) |
| Pass new law | First Consul proposes → Chamber debate → Chamber vote | Senate (if unconstitutional) |
| Appoint Realm executive | First Consul | Realm Council appeal → Senate arbitrates |
| Override algorithm | Senate (2/3 vote) | Nobody |
| Realm cultural policy | Realm (exclusive) | Nobody (unless Covenant violation) |
| Modify Realm border | Affected Realm + Council of Realms | Nobody |
| Declare emergency | First Consul + 2/3 Senate | Senate can revoke |
| Interpret Charter | Senate | Nobody (final) |
| Score | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 800-1000 | Elite | National Notables level |
| 600-800 | Solid citizen | Has franchise |
| 450-600 | Meritorious | Franchise threshold at 450 |
| 350-450 | Meritorious | Low participation |
| 100-350 | Subject Without Merit | Civil rights only |
| 0-100 | Protected Person | Status governed by special law |
| Realm | Executive | Selection Method | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unified Governorates of Benacia | First Consul | Directly governed | Union loyalist core |
| Sovereign Confederation | Uvngætz | Selected by Miþuï | Traditional, culturally distinct |
| Ransenar | Szodan | Method determined internally | Moderate, monarchical traditions |
| Chryse | High Commissioner | Congress appoints | Merchant pragmatists, capital city |
See Also
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Governmental Bodies: |
Systems & Institutions: |
