Aquilegia/Constitution

Constitution Act of Aquilegia

As proposed by Sir Garret Artemesia and Sir Velox Anima; drafted by Sir Velox Anima.

An act for the formation of Aquilegia in the city of Flowrestown and the governance thereof.

With permission from His Majesty the Grandmaster of Morek, and support from Her Grace the Duchess of Donghaiwei, an independent colony shall be formed in the city of Flowrestown under the name of Aquilegia.

Preliminary

This Act may be cited as the Act of Aquilegia.

Article I - The Executive Branch

The executive power of and over Aquilegia is hereby declared to be vested in the Asterion. The Asterion has the power to collect taxes from the dukes and imperial barons, but it may not be more than 5% of their total income. As well, he or she commands the overall authority and loyalty from all of Aquilegia's subjects.

The Asterion reserves the right to send troops, requiring only the agreement of the Earl/High Marshal, anywhere, anytime, so long as said troops do not make any aggressive actions in such lands. Such movement cannot be made as an act of war, and must not be advertised as such.

In keeping with the agreement by the founders of Aquilegia for an appointed council, the Asterion reserves the right to appoint anyone to any vacant council position.

Section 1 - The Legislature

All legislative power shall be vested in the Senate of Aquilegia, which consists of all council members and landed nobility. The Kalos Kagathos may not pass any laws without support from the Senate of Aquilegia and will be stripped of his or her position if he or she does so. However, the Kalos Kagathos does retain the right to order any punishment he or she sees fit on any noble who has committed a crime.

Section 2 - The Senate

The Senate of Aquilegia will consist of all council members and landed nobility. Any Senate member have the right to propose new laws or revoke old ones. The passing or revoking of a law requires a simple majority, taking into account the number of votes each council member holds. The Asterion shall have 10 votes, other council members 4, dukes 3, and the rest of the landed nobility 1. Any one individual may only hold the votes of one office. The Senate also has the power to make Amendments to the Constitution, the process of which requires a large majority (80%) of the available votes held by Senate members. The Senate also holds the power and responsibility to remove the Asterion from office and find a suitable replacement if they believe his or her actions are detrimental and destructive to Aquilegia. Such an action also requires a large majority (80%) vote.

The Senate reserves the sole right to declare war and make peace. Unlike other votes, however, only a simple majority is required to declare war.

Article III - the Military Branch

Section 1 - the Earl Marshal and the Military Council

All matters regarding military shall be overseen by the Earl Marshal with advice from the Military Council. The Military Council shall be consisted of the Council Members, marshals, army sponsors, and any individual deemed worthy to be a military adviser.

Section 2 - the Armies

The armies of Aquilegia owe their loyalty to the Asterion and shall be overseen by the Earl Marshal. The dukes have the responsibility to raise and maintain at least 1 army, but have the power and rights to raise more if they wish. The marshal of every army will be appointed by the duke with suggestions from the Earl Marshal and the Military Council.

Article IV - Trade

Section 1 - The Fiduciary

The Fiduciary shall have authority over all the traders in the realm and the power to direct trade or embargoes between regions inside Aquilegia and between Aquilegia and other realms. However, these actions must be in accordance with the agenda of the Senate and the Asterion or the Fiduciary will be removed from office.

Section 2 - Traders

The traders of Aquilegia will not have the rights to operate without license from the Fiduciary and will be subject to a trial by the Senate if he or she chooses to do so without one. Also, traders have the responsibility to inform the Fiduciary of any transaction that occurs.

Article V - the Landed Nobility

As part of the innate rights of the landed nobility, all landed nobles enjoy autonomy in the administration of his or her region, including the collection of taxes. Any noble, whether he/she is a duke or a council member, who violates such a right shall face trial in front of the Senate. If the Senate convicts him or her of the crime, then the said person will be stripped of his or her office and powers.

Section 1 - Dukes

The ducal seat is appointed by the Asterion, but in the event of an unexpected vacancy, an intra-Senate vote will be held for selection of the next duke among the serving region lords, taking into account the differing weight of Senate votes.

Section 2 - Region Lords

A public and equal vote will be given for the election of region lords. If any tie exists, or if the difference in votes is equal to one vote, then the Asterion, in the case of imperial regions, or the duke, in the case of ducal regions, reserves the right to make the tiebreaker.

Signers

Garret Artemesia, Asterion of Aquilegia

Velox Anima, Earl Marshal of Aquilegia

Mervin Vetinari, Kalos Kagathos of Aquilegia

Garret Artemesia, Fiduciary Temporary at signing

Vesvuis Adriddae, Duke of Flowrestown