The Politics of Trekylon
In the post-Civil War period, Trekylon began a reformation of its political institutions. This was deemed necessary as the previous institutions had shown a flaw which did not become apparent until the beginning of the Civil War, where the faction of the Imperialist Party known as 'Blue-Bloods' broke away in protest and formed the nucleus of the rebel organization known officially as the 'Alliance for the Restoration of the Monarchy'. The new institutions would allow for a further check on Legislative power while continuing to balance Legislative and Executive power more manageably. Among the changes, the creation of two new political parties, the establishment of a third Chamber and the delineation of power among the three Legislative chambers. In a later decree passed by Drake I, the addition of the Council of Ministers into the Legislature in an advisory capacity provided a further check on the Parliament.
The three chambers of the Imperial Parliament are as follows:
The three chambers of the Imperial Parliament are as follows:
- The Konsilio - A 600-seat body which is comprised primarily of the Old Families (families which had supported Michael I during the formative Treksylvanian Era) recently expanded to include the most influential middle-class families. It was further expanded after the Civil War to include those military families whose members served with distinction. Their primary function was to advise and debate Proposals offered by the Senate or Tribunate, though they do not cast deciding votes during the full Parliamentary session.
- The Senate - A 6,000 seat body with its own Chamber in the Imperial Parliament Dome. It is in the Senate where the political parties function. Representatives are voted on by the people using an Electoral College. Planetary governors can also serve in the Senate, with the freedom to side with any political party while not required to be a member of that party. The Senate can offer Proposals to be discussed, debated, and voted upon.
- The Tribunate - A 10,000 seat body within the Imperial Parliament Dome with its own, amphitheater-like chamber. This body is comprised of members chosen by nomination of their peers from among the common citizenry of the Empire, meaning that this body has a multireligious, multiethnic, membership that crosses all genders, ages, and even sexual orientations. The Tribunate can offer Proposals and often acts as a filter for Proposals offered by the Senate or the Imperial Court. Thus this body is often nicknamed the 'Chamber of the Common Everyman'.
Proposals
Proposals serve the same purpose as bills in the United States Congress in that they offer a solution to a particular issue-often not one which is considered hot-button. A proposal goes through a rather lengthy and complicated process to become a Law, often spending days if not weeks in debate and discussion among and between the chambers before it even reaches the full vote. Many Proposals often die in the chambers, being "discussed to death" as one senator put it. Those Proposals lucky enough to survive the almost endless debate still face the real threat of being killed through the vote. The last hurdle a Proposal has to face is the Imperial approval. Though there is a loophole in that a Proposal vetoed by the Imperial Court can still pass into Law if a majority support overturning the veto, this is by no means guaranteed.
There are three types of Proposals:
There are three types of Proposals:
- Senatorial Draft - Proposal submitted by a member of the Senate or the Tribunate. This is the most common form of Proposal in the Empire.
- Ministerial Draft - Proposal submitted by a member of the Council of Ministers. This form of Proposal requires 85% Parliamentary approval to become Law pending final Imperial approval, and hence is less frequently offered than the Senatorial Draft.
- Imperial Draft - Proposal submitted by the Emperor himself. This is often confused for an Imperial Edict, but unlike the Imperial Draft, the Edict does not require Parliamentary discussion or support. This is the rarest form of Proposal in the Empire as the Emperor often prefers the Edict on critical matters of economic or military security.
Steps By Which A Proposal Becomes A Law
- Proposal is first vetted by the Council of Ministers, insuring compliance with existing statutes
- Proposal goes to the leaders of the political parties to be vetted. This is only a formality but allows for any final amendments.
- The full Parliamentary vote takes place. A majority is needed to pass the proposal. When passed, Proposal becomes a Bill.
- The Emperor puts his Seal on the Bill, signifying Imperial approval. Bill now becomes Law.
In the event of an Imperial veto, the Bill returns to Parliament for re-assessment. It is then re-submitted to the Emperor for final approval. Should Parliamentary reassessment fail, or the Emperor veto the Bill a second time, the Bill is considered Dead.
A Ministerial Draft avoids the first step, having already been debated and vetted, and so it moves to the next stage and political party leadership discussion and vetting. It then progresses as directed. An Imperial Draft involves the simultaneous meeting of the Ministers, but avoids debate among the political party leadership as it is understood to be in the best interest of the Empire.
For any Proposal to become Law, a 60% majority is necessary. This involves at least two political parties in 100% agreement and one or two in 50% agreement.
Elections happen every six years. Each political party also elects its Leaders. Leaders have a term limit of 3 consecutive terms, after which they must "sit out" the next election, though they can remain in their positions as party members. Senate term limits of 4 consecutive terms was recently imposed by the Emperor with the agreement of the Council of Ministers following the Civil War, to remove the threat of nepotism and subversion. In a further decree, the Imperial Chancellor was given the power to cast a tie-breaking vote only if the votes were deadlocked.
A Ministerial Draft avoids the first step, having already been debated and vetted, and so it moves to the next stage and political party leadership discussion and vetting. It then progresses as directed. An Imperial Draft involves the simultaneous meeting of the Ministers, but avoids debate among the political party leadership as it is understood to be in the best interest of the Empire.
For any Proposal to become Law, a 60% majority is necessary. This involves at least two political parties in 100% agreement and one or two in 50% agreement.
Elections happen every six years. Each political party also elects its Leaders. Leaders have a term limit of 3 consecutive terms, after which they must "sit out" the next election, though they can remain in their positions as party members. Senate term limits of 4 consecutive terms was recently imposed by the Emperor with the agreement of the Council of Ministers following the Civil War, to remove the threat of nepotism and subversion. In a further decree, the Imperial Chancellor was given the power to cast a tie-breaking vote only if the votes were deadlocked.
Breakdown of the Imperial Ministries of Trekylon
Imperial Chancellor
The Imperial Chancellor is the number two person in the empire, behind the emperor. Having the authority to speak for the emperor in foreign relations dealings, the Imperial Chancellor cannot, however, declare war. Often serves as the temporary leader when emperor is ill, or away. Chancellor resides in the Imperial Palace, in a specially designed and built section referred to as the 'Silver Chamber' for the fact that the walls and inside ceiling have the appearance of polished silver (and also because silver is viewed as the second most valuble mineral, next to gold, which is viewed to be the emperor's mineral). Imperial Chancellor is a lifetime post, and non-elective. Chancellor often participates in Ministerial meetings and can also be seen in the Main Chamber of the Imperial Parliament, though they are unable to vote unless the vote is in a deadlock. The recent decree calling for equality and civil rights opened the office of Imperial Chancellor to all eligible citizens regardless of age, sex, or ethnic background. Current Imperial Chancellor is Tora Ziyal, the first woman to serve in such office.
The Imperial Chancellor is the number two person in the empire, behind the emperor. Having the authority to speak for the emperor in foreign relations dealings, the Imperial Chancellor cannot, however, declare war. Often serves as the temporary leader when emperor is ill, or away. Chancellor resides in the Imperial Palace, in a specially designed and built section referred to as the 'Silver Chamber' for the fact that the walls and inside ceiling have the appearance of polished silver (and also because silver is viewed as the second most valuble mineral, next to gold, which is viewed to be the emperor's mineral). Imperial Chancellor is a lifetime post, and non-elective. Chancellor often participates in Ministerial meetings and can also be seen in the Main Chamber of the Imperial Parliament, though they are unable to vote unless the vote is in a deadlock. The recent decree calling for equality and civil rights opened the office of Imperial Chancellor to all eligible citizens regardless of age, sex, or ethnic background. Current Imperial Chancellor is Tora Ziyal, the first woman to serve in such office.
War Minister
The Ministry of War serves a similar purpose to the old United States office of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. The purpose of the War Minister is to direct weapons shipments to allies, coordinate the capital defenses, issue orders to generals and admirals on the field, and regulate the movements of both ground-based and space-based forces. The War Minister is the second in command of both the Imperial Military Force and the Imperial Starfleet, behind only the emperor. War Minister cannot act in a military fashion without the support of the Imperial Parliament and the consent of the emperor. Rank is assigned to each officer under their flag general or admiral)by the War Minister based on their battle record, and recommendation of the flag general or admiral. As there are no limits to who can serve as War Minister, candidates can be Human or non-Human. Office is non-elective, and lifetime. Current War Minister is Martok, of the Klingon House of Urthog
The Ministry of War serves a similar purpose to the old United States office of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. The purpose of the War Minister is to direct weapons shipments to allies, coordinate the capital defenses, issue orders to generals and admirals on the field, and regulate the movements of both ground-based and space-based forces. The War Minister is the second in command of both the Imperial Military Force and the Imperial Starfleet, behind only the emperor. War Minister cannot act in a military fashion without the support of the Imperial Parliament and the consent of the emperor. Rank is assigned to each officer under their flag general or admiral)by the War Minister based on their battle record, and recommendation of the flag general or admiral. As there are no limits to who can serve as War Minister, candidates can be Human or non-Human. Office is non-elective, and lifetime. Current War Minister is Martok, of the Klingon House of Urthog
Intelligence Minister
The Intelligence Ministry serves the same purpose as the old CIA, OSS, and KGB (though without the more darker aspects of the old Communist spy-agency) in that it maintains a watch on all activities, both within and outside the Imperial borders. Subdivided into two main branches, the Imperial Bureau of Investigation (based on the old Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI), and the Foreign Intelligence Agency (FIA or simply Imperial Intelligence).
The Imperial Bureau of Investigation investigates any activity deemed suspicious by local authorities. Using the Law of Due Process and the 'Innocent Til Proven Guilty' decree, the IBV checks into suspected criminal activity involving everyone from district governors to local law enforcers. If evidence is uncovered, the IBV makes recommendations to the Imperial Parliament and the emperor, who together decide on a course of action. More often than not, many citizens and officials are cleared of any suspected wrong-doing. The IBV observes strict privacy regulations until evidence is uncovered showing possible guilt, after which the IBV exercises the full authority to dig deep into a suspect's personal background, any prior criminal record, and personal correspondence-with the understanding that anything non-criminal will NOT be revealed to Parliament or the general public. The IBV works very closely with the Judicial Committee on criminal investigation and prosecution matters.
The Foreign Intelligence Agency, referred to by citizens and some foreign observers as 'Imperial Intelligence' accumulates, analyzes, and theorizes the developments of foreign nations in relation to the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon. Often called upon when assessing a potential ally or enemy, the FIA offers possible courses of action to both Parliament and the Imperial Court. Foreign troop movements in relation to other nations, potential danger to the empire, natural disasters, and terrorism are the main subjects of Imperial Intelligence.
Current holder of this non-elective, lifetime office is a man simply known as 'Sloane', who is also an agent of the secretive Covert Division known as Section 31. All that is known about Section 31 is that the purpose of this organization not 'officially' recognized as an agency, is to neutralize any threats to the Sacred Lands, by ANY means necessary, including assassination, covert-ops strike, sabotage, sponsorship of underground organizations deemed as beneficial to Imperial security, and bribery.
The Intelligence Ministry serves the same purpose as the old CIA, OSS, and KGB (though without the more darker aspects of the old Communist spy-agency) in that it maintains a watch on all activities, both within and outside the Imperial borders. Subdivided into two main branches, the Imperial Bureau of Investigation (based on the old Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI), and the Foreign Intelligence Agency (FIA or simply Imperial Intelligence).
The Imperial Bureau of Investigation investigates any activity deemed suspicious by local authorities. Using the Law of Due Process and the 'Innocent Til Proven Guilty' decree, the IBV checks into suspected criminal activity involving everyone from district governors to local law enforcers. If evidence is uncovered, the IBV makes recommendations to the Imperial Parliament and the emperor, who together decide on a course of action. More often than not, many citizens and officials are cleared of any suspected wrong-doing. The IBV observes strict privacy regulations until evidence is uncovered showing possible guilt, after which the IBV exercises the full authority to dig deep into a suspect's personal background, any prior criminal record, and personal correspondence-with the understanding that anything non-criminal will NOT be revealed to Parliament or the general public. The IBV works very closely with the Judicial Committee on criminal investigation and prosecution matters.
The Foreign Intelligence Agency, referred to by citizens and some foreign observers as 'Imperial Intelligence' accumulates, analyzes, and theorizes the developments of foreign nations in relation to the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon. Often called upon when assessing a potential ally or enemy, the FIA offers possible courses of action to both Parliament and the Imperial Court. Foreign troop movements in relation to other nations, potential danger to the empire, natural disasters, and terrorism are the main subjects of Imperial Intelligence.
Current holder of this non-elective, lifetime office is a man simply known as 'Sloane', who is also an agent of the secretive Covert Division known as Section 31. All that is known about Section 31 is that the purpose of this organization not 'officially' recognized as an agency, is to neutralize any threats to the Sacred Lands, by ANY means necessary, including assassination, covert-ops strike, sabotage, sponsorship of underground organizations deemed as beneficial to Imperial security, and bribery.
Spiritual Minister (Kai)
The Spiritual Minister is the head of the Trekist faith, and works closely with the spiritual leaders of the four major religions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. Much like the Pope, the Spiritual Minister, known as the kai, has a palace estate from which religious decrees are issued. The kai is also responsible for the overall cultural well-being of the empire, and often funds construction of new coliseums, theaters, racetracks, and even temples for the various religions and religio-philosophies within the empire. The kai meets in the Ministerial Chamber of the Imperial Parliament, with the other ministers. Kai also has a staff of 14 divided into 7 vedeks and 7 prylars. Newcomers to the kai's staff have the rank and title of ranjen, and are appointed prylar and vedek based on their service to the kai and other staff. The sub-offices of vedek, prylar, and ranjen are a recent modification of the office of kai, as it allows the holder of that office to oversee the various projects and missions inside and outside the empire. While the office is open to anyone qualified by Imperial decree, Bajorans have been the most dominant in this ministry (much as the Klingons are the most dominant in the War Ministry for obvious reasons). Current holder of office is the second woman to hold Imperial office, Opaka Sulan, a Bajoran like her Imperial Chancellor patriot Tora Ziyal.
Press Secretary
The Press Secretary, while not a true minister in the same mold as the War Minister or Foreign Minister, has a place in the Ministerial Chamber of the Imperial Parliament. The primary duty of the Press Secretary is the regulation of all information made available to the public. Operating under the Freedom of Information Act, the Press Secretary nonetheless must use sound judgement in separating the actual news from anything that can be deemed propaganda (though propaganda is rarely used in the empire, as the emperor prefers to let the battlefield be his 'best orator'). The CEOs of the three major news corporations (GNN, DBN, and ANC) meet regularly with the Press Secretary, who also provides news coverage of the daily goings-on of the Imperial Palace and Parliament. The Press Secretary also meets with their correspondants stationed in the various foreign nations, to receive reports on the goings-on in those areas. The Office of Press Secretary is a lifetime, non-elective office. Current holder of office is Hoshi Sato. Rumor has it that prior to his marriage to Empress Rebecca I of the Holy Empire of Inuyashia, Emperor Michael I had an 'informal, sexual relationship' with Press Secretary Sato. The emperor has never attempted to admit or deny the rumor, while Press Secretary Sato has remained quiet on the issue.
Science-Technology Minister (Sci-Tech)
The Science-Technology Minister (or Sci-Tech for short) is the minister in charge of all scientific and technological matters in the empire. Subdivided into the separate branches of Science Minister and Technology Director.
The Science Minister oversees all science aspects, from zoology to meteorology to astronomy and astrophysics. Directs the various bureaus and directorates in the science department, such as the Imperial Weather Bureau, the Bureau of Zoology, and the Astronomy Directorate. Responsible for surveying newly discovered planets prior to settlement or annexation. Made the distinct achievement of first contact with the Dayseri (as well as their enemy the Aksu), as well as the first to discover a cure for AIDS, Ebola, Bubonic Plague, and the common Cold. Also noteworthy for the first successful transplant of a stem-cell grown lung.
The Technology Directorate serves as the technology geniuses of the empire. Responsible for the first flight to Luneria (the Moon, during the Treksylvania era), the first warp flight, and the developmemt of the jump-gate system. Always fascinated with new technology. The Corps of Engineers under the Technology Directorate responsible for the roads, monorails, bridges, and walls dirtside as well as in the major colony worlds. Technology Director appointed by the Sci-Tech Minister with Imperial approval. Current Tech Director is Montgomery Scott.
Current holder of the office of Sci-Tech Minister is T'Pol, a Vulcan with 100 years experience. Most of the ministry staff are Vulcans.
The Science Minister oversees all science aspects, from zoology to meteorology to astronomy and astrophysics. Directs the various bureaus and directorates in the science department, such as the Imperial Weather Bureau, the Bureau of Zoology, and the Astronomy Directorate. Responsible for surveying newly discovered planets prior to settlement or annexation. Made the distinct achievement of first contact with the Dayseri (as well as their enemy the Aksu), as well as the first to discover a cure for AIDS, Ebola, Bubonic Plague, and the common Cold. Also noteworthy for the first successful transplant of a stem-cell grown lung.
The Technology Directorate serves as the technology geniuses of the empire. Responsible for the first flight to Luneria (the Moon, during the Treksylvania era), the first warp flight, and the developmemt of the jump-gate system. Always fascinated with new technology. The Corps of Engineers under the Technology Directorate responsible for the roads, monorails, bridges, and walls dirtside as well as in the major colony worlds. Technology Director appointed by the Sci-Tech Minister with Imperial approval. Current Tech Director is Montgomery Scott.
Current holder of the office of Sci-Tech Minister is T'Pol, a Vulcan with 100 years experience. Most of the ministry staff are Vulcans.
Interior Minister
The Interior Minister is responsible for the national monuments, parks, and historic sites throughout the empire, as well as the regulation of commerce and people through the empire and beyond. Interior Minister is also co-administrator (with the emperor) of all the colonies of Trekylon, and was the co-signer of the charter establishing the Interstellar Trekylon Commonwealth (ITC). Primarily in charge of the Smoky Mountain domain of the Cherokee Indians. Interior Minister nominates the district governors and captain-governors for Imperial approval. Recently, the Interior Minister was placed in charge of a project to enlarge Dauphin Island, in the Mobilia captaincy of Alabama district into a possible new captaincy or district. Prior record includes the establishment of a gulag island (Rura Penthe) well away from any districts, as well as the creation of the Federal Coalition of Yucatania, successor to the tragically short-lived Federal Commonwealth. Lifetime office. Non-elective. Current holder of office is Deanna Troi.
Surgeon General
The Surgeon General is the minister responsible for the health and well-being of the emperor, the other ministers, and the citizens of the empire. Medical regulations are decreed through the Surgeon General. All hospitals and small-town doctor offices are managed by a committee chaired by the Surgeon General, who is not afraid to try herbal or 'home-made' remedies for such ailments as pink-eye, the flu, or even a sprained ankle, though they will not shun such technological and scientific advances as the stem-cell harvest, cloning for medical purposes, and artificial limbs. People are able to live well past 100 years old thanks to the medical advances promoted by the Surgeon General. In fact, the Surgeon General himself is actually 145 years old, with nary a natural organ left, save his skin and brain. That current office holder is Leonard 'Bones' McCoy
Economics Minister
The Economics Minister oversees the finances and expenditures of the empire. They control how much money comes out of the Imperial treasury for infrastructure projects, commerce, and the purchase of food, medicine and weapons. The Economics Minister is also responsible for the secret formula for minting gold-pressed latinum. Future plans call for the establishment of a Stock Exchange which will track the earnings of corporations within the empire, and track the profit-and-loss of the currencies of the major nations. Because of their penchant for dealing with money (legal and illegal), Ferengi are the main holders of this office. Current office holder is Rom
Secretary of Education
The Secretary of Education is in charge of overseeing all primary, secondary, university, and vocational education in Trekylon. Through the Secretary, policy on curriculum, tuition fees, and textbooks/padds are discussed and implemented. ALL CURRICULUM has to be approved with the Secretary of Education before they become standard in all classrooms throughout the empire. IT IS ALWAYS THE POLICY OF THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND WHEN DISCUSSING THE HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND CULTURE OF OTHER NATIONS. Any educator who does not meet this standard is expelled from the institution where they teach and placed on academic probation for a period of one year. The current Secretary of Education is an El-Aurian, a Humanlike being with increased psychic awareness. She is Guinan.
Energy Minister
The Minister of Energy oversees the generation and distribution of the various forms of energy used to power everything from houses to manufacturing plants to schools. The primary forms of energy used are hydroelectric, solar, and nuclear as these are clean and in many cases renewable sources of energy. There are still a few coal-burning plants in Trekylon, though they are in the process of being phased out, as are the petroleum rigs and offshore platforms. The Energy Secretary also controls the pricing for each energy source and places caps on the amount of money that can be charged for the amount of energy used. Energy prices in Trekylon have never exceeded 20% of average (compared with other nations). Current Minister of Energy is Sharon Valerii.
Humanitarian Aid Secretary
The Secretary for Humanitarian Aid is in charge of all aspects of humanitarian support, be it internally, for a devastated district, or externally, for a nation facing the aftereffects of war or natural disaster. Currently, this office is experiencing a flood of calls for aid due to the Barlat aggression. This required a strong-willed, even-tempered, and oftentimes humorous secretary to manage the various needs of those who lost homes, jobs, and food. Thus, the Council of Ministers elected Susan Ivanova to take charge of all relief efforts in Trekylon. She coordinates the foreign relief being welcomed into Trekylon and is in the process of establishing 'drop-off points' for foreign nations to station small garrisons as well as their techs and the aid itself.
Minister of Industry
The Ministry of Industry is in charge of managing all industrial aspects of the empire. Everything from starship parts to toasters are manufactured in the various plants and facilities all over Trekylon and the colonies. Plant Bosses report to the minister anything from supply shortage to worker strikes, and even major breakthroughs which could benefit industrial development. Currently, industry has taken a major blow from the Barlat aggression in terms of both supplies and workers to manufacture new items. To help alleviate the shortages and get the industrial base back up and running, the Council of Ministers chose Geordi LaForge, whose name is well-known on maps (the Caribbean Sea was renamed the LaForge Sea). LaForge is the first blind minister, who uses a VISOR to 'see' in all ranges of the EM spectrum. The VISOR was one of the first items manufactured
Secretary of Tourism
The Secretary of Tourism is in charge of promoting Trekylon's tourist destinations to those from other nations seeking a vacation. WHILE ON VACATION IN TREKYLON, VISITORS ARE SUBJECT TO IMPERIAL LAW. Offices have been established where visiting foreigners can contact their embassies in the event of lost passports, shortage of money, or judicial matters. These offices also serve as currency exchange centers where the national currency is exchanged with the currency of other nations, or if the visitor so desires, Travelers Checks can be issued them for the duration of their vacation. The new Secretary for Tourism is Kes, who has among her priorities, rebuilding the image of Trekylon as a tourist destination.
Secretary of Labor
The Secretary of Labor has the most difficult job in post-Barlat Trekylon. His role is to restore the infrastructure and bring jobs to the thousands who have been made jobless by the Barlat aggression. This is deemed critical to the economic recovery of Trekylon in the long-term. He works in coordination with the Systems Commonwealth and Necron Empire in assessing the critical needs and meeting those needs, often by putting aside the less-critical areas to be assessed later. The Secretary of Labor, chosen by the Council of Ministers, is the redoubtable and resourceful Michael Garibaldi, descendant of the mercenary corporal Alfredo Garibaldi, who joined Michael in the early days of the Alabama Republic after immigrating from Italy.