Constitution of the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon
Preamble
We, the people of the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon, under one God, do solemnly declare for all time that ALL men are created equal and born with certain inalienable rights, and that among these, is the right to liberty for ALL men and women of Trekylon. We set down our guidelines, and rights as guaranteed by His Imperial Majesty, who rules over us and helped us establish this great nation.
Furthermore, we declare that NO foreign power shall change, or discard this Constitution by means of conquest. Finally, NO foreign power shall ever challenge the will and rights of the people.
Article I: Mission of the Nation
Section I: The Official Name
The official name of this nation is the Intergalactic Empire and Parliamentary Monarchy of Trekylon. The common name of the nation will be the ‘Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon, ‘Parliamentary Monarchy of Trekylon’, or ‘Trekylon’ and can also be referred to as the ‘Sacred Lands’.
Section II: The Mission
The mission of the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon is to serve as a beacon for those escaping totalitarian rule, natural disasters, and religious persecution. Trekylon shall commit to this mission by means of diplomacy, and if the need arises, military action in its various forms. Trekylon will help preserve the peace, and promote exploration into other galaxies by entering into various alliances with like-minded nations.
Article II: Political Breakdown
Section I: Role of the Branches of Government
Clause I: The Monarchy (Executive)
The monarchy was founded by Michael I after he had led the people of old Alabama to victory in several battles which helped to unite the former Deep South states of the former United States into a new political body, and liberated the many minorities from oppression from a previous ephemeral state. Since that time, Michael I led his people to forge a new state, reestablish religious freedom, and revive the commercial and financial prosperity of the new state. Currently the throne is occupied by a regent, Drake Patterson, who'll soon be coronated as emperor. Drake I will have the power to propose laws which will be brought to the Imperial parliament for discussion and vote, and either sign a parliamentary proposal into Law, or veto it. He will not, however, have the power to declare war without parliamentary approval
A) Imperial Chancellor - The Imperial Chancellor will, in effect, perform the duties of a prime minister, and at such times as the emperor is either ill, in closed-door parliamentary sessions, or visiting foreign capitals, will assume the domestic and military duties of the chief executive, with appropriate consultation with the emperor on matters of military and national security concern.
Clause II: The Imperial Parliament
The Imperial Parliament is a body of 6,000 people who meet to discuss the domestic and foreign issues deemed important to Trekylon’s security and interests. They also propose and vote on new laws and amendments, vote on alliance offers and declarations of war, and serve as a counter-balance to both the monarch and the Council of Ministers, which serve as the second half of the Legislative branch of the Imperial government. With the recent acceptance of political parties and the mid-term elections, the Imperial Parliament has taken on more of the characteristics of the former United States Congress.
A) Political Parties - The seven political parties serve as a cross-section of the population in Trekylon whose representatives sit in the Imperial Parliament. Only seven parties have the official sanction of the government and executive, but each one serves as a way for the people to express their attitudes toward certain aspects of government, foreign policy, and commerce.
B) Elections - Elections are held every mid-cycle (4 years RP time, 4 months IRL). Senators are Constitutionally allowed to hold office for three consecutive terms, after which point they MUST step down for a period of at least one cycle. After the ‘dormant period’ is past, senators can choose to run again for the office they held.
Clause III: Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers are a group of the top ministers of the empire who advise the executive, and approve or reject Parliamentary bills proposed. The Council of Ministers can also act to propose alliances, war declarations, and trade agreements which then go to the Parliament for a vote, and the executive for endorsement. The Speaker for the Council of Ministers is Curzon Dax, Foreign Minister.
Section II: Responsibility of the Executive
A) The executive (monarch or Imperial Chancellor) will maintain the Constitution at all times, and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
B) Executive will attend meetings of the Imperial Parliament from time to time to discuss policies which may affect the security and interests of the nation.
Article III: Political Parties
Section I: The Breakdown
Clause I: The Imperial-Democrat Party
The Imperial-Democrat party is the party which espouses democratic values in the Imperial form. This implies that the people have a voice in the interests and affairs of the empire, and can challenge the government on vital matters of national concern if they feel they do not meet with the standards set in the Constitution. They emphasize providing the most wealth to the people who need it most, in the middle and lower class.
Clause II: The Imperial-Republican Party
The Imperial-Republican party is the party which espouses conservatism in the Imperial form. This implies that the people have the support of the corporate sector, big business, and the majority of religious institutions. They emphasize family values, a decrease in military spending, and the buildup of commerce.
Clause III: The Imperialist Party
The Imperialist party is the party of Imperial identity. They espouse a ‘manifest-destiny’ or the divine right of the nation to expand and dominate other peoples and nations, bringing the gifts of citizenship, religious freedom, and the rule of law “unto lawless barbarians and tyrant-ruled masses”. Imperial security is seen in terms of a ‘Great Dilemma’ in which national security can only be found in the expansion of the state. The party also represents absolute rule, limited parliamentary power, and unity with like-minded nations.
Clause IV: The Nationalist Party
The Nationalist party is the party of national self-identity. They espouse an isolationist agenda, and looking after the interests and security concerns of the Core Territories on Earth. A focus on building up the technological and industrial base to compete with other nations is also what they emphasize. This is the smallest of the four political parties in Trekylon.
Section II: Campaigns
Senatorial campaigns for each party are overseen by the local courts in each district. Each party can have as many candidates run for a seat in the Parliament as so wish. A series of debates and primaries are held until the final election to determine the senators who will take their districts’ seats in the Imperial Parliament.
Section III: Role of the Imperial Parliament
Clause I: Laws
The Imperial Parliament has the authority to propose and enact approved laws, upon voting on them and receiving endorsement from the Council of Ministers and the executive. A ¾ majority is required to pass potential new laws, and if a tie is reached, the Imperial Chancellor has the authority to act to resolve the tie in their capacity as ‘president of the Parliament’.
Clause II: Foreign Policy
The Imperial Parliament has the authority to veto proposals made by the Council of Ministers regarding foreign policy. The parliament can veto alliance proposals, declarations of war, and trade agreements with other nations if they feel that such policy changes are against the interests and security of the state. Once vetoes are given, the matter is considered closed by the parliament and may not be reopened for one cycle.
Clause III: Economics
The Imperial Parliament has the authority to enact, reduce, or remove tariffs on trade goods coming from other nations. Parliament also has the authority to take temporary custody of a failing corporation if such action prevents economic collapse. However, bailouts are required to be approved by the executive and endorsed by the Council of Ministers before being passed. Mining Corporations are required to apply for a charter from Parliament before mining can begin.
Clause IV: Religious Institutions
The Imperial Parliament has the authority to recognize any religion established in the empire, or brought from abroad. The only criteria for recognition is that the religion does not condone the shedding of blood for ANY purpose, and that the children of the practitioners are not harmed physically, mentally, or psychologically. Other than official recognition, Parliament has no authority to interfere in the religious practices of the people in the state, thus establishing the principle of the Separation of Church and State.
Article IV: Amendment Ratification
Section I: Ratification
Ratification of the Constitution now and in the future now require a ⅔ majority vote to go into effect. Once a majority is declared, ratification will go into immediate effect. The executive, Council of Ministers, and Parliament can propose a ratification of the Constitution if a new amendment is approved.
Section II: Emendation
Any amendments proposed must have a ⅔ majority approval.
Article V: Bill of Rights
1) The right to bear arms against ANY intruder, foreign or domestic.
2) Freedom of the press.
3) Freedom of speech.
4) Right to a fair trial, and to remain innocent until proven guilty by said trial.
5) Religious freedom, and no government interference with said freedom.
6) Right to contrary opinion on government policy without fear of imprisonment except when said opinion is proven terrroristic, or compromises the security of Trekylon and/or the ruling dynasty thereof.
7) Right to privacy for ALL citizens except those PROVEN to have a criminal background.
8) Right to travel freely through all parts of Trekylon and to safe travel to and from the Empire of Inuyashia.
9) Freedom to foreign visitors to Trekylon, without fear of arrest and imprisonment unless visitor is a wanted criminal in his native nation.
10) Right for children in Trekylon, regardless of parents' financial standing, to a proper education, including university study.
11) Freedom for women of Trekylon to pursue whatever business they choose without fear of harrassment by government or from corporations within Trekylon.
12) Equality for ALL peoples of Trekylon, regardless of skin color, language, ethnic or religious affiliation.
13) Freedom of capital, giving private companies, small businesses, and major corporations equal protection and freedom to conduct business, while reserving the right for the Imperial government to intervene when criminal activity is suspected.
14) Rules of war will be observed except in situations where the sovereignty of the nation is at direct threat, in which case the rules fall silent (inter arma enim silent leges).
15) The above amendments cannot be rescinded or changed without the consultation of the citizens of the empire and the consent of both the Imperial Parliament and the Judicial Committee. Any deletions not approved by the government and the people is hereby considered unconstitutional.
_ Constitution
We, the people of the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon, under one God, do solemnly declare for all time that ALL men are created equal and born with certain inalienable rights, and that among these, is the right to liberty for ALL men and women of Trekylon. We set down our guidelines, and rights as guaranteed by His Imperial Majesty, who rules over us and helped us establish this great nation.
Furthermore, we declare that NO foreign power shall change, or discard this Constitution by means of conquest. Finally, NO foreign power shall ever challenge the will and rights of the people.
Article I: Mission of the Nation
Section I: The Official Name
The official name of this nation is the Intergalactic Empire and Parliamentary Monarchy of Trekylon. The common name of the nation will be the ‘Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon, ‘Parliamentary Monarchy of Trekylon’, or ‘Trekylon’ and can also be referred to as the ‘Sacred Lands’.
Section II: The Mission
The mission of the Intergalactic Empire of Trekylon is to serve as a beacon for those escaping totalitarian rule, natural disasters, and religious persecution. Trekylon shall commit to this mission by means of diplomacy, and if the need arises, military action in its various forms. Trekylon will help preserve the peace, and promote exploration into other galaxies by entering into various alliances with like-minded nations.
Article II: Political Breakdown
Section I: Role of the Branches of Government
Clause I: The Monarchy (Executive)
The monarchy was founded by Michael I after he had led the people of old Alabama to victory in several battles which helped to unite the former Deep South states of the former United States into a new political body, and liberated the many minorities from oppression from a previous ephemeral state. Since that time, Michael I led his people to forge a new state, reestablish religious freedom, and revive the commercial and financial prosperity of the new state. Currently the throne is occupied by a regent, Drake Patterson, who'll soon be coronated as emperor. Drake I will have the power to propose laws which will be brought to the Imperial parliament for discussion and vote, and either sign a parliamentary proposal into Law, or veto it. He will not, however, have the power to declare war without parliamentary approval
A) Imperial Chancellor - The Imperial Chancellor will, in effect, perform the duties of a prime minister, and at such times as the emperor is either ill, in closed-door parliamentary sessions, or visiting foreign capitals, will assume the domestic and military duties of the chief executive, with appropriate consultation with the emperor on matters of military and national security concern.
Clause II: The Imperial Parliament
The Imperial Parliament is a body of 6,000 people who meet to discuss the domestic and foreign issues deemed important to Trekylon’s security and interests. They also propose and vote on new laws and amendments, vote on alliance offers and declarations of war, and serve as a counter-balance to both the monarch and the Council of Ministers, which serve as the second half of the Legislative branch of the Imperial government. With the recent acceptance of political parties and the mid-term elections, the Imperial Parliament has taken on more of the characteristics of the former United States Congress.
A) Political Parties - The seven political parties serve as a cross-section of the population in Trekylon whose representatives sit in the Imperial Parliament. Only seven parties have the official sanction of the government and executive, but each one serves as a way for the people to express their attitudes toward certain aspects of government, foreign policy, and commerce.
B) Elections - Elections are held every mid-cycle (4 years RP time, 4 months IRL). Senators are Constitutionally allowed to hold office for three consecutive terms, after which point they MUST step down for a period of at least one cycle. After the ‘dormant period’ is past, senators can choose to run again for the office they held.
Clause III: Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers are a group of the top ministers of the empire who advise the executive, and approve or reject Parliamentary bills proposed. The Council of Ministers can also act to propose alliances, war declarations, and trade agreements which then go to the Parliament for a vote, and the executive for endorsement. The Speaker for the Council of Ministers is Curzon Dax, Foreign Minister.
Section II: Responsibility of the Executive
A) The executive (monarch or Imperial Chancellor) will maintain the Constitution at all times, and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
B) Executive will attend meetings of the Imperial Parliament from time to time to discuss policies which may affect the security and interests of the nation.
Article III: Political Parties
Section I: The Breakdown
Clause I: The Imperial-Democrat Party
The Imperial-Democrat party is the party which espouses democratic values in the Imperial form. This implies that the people have a voice in the interests and affairs of the empire, and can challenge the government on vital matters of national concern if they feel they do not meet with the standards set in the Constitution. They emphasize providing the most wealth to the people who need it most, in the middle and lower class.
Clause II: The Imperial-Republican Party
The Imperial-Republican party is the party which espouses conservatism in the Imperial form. This implies that the people have the support of the corporate sector, big business, and the majority of religious institutions. They emphasize family values, a decrease in military spending, and the buildup of commerce.
Clause III: The Imperialist Party
The Imperialist party is the party of Imperial identity. They espouse a ‘manifest-destiny’ or the divine right of the nation to expand and dominate other peoples and nations, bringing the gifts of citizenship, religious freedom, and the rule of law “unto lawless barbarians and tyrant-ruled masses”. Imperial security is seen in terms of a ‘Great Dilemma’ in which national security can only be found in the expansion of the state. The party also represents absolute rule, limited parliamentary power, and unity with like-minded nations.
Clause IV: The Nationalist Party
The Nationalist party is the party of national self-identity. They espouse an isolationist agenda, and looking after the interests and security concerns of the Core Territories on Earth. A focus on building up the technological and industrial base to compete with other nations is also what they emphasize. This is the smallest of the four political parties in Trekylon.
Section II: Campaigns
Senatorial campaigns for each party are overseen by the local courts in each district. Each party can have as many candidates run for a seat in the Parliament as so wish. A series of debates and primaries are held until the final election to determine the senators who will take their districts’ seats in the Imperial Parliament.
Section III: Role of the Imperial Parliament
Clause I: Laws
The Imperial Parliament has the authority to propose and enact approved laws, upon voting on them and receiving endorsement from the Council of Ministers and the executive. A ¾ majority is required to pass potential new laws, and if a tie is reached, the Imperial Chancellor has the authority to act to resolve the tie in their capacity as ‘president of the Parliament’.
Clause II: Foreign Policy
The Imperial Parliament has the authority to veto proposals made by the Council of Ministers regarding foreign policy. The parliament can veto alliance proposals, declarations of war, and trade agreements with other nations if they feel that such policy changes are against the interests and security of the state. Once vetoes are given, the matter is considered closed by the parliament and may not be reopened for one cycle.
Clause III: Economics
The Imperial Parliament has the authority to enact, reduce, or remove tariffs on trade goods coming from other nations. Parliament also has the authority to take temporary custody of a failing corporation if such action prevents economic collapse. However, bailouts are required to be approved by the executive and endorsed by the Council of Ministers before being passed. Mining Corporations are required to apply for a charter from Parliament before mining can begin.
Clause IV: Religious Institutions
The Imperial Parliament has the authority to recognize any religion established in the empire, or brought from abroad. The only criteria for recognition is that the religion does not condone the shedding of blood for ANY purpose, and that the children of the practitioners are not harmed physically, mentally, or psychologically. Other than official recognition, Parliament has no authority to interfere in the religious practices of the people in the state, thus establishing the principle of the Separation of Church and State.
Article IV: Amendment Ratification
Section I: Ratification
Ratification of the Constitution now and in the future now require a ⅔ majority vote to go into effect. Once a majority is declared, ratification will go into immediate effect. The executive, Council of Ministers, and Parliament can propose a ratification of the Constitution if a new amendment is approved.
Section II: Emendation
Any amendments proposed must have a ⅔ majority approval.
Article V: Bill of Rights
1) The right to bear arms against ANY intruder, foreign or domestic.
2) Freedom of the press.
3) Freedom of speech.
4) Right to a fair trial, and to remain innocent until proven guilty by said trial.
5) Religious freedom, and no government interference with said freedom.
6) Right to contrary opinion on government policy without fear of imprisonment except when said opinion is proven terrroristic, or compromises the security of Trekylon and/or the ruling dynasty thereof.
7) Right to privacy for ALL citizens except those PROVEN to have a criminal background.
8) Right to travel freely through all parts of Trekylon and to safe travel to and from the Empire of Inuyashia.
9) Freedom to foreign visitors to Trekylon, without fear of arrest and imprisonment unless visitor is a wanted criminal in his native nation.
10) Right for children in Trekylon, regardless of parents' financial standing, to a proper education, including university study.
11) Freedom for women of Trekylon to pursue whatever business they choose without fear of harrassment by government or from corporations within Trekylon.
12) Equality for ALL peoples of Trekylon, regardless of skin color, language, ethnic or religious affiliation.
13) Freedom of capital, giving private companies, small businesses, and major corporations equal protection and freedom to conduct business, while reserving the right for the Imperial government to intervene when criminal activity is suspected.
14) Rules of war will be observed except in situations where the sovereignty of the nation is at direct threat, in which case the rules fall silent (inter arma enim silent leges).
15) The above amendments cannot be rescinded or changed without the consultation of the citizens of the empire and the consent of both the Imperial Parliament and the Judicial Committee. Any deletions not approved by the government and the people is hereby considered unconstitutional.
_ Constitution
Special Cases covered in the Constitution
Civil Unions - Civil unions became a major issue in the Dixie Confederation era, when the atheist regime outlawed and even brutally punished homosexuals that entered the nation from other parts of the former United States. Many chose to keep their civil unions secretive to prevent imprisonment or execution. When the Confederation regime collapsed, and the future Treksylvania began to take shape, one of the first provisions was to allow for civil unions already in existence to gain recognition, though future civil unions were still banned. In an effort to give refuge to those seeking assylum from other nations which persecuted them, the ban on future civil unions in the empire was lifted by a Special Dispensation of the Imperial Parliament. Today, homosexual unions account for 23.5% of all marriages/unions in the empire. Anti-discrimination laws were passed to protect gay and lesbian rights within each Imperial district, and was extended a month later to all colonies of the empire.
The Pro-Life vs Pro-Choice Debate - The issue of abortion, so inflammatory in the former United States, came back during the Treksylvania era with a vengeance. The matter became so heated that clinics litterally became battlegrounds in which many people were injured and in some cases, even murdered. The Imperial Parliament passed a dispensation to allow for abortion only in such cases as the life of the baby or mother is in danger. While this has placated the pro-life group, the pro-choice group remained unsatisfied and continue to agitate for a revision of the dispensation.
Stem-Cell Research - The issue of stem-cell research, another major issue in the former United States, was never a factor until the later Confederation era, when the government began doing full-scale research using harvested embryos. The practice ceased when the Confederation collapsed, but was resumed under the Treksylvania era with new guidelines. In a dispensation passed by the Parliament, it was forbidden to use unimplanted embryos for stem-cell harvest. Placental harvesting was to be regulated. The emperor signed the dispensation personally.
The Pro-Life vs Pro-Choice Debate - The issue of abortion, so inflammatory in the former United States, came back during the Treksylvania era with a vengeance. The matter became so heated that clinics litterally became battlegrounds in which many people were injured and in some cases, even murdered. The Imperial Parliament passed a dispensation to allow for abortion only in such cases as the life of the baby or mother is in danger. While this has placated the pro-life group, the pro-choice group remained unsatisfied and continue to agitate for a revision of the dispensation.
Stem-Cell Research - The issue of stem-cell research, another major issue in the former United States, was never a factor until the later Confederation era, when the government began doing full-scale research using harvested embryos. The practice ceased when the Confederation collapsed, but was resumed under the Treksylvania era with new guidelines. In a dispensation passed by the Parliament, it was forbidden to use unimplanted embryos for stem-cell harvest. Placental harvesting was to be regulated. The emperor signed the dispensation personally.