The Commonwealth of CrownsBoard

The Constitution of The Commonwealth of Crowns

Preamble

We the members of the Commonwealth of Crowns solemnly pledge ourselves;
To strengthen the sovereignty of The Commonwealth;
To secure the blessings of liberty;
To ensure justice and tranquility and to enhance the unity;
Happiness and well being of the region for all time;
We do hereby ordain and adopt this Constitution for the Commonwealth of Crowns as of 00:00am of the 27th Day of August the Year 2015.

Article I - Founding Provisions :

Section 1. The Commonwealth of Crowns (hereafter referred to as "the Commonwealth" or "the CoC") is one, sovereign, democratic region founded on the following values -

Subsection 1 All nations joining the Commonwealth must have a sitting Monarchy as Head of State, but may adopt any governing system said members desire; [Amended vide The Regional growth Amendment-June 2016]

Subsection 2 Member's dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of member's rights and freedoms;

Subsection 3 Supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law;

Subsection 4 Regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government; to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness.

Article II - Supremacy of the Constitution

Section 1. This Constitution is the supreme law of the Commonwealth of Crowns; law or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid, and the obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled.

Article III - Citizenship

Section 1. There shall be a common Commonwealth Citizenship.

Section 2. A nation who applies for Citizenship shall -

Subsection 2.1 Have lawfully resided in the Commonwealth of Crowns for at least 5 days; shall not require any definite time period of residence in the region before their citizenship can be approved; [Amended vide Fast Track Immigration Act]

Subsection 2.2 Have a Monarchy as Head of State as mentioned in Article 1, Subsection 1.1; [Amended vide The Regional growth Amendment-June 2016]

Subsection 2.2 Be able to speak and write English.

Subsection 2.3 Renounce the citizenship, if any, of a foreign State.

Section 3. Any nation whom is granted citizenship shall be known as "Member Nation(s)" or "Member(s)".

Section 4. Any Member Nation holding citizenship that fails to meet the conditions outlined in Section 2 of this Article, shall have his citizenship rescinded, after being provided ample warning and a five-day notice by the Government. [Amendment #001;]

Section 5. The Secretary of State (or equivalent) will be responsible for approving citizenship applications of nations and in his/her absence the same shall be done by the Secretary General." [Added vide Fast Track Immigration Act]

Article IV - Government

Section 1. The Government shall consist of a Legislative branch (The Assembly), an Executive branch (The Secretary-General and Cabinet) and a Judiciary branch (The Crowns Court).

Section 2. The Government of the Commonwealth must adhere to the principles in this Article and must conduct their activities within the parameters that this Article provides.

Section 3. The Government must -

Subsection 3.1 Preserve the peace, regional unity and the indivisibility of the Commonwealth;

Subsection 3.2 Secure the well-being of the members of the Commonwealth;

Subsection 3.3 Provide effective transparent, accountable and coherent government for the Commonwealth as a whole;

Subsection 3.4 Be loyal to the Constitution, the Commonwealth and its members;

Subsection 3.5 Respect the Constitutional status, institutions, powers and functions of government in other spheres;

Subsection 3.6 Not assume any power or function except those conferred on them in terms of the Constitution; and

Subsection 3.7 Exercise their powers and perform their functions in a manner that does not encroach on the geographical, functional or institutional integrity of the member nations.

Article V - Commonwealth Assembly

Section 1. The legislative power is vested in the Commonwealth Assembly (hereafter referred to as "the Assembly".).

Section 2. The Assembly participate in the legislative process in the manner set out in this Constitution.

Section 3. The Assembly consists of every forum registered member that has been active within the last 30 days, of whom retains full citizenship, to ensure an active legislature, under this constitution. It does this by providing an off-site forum for regional consideration of issues, by passing legislation, and by scrutinizing and overseeing executive action.

Section 4. The seat of Assembly is Crowns Island, but an Act of Assembly may determine that the seat of Assembly is elsewhere.

Section 5. The regional legislative authority as vested in the Assembly shall, subject to this Constitution, have the power to make laws, for the peace, order and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to -

Subsection 1 To amend the Constitution;

Subsection 2 To consider, pass, amend or reject any legislation before the Assembly;

Subsection 3 Initiate or prepare legislation, except money bills;

Subsection 4 Ensure that the Regional Government and other organs of State are accountable to it;

Subsection 5 To maintain oversight;

Subsection 6 Summon any member, institution or organization to appear before it to give evidence, under oath or affirmation, or to produce documents.

Subsection 7 Require any member, institution or organization to report to it;

Subsection 8 Compel, in terms of regional legislation or rules and orders, any member, institution or organization to comply with a summons or requirement in terms of subsections 6.7. or 6.8.

Section 6. The Assembly may intervene, by passing legislation with regard to a matter falling within a functional area when it is necessary -

Subsection 1 To maintain regional security;

Subsection 2 To maintain economic unity;

Subsection 3 To maintain essential regional standards;

Section 7. When exercising its legislative authority, the Assembly is bound only by this Constitution, and must act in accordance with, and within the limits of this Constitution.

Section 8. The Assembly must establish rules and orders concerning the dispatch of business of the Assembly.

Section 9. Within two (2) days after the beginning of every term, the Assembly must elect a Speaker from among its members.

Subsection 1 An Act of Assembly must regulate the powers and functions of the Speaker, however, until the Assembly so provides, the Speaker shall have the power and functions as provided in any Constitution, which was legal before this Constitution has been voted in.

Subsection 2 At the end of the Government term, the Speaker shall initiate the election of a new Speaker, and at the same time resign his office. Should only one (1) candidate be running, the election must still take place in order for a new Speaker to assume the role.

Section 10. Members of the Assembly must publicly (On the Regional Message Board / RMB) announce their intentions to run for the position of Speaker up to seven (7) days prior. The Speaker shall be elected by a simple majority vote.

Section 11. The Assembly may remove the Speaker from office by resolution. A majority of the members of the Assembly must be present when the resolution is adopted.

Section 12. Amendments to the Constitution may only be passed by an absolute majority vote, in which two-thirds of the votes are required.

Section 13. Notwithstanding anything in the previous section, all questions, bills, and/or amendments, including resolutions and policies are decided by a majority of votes cast.

Section 14. Any Bill may be introduced in the Assembly.

Section 15. Only the Finance Minister or the member responsible for regional financial matters may introduce any bills with respect to money in the Assembly.

Section 16. The Assembly may reject a Bill or pass it subject to amendments. Once the Bill has been amended by the author, the Assembly must reconsider the Bill, taking into account any amendments and may -

Subsection 1 Pass the Bill, either with or without the amendments; or

Subsection 2 Decide not to proceed with the Bill.

Subsection 3 If such a vote fails to pass after three votes, the Speaker may deny the Bill's entry onto the floor for the remainder of the Government term.

Article VI - The Regional Government

Part I - The Founder

Section 1. The Founder is Head of State of the Commonwealth of Crowns.

Section 2. The Founder must uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as supreme law of the Commonwealth.

Section 3. The Founder shall strive to promote the unity of the region and that which will advance the Commonwealth.

Section 4. The Founder has the power entrusted by this constitution and legislation to –

Subsection 4.1. Appoint a Justice of the Crowns Court, or in the absence of the Founder, the Secretary-General can appoint the Justice with approval from the cabinet;

Subsection 4.2. Warn Government;

Subsection 4.3. Grant Honours;

Subsection 4.4. Ratify treaties, however, if the Founder refuses to ratify a treaty, an absolute majority vote from the Assembly may ratify the treaty in question instead;

Subsection 4.5. Conclude peace with other regions; and

Subsection 4.6. Credit and receive diplomats.

Part II - The Secretary-General

Section 5. The Secretary-General is Head of Government of the Commonwealth of Crowns.

Section 6. The Executive Authority of the Commonwealth is vested in the Secretary-General.

Section 7. The Secretary-General must uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as supreme law of the Commonwealth.

Section 8. The Secretary-General has the powers entrusted by the Constitution and legislation, including those necessary to perform the functions of Head of Government of the Region.

Section 9. The Secretary-General is responsible for –

Subsection 9.1. Signing Bills

Subsection 9.2. Referring a Bill to the Crowns Court for a decision on the Bill’s constitutionality;

Subsection 9.3. Making any appointments that the constitution or legislation requires the Secretary-General to make, other than Head of Government;

Subsection 9.4. Appointing commissions of inquiry;

Subsection 9.5. Receiving and recognizing foreign diplomats and consular representatives on behalf of the Founder;

Subsection 9.6. Appointing ambassadors and diplomatic and consular representatives; and

Subsection 9.7. Pardoning or reprieving offenders.

Section 10. The Secretary-General exercises the executive authority, together with other members of the cabinet, by –

Subsection 10.1. Implementing Regional Legislation except where the constitution provides otherwise;

Subsection 10.2. Developing and implementing regional policy;

Subsection 10.3. Coordinating the functions of regional departments, secretariats, ministries or administrations; and

Subsection 10.4. Performing any other executive function provided for in the Constitution or in regional legislation.

Section 11. No member may hold office of Secretary-General for more than two (2) consecutive terms, but when a member is elected to fill a vacancy in the office of Secretary-General, the period between that election and the next election of a Secretary-General is not regarded as a term. [Amendment #001]

Section 12. The Commonwealth Assembly, by resolution adopted with a supporting vote of at least two thirds of its members, may remove the Secretary-General from office only on the grounds of –
Subsection 12.1. A serious violation of the Constitution or rule of law;
Subsection 12.2. Serious misconduct; or
Subsection 12.3. Inability to perform the functions of office.

Section 13. Any member who has been removed from the office of the Secretary-General in terms of Section 12, Subsection 12.1, 12.2 or 12.3, may not receive any benefit of that office, and may not serve in any public office for two (2) consecutive terms.

Part III - The Deputy Secretary-General

Section 14. Any candidates for Secretary-General shall, when he announces his candidacy, appoint a nation to be his Deputy.

Subsection 14.1. If the Deputy Secretary-General resign, or if he is removed, from his office, or if he is otherwise unable to preform his function, the Secretary-General may appoint another member to be his Deputy, and present his choice to the Assembly for confirmation.

Section 15. When the Secretary-General is absent from the Commonwealth for a period of three (3) days, or otherwise unable to fulfill the duties of Secretary-General, or during a vacancy in the office of the Secretary-General, an office-bearer in the order below acts as Secretary-General –

Subsection 15.1. The Minister designated by the Secretary-General as the Deputy Secretary-General.

Subsection 15.2. The Speaker of the Assembly, if the Deputy Secretary-General is absent or unable to perform his duties, or if he has resigned.

Subsection 15.3. The Minister, Director or Secretariat designated by a vote in the Assembly.

Section 16. An Acting Secretary-General has the responsibilities, powers and functions of the Secretary-General.

Section 17. Before assuming the responsibilities, powers and functions of Secretary-General, the Secretary-General /Deputy Secretary-General /Acting Secretary-General must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Commonwealth and obedience to the Constitution in accordance with Article 14.

Part IV - The Cabinet

Section 18. The Cabinet consists of the Secretary-General, as Head of the Cabinet, and Ministers, Directors, or Secretariats.

Section 19. The Secretary-General appoints the Ministers, Directors, or Secretariats, assigns their powers and functions, subject to this constitution, and may dismiss them.

Subsection 19.1 The Secretary General may select any number of Members to serve as Ministers, Directors or Secretariats

Section 20. The Ministers, Directors, or Secretariats are responsible for the powers and functions of the executive assigned to them by the Secretary-General.

Section 21. Members of the Cabinet are accountable collectively and individually to Assembly for the Exercise of their powers and the performance of their functions.

Section 22. Members of the Cabinet must –

Subsection 22.1. Act in accordance with the Constitution; and

Subsection 22.2. Provide the Assembly with full and regular reports concerning matters under their control, upon request.

Section 23. The Secretary-General may appoint any number of Deputy Ministers, Directors, or Secretariats and may dismiss them at any time.

Section 24. Any Ministers, Directors, or Secretariats and their deputies, before performing their functions, must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Commonwealth and obedience to the Constitution as mentioned in Article 14.

Section 25. No member of the Cabinet may hold multiple office positions, except the Minister, Director, or Secretariat who is selected to serve as Deputy Secretary-General.

Section 26. The Secretary-General may assign to a Cabinet member any power or function of another member who is absent from office or is unable to exercise that power or perform that function.

Section 27. If the Commonwealth Assembly, by vote supported by a majority of its members, passes a motion of no confidence in a member of the Cabinet, excluding the Secretary-General, the member in question must immediately resign.

Section 28. If the Commonwealth Assembly, by a vote supported by two thirds of its members, passes a motion of no confidence in the Secretary-General, the Secretary-General and the other members of the Cabinet must resign immediately.

Article VII - Courts and Administration of Justice
Section 1. The Judicial Authority of the Commonwealth is vested in the Crowns Court, hereafter referred to as “the Court”.

Section 2. The Court is independent and subject to this constitution and the law, which they must apply impartially without fear, favour or prejudice.

Subsection 2.1: A Justice shall be barred from all government positions, and the Speakership. A justice may retain their seat in the assembly.

Section 3. No member or organ of state of the region may interfere with the functioning of the court.

Section 4. An order or decision issued by the court, subject to this Constitution, binds all members of the Commonwealth, never mind their position and or title.

Section 5. The Chief Justice is the head of the judiciary and exercises responsibility over the establishment and monitoring of norms and standards for the exercise of the judicial functions of the court.

Section 6. The Crowns Court consists of the Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of Crowns, and two (2) other Justices.

Section 7. The Crowns Court is the highest and only court of the Commonwealth of Crowns and may decide on –

Subsection 7.1. Constitutional matters;

Subsection 7.2. Disputes between organs of state, or members of the Commonwealth, or the members and the organs of state.

Subsection 7.3. The constitutionality of any Assembly Bill, but may do so only if requested by the Secretary-General or the Public Protector;

Subsection 7.4. Whether the Founder, the Assembly or any Government official has failed to fulfill a constitutional obligation;

Section 8. The Chief Justice shall be appointed by the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth no later than two (2) days after a new Government term begins. The Secretary-General shall then present his choice to the Assembly for a confirmation vote. In the absence of the Secretary-General, the Cabinet can appoint the Chief Justice by a simple majority vote, and present their choice to the Assembly for confirmation.

Subsection 8.1. The vote for the confirmation of the Chief Justice shall start as soon as a new Speaker is elected, and shall last for twenty-four (24) hours.

Subsection 8.2. The Chief Justice shall be confirmed by a simple majority.

Section 9. The Chief Justice, shall appoint one Justice no later than five (5) days after being confirmed by the Assembly as stated in Section 8.

Section 10. The Founder shall appoint one Justice no later than two (2) days after a new Government term begins.

Section 11.The Crowns Court, subject to this Constitution, functions in terms of Regional legislation, and their rules and procedures must be provided for in terms of Regional Legislation.

Section 12. The Crowns Court has the inherent power to protect and regulate its own process, taking into account the interest of justice.

Section 13. The Chief Justice and both Justices holds office for the duration of the term of Government, and may serve unlimited consecutive terms.

Section 14. The Chief Justice may be removed from office only by an absolute majority vote of members of the Assembly, in which two-thirds of the votes are required.

Section 15. Justices may be removed from office by a majority vote in the Commonwealth Assembly.

Section 16. All three justices may be removed from office if –

Subsection 16.1. The judges suffer from an incapacity, are grossly incompetent or are guilty of gross misconduct.

Section 17. Regional Legislation may provide for any matter concerning the administration of justice that is not dealt with in the Constitution, including –

Subsection 17.1. Training programmes for Judges;

Subsection 17.2. Procedures for dealing with complaints;

Subsection 17.3. Procedures for dealing with judicial officers; and

Subsection 17.4. The participation of people other than judicial officers in court decisions.

Section 18 – The power of the Crowns Court with respect to the punishments that may be applied shall, subject to this Constitution, be established by Acts of Assembly.

Article VIII - Public Protector

Section 1. The Public Protector is independent, and subject only to the Constitution and the law, and must be impartial and must exercise their powers and perform their functions without fear, favour or prejudice.

Subsection 1.1.The Public Protector shall be barred from all government and Judicial position, as well as the Speakership. The Public Protector may retain his/her seat in the Assembly, but shall have no vote, except in votes for Constitutional Amendments.

Section 2. Other organs of state, through legislative and other measures, must assist and protect this institution to ensure independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness.

Section 3. No member or organ of state may interfere with the functioning of the Public Protector.

Section 4. The public Protector is accountable to the Commonwealth Assembly, and must report on their activities and the performance of their functions to the Assembly at least once a Government term.

Section 5. The Public Protector has the power, as regulated by Regional Legislation, but subject to this constitution –

Subsection 5.1. To investigate any conduct in state affairs, or in the regional Administration in any sphere of Government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice;

Subsection 5.2. To report on that conduct; and

Subsection 5.3. To take appropriate remedial action.

Subsection 5.4: To represent the Commonwealth of Crowns in a court of law.

Section 6. The Public Protector has additional powers and functions prescribed by regional legislation, but no such legislation, except for constitutional amendments, may limit the anything from section 5.

Section 7. The Public Protector may not investigate court decisions.

Section 8. The Public Protector must be accessible to all members of the Commonwealth.

Section 9. Any report issued by the Public Protector must be open to the Commonwealth, unless exceptional circumstances, to be determined in terms of regional legislation, require that a report be kept confidential.

Section 10. The Public Protector shall be directly appointed by the Secretary-General on the advice of the Cabinet no later than two (2) days after a new Government term begins, and shall serve until the end of the government term, or dismissed by an absolute majority vote of the members of the Commonwealth Assembly, or if the office bearer resigns from his/her office.

Section 11. The Public Protector must review the constitutionality of each bill being debated on the floor, and state whether it is constitutional or unconstitutional. In the second case, he/she is to refer the bill to the courts.

Subsection 11.1. Shall the Public Protector fail to comment on the constitutionality of a bill, his assent shall be implicitly noted.

Article IX - Regional Administration

Section 1: Regional Administration must be governed by the democratic values and principles enshrined in the Constitution, including the following principles –

Subsection 1.1. A high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained;

Subsection 1.2. Efficient and effective use of resources must be promoted;

Subsection 1.3. Regional administration must be development-oriented;

Subsection 1.4. Service must be provided impartially, fairly, equitably and without bias;

Subsection 1.5. Members’ needs must be responded to, and the region must be encouraged to participate in policy-making;

Subsection 1.6. Regional administration must be accountable; and

Subsection 1.7. Transparency must be fostered by providing the region with timely, accessible and accurate information.

Section 2. The above principles apply to –

Subsection 2.1. Administration in every sphere of government;

Subsection 2.2. Organs of state; and

Subsection 2.3. Regional enterprises.

Section 3. Regional Legislation must ensure the promotion of the values and principles listed in Section 1.[/spoiler]

Article X - Regional Security Services

Section 1. The Regional Security Services consist of a single defence force established in terms of the constitution, hereafter known as “the Defence Force” or “the RSS”.

Section 2. The Defence Force is the only lawful regional military force in of the Commonwealth.

Section 3. The defence force must be structured and regulated by Regional Legislation.

Section 4. The primary object of the Defence Force is to ensure the security of the Commonwealth, its regional integrity and its members in accordance with the Constitution and the legislation regulating the use of force.

Section 5. A member of the cabinet must be responsible for defence.

Section 6. Only the Secretary-General, as Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the RSS, may authorize the employment of the Defence Force –

Subsection 6.1. In defence of the Commonwealth.

Subsection 6.2. In defence of the Allies of the Commonwealth.

Subsection 6.3. As keepers of the peace in regional disputes.

Section 7. When the defence force is employed for a purpose as mentioned in Subsection 6.1, the Secretary-General must inform the Commonwealth Assembly, promptly and in appropriate detail, of –

Subsection 7.1. The reason for the employment of the defence force;

Subsection 7.2. Any place where the force is being employed;

Subsection 7.3. The number of members involved; and

Subsection 7.4. The period for which the force is expected to be employed.

Section 8. The Secretary-General as head of the regional executive is Commander-in-Chief of the defence force.

Section 9. Command of the defence force may be exercised in accordance with the directions of the Cabinet member responsible for defence, under the authority of the Secretary-General.

Section 10. The Secretary-General as head of Government may declare a state of regional emergency and must inform the Commonwealth Assembly promptly and in appropriate detail the reasons for the declaration.

Subsection 10.1. In the absence of the Secretary-General, the Founder may declare the state of regional emergency.

Subsection 10.2. In the case of the Founder continuously declaring consecutive states of emergency, despite failure of obtaining approval from the Assembly, as set forth in section 12, the matter shall be decided by the court under jeopardy of losing the power vested in him in subsection 10.1. [Amendment; This needs some clarifying: Subsection 10.2. is set forth as a contingency, seeing as we cannot remove the Founder from office as we can the SG should he abuse his power.]

Section 12. A declaration of a state of regional emergency lapses unless it is approved by the Commonwealth Assembly within five (5) days of the declaration.

Section 13. Regional Legislation must regulate the objects, powers and functions of the Defence Force.

Article XI - Finances

Section 1. An Act of Assembly must regulate the regional treasury and prescribe measures to ensure both transparency and expenditure control.

Section 2. An Act of Assembly must regulate the Commonwealth Central Bank.

Article XII - General Provisions
Section 1. International Law.

Subsection 1.1. The negotiating of all international agreements is the responsibility of the Secretary-General on the advice of the Cabinet.

Subsection 1.2. The responsibility of negotiation may be transferred to the Founder or a Cabinet member responsible for Foreign Affairs by the Secretary-General.

Subsection 1.3. An international agreement, subject to this Constitution, binds the Commonwealth to its terms only after it has been approved by a majority vote in the Commonwealth Assembly.

Subsection 1.4. All agreements prior and post this constitution's enactment date are to be abided by until they are formally dissolved as per the terms of the individual treaty or by an Act of Assembly.

Section 2. Charters of Rights.

Subsection 2.1. In order to deepen the culture of democracy established by this constitution, the Assembly may adopt a Charters of Rights consistent with the provisions of this Constitution.

Section 3. Definitions.

Subsection 3.1. In the Constitution, unless the context indicates otherwise, “Regional Legislation” includes –

Paragraph a. Subordinate legislation made in terms of an Act of Assembly.

Subsection 3.2. “Organ of State” means –
Paragraph a. Any department of state or administration in the regional sphere of government;
or

Paragraph b. Any other functionary or institution –

Sub-paragraph b.1. Exercising a power or performing a function in terms of the constitution.

Article XIII - Election Procedures

Section 1. The length of a term will be two (2) months.

Section 2. The election process for Secretary-General shall be as follows -

Subsection 2.1. The election shall be called by the Founder, or, in the absence of the Founder, the Secretary-General, or, in the absence of the Secretary-General, the Speaker of the Assembly, on the first (1.) day of every odd numbered month.

Subsection 2.2. All candidates for Secretary General shall publicly (On the Regional Message Board / RMB) announce their candidacy, along with the candidacy of their Deputy, before the first day of every odd numbered month. If no candidates announce their candidacy before said date, any candidate announcing their candidacy after the date shall be accepted until there are two candidates.

Subsection 2.3. The polls shall open at 12:00 pm GMT on the fourth (4.) day of every odd numbered month, and the ballot shall include both the name of the candidate for Secretary-General and that of his Deputy.

Subsection 2.4. The polls shall close at the end of the seventh (7.) day of every odd numbered month. (8. day, at 00:00 GMT)

Subsection 2.5. The term shall be set to start the fifteenth (15.) of every odd-numbered month, at which time the Secretary-General shall resign, and the Secretary-General-Elect shall assume the position of Secretary-General.

Section 3. The Election process for Speaker of the Assembly shall be as follows -

Subsection 3.1. The election shall be called by the Speaker at the seventh (7.) day of every odd-numbered month.

Subsection 3.2. Members of the Assembly shall publicly (On the Regional Message Board / RMB) announce their candidacy for Speaker of the Assembly within the tenth (10.) day of every odd-numbered month.

Subsection 3.3. The Speaker shall open the polls on the fifteenth (15.) day of every odd numbered month, and at the same time resign his office.

Subsection 3.4. The polls shall close at the end of the seventeenth (17.) day of every odd numbered month, with the winner assuming the role of Speaker of the Assembly.

Section 4. Should any of the two elections end with a tie -

Subsection 4.1. If there be more than two (2) candidates, there shall be a second vote containing only the two candidates. The second vote shall last for two (2) days.

Subsection 4.2. If in the second vote there is still a tie, in the election for Secretary-General the Founder shall have the deciding vote, while in the election for Speaker, the Secretary-General shall have the deciding vote.

Section 5. An emergency election shall be called by the Founder if -

Subsection 5.1 The general election does not happen on time, or if the election is declared unconstitutional by the Court.

Subsection 5.2. The Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary General and Speaker of Assembly all become absent from the Commonwealth, or if they all resign, or if they are unable to preform the duties of the office of the Secretary-General.

Section 6. The emergency election shall follow the procedures set forth in this Article.

Subsection 6.1. The term following the emergency election shall last until the next general election.

Subsection 6.2. The elected officials shall take office immediately following the emergency election.

Section 7. An Act of Assembly may regulate the electoral procedures of the Commonwealth of Crowns, but so as to not give unfair advantage to any one candidate, but ensure a free and fair election.

Article XIV - Oaths and Affirmations

Section 1. Oath or Solemn affirmation of the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General must swear/affirm on the Regional Message Board (RMB) before assuming office as follows;

“In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as Secretary-General/Deputy Secretary-General/Acting Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Crowns, I (Full name to be stated), swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful to the Commonwealth of Crowns, and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the constitution and all other laws of the Commonwealth; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always –

Promote all that will advance the Commonwealth, and oppose all that may harm it;

Protect and promote the rights of all Commonwealth Members;

Discharge my duties with all my strength and talent to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience;

Do justice to all; and

Devote myself to the well-being of the Commonwealth and all its Members.

This I do solemnly swear”.

Section 2. Each Cabinet member and their deputies must swear/affirm as follows before assuming office on the RMB;

“I, (full name to be stated), swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful to the Commonwealth of Crowns; and I undertake to hold my office as (State full office title) with honour and dignity; to be a true and faithful counsellor; not to divulge directly or indirectly any secret matter entrusted to me; and to perform the functions of my office conscientiously and to the best of my ability.

This I do solemnly swear”.

Section 3. Each judge including the public protector must swear/affirm as follows before assuming office on the RMB;

“I, (full name to be stated) swear/solemnly affirm that, as a Judge (Public Protector) of the Crowns Court (Commonwealth of Crowns if Public Protector), I will be faithful to the Commonwealth, will uphold and protect the Constitution and the rights entrusted in it, and will administer justice to all members alike without fear, favour or prejudice, in accordance with the constitution and law.

This I so solemnly swear”.

Section 4. Each member applying for citizenship must swear an oath of citizenship on the RMB:

“I (full name to be stated), swear to be true and faithful to the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Crowns, and will serve this Commonwealth with the best of my ability.

This I do so swear.”

As of May 10, 2017

ARTICLE I | OBJECTIVES

The objective of this treaty is to further co-operation on political, social and military levels between signatory regions under the direction of the members of this treaty, being the Central Pacific Empire (CPE), the United Empire of Islam (UEI), the Commonwealth of Crowns (CoC), and the Radiant Republic (RR).

ARTICLE II | GENERAL FUNCTIONS

The Interregional Cooperation Treaty Organization (ICTO) shall serve as a body for regular, political and military dialogue between its member-regions.

It may issue binding resolutions on all member states in areas of co-operation, which ought to be of a foreign, political or defensive nature. All binding resolutions must be considered and ratified by the governments of member-regions in accordance with the laws and regulations of that region.

Repeated or flagrant rejections of binding resolutions may be grounds for ejection from the body and stripping of treaty membership by mutual agreement between the member-regions.

ARTICLE III | DEFENSIVE FUNCTIONS

Member-regions of the ICT are, at any time in which the region of another member is attacked, bound to assist the said region in the defense efforts against its assailants.

This includes the exertion of political pressure against the assailants through the NationStates World. However, if the attack was provoked or in retribution for another assault on the invading region or its allies, the ICTO absolves all responsibility in defending that region from foreign aggression.

ARTICLE IV | POLITICAL FUNCTIONS

Signatory regions of the ICTO are bound by this treaty. The Treaty shall begin operation as it is ratified by member-regions, through whatever its legitimate treaty-approval process may be.

The position of Chairman will rotate bimestral between the member-regions, starting by the maker of the Treaty, the CPE, and handing over to the oldest signer, and the one after, and so on; The newest member-region is then to handover to the CPE to restart the cycle.

The handover is to occur the day after the Chairman's current term comes to end. The Minister of Foreign Affairs (or the equivalent office) of said region suits the best as Chairman, however, any other member of said region can be nominated from the said region by its Government.

ARTICLE V | MEMBER MEETINGS

A meeting shall be hosted every 2 months, with the location rotating between the member-regions, on the basis that the current Chairman is to host the meeting. The day is at the Chairman's discretion.

All meetings and other activities regarding the ICTO and its members will be held at The ICTO Headquarters, the official region for all members and signatories.

The meetings shall discuss:

- Defense and security categories of member regions - with the Defense Ministries of each region submitting a report via the Representative;

- Opportunities for closer political engagement;

- Voting of any resolutions put forward.

The failure to complete the meeting shall not result in the negation of the treaty. Repeated failures to meet or communicate should result in reconsideration.

ARTICLE VI | VOTING

Voting shall occur by simple majority of member-regions. All member-regions are obliged to vote for or against a proposed resolution.

In case of a draw, a vote to revise the resolution is to be taken into place; If the majority votes in favour, the proposed resolution is to be reworked; If the majority votes against, it is to be completely scrapped of the agenda.

ARTICLE VII | MEMBERSHIP

Regions wishing to join the ICTO should provide a formal request to the Chairman. The Chairman must present the request at the next meeting and may include a recommendation. New members are to be admitted and requested to sign the ICT if the vote for admission between member-regions reaches majority.

ARTICLE VIII | REGULATIONS

All member-regions are to have a copy of the Treaty. How it is to be stored is up to each region-member, but a link to it should be provided on its respective World Factbook Entry.

The ICT is to be renewed:

- If a new member-region successfully joins the ICT and ICTO. This is to occur as early as during the current term to as late as the end of the following term.

- Every Year (following the Gregorian calendar). The year (and eventual new members as listed above) are to be changed to the current one.

The CPE is responsible for publishing the updated Treaty. The current Chairman at the time is responsible for changing the Treaty accordingly and to submit it for approval by majority vote to the member-regions.

SIGNATORIES

Central Pacific Empire

- Cylthropia
Prime Minister & WA Delegate
- New Nationale Einheit
Minister of Foreign Affairs

United Empire of Islam

- Western Arab Empire
Deputy Secretary-General
- United-hayat
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

The Commonwealth of Crowns

- Osberg-thitania
Founder
- Sergeantia
Diplomacy Officer

Radiant Republic

- Odinburgh
Founder & WA Delegate
- Holy radiantstan
Radiant Republic Representative

Libertatem

- Hyderbourg
President & WA Delegate
- Condealism
Vice President & Chancellor of State

I. The Objectives

The objective of this treaty is to further co-operation on political, social and military levels between signatory regions under the direction of the members of this treaty, being the Central Pacific Empire ("CPE"), the Commonwealth of Crowns ("CoC"),the United Empire of Islam ("UEI") and The Radiant .

II. General Functions

The Interregional Cooperation Treaty Organization (ICTO) shall serve as a body for regular, political and military dialogue between its member-regions.

It may issue binding resolutions on all member states in areas of co-operation, which ought to be of a foreign, political or defensive nature. All binding resolutions must be considered and ratified by the governments of member-regions in accordance with the laws and regulations of that region.

Repeated or flagrant rejections of binding resolutions may be grounds for ejection from the body and stripping of treaty membership by mutual agreement between the member-regions.

III. Defensive Functions

Member-regions of the ICT are, at any time in which the region of another member is threatened by those wishing to wreak havoc and chaos, bound to assist the said region in the defense efforts against its assailants. This includes the exertion of political pressure against the assailants through the NationStates World.

Should any member-region be found to have taken part in a raid after the ratification of this treaty, they are to be ejected forthwith from the ICTO.

IV. Political Functions

Signatory regions of the ICTO are bound by this treaty. The Treaty shall begin operation as it is ratified by member-regions, through whatever its legitimate treaty-approval process may be.

The position of Chairman will rotate monthly between the member-regions, starting by the maker of the Treaty, the CPE, and handing over to the oldest signer, and the one after, and so on; The newest member-region is then to handover to the CPE to restart the cycle.

The handover is to occur on the first day of each month. The Chairman is to be the Foreign Affairs Minister of the said region, or the equivalent office.

V. Meetings

A meeting shall be hosted on the tenth day of every third month, with the location rotating between the member-regions, on the basis that the chairman of the month is to host the meeting.

The meetings shall discuss:

- Defense and security categories of member regions - with the Defense Ministries of each region submitting a report via the Representative;

- Opportunities for closer political engagement;

- Voting of any resolutions put forward.

The failure to complete the monthly meeting shall not result in the negation of the treaty. Repeated failures to meet or communicate should result in reconsideration.

VI. Voting

Voting shall occur by simple majority of member-regions. All member-regions are obliged to vote for or against a proposed resolution.

In case of a draw, a vote to revise the resolution is to be taken into place; If the majority votes in favour, the proposed resolution is to be reworked; If the majority votes against, it is to be completely scrapped of the agenda.

VII. Membership

Regions wishing to join the ICTO should provide a formal request to the Chairman. The Chairman must present the request at the next meeting and may include a recommendation. New members are to be admitted and requested to sign the ICT if the vote for admission between member-regions reaches majority.

VIII. Regulation

All member-regions are to have a copy of the Treaty. How it is to be stored is up to each region-member, but a link to it should be provided on it's respective World Factbook Entry.

The ICT is to be renewed:

- If a new member-region successfully joins the ICT and ICTO. This is to occur as early as during the current month-term to as late as the end of the following month-term.

- Every Year (following the Gregorian calendar). The year (and eventual new members as stated above) are to be changed to the current one.

The CPE is responsible for publishing the updated Treaty. The current Chairman at the time is responsible for changing the Treaty accordingly and to submit it for approval by majority vote to the member-regions.

2. The CoC Alliance: Recruitment thread after the refounding

3. Founding of the CoC Assembly (Post refounding) & Legislative Archive

4. Meeting discussion of merger of ASN with the CoC

5. The CoC News thread by Borduriaa

6. Mutual Defence Treaty Between The Commonwealth of Kings and The Commonwealth of Crowns

7.The Commonwealth News agency ( ACTIVE) -by Alkoul

8. The CoC WA Commendation proposal

To strengthen the sovereignty of The Commonwealth;

To secure the blessings of liberty;

To ensure justice and tranquillity and to enhance the unity;

Happiness and well being of the region for all time;

We do hereby ordain and adopt this Constitution for the Commonwealth of Crowns as of 00:00am of the 27th Day of August the Year 2015.

Article I - Founding Provisions
Section 1. The Commonwealth of Crowns (hereafter referred to as "the Commonwealth" or "the CoC") is one, sovereign, democratic region founded on the following values -

Subsection 1 All nations joining the Commonwealth must have a sitting Monarchy as Head of State, but may adopt any governing system said members desire;

Subsection 2 Member's dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of member's rights and freedoms;

Subsection 3 Supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law;

Subsection 4 Regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government; to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness.

Article II - Supremacy of the Constitution

Article X - Regional Security Services
Section 1. The Regional Security Services consist of a single defence force established in terms of the constitution, hereafter known as “the Defence Force” or “the RSS”.

Section 2. The Defence Force is the only lawful regional military force in of the Commonwealth.

Section 3. The defence force must be structured and regulated by Regional Legislation.

Section 4. The primary object of the Defence Force is to ensure the security of the Commonwealth, itsregional integrity and its members in accordance with the Constitution and the legislation regulating the use of force.

Section 5. A member of the cabinet must be responsible for defence.

Section 6. Only the Secretary-General, as Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the RSS, may authorize the employment of the Defence Force –

Subsection 6.1. In defence of the Commonwealth.

Subsection 6.2. In defence of the Allies of the Commonwealth.

Subsection 6.3. As keepers of the peace in regional disputes.

Section 7. When the defence force is employed for a purpose as mentioned in Subsection 6.1, the Secretary-General must inform the Commonwealth Assembly, promptly and in appropriate detail, of –

Subsection 7.1. The reason for the employment of the defence force;

Subsection 7.2. Any place where the force is being employed;

Subsection 7.3. The number of members involved; and

Subsection 7.4. The period for which the force is expected to be employed.

Section 8. The Secretary-General as head of the regional executive is Commander-in-Chief of the defence force.

Section 9. Command of the defence force may be exercised in accordance with the directions of the Cabinet member responsible for defence, under the authority of the Secretary-General.

Section 10. The Secretary-General as head of Government may declare a state of regional emergency and must inform the Commonwealth Assembly promptly and in appropriate detail the reasons for the declaration.
Subsection 10.1. In the absence of the Secretary-General, the Founder may declare the state of regional emergency.
Subsection 10.2. In the case of the Founder continuously declaring consecutive states of emergency, despite failure of obtaining approval from the Assembly, as set forth in section 12, the matter shall be decided by the court under jeopardy of losing the power vested in him in subsection 10.1. [Amendment; This needs some clarifying: Subsection 10.2. is set forth as a contingency, seeing as we cannot remove the Founder from office as we can the SG should he abuse his power.]

Section 12. A declaration of a state of regional emergency lapses unless it is approved by the Commonwealth Assembly within five (5) days of the declaration.

Section 13. Regional Legislation must regulate the objects, powers and functions of the Defence Force.

Article XI - Finances
Section 1. An Act of Assembly must regulate the regional treasury and prescribe measures to ensure both transparency and expenditure control.

Section 2. An Act ofAssembly must regulate the Commonwealth Central Bank.

Article XII - General Provisions
Section 1. International Law.

Subsection 1.1. The negotiating of all international agreements is the responsibility of the Secretary-General on the advice of theCabinet.

Subsection 1.2. The responsibility of negotiation may be transferred to the Founder or a Cabinet member responsible forForeign Affairs by the Secretary-General.

Subsection 1.3. An international agreement, subject to this Constitution, binds the Commonwealth to its terms only after it has been approved by a majority vote in the Commonwealth Assembly.

Subsection 1.4. All agreements prior and post this constitution's enactment date are to be abided by until they are formally dissolved as per the terms of the individual treaty or by an Act of Assembly.

Section 2. Charters of Rights.

Subsection 2.1. In order to deepen the culture of democracy established by this constitution,the Assembly may adopt a Charters of Rights consistent with the provisions of this Constitution.

Section 3. Definitions.

Subsection 3.1. In the Constitution, unless the context indicates otherwise, “Regional Legislation” includes –

Paragraph a. Subordinate legislation made in terms of an Act of Assembly.

Subsection 3.2. “Organ of State” means –
Paragraph a. Any department of state or administration in the regional sphere of government;
or

Paragraph b. Any other functionary or institution –

Sub-paragraph b.1. Exercising a power or performing a function in terms of the constitution.

Article XIII - Election Procedures
Section 1. The length of a term will be two (2) months.

Section 2. The election process for Secretary-General shall be as follows -

Subsection 2.1. The election shall be called by the Founder, or, in the absence of the Founder, the Secretary-General, or, in the absence of the Secretary-General, the Speaker of the Assembly, on the first (1.) day of every odd numbered month.

Subsection 2.2. All candidates for Secretary General shall publicly (On the Regional Message Board / RMB) announce their candidacy, along with the candidacy of their Deputy, before the first day of every odd numbered month. If no candidates announce their candidacy before said date, any candidate announcing their candidacy after the date shall be accepted until there are two candidates.

Subsection 2.3. The polls shall open at 12:00 pm GMT on the fourth (4.) day of every odd numbered month, and the ballot shall include both the name of the candidate for Secretary-General and that of his Deputy.

Subsection 2.4. The polls shall close at the end of the seventh (7.) day of every odd numbered month. (8. day, at 00:00 GMT)

Subsection 2.5. The term shall be set to start the fifteenth (15.) of every odd-numbered month, at which time the Secretary-General shall resign, and the Secretary-General-Elect shall assume the position of Secretary-General.

Section 3. The Election process for Speaker of the Assembly shall be as follows -

Subsection 3.1. The election shall be called by the Speaker at the seventh (7.) day of every odd-numbered month.

Subsection 3.2. Members of the Assembly shall publicly (On the Regional Message Board / RMB) announce their candidacy for Speaker of the Assembly within the tenth (10.) day of every odd-numbered month.

Subsection 3.3. The Speaker shall open the polls on the fifteenth (15.) day of every odd numbered month, and at the same time resign his office.

Subsection 3.4. The polls shall close at the end of the seventeenth (17.) day of every odd numbered month, with the winner assuming the role of Speaker of the Assembly.

Section 4. Should any of the two elections end with a tie -

Subsection 4.1. If there be more than two (2) candidates, there shall be a second vote containing only the two candidates. The second vote shall last for two (2) days.

Subsection 4.2. If in the second vote there is still a tie, in the election for Secretary-General the Founder shall have the deciding vote, while in the election for Speaker, the Secretary-General shall have the deciding vote.

Section 5. An emergency election shall be called by the Founder if -
Subsection 5.1 The general election does not happen on time, or if the election is declared unconstitutional by the Court.
Subsection 5.2. The Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary General and Speaker of Assembly all become absent from the Commonwealth, or if they all resign, or if they are unable to preform the duties of the office of the Secretary-General.

Section 6. The emergency election shall follow the procedures set forth in this Article.
Subsection 6.1. The term following the emergency election shall last until the next general election.
Subsection 6.2. The elected officials shall take office immediately following the emergency election.

Section 7. An Act of Assembly may regulate the electoral procedures of the Commonwealth of Crowns, but so as to not give unfair advantage to any one candidate, but ensure a free and fair election.

Article XIV - Oaths and Affirmations
Section 1. Oath or Solemn affirmation of the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General must swear/affirm on the Regional Message Board (RMB) before assuming office as follows;

“In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as Secretary-General/Deputy Secretary-General/Acting Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Crowns, I (Full name to be stated), swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful to the Commonwealth of Crowns, and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the constitution and all other laws of the Commonwealth; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always –

Promote all that will advance the Commonwealth, and oppose all that may harm it;

Protect and promote the rights of all Commonwealth Members;

Discharge my duties with all my strength and talent to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience;

Do justice to all; and

Devote myself to the well-being of the Commonwealth and all its Members.

This I do solemnly swear”.

Section 2. Each Cabinet member and their deputies must swear/affirm as follows before assuming office on the RMB;

“I, (full name to be stated), swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful to the Commonwealth of Crowns; and I undertake to hold my office as (State full office title) with honour and dignity; to be a true and faithful counsellor; not to divulge directly or indirectly any secret matter entrusted to me; and to perform the functions of my office conscientiously and to the best of my ability.

This I do solemnly swear”.

Section 3. Each judge including the public protector must swear/affirm as follows before assuming office on the RMB;

“I, (full name to be stated) swear/solemnly affirm that, as a Judge (Public Protector) of the Crowns Court (Commonwealth of Crowns if Public Protector), I will be faithful to the Commonwealth, will uphold and protect the Constitution and the rights entrusted in it, and will administer justice to all members alike without fear, favour or prejudice, in accordance with the constitution and law.

This I so solemnly swear”.

Section 4. Each member applying for citizenship must swear an oath of citizenship on the RMB:

“I (full name to be stated), swear to be true and faithful to the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Crowns, and will serve this Commonwealth with the best of my ability.

This I do so swear.”

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The Commonwealth Herald

THE REFORMED COMMONWEALTH OF CROWNS : NS Forum Archived thread

PREAMBLE
We, the members of the Commonwealth of Crowns, having formed an alliance based on a common desire to preserve our belief in a system of monarchial governance, dedicated to supporting one another, and, committed to encouraging the free exchange of our nations and peoples, with firm faith in Liberty, Justice and Equality for all, do hereby ordain and establish this Constitution for our union of free and sovereign nations.

We earnestly hope and strive for the continued growth, development, peace and cooperation of all nations joyfully associated with the Commonwealth of Crowns.

ARTICLE I

THE COMMONWEALTH

§01. THE UNION: The union of nations hereby instituted shall be called the Commonwealth of Crowns (henceforth the “COC”). The name of this union shall never be amended by any power or entity whatever. By this name, the region shall have perpetual succession.

§02. POWERS OF THE UNION: The COC and its governing body shall be charged with the responsibility of ensuring the international welfare of the COC and its members; to ensure the perpetuity of mutual peace and cooperation between its members; to regulate the induction of new members; to enforce the rules, policies and procedures of the COC; to punish members for violation of the Constitution or acts of the House of Nobles; and, to conduct foreign affairs with non-member nations and regions.

§03. LIMITATION OF POWERS: The COC is an inter-nation alliance and its governing body shall have no authority to interfere in the national sovereignty of its members. The COC shall never be responsible for policing individual nations; and, shall ensure that each member has the freedom to decide the direction of their nation.

ARTICLE II

COMMONWEALTH MEMBERSHIP

§01. QUALIFICATIONS: Membership in the COC is reserved to nations operating under a monarchial system, whether constitutional or absolute. This means that the applicant nation must have a sitting Monarch. At any time should the monarchy be abolished, the membership of that nation shall be void within thirty days unless the monarchy shall be restored in that nation during that period time.

§02. PUPPETRY: To counter illegal puppetry, all applicant nations are required to provide a link to a valid WA nation belonging to them, and provide sufficient proof that the nation effectively belongs to them by means of a telegram (henceforth a “TG”) to the Minister of the Interior.

§03. NONDISCRIMINATION: All nations found in compliance with Section 1 of Article II, are welcome to join the COC. No nation shall be denied based on the ethnicity, nationality, sex, religion or orientation of their Monarch; nor shall they be denied based on the laws and policies adopted by their nation, provided they remain in support of monarchy. However, the application for membership may be denied or membership nullified if the applicant/member nation is or has connections with an enemy of the COC, or is a suspected felon as ruled by the Court.

§04. REGIONAL FORUMS: Upon becoming a member of the COC, nations shall be required to register on the forum of the COC within fifteen days. If a member nation fails to register on the forums, he/she will not be granted admission into the House of Nobles. Moreover, admission into the House of Nobles is closed during general elections.

§05. VOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP: Members shall have the right to resign their membership in the COC at any time without cause, provided that they shall give notice of their action to resign to the Secretary General. The ceasing of a nation to exist shall be deemed as a voluntary termination of resignation.

§06. INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP: Any nation found in direct violation of the Constitution, or the laws adopted by the COC, may be expelled by act of the Court provided that they are given sufficient time to resolve the matter by restoring its adherence to the Constitution and such laws. In such cases where a member may be a serious threat to the COC, the Executive Council shall have the authority to expel such member provided that within thirty days their action to expel is confirmed by majority vote of the Court. If such decision is not confirmed, membership of such member shall be restored immediately.

ARTICLE III

COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT

§01. GOVERNMENT: The Government of the Commonwealth of Crowns (henceforth the “Government”) shall be vested in the three entities, 1) the Executive Council (henceforth the “Council”), responsible for the overall administration of the COC and conducting foreign affairs; the House of Nobles (henceforth the “House”), responsible for the enactment of legislation for the benefit of the COC and its members; and, the High Court (henceforth the “Court”), responsible for deciding cases brought before it by member nations.

§02. SEPARATION OF POWERS: No one entity of the Government may exercise the powers of another entity at any time. However, it is established that members of the Council and Justices of the Court shall be elected and confirmed by the House from within the membership of the House and shall be allowed to maintain all the rights and responsibilities of a member of the House. It is provided, however, that members of the Council (henceforth “Councilors”) cannot jointly serve as a Justice of the Court or vice versa.

§03. FOUNDER: The nation of Osberg-Thitania is the Founder of the Commonwealth of Crowns and shall therefore serve as the symbol of the region and the unity of its inhabitants. The Founder may advise the Council, of which the Founder is an ex-officio member, on any pending matters of the region, but shall have no vote on any executive decisions nor shall the Founder exercise any powers except those expressly enumerated in this Constitution. The Founder is a member of the House and therefore shares the same rights as members of the House. The House shall enact legislation to establish necessary procedures in the event that the Founder should cease to exist.

§04. REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES: Each member nation shall appoint a single person to be its COC regional representative. It is established that nations are often referred to in the exchange of business in the COC, but, it should be noted that such reference is to the regional representative, who exercises the rights of their respective nation on its behalf.

ARTICLE IV

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

§01. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: The Executive Council is charged with the administration and overall management of the internal and foreign affairs of the COC. The Council shall consist of the following officers called “Councilors”, namely 1) the Secretary General, 2) the Chancellor, 3) the Speaker of the House of Nobles, and, 4) the Prosecutor General. The Founder and the High Commander shall be non-voting, ex-officio members of the Council. The High Commander is appointed by a minimum 3 three-fourths majority of the voting members of the Council. In the event of a tie vote, the House of Nobles shall break the tie.

§02. QUALIFICATIONS: All elected Councilors shall be members of the House of Nobles in good standing, free of any restrictions imposed by the House of Nobles; and, no candidate may be under trial or penalty by the Court. All candidates for a position on the Council shall have been a member of the COC for a minimum of 60 days.

§03. ELECTIONS: General elections shall be held every 60 days. Eight days prior to the date of the election, the Founder, or the Minister of the Interior shall the Founder be unavailable, shall, by proclamation, call for an election and dissolve the current session of the House, effectively suspending all legislative activity. Immediately, candidates shall have two days to declare their intention to run. Following this two-day period, a list of candidates shall be published by the Minister of the Interior and candidates will have three days to campaign. When this three-day period has ended, voting shall commence for a period of three days. When the voting period has ended, the Minister of the Interior shall review the results and, upon approval of an elections report by the Secretary General, declare the winners. A candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast during that period to be declared victorious.

Winning Threshold – A winning majority of the vote herein defined by the real-number formula: (Number of Votes Cast/Number of Candidates) +2, or an absolute majority. Fulfilling either of these two conditions shall constitute a winning threshold.

Election Protocol

§1. All party nominees and independent candidates shall be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Crowns which govern all political candidates and election protocols.
§2.1. Partisan nominees and independent candidates shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges, and shall be held to the same standards in their conduct and responsibilities.
§2.2. And no party nominee nor independent candidate shall enjoy election-related privileges or suffer election-related penalties on account of their official political affiliation or lack thereof.
§3. The authorities of the Commonwealth of Crowns shall provide the official list of candidates to the voting public, including the method of selection and Terms of Nomination in the case of partisan nominees.
§4. In accordance with election protocol in the Commonwealth of Crowns, the authorities thereof shall be empowered to declare the winner of an election to be the candidate who receives a winning threshold.
§5. In the event that no candidate receives a winning threshold a new round of elections will be called that includes only those candidates who mustered at least an average polling in the previous election round. [Amendment: Party Administration Act]

If a candidate campaigns in a period not dedicated to campaigning, he is immediately barred from running for elections. This includes TG campaigning. Said candidate is also liable to further prosecution by the Court. Furthermore, during the entire election period, admission into the House of Nobles is suspended.

§04. OATH OF OFFICE: Before assuming office, each Councilor-elect and their Deputy-designate must take the following oath: “I, [name of elected member] of [name of member nation], do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will bear true allegiance to the Commonwealth of Crowns, faithfully exercising the duties of the office of [state the office]; and, will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the COC.”

§05. SECRETARY GENERAL: The Secretary General shall have primary charge over the internal affairs of the COC and shall chair the Executive Council. The Secretary General will have primary responsibility over internal security, immigration and financial management of the COC. The departments of the Interior, Finance and Recruitment and Finance [Removal of the Ministry of Recruitment] shall be subject to the Office of the Secretary General; and, their respective ministers shall be answerable to the Secretary General.

§06. CHANCELLOR: The Chancellor shall have primary charge over the external affairs of the COC. The Chancellor shall be responsible for regional defense by assuming responsibility as the Delegate and Chief Representative to the World Assembly. The Chancellor will be empowered to enter into foreign treaties, form inter-regional alliances, and enter parleys with other regions considering mergers and the reestablishment of old regions. The departments of Foreign Affairs and Culture shall be subject to the Office of the Chancellor; and, their respective ministers shall be answerable to the Chancellor. The House shall enact legislation concerning the regulation of World Assembly endorsements of the Chancellor.

§07. SPEAKER: The Speaker of the House of Nobles shall be the Presiding Officer of the House of Nobles and the Chief Moderator of all legislative activities. The Speaker shall ensure that all legislative procedures are followed. The Speaker is authorized to submit proposals for debate and will decide upon “emergency” legislation proposed by members.

§08. PROSECUTOR GENERAL: The Prosecutor General shall be Chief Legal Counsel and head of the Department of Justice. The Prosecutor General shall have primary charge over general discipline, the conduct of nations, and representing the Council in cases brought against it in the Court. The Prosecutor General shall also be responsible for prosecuting nations in cases it may refer to the Court. The Prosecutor General shall act as the liaison between the Council and the Court.

§09. HIGH COMMANDER: The High Commander shall be in charge of the Armed and Uniformed Services (henceforth the “Military”) of the COC; and, the High Commander will lead the Military in any and all foreign missions approved by the Council and be in full charge of mission timetables, deciding on the duration of the stay for the Military, provided that the House shall have the power to recall the Military to the homeland and effectively end any foreign mission. The High Commander shall also be empowered to lead the Military into member nations to assist such nation during times of extreme disorder and distress; but, only upon the request of such nation and not during conflicts between members. The High Commander shall have no vote on executive decisions, except in the event of a tie-vote in which shall the High Commander shall cast a vote to break the tie.

§10. OFFICIAL STYLE: Councilors shall have the title of Lord, regardless of the sex of the incumbent. Councilors shall be styled as “His or Her Excellency”.

§11. TERM OF OFFICE: The term of a Councilor shall be 60 days. A member nation shall serve no more than two consecutive terms of 60 days in a specific office, provided that following a 60-day wait period, such nation may become eligible to seek additional terms in that office. This should not be so construed as to limit a member nation from seeking other offices on the Council.

§12. REMOVAL: All Councilors shall be subject to removal by a majority vote on a motion of no-confidence in the House. If a Councilor has committed an intentional or reckless violation of the Constitution or the laws of the COC, the House may, upon the approval of a vote of no-confidence, refer such matter to the Court for prosecution.

§13. VACANCY: In the event of the resignation, removal or demise of a Councilor, a special election shall be called to elect a successor to fill the remainder of the term.

§14. TRANSPARENCY: On demand of at least 5 members of the House of Nobles, the Council shall present a report detailing all actions undertaken by the Council, as well as all future actions it plans to undertake. Failure to present a report, or concealing information in such report, may lead to prosecution. However, the Council is entitled to conceal information that can expose the region militarily, but must declassify the information as soon as it is deemed safe. At the end of each term, the Council must give all classified information to the Founder, who will decide upon the appropriate timetable for declassification. Furthermore, the Council must post a full term summary of all its actions at the end of its term.

ARTICLE V

THE EXECUTIVE CABINET

§01. THE CABINET: The Cabinet shall be charged with assisting the Council in the exercise of their duties by heading sub-departments and agencies; and, by carrying out the directives of the elected Council. The Cabinet shall consist of 1) the Minister of the Interior, 2) the Minister of Finance, 3) the Minister of Recruitment, [Removal of the Ministry of Recruitment] 3) the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and 4) the Minister of Culture. The House may establish by Act additional departments and ministries as needed and such Ministers will be members of the Cabinet; provided that departments and ministers shall number less than 10.

§02. QUALIFICATIONS: All Cabinet Ministers shall be members of the House of Nobles in good standing, free of any restrictions imposed by the House of Nobles. All candidates for a position on the Cabinet shall have been a member of the COC for a minimum of 15 days.

§03. APPOINTMENT: All Ministers must be appointed by the Councilor responsible for the specific office under which the Cabinet department falls. However, the Founder and/or Councilor responsible for a Cabinet department may dismiss the appointed minister at any time, provided there is just cause and such is reported to the House. An appeal may be voiced to the Court at any time.

§04. OATH OF OFFICE: Upon appointment, the ministers-designate shall swear or affirm the following oath: “I, [name of member] of [name of member nation], do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will bear true allegiance to the Commonwealth of Crowns, faithfully exercising the duties of a Minister, and, will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the COC.”

§05. OFFICIAL STYLE: Ministers of the Cabinet shall receive no title, but shall be styled as “The Right Honorable”.

§12. TERM OF OFFICE: The term of a Minister shall be 60 days. Ministers may serve an unlimited number of terms, provided that following two consecutive terms of 60 days a Minister in a specific ministry must wait 60 days before becoming eligible for another term in the same ministry. This should not be so construed as to limit a Minister of one department from being appointed as Minister to another department. However, upon serving three terms in the Cabinet, an incumbent Minister shall wait 60 days before becoming eligible for reappointment to any department of the Cabinet.

§13. REMOVAL: All Ministers shall be subject to removal by a majority vote on a motion of no-confidence in the House. If a Minister has committed an intentional or reckless violation of the Constitution or the laws of the COC, the House may, upon the approval of a vote of no-confidence, refer such matter to the Court for prosecution.All Ministers shall be subject to removal by the member of the Executive Council to which they are responsible, or upon a majority vote on a motion of no-confidence in the House of Nobles. A Minister may also resign their office without cause. If a Minister has committed an intentional or reckless violation of the Constitution of the laws of the COC, the House may, upon the approval of a vote of no-confidence, refer such matter to the Court for prosecution. [Amendment # 2: Minister Removal Act]

§14. VACANCY: In the event of the resignation, removal or demise of a Minister, a successor shall be formally appointed to fill the remainder of the term.

ARTICLE VI

HOUSE OF NOBLES

§01. MEMBERSHIP: All members of the COC, who have been duly registered on the forums of the region, and who shall not have been barred from the House by the Court, shall be a voting member of the House of Nobles. Each member shall have the right to cast one vote. Moreover, admission into the House of Nobles is closed during the election period.

§02. LEGISLATIVE SESSION: The House shall convene daily during each legislative session at the Imperial Complex in the capital city. Each session of the House shall begin upon the inauguration of the Council and be dissolved by the Founder eight days prior to the general election effectively suspending all legislative activity. Each session shall last a total of 52 days. However, the House shall be convened under an emergency session shall need arise. An emergency session is defined as a session that is held to respond to a region-threatening event when regular session has been dissolved or suspended.

§03. RULES OF THE HOUSE: House members shall, by an Act of the House, establish the rules of decorum and parliamentary procedure under which it will operate.

§04. DUTIES OF THE HOUSE: The House shall have the power to draft, propose, debate and vote on legislation and repeal or amend previously passed legislation. The House may impose feeds and tariffs upon its members and establish rules and regulations concerning the Military. The House shall act as a counterbalance to the Council and the Court. The House shall have all other powers named in this Constitution and all other powers not expressly enumerated in this Constitution. The House may also exercise powers granted by Act, provided that such Act does not conflict with the Constitution.

§05. SUSPENSION OF THE HOUSE: In the event of an emergency or during any form of extreme regional disorder, the Founder shall, upon the request of the Speaker or upon a majority vote of the House, be authorized to suspend all legislative activity until such time as the emergency or disturbance has been resolved and order has been restored to the region.

ARTICLE VII

LEGISLATION

§01. CLASSIFICATION OF LEGISLATION: House members shall introduce legislation to the House. Legislation, called Acts, shall be classified either as 1) Amendments, or acts that aim to amend the Constitution, 2) General Provisions, or acts that create new provisions of law or that amend/repeal existing provisions of law, or 3) Non-binding Resolutions, or acts that state the position of the House on a specific matter but which do not have the effect of a law. Acts are not the same as motions, which may be made orally by a member of the House at any time. Motions shall be deemed as requests for the House to render a decision or action. For example, motions of no-confidence, if approved by the House, may effectively remove members from office. Other motions of procedure shall be regulated by the rules established by the House.

§02. BILL FORM: All Acts shall be introduced in the form of a bill. Each bill shall be drafted in a form to be adopted by the House as part of its rules. The Speaker should ensure that the form of each bill is acceptable, including ensuring spelling and grammar correctness.

§03. CONSTITUTIONALITY: All forms of Acts, excluding Amendments, shall, after being reviewed by the Speaker, be submitted to the Secretary General for inspection to ensure that such legislation is in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the COC. If the bill is found in compliance, it may then be introduced for debate by the Speaker. If the legislation is in violation of the Constitution or the laws of the COC, the author of the bill have 10 days to bring their bill into conformity. Concerning amendments, the Secretary General shall ensure that amendments, if passed, will not conflict with any other section of the Constitution.

§04. VOTING AND QUORUM: All Acts, excluding Amendments, shall have a two-day voting period. An Act to Amend shall have a five-day voting period. A bill requires only a majority vote to pass. A minimum of 15% of the total House membership must cast a vote in that time in order for the Act to pass. If that is not accomplished, the bill shall be deemed to have received insufficient support during that time and be dismissed, unless, upon the request of 5 members, the Speaker may extend the voting period for an additional 24 hours. All Acts, excluding Amendments, shall have a two-day voting period. A bill requires only a majority vote to pass. A quorum shall be determined by calculating twenty-five percent of the number of House members who voted in the previous regular election of officers to the Executive Council. The resulting number shall be the quorum. If that is not accomplished, the bill shall be deemed to have received insufficient support during that time and be dismissed, unless, upon the request of five members, the Speaker may extend the voting period for an additional twenty-four hours. [Amendment I]

§05. CODE: All Acts passed by the House and signed by the Council shall be entered into an archive established by the Council, with each passed Act being entered into a specific section designated for its classification. The Council may also provide a section for Acts which shall not have passed.

ARTICLE VIII

THE HIGH COURT

§01. THE HIGH COURT: The judicial powers of the COC shall be vested in the High Court which shall hear and decide all cases that are referred to it by the Prosecutor General or the House, including such cases in which a member nation is charged with intentional or reckless violation of the Constitution or laws of the COC.

§02. JUSTICES: The High Court shall consist of a judicial panel of three Justices, one being the Chief Justice of the High Court.

§03. APPOINTMENT AND TERM: Justices are appointed by a three-fourths vote of the Council to serve terms of sixty days. On the sixtieth and final day of the term of an incumbent Council, such Council shall select the Chief Justice. The new Council shall appoint one associate justice on the twentieth day of their term, and, a second associate justice on the fortieth day of their term. The incumbent Council shall then begin the process again by appointing a new Chief Justice on the sixtieth day of their term. Terms are staggered so that a new Justice is appointed every twenty days. No Justice may serve more than two consecutive terms in office. After two terms, a Justice must wait 60 days before becoming eligible for reappointment.
§03. APPOINTMENT AND TERM: Justices are appointed by a three-fourths vote of the Council to serve terms of sixty days. On the sixtieth and final day of the term of an incumbent
Council, such Council shall appoint three members of the House of Nobles to the High Court; one being the Chief Justice and two being Associate Justices. No Justice may serve more than two consecutive terms in office. After two terms, a Justice must wait 60 days before becoming eligible for reappointment. [Court Appointment Adjustment Act: Amendment]

§04. CHIEF JUSTICE: The Chief Justice accepts and denies cases to the court and presides over the court session. Finally, the Speaker of the House must voice a mandatory call in the House asking if there is any opposition to the list of nominees. If opposition is voiced, a vote is launched. A simple majority vote is needed to refuse a nomination.

§05. QUALIFICATIONS: All Justices shall be members of the House of Nobles in good standing, free of any restrictions imposed by the House of Nobles. All candidates for a position on the Court shall have been a member of the COC for a minimum of 60 days.

§06. OATH OF OFFICE: Upon formal appointment, a Justice-designate must take the following oath: “I, [name of member] of [name of member nation], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will bear true allegiance to the Commonwealth of Crowns, that I will support and defend the Constitution; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Justice of the High Court."

§07. DECISIONS: A majority vote of all Justices shall be required in order for the Court to render a decision. No decision may be rendered in the absence of a Justice. Once a decision of the High Court is made, it shall stand. No entity may have the power to appeal the decision of the High Court.

§08. POWER TO OVERRULE: The court may overrule a decision of the Council or House, at the demand of any member of the house, provided sufficient grounds for unconstitutionality.

§09. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: If a seated Justice is related in any way to the case being brought to the court, such Justice shall be temporarily removed and a replacement appointed by the Founder shall sit as a Justice pro tempore. This also applies to the Chief Justice.

§10. OFFICIAL STYLE: Justices shall have the title of Lord, regardless of the sex of the incumbent. Justices shall be styled “The Eminent”.

§11. REMOVAL: Justices shall be subject to removal by a majority vote on a motion of no-confidence in the House. If a Justice has committed an intentional or reckless violation of the Constitution or the laws of the COC, the House may, upon the approval of a vote of no-confidence, refer such matter to the Court for prosecution.

§12. VACANCY: In the event of the resignation, removal or demise of a Justice, a new Justice shall be formally appointed to fill the remainder of the term.

ARTICLE IX

IMPERIAL ASSOCIATION

§01. IMPERIAL ASSOCIATION: The Commonwealth of Crowns and the various regions under the jurisdiction of the COC shall be collectively referred to as the “Imperial Association of Commonwealth Realms” (henceforth “the Realm”). The Government of the COC shall act as the government of the Realm.

§02. ANNEXATION: The Council shall have full charge over the location and annexation of regions. Such act of annexation shall be formalized by treaty. The House shall be empowered to eject any region from the Realm. Ejected regions shall be ineligible to rejoin except upon a majority vote of the House.

§03. IMPERIAL CLASSIFICATION: The regions of the Realm shall be organized according to three administrative levels called “Classifications”. Such classifications will include 1) Dominion, 2) Territory, and 3) Dependencies. The classification of any region shall be determined by the Council, in accordance with the qualifications established by this Constitution. Only the House may change the classification of any region by majority vote on a simple motion.

§04. DOMINIONS: Dominion realms shall be self-governing regions under the sovereignty of the COC. Dominions shall be responsible for their domestic affairs while responsibility over foreign affairs, defense and inter-regional economic relations is vested in the COC. Dominions are guaranteed their own representative governments. To qualify as a Dominion, a region must have a minimum of 20 member-states. Dominions shall adopt their own Constitutions provided that such Constitutions state the Dominion’s support of, and subjection to, the COC and the Realm. Such Dominion Constitutions, or amendments thereof, shall require the approval of the House; though, the legislature of each Dominion may override the rejection of the House by a two-thirds majority vote. Dominions shall be governed by a Governor-General, appointed by the Council and subject to removal by the House, who will act as Head of State of the Dominion and be directly responsible for maintaining the relationship between a Dominion and the Government. Governors General, upon their appointment, shall establish a mission in the Dominion to act as headquarters; and, they shall hold office at the pleasure of the Council.

§05. TERRITORY: Territorial realms shall be semi-self-governing regions under the sovereignty of the COC. Territories shall be governed by a Representative, Appointed or Direct system, depending upon their size. Representative territories shall have commissions consisting of the appointed Governor and five member-states, elected by popular vote of the members of their region. Appointed territories shall have commissions consisting of the Governor and three member-states appointed by the Council. Direct territories shall be directly governed by a single Governor appointed by the Council. All territorial governors shall establish a mission in the territory to act as headquarters; and, they shall hold office at the pleasure of the Council. All governors shall be subject to the removal of the House. Any territorial constitution, or amendments thereof, shall be subject to the approval of the House. The House may pass laws affecting the Territory, and any territorial laws passed may be overturned by the House.

§06. DEPENDENCIES: Dependent realms shall be non-self-governing regions under the sovereignty of the COC. Dependencies are those regions annexed by the COC that are deemed too small or inactive to merit territorial government. Dependencies shall be administered by the Council as needed.

§07. HEADS OF STATE: All Heads of State must be members of the House in good standing, free of restrictions imposed by the House of Nobles or the Court.

§08. MEMBERSHIP: Member-states from Dominions, Territories or Dependencies shall not be considered members of the COC and therefore do not share the rights and privileges of full members of the COC. Such nations may only exercise the rights of members of their own regions.

§09. UPDATED COMPILATION: The Government shall compile and consistently update a list of all Dominions, Territories and Dependencies.

ARTICLE X

REGIONAL SYMBOLS

§01. CAPITAL: Crowns City, located on the Island, shall be the capital city and the seat of Government for the COC.

§02. LANGUAGE: English is adopted as the standard language of convention. The COC shall respect the right of members to communicate in their respective languages, but, all business shall be conducted with English as the primary medium.

§03. REGIONAL ENSIGN: The flag of the Commonwealth of Crowns shall be the regional ensign. The ensign shall be blue and consist of the following elements: 1) a St. George’s cross in white, running through the center of each side of the ensign, 2) over the cross, a stylized globe in the color yellow, and 3) eight crowns encircling the globe with the crown at the crest of the globe having doubled dimensions.

§04. REGIONAL ANTHEM: “The Commonwealth March” as adopted by the House of Nobles shall be the official anthem of the region.

ARTICLE XI

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

§01. THE SUPREME LAW: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Crowns shall be the supreme law which shall govern this union of free and sovereign nations. All laws, treaties and edicts must be in conformity with the provisions of this Constitution. All members must agree to adhere to the Constitution or risk being terminated from the COC.

§02. AMENDMENTS: All proposed amendments must be submitted to the House in the form of a legislative Act. In order to be ratified, the Act to Amend must be subject to a five-day period of voting. During that period, 25% of the total House membership must cast their vote in order for the bill to be ratified. And, if such is achieved, a two-thirds majority of those votes must be cast in favor for affirmation and ratification. All proposed amendments and revisions must be submitted to the House of Nobles in the form of a legislative Act. In order to be ratified, the Act to Amend must be subject to a five-day period of voting. During that period, a quorum, as outlined in Article 7, Section 4 (as amended), shall be met. If quorum is achieved, a two-thirds majority of votes cast shall have been cast in favor of the Act for affirmation and ratification. [Amendment I]

§03. REVISIONS: A total revision of the Constitution must be submitted to the House in the form of a legislative Act. In order to be ratified, the Act to Amend must be subject to a minimum five-day period of debate, and, when put up for vote, subject to a five-day period of voting. During that period, a minimum of 25% of the total House membership must cast their vote in order for the bill to be ratified. And, if such is achieved, a two-thirds majority of those votes must be cast in favor for affirmation and ratification.

§04. LAWS IN SUSPENSION: Upon the adoption and ratification of this Constitution, all laws of the COC shall be amended or repealed within 90 days to conform to the Constitution except those which shall not be in violation of this Constitution.

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