Post by GellMannhattan on Nov 8, 2011 12:57:14 GMT -5
Hey all.
Here is a more complete proposal for A Regional Constitution. Article V is what Nox wrote a while ago; some of which we might want to shorten or move to Article I.
Proposed Constitution
Article I: Preamble
We're the Great Empire State. Home of the city so nice, they named it twice and the ever enchanting Clinton family. Perhaps coincidentally we also have rats the size of small dogs and alligators in the sewers. If you're an aspiring actor, move here and Broadway will grind your bones into paste. No mimes, please. Excelsior!
Article II: Name and Membership
The Name of this region shall be the Nation States Region of New York. It shall consist of all nations that reside within the region of New York as well as any other nations residing temporarily outside the region for the purpose of conducting New York business.
Article III: The State Assembly
Section 1: The governing body of this region shall be the State Assembly.
Section 2: A census of the nations residing in New York shall be taken on the first day of each odd numbered month for the purpose of apportioning the Assembly. There shall be 1 seat in the assembly for each 15 nations residing in New York, rounded to the nearest odd integer.
Section 3: Elections for State Assembly shall occur in each odd-numbered month. Nominations shall begin at Noon, Eastern time, on the second Monday of the month and continue for exactly one week. Elections shall begin at Noon, Eastern time, on the third Monday of the month and continue for exactly one week. Voting will be conducted by approval vote where each voter votes “Yes” or “No” for each candidate. The candidates with the most yes votes will be elected, provided that the total of their yes votes exceeds the number of their “No” votes. If the number of nominees is less than or equal to the number of positions, nations will have 48 hours to register any disapproval of any nominee. If no disapprovals are registered, the slate of candidates will be declared elected.
Section 4: The State Assembly shall have the power to:
• Enact laws and policies for the Region by a majority vote.
• Decide the guilt or innocence of any nation accused of behavior harmful to the region of New York.
• Eject and/or Ban Nations from the Region.
• Create and dissolve alliances with other regions.
• Approve the construction and/or revocation of Embassies.
• Advise and Consent on the appointment of Executive Officers.
Section 5: If the Assembly fails to act on any question for 48 hours, the founder shall decide the question in the name of the Region. The decision of the Founder shall have full effect and that effect shall become permanent unless it is overruled by a vote of the State Assembly within 7 days.
Section 6: If one member of the Assembly ceases to exist or moves from the region on a permanent basis, the Delegate shall act as a voting member of the Assembly until the next regularly scheduled election.
Article IV: Executive Officers
Section 1: There shall be four standing executive officers of the region: Founder, WA Delegate, Secretary of Defense and Foreign Minister. Additional offices may be created for a two month period by a majority vote of the Assembly. Permanent positions may only be created by a constitutional amendment.
Section 2: The Founder will be the Chromodynamic Flavor of Gell-Mannhattan, who shall have primary responsibility for the administration of the region.
Section 3: The WA Delegate will be the nation with the largest number of WA endorsements as determined by the game mechanics. The delegate shall assist the founder with the management of the Region, shall represent the region in World Assembly Votes and shall serve as a member of the Assembly in the event of a vacancy. If the Founder ceases to exist or remains inactive for an extended period, the delegate shall also serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Region.
Section 4: All other Executive Officers shall be nominated by the Founder or Chief Administrative Officer of the Region. These Officers shall take office upon confirmation of a majority vote of the State Assembly.
Section 5: The Secretary of Defense shall track the status of all regional armed forces and shall serve as their Commander, both in RP conflicts and in the event of invasion.
Section 6: The Foreign Minister shall negotiate treatys, alliances and/or embassies with other Nation States Regions as appropriate.
Article V: Statement of Principles
The Region is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the
rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.
These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination,
tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.
The Region’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples.
The Region shall establish an internal market. It shall work for the sustainable development of
New York based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market
economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, and a high level of protection and
improvement of the quality of the environment. It shall promote scientific and technological advance.
It shall combat social exclusion and discrimination, and shall promote social justice and protection,
equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the
child.
It shall promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, and solidarity among Member States.
It shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that New York's cultural heritage
is safeguarded and enhanced.
In its relations with the wider world, New York shall uphold and promote its values and
interests and contribute to the protection of its citizens. It shall contribute to peace, security, the
sustainable development of the Earth, solidarity and mutual respect among peoples, free and fair
trade, eradication of poverty and the protection of human rights, in particular the rights of the child,
as well as to the strict observance and the development of international law, including respect for the
principles of the World Assembly.
The Region shall respect the equality of Member States as well as their
national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of
regional and local self-government. It shall respect their essential State functions, including ensuring
the territorial integrity of the State, maintaining law and order and safeguarding national security. In
particular, national security remains the sole responsibility of each Member State.
The Region shall develop a special relationship with neighboring countries, aiming to establish
an area of prosperity and good neighborliness, founded on the values of the Region and
characterized by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation.
The functioning of the Region shall be founded on representative democracy?
Member States are represented in the Regional Government and in the Assembly by their Heads of State or Government.
Every member shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Region. Decisions
shall be taken as openly and as closely as possible to the citizen.
New York’s action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have
inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider
world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental
freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the
principles of the World Assembly.
The Region shall seek to develop relations and build partnerships with third countries, and
international, regional or global organizations which share the principles referred to in the first
sub-paragraph. It shall promote multilateral solutions to common problems, in particular in the
framework of the World Assembly.
The Region shall define and pursue common policies and actions, and shall work for a high
degree of cooperation in all fields of international relations, in order to:
(a) safeguard its values, fundamental interests, security, independence and integrity;
(b) consolidate and support democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the principles of
international law;
(c) preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in accordance with the
purposes and principles of the World Assembly;
(d) foster the sustainable economic, social and environmental development of developing countries,
with the primary aim of eradicating poverty;
(e) encourage the integration of all countries into the world economy, including through the
progressive abolition of restrictions on international trade;
(f) help develop international measures to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and
the sustainable management of global natural resources, in order to ensure sustainable
development;
(g) assist populations, countries and regions confronting natural or man-made disasters; and
(h) promote an international system based on stronger multilateral cooperation and good global
governance.
Everyone has the right to the protection of personal data concerning them.
The Region respects and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and
religious associations or communities in the Member States.
The Region equally respects the status under national law of philosophical and non-confessional
organizations.
Any discrimination on grounds of nationality shall be prohibited.
The Regional Government and the Assembly, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative
procedure, may adopt rules designed to prohibit such discrimination.
Every member of the Region has the right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the
Regional Government and the Assembly.
Every person has the right to have his or her affairs handled impartially, fairly and within a
reasonable time by the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Region.
The employment of children is prohibited. The minimum age of admission to employment may not
be lower than the minimum school-leaving age, without prejudice to such rules as may be more
favorable to young people and except for limited derogations.
Young people admitted to work must have working conditions appropriate to their age and be
protected against economic exploitation and any work likely to harm their safety, health or physical,
mental, moral or social development or to interfere with their education.
Everyone is equal before the law.
Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin,
genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national
minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.
The Region shall respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
Equality between women and men must be ensured in all areas, including employment, work and
pay.
The principle of equality shall not prevent the maintenance or adoption of measures providing for
specific advantages in favour of the under-represented sex.
Children shall have the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being.
They may express their views freely. Such views shall be taken into consideration on matters which
concern them in accordance with their age and maturity.
In all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions, the
child's best interests must be a primary consideration.
Every child shall have the right to maintain on a regular basis a personal relationship and direct
contact with both his or her parents, unless that is contrary to his or her interests.
The Region recognizes and respects the rights of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence
and to participate in social and cultural life.
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold
opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority
and regardless of frontiers.
The freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes
freedom to change religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in
public or in private, to manifest religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
The right to conscientious objection is recognized, in accordance with the national laws
governing the exercise of this right.
The right to marry and the right to found a family shall be guaranteed in accordance with the
national laws governing the exercise of these rights.
Human dignity is inviolable. It must be respected and protected.
Article VI: Ratification and Amendments
Section 1: This Constitution shall be proposed to the region on the Regional Message Board upon agreement of two thirds of all Regional Officers. Once proposed, all nations in the region shall have 28 days to register their approval or dissapproval of the Constitution as a whole. The Constitution shall take effect at the end of that 28 day period provided that it is approved by at least two-thirds of all nations choosing to vote.
Section 2: Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by a two-thirds vote of the State Assembly or by a petition of at least ten resident nations. Proposed amendments shall be posted on the Regional Message Board All nations in the region shall have 28 days to register their approval or dissapproval of the Amendment. The Amendment shall take effect at the end of that 28 day period provided that it is approved by at least two-thirds of all nations choosing to vote.
Here is a more complete proposal for A Regional Constitution. Article V is what Nox wrote a while ago; some of which we might want to shorten or move to Article I.
Proposed Constitution
Article I: Preamble
We're the Great Empire State. Home of the city so nice, they named it twice and the ever enchanting Clinton family. Perhaps coincidentally we also have rats the size of small dogs and alligators in the sewers. If you're an aspiring actor, move here and Broadway will grind your bones into paste. No mimes, please. Excelsior!
Article II: Name and Membership
The Name of this region shall be the Nation States Region of New York. It shall consist of all nations that reside within the region of New York as well as any other nations residing temporarily outside the region for the purpose of conducting New York business.
Article III: The State Assembly
Section 1: The governing body of this region shall be the State Assembly.
Section 2: A census of the nations residing in New York shall be taken on the first day of each odd numbered month for the purpose of apportioning the Assembly. There shall be 1 seat in the assembly for each 15 nations residing in New York, rounded to the nearest odd integer.
Section 3: Elections for State Assembly shall occur in each odd-numbered month. Nominations shall begin at Noon, Eastern time, on the second Monday of the month and continue for exactly one week. Elections shall begin at Noon, Eastern time, on the third Monday of the month and continue for exactly one week. Voting will be conducted by approval vote where each voter votes “Yes” or “No” for each candidate. The candidates with the most yes votes will be elected, provided that the total of their yes votes exceeds the number of their “No” votes. If the number of nominees is less than or equal to the number of positions, nations will have 48 hours to register any disapproval of any nominee. If no disapprovals are registered, the slate of candidates will be declared elected.
Section 4: The State Assembly shall have the power to:
• Enact laws and policies for the Region by a majority vote.
• Decide the guilt or innocence of any nation accused of behavior harmful to the region of New York.
• Eject and/or Ban Nations from the Region.
• Create and dissolve alliances with other regions.
• Approve the construction and/or revocation of Embassies.
• Advise and Consent on the appointment of Executive Officers.
Section 5: If the Assembly fails to act on any question for 48 hours, the founder shall decide the question in the name of the Region. The decision of the Founder shall have full effect and that effect shall become permanent unless it is overruled by a vote of the State Assembly within 7 days.
Section 6: If one member of the Assembly ceases to exist or moves from the region on a permanent basis, the Delegate shall act as a voting member of the Assembly until the next regularly scheduled election.
Article IV: Executive Officers
Section 1: There shall be four standing executive officers of the region: Founder, WA Delegate, Secretary of Defense and Foreign Minister. Additional offices may be created for a two month period by a majority vote of the Assembly. Permanent positions may only be created by a constitutional amendment.
Section 2: The Founder will be the Chromodynamic Flavor of Gell-Mannhattan, who shall have primary responsibility for the administration of the region.
Section 3: The WA Delegate will be the nation with the largest number of WA endorsements as determined by the game mechanics. The delegate shall assist the founder with the management of the Region, shall represent the region in World Assembly Votes and shall serve as a member of the Assembly in the event of a vacancy. If the Founder ceases to exist or remains inactive for an extended period, the delegate shall also serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Region.
Section 4: All other Executive Officers shall be nominated by the Founder or Chief Administrative Officer of the Region. These Officers shall take office upon confirmation of a majority vote of the State Assembly.
Section 5: The Secretary of Defense shall track the status of all regional armed forces and shall serve as their Commander, both in RP conflicts and in the event of invasion.
Section 6: The Foreign Minister shall negotiate treatys, alliances and/or embassies with other Nation States Regions as appropriate.
Article V: Statement of Principles
The Region is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the
rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.
These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination,
tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.
The Region’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples.
The Region shall establish an internal market. It shall work for the sustainable development of
New York based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market
economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, and a high level of protection and
improvement of the quality of the environment. It shall promote scientific and technological advance.
It shall combat social exclusion and discrimination, and shall promote social justice and protection,
equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the
child.
It shall promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, and solidarity among Member States.
It shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that New York's cultural heritage
is safeguarded and enhanced.
In its relations with the wider world, New York shall uphold and promote its values and
interests and contribute to the protection of its citizens. It shall contribute to peace, security, the
sustainable development of the Earth, solidarity and mutual respect among peoples, free and fair
trade, eradication of poverty and the protection of human rights, in particular the rights of the child,
as well as to the strict observance and the development of international law, including respect for the
principles of the World Assembly.
The Region shall respect the equality of Member States as well as their
national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of
regional and local self-government. It shall respect their essential State functions, including ensuring
the territorial integrity of the State, maintaining law and order and safeguarding national security. In
particular, national security remains the sole responsibility of each Member State.
The Region shall develop a special relationship with neighboring countries, aiming to establish
an area of prosperity and good neighborliness, founded on the values of the Region and
characterized by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation.
The functioning of the Region shall be founded on representative democracy?
Member States are represented in the Regional Government and in the Assembly by their Heads of State or Government.
Every member shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Region. Decisions
shall be taken as openly and as closely as possible to the citizen.
New York’s action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have
inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider
world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental
freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the
principles of the World Assembly.
The Region shall seek to develop relations and build partnerships with third countries, and
international, regional or global organizations which share the principles referred to in the first
sub-paragraph. It shall promote multilateral solutions to common problems, in particular in the
framework of the World Assembly.
The Region shall define and pursue common policies and actions, and shall work for a high
degree of cooperation in all fields of international relations, in order to:
(a) safeguard its values, fundamental interests, security, independence and integrity;
(b) consolidate and support democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the principles of
international law;
(c) preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in accordance with the
purposes and principles of the World Assembly;
(d) foster the sustainable economic, social and environmental development of developing countries,
with the primary aim of eradicating poverty;
(e) encourage the integration of all countries into the world economy, including through the
progressive abolition of restrictions on international trade;
(f) help develop international measures to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and
the sustainable management of global natural resources, in order to ensure sustainable
development;
(g) assist populations, countries and regions confronting natural or man-made disasters; and
(h) promote an international system based on stronger multilateral cooperation and good global
governance.
Everyone has the right to the protection of personal data concerning them.
The Region respects and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and
religious associations or communities in the Member States.
The Region equally respects the status under national law of philosophical and non-confessional
organizations.
Any discrimination on grounds of nationality shall be prohibited.
The Regional Government and the Assembly, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative
procedure, may adopt rules designed to prohibit such discrimination.
Every member of the Region has the right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the
Regional Government and the Assembly.
Every person has the right to have his or her affairs handled impartially, fairly and within a
reasonable time by the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Region.
The employment of children is prohibited. The minimum age of admission to employment may not
be lower than the minimum school-leaving age, without prejudice to such rules as may be more
favorable to young people and except for limited derogations.
Young people admitted to work must have working conditions appropriate to their age and be
protected against economic exploitation and any work likely to harm their safety, health or physical,
mental, moral or social development or to interfere with their education.
Everyone is equal before the law.
Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin,
genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national
minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.
The Region shall respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
Equality between women and men must be ensured in all areas, including employment, work and
pay.
The principle of equality shall not prevent the maintenance or adoption of measures providing for
specific advantages in favour of the under-represented sex.
Children shall have the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being.
They may express their views freely. Such views shall be taken into consideration on matters which
concern them in accordance with their age and maturity.
In all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions, the
child's best interests must be a primary consideration.
Every child shall have the right to maintain on a regular basis a personal relationship and direct
contact with both his or her parents, unless that is contrary to his or her interests.
The Region recognizes and respects the rights of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence
and to participate in social and cultural life.
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold
opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority
and regardless of frontiers.
The freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes
freedom to change religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in
public or in private, to manifest religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
The right to conscientious objection is recognized, in accordance with the national laws
governing the exercise of this right.
The right to marry and the right to found a family shall be guaranteed in accordance with the
national laws governing the exercise of these rights.
Human dignity is inviolable. It must be respected and protected.
Article VI: Ratification and Amendments
Section 1: This Constitution shall be proposed to the region on the Regional Message Board upon agreement of two thirds of all Regional Officers. Once proposed, all nations in the region shall have 28 days to register their approval or dissapproval of the Constitution as a whole. The Constitution shall take effect at the end of that 28 day period provided that it is approved by at least two-thirds of all nations choosing to vote.
Section 2: Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by a two-thirds vote of the State Assembly or by a petition of at least ten resident nations. Proposed amendments shall be posted on the Regional Message Board All nations in the region shall have 28 days to register their approval or dissapproval of the Amendment. The Amendment shall take effect at the end of that 28 day period provided that it is approved by at least two-thirds of all nations choosing to vote.
