The Constitution of the Republic

[Inkthorn 1434]

 

— THE CONSTITUTION OF THE 

REPUBLIC OF SALVO —

 

 

SALVS POPVLI SVPREMA LEX ESTO

THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE IS TO BE THE HIGHEST LAW

 

 

—  THE TABLE OF CONTENTS —

PREAMBLE to the CONSTITUTION 

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CHAPTER I. RIGHTS of the CITIZENS

ARTICLE I. the RIGHT to FREE SPEECH

ARTICLE II. the RIGHT to FREE ASSEMBLY

ARTICLE III. the RIGHT to DUE PROCESS

ARTICLE IV. the RIGHT to PARTICIPATION
ARTICLE V. the RIGHT to BEAR ARMS
 

 

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CHAPTER II. the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

ARTICLE I. the PRESIDENCY

ARTICLE II. the CABINET

ARTICLE III. the SENATE

ARTICLE IV. the COURT

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CHAPTER III. the PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS

ARTICLE I. PROVINCIAL LIBERTIES

ARTICLE II. PROVINCIAL CONSTRAINTS

ARTICLE III. PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP

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CHAPTER IV. AMENDMENTS

ARTICLE I. SENATORIAL PROCESS

ARTICLE II. REFERENDUM PROCESS

 

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POSTSCRIPT to the CONSTITUTION
 

 

—  PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION—

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United in our ardent pursuit of progress and virtue, we do hereby proclaim this sacred charter as the cornerstone of our state. In the spirit of enlightenment, we recognize that the blessings of liberty, bestowed upon us by the Creator and nature alike, are the inalienable rights of every citizen. It is our solemn duty to protect these rights, ensuring that all may bask in the radiant light brought upon by the liberation of the masses, unfettered by tyranny or oppression.

 

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In the annals of history, we have borne witness to the caprice of despotism, where the rights of the populace have been trampled underfoot by the ambitions of the few. Therefore, we declare that justice shall be the bedrock upon which our society stands, a bulwark against the encroachments of corruption and inequity. We commit ourselves to the establishment of a government that is both accountable and transparent, wherein the voices of the governed are heard and heeded, and wherein the rule of law prevails, safeguarding the dignity of every citizen.

 

In our collective wisdom, we affirm that the welfare of our citizenry is a sacred trust, a communal endeavor requiring the stewardship of all. As such, we shall strive to cultivate an environment where the fruits of labor are shared equitably, where the weak are sheltered, and where the virtues of compassion and generosity flourish. Let it be known that the well-being of our society is inextricably linked to the flourishing of each individual, and in this, we find our common purpose.

 

Let it be known, in the face of encroaching shadows that seek to extinguish the flame of freedom, we stand resolute and unwavering. The specter of tyranny, its insidious whisperers scheming in the shadows, looms ever closer, threatening to rend asunder the very fabric of our republican experiment. Yet we, the guardians of our rights and freedoms, shall not yield to despair nor complacency. 

 

With hearts aflame and spirits indomitable, we shall rally as one, wielding this Constitution as our shield against the tide of despotism. Let it echo through the ages: we shall defend our sacred covenant. In unity, we shall rise, proclaiming that the light of freedom shall never be extinguished, for the people are the source of all power. 

 

Glory to the Republic!

 

—  CHAPTER I—
Rights of the Citizens

Spoiler

 

ARTICLE I. the RIGHT to FREE SPEECH
 

SECTON I. PURPOSE
We do hereby affirm that the right to free speech is an inalienable privilege bestowed upon every individual, vital to the essence of our democracy. It is our solemn belief that each person shall possess the unassailable freedom to articulate their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs without fear of suppression or retribution. Further, to qualify as free speech, such thoughts need not be expressly verbally articulated; one’s internal identities and personal expression are just as protected as what they say out loud or write down.

 

SECTION II. LIMITS
In our commitment to uphold this sacred right, we also acknowledge the necessity of defining these rights. Therefore, we shall establish that speech which incites violence, hatred, or harm against others is not to be countenanced. It is our duty to foster an environment where all may express themselves freely, yet with respect and consideration for the dignity of others. Accordingly, speech that engenders harm is considered to violate the free speech rights of others, for no free speech can truly occur under duress.

 

SECTION III. VIOLATIONS

We implore our fellow citizens to wield this right with wisdom and integrity. The power of free speech is a trust placed in our hands, and it is our responsibility to engage in discourse that uplifts and informs. Thus, those who engage in censorship, coercion, or fear mongering against another may be seen as violating another’s right to free speech. 

 

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ARTICLE II. the RIGHT to FREE ASSEMBLY

 

SECTION I. PURPOSE
We declare that the right to free assembly is a fundamental freedom inherent to all individuals. Each citizen shall have the unassailable right to gather peacefully, to express their collective will, and to engage in discourse on matters of public interest without hindrance or fear of reprisal.

 

SECTION II. LIMITS
While we cherish this right, we acknowledge the necessity of order and respect for the rights of others. Therefore, we proclaim that assemblies must remain peaceful, and that any assembly which incites violence, disorder, or harm to fellow citizens shall be subject to lawful limitations. It is our duty to ensure that the exercise of our freedoms does not infringe upon the freedoms of others.

 

SECTION III. VIOLATIONS
Those who attempt to suppress the free assembly of the citizenry shall be understood to be violating this inalienable right. For example, suppression of protests or gatherings without serious and meaningful cause could be seen as a violation. Further, attempts to prevent minority, fringe, or radical ideas from taking root, spreading, or being heard can be seen as a violation.

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ARTICLE III. the RIGHT to DUE PROCESS

 

SECTION I. PURPOSE
Let it be known that due process encompasses both procedural and substantive rights. Procedurally, it mandates that individuals be informed of the nature of charges against them, that they be afforded an impartial hearing, and that they may present evidence in their defense. Substantively, it guarantees that laws themselves shall be just and reasonable, reflecting the values of our society.

SECTION II. LIMITATIONS

We declare that the right to a fair hearing is paramount. Every individual shall have the right to be heard in a manner that is just and equitable. This includes the right to legal counsel, the opportunity to confront witnesses, and access to a fair and impartial judge. In this, we uphold the dignity of every person before the law. However, in wartime or when threats to national security are afoot, this right may be postponed.

SECTION III. VIOLATIONS

In our commitment to uphold due process, we emphasize the necessity of protections against arbitrary actions by the state. No individual shall be subject to unjust detention, unreasonable searches, or punitive measures without the full measure of legal scrutiny. The rule of law shall prevail, ensuring that power is not wielded capriciously.

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ARTICLE IV. the RIGHT to PARTICIPATION

 

SECTION I. PURPOSE
We affirm that the right to participation is a fundamental and inalienable right of all individuals within our society. Every citizen shall have the right to engage in the political process, to voice their opinions, and to contribute to the decision-making that affects their lives and communities. This right is essential to the flourishing of a vibrant democracy.

 

SECTION II. LIMITATIONS
Let it be known that participation encompasses various avenues of engagement, including but not limited to voting in elections, serving in public office, joining political parties, and participating in civic organizations. Each citizen shall be encouraged to take an active role in shaping the policies and governance of our republic. This is not to say that citizens may demand access to privileged or confidential documents, especially concerning the military.

 

SECTION III. VIOLATIONS
Failure to post public notices of meetings, such as Congress or Cabinet meetings, shall be seen as violating the right to participation. Further, failure to post within a saint’s week after a meeting documents such as agendas or minutes shall also. 

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ARTICLE V. the RIGHT to BEAR ARMS

 

SECTION I. PURPOSE
Every citizen of sound mind and lawful standing shall have the right to possess and bear arms in defense of their life, liberty, and property. This right shall extend to weapons customary to self-defense and protection of community, including but not limited to swords, bows, crossbows, polearms, and shields. Weapons customary to warfare and projection of power, including but not limited to cannons, ballista, trebuchets, onagers, and automatons may only be employed with specific permits issued by the Department of War.

 

SECTION II. LIMITATIONS
In recognition that arms are a matter of skill and honor, all citizens who bear arms shall be encouraged to seek proper training and to wield their weapons responsibly. The state shall establish publicly accessible training events to promote proficiency and safety in the use of arms. Such events shall also promote the values of restraint and honor befitting a well-armed citizenry. These events should be held at least once every eight saint’s weeks.

 

SECTION III. VIOLATIONS
To preserve peace within settled areas, the state reserves the right to restrict the open carry of arms within designated areas or times of assembly, except in cases of active defense of the realm or civic duties. Those found in violation of these laws, or those who wield weapons for criminal intent, shall be subject to lawful penalties.

 

 

—  CHAPTER II—
The Federal Government

Spoiler

ARTICLE I. the PRESIDENCY
 

SECTION I. PURPOSE

(i) The Presidency charts a course for the ship of state through the troubled waters of tomorrow. While empowered to direct, the President does not personally pull the levers of power. Rather, they serve a role as a nexus of power, able to influence but not dictate outcomes. (ii) The Presidency must recognize their status within the broader system, affording to other branches of government the power and respect that they are due.

 

SECTION II. ELECTION

(i) Any citizen may submit a candidacy petition bearing the signatures of ten or more citizens in order to secure a place on the ballot. This petition must be in line with statutory requirements, and must include a Vice Presidential candidate as well. (ii) Once approved, the duo of candidates shall be known as an electoral ticket. (iii) If any one ticket secures more than fifty-percent of the vote, they are victorious. Otherwise, the two candidates with the greatest number of votes shall proceed to a general election. (iv) Regardless, whenever a ticket wins the election, they shall be inaugurated within one saint’s week, serving until then as President-Elect and Vice President-Elect. (v) Each elected ticket shall serve a term lasting four to six saint’s weeks. (vi) No citizen may be elected to the office of the President more than four times.

 

SECTION III. POWERS

a. Regarding the Cabinet: (i) The ability to submit appointments, regarding vacant constitutional officers in the Cabinet, for approval to the Congress; (ii) The duty to supervise, mentor, and support these officers in the execution of their functions; (iii) The discretion to create roles within the Cabinet and subsidiary offices on an ad hoc basis as necessitated to complete the objectives of the state; (iv) The ability to sack Cabinet officers or to submit to the Congress a request for impeachment, including prosection, in the case of criminal or civil misconduct.

 

b. Regarding the Court: (i) The ability to submit appointments, regarding vacant constitutional officers in the Court, for approval to the Congress; (ii) The duty to collaborate with, but recognize the independence of, these officers; (iii) The responsibility to uphold the rule of law, especially with respect to the rulings of the Court; (iv) The ability to submit to the Congress a request for impeachment, including prosection, in the case of criminal or civil misconduct.

 

c. Regarding the Congress: (i) The obligation to never impede the functions of the legislature; (ii) The ability to veto any bill passed by majority vote of the Congress, at which time the Congress may review the bill again and, at their discretion, pass such bill by supermajority vote; (iii) The limitation of not being able to directly submit bills, vote on bills, or participate in the Congress functions in any capacity. 

 

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ARTICLE II. the CABINET

SECTION I. PURPOSE
(i) Owing to the diverse functions of the state, from diplomacy to taxation and beyond, the Cabinet consists of the highest ranking officers in charge of fulfilling such needs. (ii) These officers are entrusted with specific portfolios and complete tasks on behalf of the government appropriately. 

 

SECTION II. SELECTION

(i) Citizens are appointed to Cabinet posts by the President. (ii) Once appointed, a confirmation hearing in the Congress shall trigger, at which time the Congress may confirm or reject the nominee. (iii) If confirmed, the Secretary shall be sworn in at this hearing.

 

SECTION III. OFFICERS

a. The Secretary of War: (i) The duty to provide expert testimony to the Congress regarding military affairs; (ii) The obligation to collaborate with the Congress regarding passing of military affairs; (iii) The right to internally supervise, with respect to the rule of law and existing regulations and the chain of command, the day to day operations of the military; (iv) The duty to enforce the rule of law, act as a police force, and detain criminals on an as needed basis, always in accordance with the law.

 

b. The Secretary of Finance: (i) The duty to provide expert testimony to the Congress regarding financial affairs; (ii) The responsibility to maintain ledgers regarding taxation, the treasury, and land ownership; (iii) The duty to collect taxes; (iv) The obligation to collaborate with the Congress on the creation of, enforcement of, and maintenance of the federal budget.

 

c. The Secretary of Administration: (i) The duty to provide expert testimony to the Congress regarding administrative affairs; (ii) The responsibility of conducting all elections for the Federation, including for President, Congress, and for provincial offices; (iii) The obligation to collaborate with the Secretary of Finance on maintenance of spreadsheets, including land ownership, taxation, etcetera; (iv) The duty to regularly create and furnish documents for government entities such as propaganda, outreach, templates, or other types on an as-needed basis; (v) The duty to administer, at least once every four saint’s weeks, a census, whereby residents may register their status as citizens, and thus secure their ability to vote in upcoming elections.

 

d. Other officers are determined on an ad hoc basis by the President, with all officers having: (i) The duty to provide expert testimony to the Congress regarding their portfolio; (ii) The responsibility to complete their duties; (iii) The duty to respect the chain of command and rule of law.

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ARTICLE III. the CONGRESS

 

SECTION I. PURPOSE
(i) Holding supreme authority within the Federation, the Congress possesses the deliberative functions of state. (ii) Through their legislative process, they dictate the laws, approve or deny appointments to constitutional offices, and pass the budget. 

 

SECTION II. SELECTION

(i) Citizens may submit a candidacy petition for the Congress bearing at least three signatures of citizens supporting their candidacy. (ii) Once accepted, they shall be placed on the ballot for the upcoming Congress election. (iii) If elected, they shall be sworn in accordingly at the final sitting of the previously elected Congress. (iv) No citizen shall serve more than six terms in the Congress. (v) Terms shall coincide with Presidential terms. (v) Once sworn in, the previous Speaker of the Congress shall support the new Congresspeoples in selecting their officers from amongst their ranks. (vi) Candidates for these officer positions must be nominated, that nomination must be seconded, and then a vote held in favor or against the nomination. (vii) Once all officers are elected, they shall be sworn in.

 

SECTION III. OFFICERS

a. The Speaker of the Congress: (i) The ability to schedule sittings of the Congress, with respect to the schedules and availability of all Congresspeoples; (ii) The duty to host confirmation hearings for constitutional officers appointed by the President, whereby the appointee shall present their qualifications and aspirations, hear questions from Congresspeoples, and then a vote held to confirm or reject the appointment; (iii) The right to maintain decorum within the chamber; (iv) The duty to collaborate with other government officers and Congresspeoples in the maintenance of a bill template, a resolution template, and a constitutional amendment template; (v) The duty to mentor Congresspeoples in their writing of bills and the advancement of these bills through the legislative process.

b. The Registrar of the Congress: (i) The duty to record, produce, publish, and archive meeting minutes, or to ensure that an attendee at meetings where the Secretary is unavailable to attend does the same; (ii) The duty to create, in collaboration with the Speaker, agendas in advance of any meeting, and to distribute these agendas at least two saint’s days before a meeting; (iii) The duty to maintain a roster of all Congresspeoples, and to call the roll at all meetings from this roster, noting absences and reporting such to the Speaker at such time; (iv) The duty to call the roll for votes, noting ayes and nays individually within the public record and publishing such within the minutes. 

d. Other officers are determined on an ad hoc basis by the Speaker, with all officers having: (i) The duty to serve the interests of the people; (ii) The responsibility to complete their duties; (iii) The duty to respect the chain of command and  rule of law.

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ARTICLE IV. the COURT

 

SECTION I. PURPOSE
(i) Serving as neutral arbiters of the law, the Court is a check on the power of both the Presidency and the Congress. (ii) Their edicts serve as final, binding interpretation of the law. 

 

SECTION II. SELECTION

(i) Citizens are appointed to Court posts by the President. (ii) Once appointed, a confirmation hearing in the Congress shall trigger, at which time the Congress may confirm or reject the nominee. (iii) If confirmed, the Justice shall be sworn in at this hearin. .(iv) The Justices elect by majority vote for their leader, the Chief Justice. 

 

SECTION III. OFFICERS

a. The Chief Justice: (i) The ability to lead the Court in its sittings; (ii) The duty to create a process whereby citizens may file a writ or affidavit requesting a hearing or trial; (iii) The duty to collaborate with government agents in criminal proceedings; (iv) The responsibility to publish all findings of the court, listing out individual votes of the Court, and any binding resolutions. 

b. The Justices: (i) The duty to serve as judges on individual cases as determined by the Justicar; (ii) The duty to participate in a full sitting of the Court on cases that are appealed; (iii) The duty to work with the Justicar to ensure publication of all relevant documents. (iv) The stipulation that no more than three Justices, including the Chief Justice, be sworn in at any given time.

c. Other officers are determined on an ad hoc basis by the Chief Justice, with all officers having: (i) The duty to serve the interests of the people; (ii) The responsibility to complete their duties; (iii) The duty to respect the chain of command and rule of law.

 

—  CHAPTER III —
The Provincial Governments

 

Spoiler

ARTICLE I. PROVINCIAL LIBERTIES
 

SECTION I. PURPOSE

To uphold the autonomy conferred upon the Provinces by this esteemed Constitution, to preserve the Federative Pact that unites all Provinces, and to resist any potential threats of tyranny that may arise over time, the following fundamental Liberties are hereby granted to each Province-Member.

 

SECTION II. the ORDINANCE LIBERTY

The Provinces shall retain the authority to enact and proclaim ordinances, in matters of regional significance, provided that such actions do not conflict with the provisions established in this Constitution or with federal Statutes or Regulations.

 

SECTION III. the MUNICIPAL LIBERTY

The Provinces shall have the freedom to establish municipalities to manage their land, provided that such arrangements conform to the administrative framework established by this Constitution.

 

SECTION IV. the FINANCIAL LIBERTY

While the federal government shall collect taxes, the Province which a tax was collected from are entitled to 20% of revenues for use in local projects.

 

SECTION V. the ENFORCEMENT LIBERTY

The Provinces shall have the authority to elect a Sheriff if the Governor chooses to do so, who may deputize citizens and otherwise go about the enforcement of local, provincial, and federal law. 

 

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ARTICLE II. the PROVINCIAL CONSTRAINTS

 

SECTION I. PURPOSE

In recognition of the autonomous nature of the Provinces, certain limitations shall be imposed to prevent anti-republican actions and to safeguard the integrity of the Federation. These limitations are designed to (i) ensure that no Province engages in acts that undermine the democratic principles of the Federation, (ii) to prohibit any actions by Provinces that may lead to aggression against the Federation or its other members and (iii) to maintain the supremacy of federal laws and directives in matters affecting the national interest and the collective welfare of all Provinces.

 

SECTION II. the MILITARY LIMITATION

Owing to the critical need of our Federation to preserve and protect itself, provinces are disallowed from creating their own militaries. Rather, they may have their citizens enlist in the federal military, which may, at the Secretary of War’s discretion, be assigned to a local garrison or gendarmerie. 

 

SECTION III. the LEGAL LIMITATION

So long as it does not contradict federal law, any provincial or municipal law shall be enforced appropriately by federal officers within its jurisdiction. That being said, provincial laws only have the force of law within their provincial borders. In the case of alleged criminals fleeing persecution, the Governor may petition the federal government to extradite.

 

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ARTICLE III. the PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP

 

SECTION I. the GOVERNORSHIP

a. The Governor: (i) Empowered to lead the province, determining its internal affairs; (ii) Required to respect federal authority as superseding local authority; (iii) The right to hire or fire officials to the Governor’s Council in ad hoc roles on an as needed basis; (iv) The discretion to appoint a Lieutenant Governor, Sheriff, or other local officers on an ad hoc basis.

b. The Lieutenant Governor: (i) Ability to be in use or not at the discretion of the Governor.

 

SUBSECTION II. SELECTION

(i) Citizens are appointed to provincial posts by the President. (ii) The President may veto any such candidates, at which time a confirmation hearing is triggered in the Congress. (iii) The Congress may override the veto and confirm the appointee via majority vote. 

 

SECTION II. the GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL

a. The Sheriff: (i) The duty to enforce federal and provincial law within the province; (ii) The responsibility to respect the Constitution above all other laws; (iii) The requirement to respect the rule of law, especially rulings from the Court.

d. Other officers are determined on an ad hoc basis by the Governor, with all officers having: (i) The duty to serve the interests of the people; (ii) The responsibility to complete their duties; (iii) The duty to respect the chain of command and rule of law.

 

 

—  CHAPTER IV —
Amendments

Spoiler

ARTICLE I. SENATORIAL PROCESS
 

SECTION I. PURPOSE
(i) The Congress may introduce Constitutional amendments in a process consistent with their internal rules regarding bills. (ii) Ratification of such a proposal is dependent on a the type of amendment.

SECTION II. TYPES
a. Amendment concerning the Rights of Citizens: (i) Any edits to Chapter I of the Constitution must be passed by unanimous vote of the Congress, signed by the President, and approved via the referendum process described in Article II of this Chapter, in order to achieve ratification.

b. Amendments regarding our Institutions: (i) Any edits to other Chapters of the Constitution may be passed by a 60% or higher vote of the Congress, and signed by the President, in order to achieve ratification. If the President vetoes, the Congress may override the veto with an 80% or higher vote.
 

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ARTICLE II. REFERENDUM PROCESS

 

SECTION I. PURPOSE
(i) The citizenry may introduce Constitutional amendments in a unique petition process. (ii) A petitioner simply releases a missive with the proposed amendment and calls for signatures. (iii) If ten citizens sign their support, then the referendum is triggered. (iv) At the next election, a simple question will be asked of voters: should this amendment petition be passed?

SECTION II. TYPES
a. Amendment concerning the Rights of Citizens: (i) Any edits to Chapter I of the Constitution must be passed by a 60% or higher vote in favor of the referendum, if the President agrees to sign the amendment. If the President intends to veto, 80% or higher is required.

b. Amendments regarding our Institutions: (i) Any edits to other Chapters of the Constitution may be passed by a 50% or higher vote. 60% or higher prevents the President from vetoing.

 

—  POSTSCRIPT TO THE CONSTITUTION —

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We stand at a momentous crossroads, bound together by a shared vision, a resolute commitment to build a society that will carry forward the torch of liberty. Know that this Constitution is not just a document—it is our pledge to one another and to future generations that our nation will be founded upon principles that respect human dignity and advance the common good. Above all, it is a promise to fight for liberation, and a request that you join that very same fight.

 

In crafting this charter, we have drawn from the deep wells of wisdom, learned from the trials of past oppression, and kindled our hearts with the virtues of liberty and justice. We have witnessed, in the pages of history, the devastation wrought by unchecked power, by tyranny disguised as order. Where the republics of the past have failed, we have reviewed their missteps, and incorporated solutions into this experiment. Now, we declare a new beginning, where every voice shall matter, every citizen shall be protected, and every right shall be sacred.

 

Let us make no mistake: our work is only just beginning. What we have crafted here today will only come to life through our commitment to one another and through the vigilant guardianship of those who will inherit this legacy. We must all become stewards of this vision. For the Constitution to live and breathe, we must carry it forward, champion its principles, and recruit others to the noble cause of its preservation.

 

We are, each one of us, bound together in the service of something greater. Together, we are entrusted with a sacred duty—to nurture a society where prosperity is shared, where justice prevails, and where freedom shines as a beacon to the world. It is only through the resolve of a united citizenry that we will defend our freedoms and fortify our democracy against the wanton whims of selfish despots and the encroaching threat of autocratic tyrants.

 

May God bless Salvos.

 

 

—  SIGNATURES —

________________________________________________
 

Presidency of the Republic
President Levi Summers

Vice President Parzifal af Brasca

Senate of the Republic
Senator Othonin Randir

Senator Mitch McCanon

Senator Cedric Drakehart

Senator Joe Horsenhoss

Senator Valerius Montalt

Senator Vyke Esheveurd

Senator Culvier Uialben

 

The Constitution serves as the highest law of the land, while the Statutes are the common law; constitutional law supersedes statutory law.

 

[Publius 4098]

President Levi Summers looked upon this document, smiling broadly to those who assembled for the Republic's first Congress. He knew that here, history was being made.

[drtrollado 267]

'If the Republic is not the right path of the pious, then why does He allows us only to succeed?' The Father-Senator would think to himself as he signed the Constitution with a wide grin.

Edited November 5, 2024 by drtrollado