Amendment to the Galactic Republic Charter

[Cecily Demici]

It had only been a week since the attempt was made on Cecily's life. The entire planet of Onderon was still in a state of semi-lock down with frequent power outages sweeping the planet as emergency services struggled to address the chaos left in the wake of their King's assassination.

Still, the Galactic Republic pressed on and so did Cecily. In the days leading up to the assassination attempt, the government had been working on amendments to the Galactic Republic charter. Now, more than ever these amendments seemed necessary.

Most Senators had already gathered in the Grand Convocation Chamber, but Cecily, escorted by four Senate Guard, two additional members of the Republic Military, and all seven of her handmaidens, had only just limped her way to her doorway. Having only now been called to order, she held her head high as she strode out onto her repulsor pod.

Her choice of clothing in the days following her departure from the hospital were more carefully planned. Today, she wore a heavy gown of navy colored velvet with gold and white accents. These heavy robes hid the bandages that thickly wrapped her torso. Her hair, usually intricately woven and proudly displayed was hidden by a great length of white silk which draped all the way down to her left arm, hiding the sling that held her arm in place. Even with all this, her slight limp gave away that she was not yet fully recovered and when her colleagues finally took notice of her appearance, whispers filled the hall.

"Prime Minister," her voice boomed, ignoring the murmurs about her presence, "I submit for consideration by the Senate, an amendment to the Galactic Republic Charter, which reads as follows..

Spoiler: NEW CHARTER - IN FULL

The Charter of the Galactic Republic​

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"We, the Beings of the Galaxy, in order to form a free union of planets, establish justice, provide for common peace and prosperity, and to secure liberty for all beings, do ordain and establish this Galactic Republic. Let the stars sing! Let the planets shout! Let the Republic begin!"​

​

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Article I. The Galactic Senate

1. The Galactic Senate shall be established as the legislative body and shall have the power to create, repeal, and amend any law it sees fit to govern the Galactic Republic.
2. Each member planet shall elect a Senator who shall represent their planet in the Senate. This Senator shall be allowed to cast a single vote.
3. In addition to representing the interest of their planet in the Senate, Senators are also considered agents of the Republic and are responsible for ensuring the general well being of the Republic in general. As such, they may be asked to serve as emissaries of the Republic to foreign states.
4. Senators may be recalled by their home planet according to local procedures.

OOC
Any member of the Galactic Republic Faction is eligible to be a Senator provided the planet they want is unclaimed and their character is currently a citizen of said planet. (No character who is a known member of a Force-User Order may be a Senator.)

Senators may write and propose any law they see fit by making a topic. Senators will have 1 week to discuss the new law in character before voting begins. Senators will have 1 week to cast their votes in character. After this week, the Prime Minister will close voting and only those votes cast will be counted. All laws require a simple majority of voting Senators.

All laws passed by the Senate effect the entire Faction, as such, no law may place undue strain on any other sub area of the Faction such as the Jedi or Military without the express permission of that sub-area's leader of the Faction Leadership.

Any Senator character is deemed inexcusably inactive for an extended period of time may have their seat declared vacant by the Prime Minister. All planets without a PC Senator are considered to be represented by NPC Senators. These NPCs do not effect the votes of the Senate.

Article II. The Office of Prime Minister

1. The office of Prime Minister shall be elected from among current Senators and is vested with the full executive power of the Galactic Republic. They will have the power to enact regulations through Executive Order, create government agencies subordinate to the General Ministry to carry out laws, appoint Ministers of the Republic to oversee these agencies, and have general oversight of the Jedi Order.
2. The Prime Minister shall also be chair of the Senate, but will not have voice unless in defense of their government's actions, and shall vote only in the case of a tie.
3. Executive Orders of the Prime Minister may not invalidate or contradict any existing law passed by the Senate. The Senate may invalidate any Executive Order by majority vote.
4. If just cause is shown that the Prime Minister has violated their sacred duty, they may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority of all voting Senators.

OOC​

The Prime Minister is elected by the Senate through a poll vote and serves as long as they remain active and dedicated to the Senate. They are in charge of making sure the Senate remains active and relevant to the faction through their various in character powers.

The Prime Minister may only use their power to oversee the Jedi as a plot device and must have the express permission of the Grand Master of the Order or the Faction Leadership. Out of character control of the Jedi remains with the Grand Master of the Order.

Any Prime Minister who falls inactive for an extended period of time or is seen as a hindrance to the goals of the Senate and the Faction can be removed by an in character vote of the Senate.

Article III. The Ministries of the Republic

1. Each government agency created by the Prime Minister shall be supervised by a Minister of the Republic, appointed by the Prime Minister from among the Senators.
2. Each Minister of the Republic and their Ministry are empowered to enact government regulations, subject to the approval of the Prime Minister. No government regulation shall violate or invalidate any law enacted by the Senate.
3. The various Ministers shall together be called the Cabinet and shall act collectively as an advisory council to the Prime Minister.
4. If the Prime Minister is incapacitated, the most senior Minister of the Cabinet will assume temporary control of the Republic.

OOC​

The Prime Minister can create any agency they wish and appoint Senators to serve as leader of those Ministries. As Ministers, these members are tasked with the duty of helping the Prime Minister keep the Senate active and relevant to the faction.

They have no power to overrule the Senate and only act in character as the Prime Minister directs them. They also have no power to enact any laws that may put significant strain on other areas of the Faction such as the Jedi or the Military without the express permission of that area's leader of the Faction Leadership.

If the Prime Minister is ever incapacitated in character or out of character, the most senior Minister takes on the role to make sure the Senate stays active. However, they can only remain in power for ONE MONTH before a new Prime Minister has to be elected.

Article IV. The Supreme Court of the Galactic Republic

1. The Supreme Court of the Galactic Republic shall be established is the ultimate judicial body. All other courts, tribunals, and magistrates are subordinate to its ruling.
2. The Supreme Court is empowered to interpret the laws of the Republic and question their validity.
3. The Supreme Court may invalidate any law that violates this Charter or overrule any decision of a lower court.
4. The Supreme Court may not create laws without a case and a formal ruling.

OOC​

The Supreme Court is an NPC institution controlled directly by the current Faction Leadership. Through this mechanism, they may invalidate any law created by any body that they feel threatens the general well-being of the Faction or its members.

Article V. The Galactic Republic Military

1. The Supreme Commander shall be appointed by a confirmation vote of the Senate from among the active members of the Galactic Republic Military and shall be given absolute authority over its activities.
2. War may only be declared by the Senate and the military is not empowered to act unilaterally to engage neutral parties.
3. The Supreme Commander is bound to carry out the terms of any treaty ratified by the Galactic Senate.
4. In the event of emergency, the Prime Minister may assume temporary command of the military for a period of no more than three months. The Senate may vote to extend or shorten this period of military oversight.
5. The Supreme Commander may appeal the Prime Minister's decision to the Galactic Republic Supreme Court.

OOC​

The Galactic Republic Military is a separate and distinct area of the Faction. This section of the charter exists for the sake of continuity.

The Senate vote to confirm the appointment shall be considered an off-screen event that happens automatically upon the Faction Leader's selection of a new Supreme Commander.

No area of the Faction can unilaterally decide to declare war on another Faction without the proper approval. In addition, all areas of the Republic are bound to uphold the terms of treaties with other Factions through in character involvement.

The Prime Minister may only use their power to assume command of the military as a plot device and must have the express permission of the Supreme Commander or the Faction Leadership. Out of character control of the military remains with the Supreme Commander.

Article VI. Planetary Membership

1. Any planet may be accepted as a member of the Galactic Republic following a vote to ratify this Charter and a vote by the Senate to accept them.

OOC​

Votes to add new planets to the Galactic Republic are considered off-screen in character events. The Senate may not control which planets the Faction seeks Dominion or Invasion over.

No Senator character or other local planetary leader character can unilaterally decide to remove their planet from the Republic. Planets can only be removed from the Republic if the Faction voluntarily surrenders them or they are successfully invaded by another Faction.

Article VII. Amendments

1. This Charter may be amended at any time by a vote of the Senate and confirmation by all member planet citizens.

OOC​

The Senate can change this charter as needed to reflect the current needs of the Faction. However, no section of this document can put unnecessary strain on any other area of the Faction without their consent.

Votes by the citizens of each planet's citizens shall be considered off-screen in character events determined by the outcome of the Senate's decision.

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Spoiler: IC CHANGES HIGHLIGHTED

Actual changes to the current legal charter are highlighted in GREEN. Anything not green is pulled, in some form, from the existing charger.​

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Anything GREEN AND UNDERLINED is already technically legal and in practice.​

​

The Charter of the Galactic Republic​

​

"We, the Beings of the Galaxy, in order to form a free union of planets, establish justice, provide for common peace and prosperity, and to secure liberty for all beings, do ordain and establish this Galactic Republic. Let the stars sing! Let the planets shout! Let the Republic begin!"​

​

​

Article I. The Galactic Senate

1. The Galactic Senate shall be established as the legislative body and shall have the power to create, repeal, and amend any law it sees fit to govern the Galactic Republic.
2. Each member planet shall elect a Senator who shall represent their planet in the Senate. This Senator shall be allowed to cast a single vote.
3. In addition to representing the interest of their planet in the Senate, Senators are also considered agents of the Republic and are responsible for ensuring the general well being of the Republic in general. As such, they may be asked to serve as emissaries of the Republic to foreign states.
4. Senators may be recalled by their home planet according to local procedures.

Article II. The Office of Prime Minister

1. The office of Prime Minister shall be elected from among current Senators and is vested with the full executive power of the Galactic Republic. They will have the power to enact regulations through Executive Order, create government agencies subordinate to the General Ministry to carry out laws, appoint Ministers of the Republic to oversee these agencies, and have general oversight of the Jedi Order.
2. The Prime Minister shall also be chair of the Senate, but will not have voice unless in defense of their government's actions, and shall vote only in the case of a tie.
3. Executive Orders of the Prime Minister may not invalidate or contradict any existing law passed by the Senate. The Senate may invalidate any Executive Order by majority vote.
4. If just cause is shown that the Prime Minister has violated their sacred duty, they may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority of all voting Senators.

Article III. The Ministries of the Republic

1. Each government agency created by the Prime Minister shall be supervised by a Minister of the Republic, appointed by the Prime Minister from among the Senators.
2. Each Minister of the Republic and their Ministry are empowered to enact government regulations, subject to the approval of the Prime Minister. No government regulation shall violate or invalidate any law enacted by the Senate.
3. The various Ministers shall together be called the Cabinet and shall act collectively as an advisory council to the Prime Minister.
4. If the Prime Minister is incapacitated, the most senior Minister of the Cabinet will assume temporary control of the Republic.

Article IV. The Supreme Court of the Galactic Republic

1. The Supreme Court of the Galactic Republic shall be established is the ultimate judicial body. All other courts, tribunals, and magistrates are subordinate to its ruling.
2. The Supreme Court is empowered to interpret the laws of the Republic and question their validity.
3. The Supreme Court may invalidate any law that violates this Charter or overrule any decision of a lower court.
4. The Supreme Court may not create laws without a case and a formal ruling.

Article V. The Galactic Republic Military

1. The Supreme Commander shall be appointed by a confirmation vote of the Senate from among the active members of the Galactic Republic Military and shall be given absolute authority over its activities.
2. War may only be declared by the Senate and the military is not empowered to act unilaterally to engage neutral parties.
3. The Supreme Commander is bound to carry out the terms of any treaty ratified by the Galactic Senate.
4. In the event of emergency, the Prime Minister may assume temporary command of the military for a period of no more than three months. The Senate may vote to extend or shorten this period of military oversight.
5. The Supreme Commander may appeal the Prime Minister's decision to the Galactic Republic Supreme Court.

Article VI. Planetary Membership

1. Any planet may be accepted as a member of the Galactic Republic following a vote to ratify this Charter and a vote by the Senate to accept them.

Article VII. Amendments

1. This Charter may be amended at any time by a vote of the Senate and confirmation by all member planet citizens.

OUT OF CHARACTER NOTES:

This amendment to the current charter has been in the works since I joined. The process has been very long and very tedious and has involved members of all areas of the Faction including the new Faction Leadership.

This is the final version which those working on it thought would best serve IC and OOC purposes of the Faction and the Senate. Each section of this new Charter features an OOC addendum which explains the OOC implications of each section to avoid any conflict of OOC and IC interests.

This should not be treated by your characters as an entirely new Charter, but only a small amendment to keep the RP discussion from getting out of hand. The Prime Minister will give further OOC directions as needed to ensure a speedy and thoughtful process here but IC and OOC.

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

As all thing in politics require, everything must be made official; set in stone; supposedly immortalized in some fashion. Thus this addition to the government charter could be considered necessary as of yesterday. Restrictions were needed to crush anarchy, and allowances were needed to prevent totalitarian abuse and general government stagnation. Not that it always worked that way.

But that was the concept behind this presentation. It was an amendment that would define the charter more thoroughly and give more power to the Senate as a whole, whilst still providing the Ministry--Prime and otherwise--some fluidity to make things happen in a matter of days rather than months. It was a good law. Perhaps not ideal for Geneviève to accomplish all she wanted to, but it was nothing she could deride.

Besides, now she was to take a more supervising position than previously, voided from speaking on the floor except to resolve disputes or just make sure something; anything happened. This was good enough. Though good enough may never be good enough.

"The Senate is now in session," the PM announced, rising from her seat. "This motion will be recognized, and I expect its life or death to be seen through in one way or another." With that, she sat back down and let the show commence.

Meanwhile, she would be getting her ducks in a row.

[member="Cecily de Demici"], [member="Sankt Yora"], [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], [member="Soliael Devin Talith"], [member="Ordon Trozky"], [member="Josef Levik"], [member="Lyra Arcturus"], [member="Danny Colen"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Macharius Solaire"], [member="Lionel Roux"], [member="Persephone Callas"], [member="Volko Hydori"], [member="Max Rumor"], [member="Aurelia Volcata"], [member="Valen Cerezo"], [member="Ned Rostu"], [member="Mark Crassis"], [member="Ater Notechis"], [member="Arthur d'Angele"]

 

[Sankt Yora]

Balagoth had sent a sign, but it had not made sense until the Onderonian Senator stood up before the convocation, with some noticeable effort, and presented a new bill. The Falleen tried to hide her surprise at the appearance of the Demici noble, who had taken a rather serious blow with a lightsaber. Yora was no stranger to the horrors such a weapon could inflict, so to see the Senator not only alive but working again so soon was something of a shock.

Additionally shocking was the noble woman's new title as Minister of State. It seemed that several other members of the Senate had gained new titles in front of their names, yet there was a noticeable lack of such before her own. Still, being so new to the Senate, that was hardly a true shock, but Yora had no lack of confidence that she, too, would soon bear a similarly lucrative title upon her own desk.

Yet the matter before the Senate was not, with some disappointment, the gossip surrounding Senator Demici's return. Setting aside that matter for another time, Yora turned her attention to the electronic copy of the bill being proposed. Having reviewed the amendment ahead of time with her aides, the Falleen Senator still took a moment to dwell on the wording being presented, making sure that nothing new had been tucked in at the eleventh hour.

With the sympathy vote well in hand, Yora knew this bill could contain almost anything now.

As she had expected, the bill focused mainly on the additional powers granted to the Prime Minister and her new ministries. Not only were their numbers not defined, but the idea of the ministry was so broadly worded that only only the Senate as a whole could muster any opposition to the policies proposed by these departments. These could be easily wielded for good or for evil, and quickly cut a wide swatch of political and financial favors for the ministers behind them. That was not a position that Yora wanted to face, her entrance to the Senate itself was to ensure she would not remain on the outside looking in, and yet here was another attempt to do just that.

It was time for her to get her dues, but first, this bill had to die.

"To my honorable colleague from Onderon, it is both a surprise and a pleasure to see you returned to us. Let me be the first to wish you my heartfelt condolences from the floor of our Senate, and if it would please my fellow delegates, to commit our full support towards to apprehension of your assailant."

Yora paused, waiting for her colleagues to commit or decline by their level and tone of noise. It was a Human custom, but one that seemed to work well in the massive chamber devoted to the Senate. When it was once again safe to speak without being drowned out, the freshman Senator from Cyrillia continued, "I would like to direct the attention to Article Three of the amended charter. Can the Senator from Onderon please elaborate on the government agencies being proposed here? It appears as though we are being asked to authorize an unknown number of autonomous agencies over which we, the Senate, have no oversight and only the promise that Senate law will go untouched by these rogue bodies."

---

[member="Cecily de Demici"], [member="Geneviève Lasedri"], [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], [member="Soliael Devin Talith"], [member="Ordon Trozky"], [member="Josef Levik"], [member="Lyra Arcturus"], [member="Danny Colen"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Macharius Solaire"], [member="Lionel Roux"], [member="Persephone Callas"], [member="Volko Hydori"], [member="Max Rumor"], [member="Aurelia Volcata"], [member="Valen Cerezo"], [member="Ned Rostu"], [member="Mark Crassis"], [member="Ater Notechis"], [member="Arthur d'Angele"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily kept her pod out on the floor as the honorable Senator from Cyrillia put a question to her on the amendment. She was, understandably, a little worse for wear, but she was always up for a healthy debate among colleagues.

"To the honorable Senator of Cyrillia, I thank you for your kind words," she began with a nod, "but to answer the question posed, I remind the Senate that the Prime Minister is already vested with the power to create government agencies through her 'limited power to create laws' provided they do not infringe on planetary sovereignty."

"Laws can be introduced in the future to limit the scope and number of these government agencies, hopefully solidifying the existence of the necessary ones such as the Ministries of State, Defense, and Finance, but for now it is better this element of our government be codified so that it does not go unchecked."

She remained on the floor to answer any further questions.

[member="Sankt Yora"] [member="Geneviève Lasedri"], [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], [member="Soliael Devin Talith"], [member="Ordon Trozky"], [member="Josef Levik"], [member="Lyra Arcturus"], [member="Danny Colen"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Macharius Solaire"], [member="Lionel Roux"], [member="Persephone Callas"], [member="Volko Hydori"], [member="Max Rumor"], [member="Aurelia Volcata"], [member="Valen Cerezo"], [member="Ned Rostu"], [member="Mark Crassis"], [member="Ater Notechis"], [member="Arthur d'Angele"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Aurelia couldn't resist the urge to roll her eyes as Cecily made her way into the pod, but she had the good grace to close her eyes so that only her Senate aide, sitting across from her, could see the tell-tale motion of an eyeroll. The whole affair had a smell to it, Aurelia thought, and she had her suspicions about it all. After all, it took some manner of skill to stab someone with a lightsaber through the torso and not kill them, and yet here stood Cecily de Demici. It was too tidy, too convenient. She wondered idly whether GRIM was investigating this matter.

If not... well, perhaps an anonymous tip was in order. "She was never one to let a good crisis go to waste," Aurelia whispered to her aide. "You really have to admire her ... resilience." Aurelia chewed the inside of her cheek for a moment before signaling that she would join the queue to speak, and when it was her turn she rose and keyed her microphone on.

"Madame Prime Minister, I rise to echo the comments of my colleague, the honorable Member for Cyrllia. The people of New Holstice are heartened to see my right honorable friend the Member for Onderon once again upon her feet. With respect, I would like to take a few moments more to review this proposal before weighing in. I reserve the balance of my time and yield back to the Chair."

[member="Arthur d'Angele"] | [member="Ater Notechis"] | @Aurelia Volcata | [member="Cecily de Demici"] | [member="Danny Colen"] | [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] | [member="Geneviève Lasedri"] | [member="Josef Levik"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Lionel Roux"] | [member="Lyra Arcturus"] | [member="Macharius Solaire"] | [member="Mark Crassis"] | [member="Max Rumor"] | [member="Ned Rostu"] | [member="Ordon Trozky"] | [member="Persephone Callas"] | [member="Sankt Yora"] | [member="Soliael Devin Talith"]| [member="Valen Cerezo"] | [member="Volko Hydori"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay just watched and listened. She didn't really have anything to say. Her time in the Senate has been short and outside of a few votes, she has spent little time in Republic space. Most of her business has been in disrupting the slave trade and freeing slaves, a task in which she has been marginally successful. In truth she hadn't ever spoken to any of the Senators directly here or anywhere. Her only ally in the Republic was her position, nothing more.

As far as Commenor is concerned, she had set up trade deals with Jaster's company to ensure the continuing flow of goods to and from the area. Everything was to be checked and the ports under constant monitoring.

While dealing with her own business she had failed to keep up with any events within the Republic, including the attack or whatever it was that had caused injury to Senator Demici. Such news didn't travel her way.

So as Kay didn't really have an opinion on what was being proposed, she didn't offer one. Instead she just kept the document in hand and would go over it in her head every once in a while as she listened to the more senior members of the Senate.

 

[Valen Cerezo]

[member="Cecily de Demici"]

"While I am heartened to see the Senator of Onderon once again on her feet, I would like to address a point as well that involved the Jedi," Valen said, his deep voice echoing slightly in the hall. "Senator, the proposed changes in this charter would suggest that the Jedi Order becomes beholden to the Prime Minister, if I am not reading this properly please inform me, but I would like to point out that the Jedi Order is an independent organization that aids the Republic."

Taking a breath and a sip of water, Valen continued. He didn't have a love for the Jedi, but he did respect them, if not warily.

"They support our laws, even help us with many matters when it comes to fighting, diplomacy, and such, but we do not have oversight over them," he said. "That falls directly to their Council and I highly doubt that the Jedi Council or Grandmaster Raaf is going to take this kindly that this proposal would set them as under the supervision of the Prime Minister. Such a change in position might suggest to them we intend to meddle in Jedi affairs or impose ourselves upon them in some way, a situation that never ends well."

 

[Valen Cerezo]

"I move that the language concerning the Jedi Order is struck from the charter," Valen said, reading it over again. "As an independent organization, I feel that the Senate should hold off on deciding their place within the Republic until a later point in time. We need not cause consternation among ourselves when a larger threat is out there, even if the language is from the original charter. Times have changed and he roles of everyone have changed as well. If anything, the Jedi should be advisers to the Prime Minister as they were in the old days, but they should not be beholden to any one branch of our government."

Taking another sip of water, Valen sat back down and continued to analyze the document. The old charter had been written in a time before he had joined the Senate, in a time where things had been very different.

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily had not written the entirety of the amendment, just portions of it. She certainly hadn't written the part about the Jedi and had no great love it. However, she did see the merit in giving the government some measure of supervision of what amounted to this small 'magical' army called the Jedi.

Especially if veiled threats against the government were made in their name. In that case, one might understand the need of the Prime Minister to keep the Grand Master's head from getting too big. Still, even if it was not explicit, the Jedi were not above the law and would be brought in line if they decided to defy it. Though, true Jedi would comply with the Republic they had devoted their lives to protect.

Cecily nodded to her aides as Cerezo spoke and they began working at the screens and key pads at their work stations to come up with new language for the charter.

"I second Senator Cerezo's motion to remove the Prime Minister's powers of general oversight," she said as her pod lazily circled the central podium and pressed a few keys on the main control panel to circulate a new version of the language, "I would instead replace that language with the following..."

Article II. The Office of Prime Minister

1. The office of Prime Minister shall be elected from among current Senators and is vested with the full executive power of the Galactic Republic. They will have the power to enact regulations through Executive Order, create government agencies subordinate to the General Ministry to carry out laws, and appoint Ministers of the Republic to oversee these agencies, and have general oversight of the Jedi Order.
2. The Prime Minister or their designee shall act as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi Order. They shall consult the High Council on matters relevant to the Order and represent their interests in the Senate.
3. The Prime Minister shall also be chair of the Senate, but will not have voice unless in defense of their government's actions, and shall vote only in the case of a tie.
4. Executive Orders of the Prime Minister may not invalidate or contradict any existing law passed by the Senate. The Senate may invalidate any Executive Order by majority vote.
5. If just cause is shown that the Prime Minister has violated their sacred duty, they may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority of all voting Senators.

"I would also advise my colleagues not to see this change as a concession or a decision made out of fear," she added, even as her colleagues were reading her new version of the amendment, "the Jedi Order, like our military, operate internally by their own codes and regulations. They may discipline their own members, create their own governing laws, and select their own leaders."

"However, they, like our military, like all of our citizens, are bound by the laws of the Republic and their right to live and work autonomously is not divine. It was granted to them by the people," she wasn't implying that the Jedi as a whole should be grateful for their autonomy, they had by all rights earned it and had never shown a reason it might be taken away. Still, Cecily was wary of those who thought they had outgrown the constrains of the natural order, who believed they were above the rule of law.

To those that thought they were bigger than the Republic, Cecily was reminding them, in no uncertain terms, that not even the biggest baddest heroes were beyond the hand of Justice. Anyone that thought otherwise was delusional. Anyone who dared to act on these delusions would find themselves rather unceremoniously knocked off their high horse.

[member="Sankt Yora"], [member="Geneviève Lasedri"], [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], [member="Soliael Devin Talith"], [member="Ordon Trozky"], [member="Josef Levik"], [member="Lyra Arcturus"], [member="Danny Colen"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Macharius Solaire"], [member="Lionel Roux"], [member="Persephone Callas"], [member="Volko Hydori"], [member="Max Rumor"], [member="Aurelia Volcata"], [member="Valen Cerezo"], [member="Ned Rostu"], [member="Mark Crassis"], [member="Ater Notechis"], [member="Arthur d'Angele"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Geneviève bathed in disdain. Maybe she could not speak on the floor, but she could certainly pass looks of perturbation.

This debate was still young. Yet there were flaws in the entirety of it. The Jedi Order is funded by the government of the Galactic Republic, provided land and structures and tax-exempt status under its pledge to help defend the people of the Republic from the powers of the Sith and their likeness. Perhaps declaring that the Prime Minister--or any government official--had the power to decide operations of the Jedi Order was a bit much. But an organization that owes its livelihood to the government ought to be responsive to the government on some plane. If they were to be completely autonomous, then they should not be permitted access to taxpayer credits.

Checks and balances. Even the Jedi needed them.

 

[Sankt Yora]

The Falleen smiled inwardly as the chamber around her began to fill with hot voices and cold looks. The tension was growing thick, and the delegates irate. Since coming to the Senate, this was the first opportunity Yora had to see the Senate in real conflict. As she glanced around the circular chamber, the freshman Senator from Cyrillia had only one thought on her mind.

This was marvelous.

If she were a child, she might have clapped her hands in glee. As it was, the Falleen sat still, her outward expression calm. Taking in the arguments, Yora reviewed the amendment as proposed once more, eying the passages regarding the Jedi and the contention surrounding it. The typical political mindframe at work here, Senators getting upset over a little-known clause that never actually saw use. While the debate raged on, Yora saw an opportunity arise.

Of course, the current motion on the floor was foolish. Dismissing the Jedi outright from the government structure was tantamount to disrespect and would desecrate morale among the Republic worlds. The Jedi held high office within the Republic structure, and it was just as important to maintain their status as it was their autonomy. The Republic must be seen as cooperating highly with the Jedi as consultants, advisors, and not simply grunts to order about. The cavalier attitude towards the Republic's most stalwart defenders would have vast repercussions throughout the Republic's worlds, especially for a nation still reeling from yet another devastating loss at the hands of the One Sith.

Signaling for a chance to speak, Yora stood at the end of her pod, waiting for it to maneuver towards the center of the chamber. Once she had the floor, the woman gestured with her scaly hands, motioning for calm as she spoke, "My friends, let us not be too hasty with our actions. The Jedi Order is a close friend of the Republic, and our people regard them with high esteem. Consider the reaction if our public learned that their highest guardians had been ripped from their place within our grand Republic, struck from the very pages of our founding document?"

"Instead, let us enshrine the Jedi as what they are, defenders of the Galactic Republic and our way of life. Our defenders take many forms, but chief among them are the sentients who make up our defense forces. I move that the Jedi Order be second only to the Supreme Commander of the Military as defender of our rights and freedoms."

Article V. The Galactic Republic Military

• The Supreme Commander shall be appointed by a confirmation vote of the Senate from among the active members of the Galactic Republic Military and shall be given absolute authority over its activities.
  
• The Supreme Commander shall act as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi Order, and shall coordinate with the Jedi High Council on all combat operations.
  
• War may only be declared by the Senate and the military is not empowered to act unilaterally to engage neutral parties.
  
• The Supreme Commander is bound to carry out the terms of any treaty ratified by the Galactic Senate.
  
• In the event of emergency, the Prime Minister may assume temporary command of the military for a period of no more than three months. The Senate may vote to extend or shorten this period of military oversight.
  
• The Supreme Commander may appeal the Prime Minister's decision to the Galactic Republic Supreme Court.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Madame Prime Minister, I rise to second the motion to amend raised by my honorable friend the Member for Cyrllia."

 

[Faith Organa]

Read line one, and compare to line one of the previous document. Read line two, and slide finger alone the sentence to be sure following the same lines.

Faith was thinking about that implant again.

So what kind of government agencies did they think the Prime Minister might need to create? Hmm? Would Gen have suggested such an item? Hard to know. And then let’s appoint people to the head of the agency and allow them to make enact government regulations. And then let’s put a target on the PM by saying who would succeed her if she were incapacitated. OK…yes problems with this section. Senator Yora had beaten Faith to the question. Even if it was in the original document, perhaps the Senate at that time saw no problems with this, however the Senate of this time could find issue.

Laws can be brought up in the future, after the damage is done then create a law to prevent it from happening again. Faith ran her finger along that line too highlighting it.

The rest did not seem to be of any harm, unless she missed some meaning within the words.

Since her concerns were brought up by another Senator, Faith remained silent, just listening for the moment.

Sankt Yora, Geneviève Lasedri, Soliael Devin Talith, Ordon Trozky, Josef Levik, Lyra Arcturus, Danny Colen, Lady Kay, Macharius Solaire, Lionel Roux, Persephone Callas, Volko Hydori, Max Rumor, Aurelia Volcata, Valen Cerezo,Ned Rostu, Mark Crassis, Ater Notechis, Arthur d'Angele

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay went over the changes proposed for the Charter. It was better, but as far as she figured, there was always room for improvement. And no doubt in the future there would be more amendments made. It all depended on how the changes worked in reality, as opposed to speculations and rampant imagination.

Time to break her silence on the matter. She cleared her throat before turning her mic on. "It is my understanding that laws should govern everyone as a whole and not favour or seclude any special interest groups or ministries over the others. As we can see, that just brings inner conflict. However I do like the continued changes and if they continue to improve with regards to this Charter, then Commenor will approve them."

Kay turned off her mic and avoided eye contact as she knew that her knowledge of charters and laws were limited. She felt that more than likely her statements would show her inexperience very easily. But hopefully a fresh point of view was welcomed.

 

[Cecily Demici]

"Madame Prime Minister, as we move toward the end of our allotted time for debate, I submit the following changes to the amendment. As such, the suggested amendments to the charter shall read in full:

Spoiler: NEW CHARTER - IN FULL

The Charter of the Galactic Republic​

​

"We, the Beings of the Galaxy, in order to form a free union of planets, establish justice, provide for common peace and prosperity, and to secure liberty for all beings, do ordain and establish this Galactic Republic. Let the stars sing! Let the planets shout! Let the Republic begin!"​

​

​

Article I. The Galactic Senate

1. The Galactic Senate shall be established as the legislative body and shall have the power to create, repeal, and amend any law it sees fit to govern the Galactic Republic.
2. Each member planet shall elect a Senator who shall represent their planet in the Senate. This Senator shall be allowed to cast a single vote.
3. In addition to representing the interest of their planet in the Senate, Senators are also considered agents of the Republic and are responsible for ensuring the general well being of the Republic in general. As such, they may be asked to serve as emissaries of the Republic to foreign states.
4. Senators may be recalled by their home planet according to local procedures.

OOC
Any member of the Galactic Republic Faction is eligible to be a Senator provided the planet they want is unclaimed and their character is currently a citizen of said planet. (No character who is a known member of a Force-User Order may be a Senator.)

Senators may write and propose any law they see fit by making a topic. Senators will have 1 week to discuss the new law in character before voting begins. Senators will have 1 week to cast their votes in character. After this week, the Prime Minister will close voting and only those votes cast will be counted. All laws require a simple majority of voting Senators.

All laws passed by the Senate effect the entire Faction, as such, no law may place undue strain on any other sub area of the Faction such as the Jedi or Military without the express permission of that sub-area's leader of the Faction Leadership.

Any Senator character is deemed inexcusably inactive for an extended period of time may have their seat declared vacant by the Prime Minister. All planets without a PC Senator are considered to be represented by NPC Senators. These NPCs do not effect the votes of the Senate.

Article II. The Office of Prime Minister

1. The office of Prime Minister shall be elected from among current Senators and is vested with the full executive power of the Galactic Republic. They will have the power to enact regulations through Executive Order, suggest the creation of government agencies subordinate to the General Ministry to carry out laws, and appoint Ministers of the Republic to oversee these agencies. (Submitted by OOC DISCUSSION)
2. The Prime Minister or their designee shall act as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi Order. They shall consult the High Council on matters relevant to the Order and represent their interests in the Senate. (Submitted by [member="Cecily de Demici"] )
3. The Prime Minister shall also be chair of the Senate, but will not have voice unless in defense of their government's actions, and shall vote only in the case of a tie.
4. Executive Orders of the Prime Minister may not invalidate or contradict any existing law passed by the Senate. The Senate may invalidate any Executive Order by majority vote.
5. If just cause is shown that the Prime Minister has violated their sacred duty, they may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority of all voting Senators.
6. In the event the Prime Minister is in any way incapacitated the next most senior Minister of the Republic shall assume control of the government. (Moved by [member="Cecily de Demici"] )

OOC​

The Prime Minister is elected by the Senate through a poll vote and serves as long as they remain active and dedicated to the Senate. They are in charge of making sure the Senate remains active and relevant to the faction through their various in character powers.

The Prime Minister may only use their power to oversee the Jedi as a plot device and must have the express permission of the Grand Master of the Order or the Faction Leadership. Out of character control of the Jedi remains with the Grand Master of the Order.

Any Prime Minister who falls inactive for an extended period of time or is seen as a hindrance to the goals of the Senate and the Faction can be removed by an in character vote of the Senate.

If the Prime Minister is ever incapacitated in character or out of character, the most senior Minister takes on the role to make sure the Senate stays active. However, they can only remain in power for ONE MONTH before a new Prime Minister has to be elected.

Article III. The Ministries of the Republic

1. With the approval of the Senate, the Prime Minister may create any Ministry they see fit to govern the Galactic Republic. (Submitted by OOC DISCUSSION)
2. Each Minister of the Republic and their Ministry are empowered to enact government regulations, subject to the approval of the Prime Minister. No government regulation shall violate or invalidate any law enacted by the Senate.
3. The various Ministers shall together be called the Cabinet and shall act collectively as an advisory council to the Prime Minister.

OOC​

The Prime Minister can create any agency they wish and appoint Senators to serve as leader of those Ministries. As Ministers, these members are tasked with the duty of helping the Prime Minister keep the Senate active and relevant to the faction.

They have no power to overrule the Senate and only act in character as the Prime Minister directs them. They also have no power to enact any laws that may put significant strain on other areas of the Faction such as the Jedi or the Military without the express permission of that area's leader of the Faction Leadership.

Article IV. The Supreme Court of the Galactic Republic

1. The Supreme Court of the Galactic Republic shall be established is the ultimate judicial body. All other courts, tribunals, and magistrates are subordinate to its ruling.
2. The Supreme Court is empowered to interpret the laws of the Republic and question their validity.
3. The Supreme Court may invalidate any law that violates this Charter or overrule any decision of a lower court.
4. The Supreme Court may not create laws without a case and a formal ruling.

OOC​

The Supreme Court is an NPC institution controlled directly by the current Faction Leadership. Through this mechanism, they may invalidate any law created by any body that they feel threatens the general well-being of the Faction or its members.

Article V. The Galactic Republic Military

1. The Supreme Commander shall be appointed by a confirmation vote of the Senate from among the active members of the Galactic Republic Military and shall be given absolute authority over its activities.
2. The Supreme Commander shall act as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi Order, and shall coordinate with the Jedi High Council on all combat operations. (Submitted by [member="Sankt Yora"] )
3. War may only be declared by the Senate and the military is not empowered to act unilaterally to engage neutral parties.
4. The Supreme Commander is bound to carry out the terms of any treaty ratified by the Galactic Senate.
5. In the event of emergency, the Prime Minister may assume temporary command of the military for a period of no more than three months. The Senate may vote to extend or shorten this period of military oversight.
6. The Supreme Commander may appeal the Prime Minister's decision to the Galactic Republic Supreme Court.

OOC​

The Galactic Republic Military is a separate and distinct area of the Faction. This section of the charter exists for the sake of continuity.

The Senate vote to confirm the appointment shall be considered an off-screen event that happens automatically upon the Faction Leader's selection of a new Supreme Commander.

No area of the Faction can unilaterally decide to declare war on another Faction without the proper approval. In addition, all areas of the Republic are bound to uphold the terms of treaties with other Factions through in character involvement.

The Prime Minister may only use their power to assume command of the military as a plot device and must have the express permission of the Supreme Commander or the Faction Leadership. Out of character control of the military remains with the Supreme Commander.

Article VI. Planetary Membership

1. Any planet may be accepted as a member of the Galactic Republic following a vote to ratify this Charter and a vote by the Senate to accept them.

OOC​

Votes to add new planets to the Galactic Republic are considered off-screen in character events. The Senate may not control which planets the Faction seeks Dominion or Invasion over.

No Senator character or other local planetary leader character can unilaterally decide to remove their planet from the Republic. Planets can only be removed from the Republic if the Faction voluntarily surrenders them or they are successfully invaded by another Faction.

Article VII. Amendments

1. This Charter may be amended at any time by a vote of the Senate and confirmation by all member planet citizens.

OOC​

The Senate can change this charter as needed to reflect the current needs of the Faction. However, no section of this document can put unnecessary strain on any other area of the Faction without their consent.

Votes by the citizens of each planet's citizens shall be considered off-screen in character events determined by the outcome of the Senate's decision.

​

Spoiler: IC CHANGES HIGHLIGHTED

Actual changes to the current legal charter are highlighted in GREEN. Anything not green is pulled, in some form, from the existing charger.​

​

Anything GREEN AND UNDERLINED is already technically legal and in practice.​

​

The Charter of the Galactic Republic​

​

"We, the Beings of the Galaxy, in order to form a free union of planets, establish justice, provide for common peace and prosperity, and to secure liberty for all beings, do ordain and establish this Galactic Republic. Let the stars sing! Let the planets shout! Let the Republic begin!"​

​

​

Article I. The Galactic Senate

1. The Galactic Senate shall be established as the legislative body and shall have the power to create, repeal, and amend any law it sees fit to govern the Galactic Republic.
2. Each member planet shall elect a Senator who shall represent their planet in the Senate. This Senator shall be allowed to cast a single vote.
3. In addition to representing the interest of their planet in the Senate, Senators are also considered agents of the Republic and are responsible for ensuring the general well being of the Republic in general. As such, they may be asked to serve as emissaries of the Republic to foreign states.
4. Senators may be recalled by their home planet according to local procedures.

Article II. The Office of Prime Minister

1. The office of Prime Minister shall be elected from among current Senators and is vested with the full executive power of the Galactic Republic. They will have the power to enact regulations through Executive Order, suggest the creation of government agencies subordinate to the General Ministry to carry out laws, and appoint Ministers of the Republic to oversee these agencies.
2. The Prime Minister or their designee shall act as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi Order. They shall consult the High Council on matters relevant to the Order and represent their interests in the Senate.
3. The Prime Minister shall also be chair of the Senate, but will not have voice unless in defense of their government's actions, and shall vote only in the case of a tie.
4. Executive Orders of the Prime Minister may not invalidate or contradict any existing law passed by the Senate. The Senate may invalidate any Executive Order by majority vote.
5. If just cause is shown that the Prime Minister has violated their sacred duty, they may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority of all voting Senators.
6. In the event the Prime Minister is in any way incapacitated the next most senior Minister of the Republic shall assume control of the government.

Article III. The Ministries of the Republic

1. With the approval of the Senate, the Prime Minister may create any Ministry they see fit to govern the Galactic Republic.
2. Each Minister of the Republic and their Ministry are empowered to enact government regulations, subject to the approval of the Prime Minister. No government regulation shall violate or invalidate any law enacted by the Senate.
3. The various Ministers shall together be called the Cabinet and shall act collectively as an advisory council to the Prime Minister.

Article IV. The Supreme Court of the Galactic Republic

1. The Supreme Court of the Galactic Republic shall be established is the ultimate judicial body. All other courts, tribunals, and magistrates are subordinate to its ruling.
2. The Supreme Court is empowered to interpret the laws of the Republic and question their validity.
3. The Supreme Court may invalidate any law that violates this Charter or overrule any decision of a lower court.
4. The Supreme Court may not create laws without a case and a formal ruling.

Article V. The Galactic Republic Military

1. The Supreme Commander shall be appointed by a confirmation vote of the Senate from among the active members of the Galactic Republic Military and shall be given absolute authority over its activities.
2. The Supreme Commander shall act as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi Order, and shall coordinate with the Jedi High Council on all combat operations.
3. War may only be declared by the Senate and the military is not empowered to act unilaterally to engage neutral parties.
4. The Supreme Commander is bound to carry out the terms of any treaty ratified by the Galactic Senate.
5. In the event of emergency, the Prime Minister may assume temporary command of the military for a period of no more than three months. The Senate may vote to extend or shorten this period of military oversight.
6. The Supreme Commander may appeal the Prime Minister's decision to the Galactic Republic Supreme Court.

Article VI. Planetary Membership

1. Any planet may be accepted as a member of the Galactic Republic following a vote to ratify this Charter and a vote by the Senate to accept them.

Article VII. Amendments

1. This Charter may be amended at any time by a vote of the Senate and confirmation by all member planet citizens.

"I hope these changes put the fears of my esteemed colleagues at ease. With this, Madame Prime Minister, I move that the vote immediately on the adoption of these amendments."

As she concluded once more, Cecily returned to her place on the rotunda wall.

[member="Sankt Yora"], [member="Geneviève Lasedri"], [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], [member="Soliael Devin Talith"], [member="Ordon Trozky"], [member="Josef Levik"], [member="Lyra Arcturus"], [member="Danny Colen"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Macharius Solaire"], [member="Lionel Roux"], [member="Persephone Callas"], [member="Volko Hydori"], [member="Max Rumor"], [member="Aurelia Volcata"], [member="Valen Cerezo"], [member="Ned Rostu"], [member="Mark Crassis"], [member="Arthur d'Angele"]

 

[Lana Carde]

Persephone would carefully read over the amendments and the final version of the proposed Galactic Republic Charter. Her attention fell upon the added notation that any planet may recall a senator, but that made her snort as surely, her seat was firmly latched.

The woman was ambitious, and she had the ear of the Queen. There was no risk there. A slight tap of the tip of her fan would continue to scroll down the screen as she read every line. An arch of a brow would lament that the Prime Minister will no longer have oversight of the Jedi. Frankly, in her opinion they should all be reigned in one way or another.

A thought came to her then, a spark that would illuminate a method of perhaps... going around this proposal. What if... what if we had a Galactic Civilian Registry? What if all sapitents living within Republic space had to be registered for taxes, census, and fiscal purposes.... but also include the queries of Force use or not...

The glow that came across her face was just grand! As did the smile curving along her red lips.

Her fan gave a sudden snap close, her eyes widening in purpose and determination.

She new exactly what the next bill proposal would be!

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

With all tiffs and quarrels possibly placated, the Prime Minister instantiated the process of transitioning to vote from the more volatile open floor debate. "With amendments compiled, the vote is now to be called. Please mark your votes for either ratification of the original submission, the altered submission, or to deny the proposed amendment altogether.

"Also, please designate the desired of the conflicting statutes--that of Minister de Demici or Senator Yora."

Spoiler: Cecily's

The Prime Minister or their designee shall act as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi Order. They shall consult the High Council on matters relevant to the Order and represent their interests in the Senate.

Spoiler: Sankt's

The Supreme Commander shall act as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi Order, and shall coordinate with the Jedi High Council on all combat operations.

This had the potential to be a controversial vote. "Rest assured, this document will be dispatched to the judicial branch immediately upon an acceptance by the Senate."

Checks and balances.

1 week to vote

1. Vote for the original document, the final amended document, or to strike down this proposal.
2. Vote for the preferred of the conflicting statutes regarding Jedi cooperation--either mediated by the Prime Minister or the Supreme Commander.

[member="Cecily de Demici"], [member="Sankt Yora"], [member="Aurelia Volcata"], [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Valen Cerezo"], [member="Persephone Callas"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

"Onderon votes in favor of the final amended document, with the language I submitted regarding the Jedi," Cecily said simply, primarily because there wasn't really anything else to do but vote.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Decisions, decisions, the matter of words. Faith knew the value of them, and how they were interpreted and applied.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Which language did she now believe was in the best interest of the Republic, and Alderaan.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Cecily’s wording, had the Prime Minister or a designee be the intermediary been the Republic and the Jedi. Consulting the high Council on matters relevant to the Order and to represent their interests in the Senate. So, the Jedi would have their own Senator so to speak appointed by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister would take on the position herself.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Sankt’s wording had the Supreme Commander as the intermediary between the government and the Jedi, she wondered how [member="Gir Quee"] felt about being named so. A soldier he would likely do his duty. Faith made a mental note to make a meeting with him. Anyhow and then he would coordinate with the High Council on all combat operations. Sometimes they needed the Jedi on non-combat items.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The Commander certainly could assess quickly and report to the Council. He was a Republic Officer not an appointee of the Jedi. The Jedi were not the Republic’s personal army either.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]Faith stood up to cast her vote, “I vote for the final amended document to contain the words as written and submitted by Senator Demici” [/SIZE]

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay turned on her mic briefly, "Commenor votes to ratify the altered amendment, with the added language written by Senator Demici." And then it was shut off again. It wasn't as though she needed to state her reasons as to how she voted.