Evermore Constitution
The Evermore Constitution is a document written largely by Marina Yao, in consort with Ammon Bandele, the Mayor of Astrid. The document builds upon a previously drafted constitution that was being written by Mayor Bandele alongside several other Evermore Mayors. The goal of the document is to craft a government that can unify the disparate tribes and cities present in Evermore. The Evermore Constitution uses Princess Mallory Evermore as a prominent national symbol in an attempt to provide cohesion and national unity to a Unified Evermore Government.
The document is broken up into six sections: a Preamble and five Articles. The Preamble establishes the reasons for Union, and the justification of a Nationalized Government. Article 1 establishes a tricameral legislature. Article 2 establishes a Supreme Court. Article 3 details the practices for impeaching government officials. Article 4 establishes two National Languages. Article 5 acts as a declaration of rights.
Brief Overview of the Constitution
History of the Writing of the Constitution
Marina first learned of the Evermore Constitution in 06/04/3307 in a conversation with Ammon Bandele (Open in Discord Desktop App / Browser ). In that conversation, Ammon indicated that his version of the constitution was nearly ready to publish, and would be rolled out within a few weeks.
After a conversation with Marina, Ammon agrees to allow Marina to re-write the constitution. They communicate back and forth about the structure of the constitution for several months, and on 10/08/3307 Marina sent the first completed draft of the constitution to Ammon.
Current Legal Status of the Constitution
As of the present day, the Constitution has not been ratified, nor has it been signed on to by any settlement in Evermore.
Timeline
06/04/3307 - Writing on the modern constitution begins.
10/08/3307 - The first completed draft of the constitution is finished and sent to Ammon Bandle for review.
11/03/3307 - The first two cities, Cortez and Astrid, join in a military alliance. While the constitution is discussed, it is not yet ratified. This news is reported in the Cubeo Herald.
- CUBEO NEWS - The Cubeo Herald
- In a shocking turn of events yesterday, an investigative reporter deployed in the Great Valley of Evermore reported a military alliance between the city-states of Cortez and Astrid. These two independent factions have been hostile toward one another for generations but now their people have joined in public celebration over the sharing of resources for mutual gain.
- "An alliance between these colonies will likely mean only one thing, political instability for the foreseeable future. Had all of the colonies and their offshoots been conquered by one nation, then perhaps they could have built themselves strong enough in the future to be recognized by the galaxy as a minor faction. Now, it is only a matter of time before they turn on one another."
- -Dewayne Roberson, Cubeo First Historian
- "This alliance could mean a cooperative future for the Evermore locals. The risk of being slaughtered by the Prismatic Imperium has given them purpose and I suspect that this will be rewarding for them in the future. Perhaps more cities are to follow."
- -Client Richard Oliver, Cubeo Patron's Principles
11/04/3308 - Catakii joins in the military alliance with Cortez and Astrid, and the Evermore Constitution is adopted by the cities. This news is reported in the Cubeo Herald.
- CUBEO NEWS - The Cubeo Herald
- A continuation of the surprising alliance between Cortez and Astrid came in this morning from an investigative reporter. The tribal island of Catakii has joined the military alliance, uniting the northern region of The Great Valley of Evermore together. There are negotiations underway for a United Evermore Nation that includes the territories of Cortez, Astrid, and Catakii.
- "This alliance ensures that the new nation has ample supply of military assets. Each member of the union brings forth their own specialty. Cortez has a functional starport and the infrastructure to support the acquisition and maintenance of ship squadrons. Astrid recently reclaimed a high volume factory and has been mass producing armored vehicles. Catakii has the largest volume of organized infantry. Now the question we should be asking is, who will they be attacking with this new military force?"
- -Senator Miquel Stevenson, Prismatic Imperium
- "I didn't even notice Evermore had people capable of organizing a military force. Who knew they were hiding modern weapons and armor inside their mud huts and bone sleds."
- -Vice President Blake Mendez, Cubeo Silver Advanced Industries
- "This news is hilarious. The tribal cities are doing this in response to the claim of King Delray. They actually intend to throw stones at the Majestic Armor of the Emperor."
- -Vice President Etta Moon, Cubeo Purple Deeds LTD
11/06/3307 - The Kultirr join the Evermore Union. This news is reported in the Cubeo Herald.
- CUBEO NEWS - The Cubeo Herald
- Breaking news has come from an investigative reporter in The Great Valley of Evermore. The independent city-state of Kultirr has joined Cortez, Astrid, and Catakii in a military alliance for the preservation of their society. A representative of the Kultirr has made a public statement to the Prismatic Imperium.
- "The Kultirr has managed our land for generations. We still farm the game that we established as a colony. We still bring forth our own water from deep underground to feed our thirsty land using the technology our ancestors established. We still trade our antiquities with our imperial neighbors, just as we did since our establishment. We will not be walked over by a king in Achenar because of forgotten lore. The Kultirr will continue as it always has."
- -Mak'ai Vera Orlov, Kultirr
- "The Kultirr has always managed the wilds south of me. I consider them as a friend. It is upsetting that they would join against my enemies in the north, but we both know that when King Delray deploys his legions on our soil we will have bigger problems. Weak alliances will break when tested and stronger alliances will be forged against common foes."
- -Duke Earl Hart, Prismatic Imperium
03/15/3308 - The Fireside Tribe opens trade to the Evermore Union, with the possibility of a military and political alliance. (Open in Discord Desktop App / Browser )
Full Text of the Constitution
Preamble
Out of the Ashes of a shared past, the People of the Great Valley of Evermore recognize a solemn truth – that all peoples of the Valley poses a common heritage, born from the heart of the Empire. We pay homage to our honored ancestors; those forebearers who led and settled our Nation when it was young and whole.
Amongst these ancestors we recognize Princess Mallory Evermore as the keystone symbol of a unified Evermore. Under her leadership Evermore prospered and pushed back against the wilds of Cubeo’s terraformed landscape, gaining its greatest territorial extent and cultural praxis.
After the reign of Princess Mallory Evermore, the People of the Valley were abandoned by their sires of Achenar. We therefore reject all claims of sovereignty proclaimed by foreign Nobles, as such claims were justly forfeit upon the abandoning of the Evermore Colony.
Verily we proclaim that Princess Mallory Evermore was the last Just Noble to rule over Evermore, and the inheritance of the Valley thus honorably falls to her rightful decedents – the People of the Great Valley of Evermore.
We thus recognize Princess Mallory Evermore as Chirii Doyndo Eecir; The Eternal Princess of our government. It is from her Nobility that we proclaim our National Sovereignty, and our right to self-determination.
In the Name of our Princess, we set forward this Government and Constitution, crafted by her descendants, in order to form a Just and Honorable Union, and to provide for the People an Honorable government that hold foremost among its priorities the equal Rights, Prosperity, and Cultural Integrity of the Peoples of the Great Valley of Evermore.
Article. I. The Tricameral Legislature
Section. 1. Legislative Power
All legislative power is granted to the Tricameral legislature, which shall consist of three branches – a Parliament, a National Assembly, and a Ministry of Culture.
Section. 2. Parliament
Subsection A. Basic Parliamentary Structure
The Parliament shall consist of Members of Parliament (MPs) chosen by each settlement in Evermore. Cities receive three members, towns receive two members, and villages or unsettled tribes receive one member. The Supreme Court is responsible for determining which settlements fall into which category, as described in Article II Section 2 Subsection E.
Subsection B. Determining the number of MPs
The number of MPs for each settlement will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of each census, to determine which settlements should receive what number of MPs. Until the first census after the adoption of this Constitution takes place, the distribution of MPs will be as follows:
- 1. Cities: Aansvcagorti, Acharva, Astrid, Bolotalio, Catakii, Cortez, Farmier, Fireside, and Vreeakavla are designated at cities and will receive 3 MPs each.
- 2. Towns: Abidarrmu, Ansem, Conway, Goslain, Grevford, Grom, Hunziker, Jacob, Kelly, Koo, Koo Hydroponics, Muhvhv, Mukii, Nan’Kaeokahale, Nevek, Oscar, Pavelii, Taaimo, Taki, Verdi, Vreeabach, and Wyndham Prospect are designated as towns and will receive 2 MPs each.
- 3. Villages: Alarcon, Eecircapi, Simon, and Zahn are designated as villages and will receive one MP each.
Thus the first Parliament will consist of 75 MPs. If settlements become occupied by enemy forces during war, and a local puppet government is established by enemy forces, MPs may be appointed to represent the rightful government of the settlement in exile.
Subsection C. Rules for the appointment of MPs
The manner of choosing and replacing MPs is wholly left to the decision of the government of the settlement. Manner of choosing MPs includes but is not limited to: ranked choice voting election by all residents of the settlement; election by a local settlement governmental body; direct appointment by a religious elder, tribe chieftain, king, or other ruler. The national government shall not infringe on settlement’s manner of selecting their MPs. Settlements are not mandated to choose their MPs by a certain time. Likewise, settlements may make their own determinations and local laws for how frequently their MPs will be replaced or elected. The national government shall make no restrictions on how long or short the serving term for an MP is.
Subsection D. Election of the Prime Minister
Every five years, the Parliament shall elect one of their members to be elevated to the position of Prime Minister in a Parliamentary Election. Three months prior to the expiration of the current Prime Minister’s term, members of Parliament wishing to be considered for the position of Prime Minster must declare their candidacy. Though not a MP, the current Prime Minister is eligible to run for re-election. Any number of MPs may run for the position of Prime Minister. Once candidates have declared, there will be six weeks of deliberation where MPs may argue for their election. All MPs running are to receive equal time to speak on the floor of the Parliament to lobby their election. At the end of the six weeks of deliberation, a vote will be held in which each MP receives a single vote. The candidate with the most votes is elected Prime Minister Elect, and will become Prime Minister on the expiration of their predecessor’s 5 year term. If more than one candidate ties for the most number of votes, all members (if any) that did not tie are eliminated and the remaining candidates will have one week of time, split equally, to lobby for their election. At the end of this one week period, a second election is held between the remaining candidates. The winner of this election becomes Prime Minister Elect. In the event of a second tie, the Cultural Magistrate casts the tie-breaking vote.
The Prime Minister is not an MP, and does not get a vote in the Parliament. Rather, the Prime Minister is an Executive Official whose duties and powers are described in Subsection F. The vacant seat created by a MP being elevated to Prime Minister shall be filled by the settlement they are from following their local rules.
Subsection E. Duties of the Parliament
It is the duty of the Parliament to represent the interests and needs of the individual settlements of Evermore. Representation is given out in a tiered manner, with the largest settlements receiving 3 votes, and the smallest settlements receiving 1 vote. The goal of this distribution of power is to ensure that more populated cities poses more of a sway, but the small settlements retain a powerful voice.
The powers of the Parliament are as follows:
In order to secure the welfare of the populace the Parliament shall be empowered, by a majority vote, to instate national taxes, and use the revenue of those taxes to institute social spending programs in order to improve the lives of citizens and fund the Ministry of Culture. At least 15% of all tax revenue raised shall be given to the Ministry of Culture to fund their projects.
In order to ensure equal justice, the Parliament shall be empowered to create, by majority vote, National laws to protect and improve the rights and living conditions of citizens.
Subsection F. Duties of the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister acts as the Executive head of the Parliament. They are responsible for calling the Parliament to order and operating the day-to-day business of the Parliament. Like MPs, they may propose legislation during regular sessions. In the event of a tie within the Parliament on a vote, the Prime Minister casts the tie-breaking vote, unless otherwise specified.
Once or twice a year, at their own discretion, the Prime Minister will give an address to Parliament detailing what they believe are the most pressing issues for the Parliament to address. MPs will be compelled to attend these addresses, and shall propose legislative solutions to address the identified problems put forward by the Prime Minister.
Section. 3. National Assembly
Subsection A. Basic National Assembly Structure
The National Assembly shall consist of Representatives (REPs) chosen by the people of Evermore. Following each census, the Nation will be divided into Representative Districts. Each district will have approximately the same number of people living within districts. No two districts can deviate by more than 5% in population. Each District will have one REP, chosen in a ranked choice ballot election of the people who live in that District. The Ministry of Culture is responsible for drawing the boundaries of the Districts, as described in Article II Section 2 Subsection E. Districts should be drawn based on geographical and cultural lines.
Subsection B. Determining the number of Districts
The Ministry of Culture is responsible for determining the size, shape, and number of Districts. Districts must be contiguous and be reasonably drawn so as to group together communities. Districts will be re-evaluated at each Census.
After accounting of a Census, Districts may be redrawn to account for population changes. The number of Districts and the number of citizens each REP represents can be changed after a Census. The number of Districts must never decrease below the number of settlements. The number of people represented in a district can be set by the Ministry of Culture, but must be between 50,000 and 500,000, unless doing so would reduce the number of districts below the number of settlements. In such a case, the number of people represented in a district shall be changed such that the number of districts does not decrease below the number of settlements.
Both the National Assembly (By a two-thirds vote) and the Supreme Court (by a majority vote) have the authority to veto the drawing of Districts. If such a veto occurs, the Ministry of Culture can choose to override a National Assembly or Supreme Court veto by a vote percentage that is greater than the vote percentage used to pass the veto. If such a vote cannot be achieved, the Ministry of Culture must draw a new District map. This newly drawn District map can also be vetoed following the same procedure.
Subsection C. Rules for the election of Representatives
Any individual who lives in the district and is 25 years of age or older can put themselves forward as a candidate for Representative of that district. Elections will take place by ranked-choice vote of individuals aged 17 or older who live in the district.
Subsection D. Election of the President
The President of the National Assembly is elected by a national ranked-choice vote of individuals aged 17 or older who live in the Nation. Any individual 30 years of age or older who was born in Evermore or who has received a Writ of Office from the Ministry of Culture is eligible to run for President.
Subsection E. Duties of the National Assembly
It is the duty of the National Assembly to represent the interests and needs of the People of Evermore. Representation is given out in a proportional manner, where each Representative speaks for an equal number of people. The goal of this distribution of power is to ensure that the people have direct say over the government that rules them, and provides for their needs.
The powers of the National Assembly are as follows:
In order to keep the government accountable to the people, the National Assembly shall be empowered to veto or amend any law or tax passed by the Parliament, by a vote of greater percentage than the vote used to pass such legislation. If vetoed or amended, such legislation is sent back to the Parliament, where they may revise and re-vote on the legislation. Once re-passed, this process may repeat. The National Assembly may choose to re-veto the new legislation indefinitely, is they possess the votes to do so.
In order to ensure domestic tranquility and peace, the National Assembly shall be empowered to regulate commerce with external governments, and engage in foreign diplomacy on behalf on the National Government. Policy of the National Assembly on these matters will be decided with a majority vote, and can be proposed by any member of the Assembly.
Subsection F. Duties of the President
The President acts as the Executive head of the National Assembly, and as a direct representative of the Will of the People. They are responsible for calling the National Assembly to order and operating the day-to-day business of the National Assembly. Like Representatives, they may propose legislation during regular sessions. In the event of a tie within the National Assembly on a vote, the Prime Minister casts the tie-breaking vote, unless otherwise specified.
Once a year in the month of March, the President shall give an address to the Joint Houses of the Legislature, in which all members of the Parliament, National Assembly, and Ministry of Culture shall be present. The President shall detail what are the most pressing issues facing the nation and the people, and shall put forward a list of proposals for how the legislature shall move forwards during that year.
The President shall be the representative of the Nation during foreign diplomacy, and shall have the power to speak with foreign heads of state on behalf of the Nation.
Section. 4. Ministry of Culture
Subsection A. Basic Ministry of Culture Structure
The Ministry of Culture shall consist of Cultural Representatives (CRs) chosen by each settlement in Evermore. Each city, town, village, and unsettled tribe receives one member. Votes in the Ministry of Culture are given to Culture Groups, not CRs. CRs hold an internal vote within their Culture Group to determine the vote of their Culture Group. The Supreme Court is responsible for determining what constitutes a separate Culture Group, as described in Article II Section 2 Subsection E.
Subsection B. Determining the number of Culture Groups
The number of culture groups is not pre-defined. Individual settlements have the ability to declare themselves a unique culture. Duplicate Culture Groups based on minute difference in culture between settlements of the same culture are not permitted. The Supreme Court has the authority for consolidating or expanding Culture Groups, based on a vote as described in Article II Section 2 Subsection E. The decision of the Supreme Court to expand or consolidate Culture groups may be overruled by the Ministry of Culture with a vote of CRs greater than the percentage of the Supreme Court vote.
Subsection C. Rules for the appointment of Cultural Representatives
The manner of choosing and replacing CRs is wholly left to the decision of the government of the settlement. Manner of choosing CRs includes but is not limited to: ranked choice voting election by all residents of the settlement; election by a local settlement governmental body; direct appointment by a religious elder, tribe chieftain, king, or other ruler. The national government shall not infringe on settlement’s manner of selecting their CRs. Settlements are not mandated to choose their CRs by a certain time. Likewise, settlements may make their own determinations and local laws for how frequently their CRs will be replaced or elected. The national government shall make no restrictions on how long or short the serving term for a CR is.
Subsection D. Election of the Cultural Magistrate
Every year, the Cultural Magistrate shall elect one of their members to be elevated to the position of Cultural Magistrate in a Magisterial Election. Each Cultural Group can put forward a single candidate for the position of Cultural Magistrate. An internal vote inside each Cultural Group determines the selection process for their candidate. The manner in which this internal vote happens is left to the discretion of the Cultural Group. Cultural Groups are not mandated to put forward a candidate if they choose not to do so.
The deadline for putting forward a candidate for Cultural Magistrate is November 1st each year. On December 1st, the Magisterial Election takes place. Each CR that is not running for the position of Cultural Magistrate gets a single vote. If there is a tie, each Cultural Group votes on which CR of the tie should become Cultural Magistrate. If there is an additional tie, the President of the National Assembly casts the tie-breaking vote.
The CR that wins the vote is dubbed the “Magistrate in Waiting” and will assume their term of office at noon on January 1st. Until that point, they retain the duties and powers of a regular CR.
Subsection E. Duties of the Ministry of Culture
It is the duty of the Ministry of Culture to represent and protect the patchwork of Cultures represented among the disparate communities within Evermore. Equal representation is given out to each culture. The goal of this distribution of power is to ensure that the needs of all cultures can be represented equally, and ensures that large culture groups may not suppress minority culture groups.
The powers of the National Assembly are as follows:
In order to preserve the culturally and environmentally important sites in the Great Valley of Evermore, the Ministry of Culture shall be entitled to at least 15% of all tax revenue collected by the Parliament. With this money, the Ministry of Culture is empowered to create and maintain national parks and national heritage sites that shall be protected and preserved from development of any kind, save for the maintenance needed to preserve and repair such locations.
In order to protect the cultural rights of all People of the Valley, the Ministry of Culture is empowered to veto any legislation passed by the Parliament or National Assembly that infringes on the cultural rights of citizens, damages the Culture or Cultural sites of the Valley, or otherwise negatively impacts a culture, disproportionately impacts a culture group, or interferes with any other culturally significant matter. A majority vote of 50% is sufficient to veto any legislation passed by a 66% vote or less. In order to veto a piece of legislation passed with more than a 66% vote, the Ministry of Culture must produce a veto vote of greater percentage. The Ministry of Culture may choose to veto the legislation in full, or veto only parts of the legislation. They may also choose to provide amendments to the legislation. Whether amended or vetoed, the legislation is returned to the respective body that originally passed the legislation, where a re-vote on the legislation may occur. In order to override a Ministry of Culture veto, a vote of at least 66% - or 10% above the Ministry of Culture veto vote; whichever is higher – is required.
In order to reward non-Evermore born individuals who demonstrate loyalty to the state, the Ministry of culture shall be empowered to bestow upon any individual a Writ of Office, naturalizing that individual and allowing them to run for political office in races that are typically restricted to individuals born within Evermore. A majority vote of greater than 50% is sufficient to bestow such a Writ.
Subsection F. Duties of the Cultural Magistrate
The Cultural Magistrate acts as the Executive head of the Ministry of Culture. They are responsible for calling the Ministry of Culture to order and operating the day-to-day business of the Ministry of Culture. Like Cultural Representatives, they may propose legislation during regular sessions. In the event of a tie within the Ministry of Culture on a vote, the Cultural Magistrate casts the tie-breaking vote, unless otherwise specified.
Once or twice a year, at their own discretion, the Cultural Magistrate will give an address to the Ministry of Culture detailing what they believe are the most pressing issues for the Ministry of Culture to address. Cultural Representatives will be compelled to attend these addresses, and shall propose legislative solutions to address the identified problems put forward by the Cultrual Magistrate.
Section. 5. Duties of the Combined Legislature
In addition to the duties of each Legislative branch described in previous sections, certain powers are delegated to all branches of the Tricameral Legislature, and require passing in each to be approved. These powers are described below.
Subsection A. Appointing of Judges to the Supreme Court
Upon ratification of this Constitution, Justices for the Supreme court will be chosen. The National Assembly shall nominate the first judge. The Parliament will nominate the second judge. The Ministry of Culture shall nominate the third judge. This order is referred to as the Judicial Arygii. This will continue until the court is filled. When a seat on the Supreme Court opens, it is the job of the legislature to fill said seat. Each branch of the legislature shall put forward judge nominations in turn, continuing in order of the Judicial Arygii.
The Executive Head of each branch of the legislature shall be responsible for proposing judges to their legislative body for a vote. If said legislative body approves the judge with a greater than 50% vote, the other two branches of the legislature will also consider and then vote on the appointed judge with the same required margin. Votes in the other legislatures will occur in order of the Judicial Arygii. If all three branches of the legislature approve the judge, they are appointed to the Supreme Court as the court’s most junior member. If a branch does not vote to approve the judge, the process begins again, with the same branch that appointed the rejected judge putting forward a new nominee following the same above procedure. This process continues until the seat is filled.
If a year of time passes from the opening of a judicial seat, and no replacement has been appointed by the legislature, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall appoint a replacement to fill the empty seat.
Subsection B. Declarations of War
In times of great national urgency, the President of the National Assembly shall have the power to call for a vote amongst the houses of the legislature to declare war on external factions in order to secure the Sovereignty of the nation, or to come to the assistance of an allied government. Upon the declaration of a vote, the National Assembly will vote on drafted articles of war; detailing the goal of the conflict. A vote of 50% shall be required to pass the articles of war. Upon passing, the articles will be passed to both the Ministry of Culture and the Parliament, who will both vote on the articles of war. If all three houses of the legislature vote in favor of war on a percentage margin of 50% or more, a state of war shall be enacted as described in the articles of war.
The National Assembly can compel the President to call a war declaration vote by voting to do so by a margin of 66% or greater.
Subsection C. Amending the Constitution
Recognizing that this Constitution was drafted by humans, we hereby recognize that this document is not perfect, and from time to time may require modification in order to adapt to future developments or to buttress against unforeseen flaws.
Thus it shall be that any member of the legislature may propose for consideration amendments to this constitution that shall be considered by their house of the legislature. Upon a 75% vote, the amendment will be said to have passed in that house. From there, the amendment will be passed in turn to the other houses of the Legislature following the order of the Judicial Arygii. Upon receiving the proposed amendment, each branch will consider it and then vote on its approval. In the amendment receives at least a vote of 75% in all three branches of the legislature, the amendment will be considered passed, and written into the constitution.
Article. II. The Judicial Body
Section. 1. Judicial Power
All federal judicial power is granted to the Supreme Court, which shall consist of a single unitary body, the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court acts as the highest court in the nation, and ensures that the Constitution is followed by the government.
Section. 2. The Supreme Court
Subsection A. Basic Supreme Court Structure
The Supreme Court shall consist of Justices appointed to the court by the Legislature. Judges shall have a legal education, shall be proficient in the laws and Constitutional Doctrines of the nation, and shall have served as a Judge on a lesser court for no less than five years.
Subsection B. Determining the number of Justices
Upon the adoption of this constitution, the number of Justices on the Supreme court shall be eight. The number of justices may be changed by a successful 50% vote in all three houses of the legislature and a 100% vote among the Justices of the supreme court. The number of Justices can be decreased only if there is a vacant seat on the court. The number of Justices can never be decreased below three.
Subsection C. Rules for the appointment of Justices
The rules for the appointment of Justices to the Supreme Court are outlined in Article I. Section. 5. Subsection A.
Subsection D. Identification of the Chief Justice and the Cagorti of the Supreme Court
The Justices of the Supreme Court are ranked in order of their appointment to the court. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is the most senior member of the court. The Junior member of the court is the most recent appointment. If there are an even number of justices on the Supreme Court, and the court ties in a vote, the vote of the Junior member of the court is discarded to break the tie. Each Justice is numbered in order of their appointment to the Court. This numbering system constitutes the Cagorti – the “seniority order” – of the Supreme Court.
Subsection E. Duties of the Supreme Court
It is the duty of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitution of the Nation and ensure it is followed by the legislature. The Supreme Court acts as a final stopgap to protect the spirit of the Constitution, and protect the people from government devolving into tyranny. Power is given in order of seniority, where the Justice who has served on the court the longest is the Chief Justice, and the Junior Justice is the most recent appointment to the court. This division of power is to ensure that the Justice with the most experience drives the direction of the court, and that new appointments do not have as much sway as more senior members.
The powers of the Supreme Court are as follows:
In order to ensure fair distribution of MPs, the Supreme Court shall have the ability to determine which settlements count as what size for the purpose of appointing MPs. Settlements will be divided into cities, towns, and villages / unsettled tribes. All cities must have greater populations than all towns, and all towns must have greater populations than all villages / unsettled tribes. The specific population cutoffs for each category shall be determined by the Supreme Court via majority vote. At the adoption of this constitution, settlements shall be classified as described in Article I Section 2 Subsection B, and shall not be changed for a period of five years.
In order to ensure fair drawing of Districts, the Supreme Court shall have the power to veto the drawing of Districts by a majority vote.
In order to ensure equitable treatment of Cultural Groups, the Supreme court shall have the ability, through a majority vote, to determine which groups of people constitute a unique cultural group.
In order to preserve peace, protect the people, and uphold the constitution, the Supreme Court shall have jurisdiction over the military. War shall not be declared unless voted so as described in Article I Section 5 Subsection B. Once war has been declared, the Supreme Court shall act as ultimate oversight over the military, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall act as Commander and Chief of the military. It is the duty of the military to uphold the Constitution, and it shall be illegal for any member of the military to perform any act contrary to the Constitution – even if such an act is lawfully ordered. In instances of imminent threat to the homeland, in which the legislature does not have time to convene to declare war, the Supreme Court may do so under the authority of the Chief Justice, and assume immediate defense of the homeland until such a time as the legislature can hold a vote.
Subsection F. Duties of the Chief Justice
The Chief Justice acts as the Executive head of the Supreme Court. They are responsible for calling the Supreme Court to order and operating the day-to-day business of the Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court also acts as the Commander and Chief of the military. During war, they shall communicate with the heads of the Legislative branches to determine which actions shall be best for the prosecution of the war. However, the Chief Justice shall have ultimate authority on the prosecution of war.
Article. III. Impeachment of Government Officials
Section. 1. Impeachment of Legislative members
If a member of the government shall commit a serious crime or offense against the government, or otherwise fail to lawfully exercise the duties of their office, such member shall be liable to impeachment from their post. Each branch of the legislature has the authority to impeach their own members by a vote of 60%, for any infraction described herein. Legislative heads are not immune to impeachment, and shall be held to the same standards as other members of the legislature.
Section. 2. Impeachment of Supreme Court Judges
If a member of the Supreme Court commits a serious crime or offense against the government, or otherwise fails to lawfully exercise the duties of their office, such member shall be liable to impeachment from their post. Any of the three branches of the legislature, or the Supreme Court itself may begin a vote of impeachment of a Supreme Court Judge. Once a vote of 60% or more in favor of impeachment is achieved, the articles of impeachment shall be passed to the other bodies herein. Three of the four bodies must pass a vote of 60% or greater to remove the impeached judge from office. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is not immune to impeachment, and shall be held to the same standards as other members of the Supreme Court.
Article. IV. Language of the Government
Section. 1. Declaration of National Languages
The National Government shall recognize both Galactic Common and the Maristii Language as National Languages. All government documents shall be published in both languages. Members of all branches of the government shall be allowed to speak either of the National Languages at their discretion. Each body of the government shall employ interpreters to translate between the two national languages, and broadcasts to the public made by government officials will be made in both languages with the assistance of translators if needed.
Article. V. Declaration of Rights
Section. 1. Cultural Rights
Every citizen of Evermore has the right to practice their culture, religion, and speech in a manner according to their own traditions. The National Government shall not infringe on the rights of local settlements to practice and arbitrate these rights as they see fit. No culture or subculture shall be subject to persecution by the National Government, and the National Government shall neither encourage or discourage people from participation in or practice of any culture or subculture.
Section. 2. Political Rights
Every citizen of Evermore – regardless of settlement – has the right to participate in the political process, and their right to vote in the election of Representatives of the National Assembly, and for President of the National Assembly shall not be infringed.
Section. 3. Right to Bodily Autonomy
No person shall be held in slavery or servitude, and the shave trade in all of its forms shall be prohibited. Further, each person shall have the right of bodily autonomy, and retain the right to decide what is done to their body. The state shall make no law infringing on an person’s right to bodily autonomy.
Section. 4. Unanimity of the Law
Every citizen of Evermore is equal beneath the National Law, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Section. 5. Dignified Treatment under the Law
No person shall be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment as punishment by the National Law. Additionally, no person shall be subject to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile, and all persons charged with an offense shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a public trial.
Notes on Maristii Words used in the Constitution
The Evermore Constitution uses Maristii words in several places in the Constitution. This is intended to help solidify the Constitution as truly a part of Evermore. Below is a list of the Maristii terms used in the Constitution, and their meaning in context.
Chirii Doyndo Eecir
Literally translating to: Female-Forever-Leader. This is the title given to Princess Evermore in the Evermore Constitution, and is used to signify Princess Evermore's place at the symbolic head of the Evermore Union Government.
Judicial Arygii
Literally translating to: Judicial Progression. This term is used to describe the order in which the legislative bodies get to appoint justices to the Supreme Court.
Cagorti of the Supreme Court
Literally translating to: Advancement of the Supreme Court. This term is used to describe the seniority structure of the Supreme Court.