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DispatchFactbookOverview

by The chief clerk of parliament. . 119 reads.

A Brief Overview of our Government

A Summary of United Valhaven's Parliamentary System

Next Parliamentary Meeting: TBD

Speaker of Parliament: United States of Devonta [Interim]

1. What and who is the government comprised of?

The Government of United Valhaven runs on a Parliamentary System, a democratic system that requires an majority vote to pass any and all legislation, with some exceptions that require a 2/3 majority.

The Parliamentary System is comprised of two different types of members, the first, and most common, being a Councilor of United Valhaven. To be eligible to be a Councilor, as per the LinkConstitution of United Valhaven, Article II, Section 2:

  • A Councilor must be a member of United Valhaven.

  • A Councilor must be a member of the World Assembly.

  • A Councilor must have been a member of both United Valhaven and the World Assembly for a minimum of two weeks.

  • A Councilor must not be a Justice of the High Court of United Valhaven.

  • A Councilor must have sworn the following oath, either publicly or privately, before the Chief Justice of the High Court: “I solemnly swear, before the High Court of United Valhaven, to uphold my responsibilities as a Councilor of United Valhaven to the best of my abilities, and to perform my duties as a Councilor with the Region’s best interests in mind.”

It should be noted that members of the Judicial branch of the Government are not eligible Members of Parliament.

The second kind of member is the Speaker of Parliament, who has a very large role to play.

2. What does the Speaker of Parliament do?

The Speaker of Parliament, commonly referred to as the Speaker, has many important roles in the region. He/She organizes Parliamentary meetings, which happen each Friday, and adjourn each Sunday no later than 24:00 GMT-5. It is at these Parliamentary meetings that bills become acts, legislation is amended or repealed, and many other regional affairs get resolved.

In addition to organizing Parliamentary meetings, the Speaker is essentially the leader of the region, with the power to make executive decisions when necessary. The Speaker also receives the role of WA Delegate, along with the administrative tasks that come with the position. Maintaining stability is always the goal of a good Speaker.

Don't worry though! The position of Speaker comes with a lot of work, and we understand that. With approval from Parliament, the Speaker can delegate tasks to different nations within Parliament. He cannot, however, delegate organizing Parliamentary meetings. That role may only be done by him, and in special circumstances, the Chief Justice.

3. How can I become the Speaker?

The Speaker of Parliament is elected by Councilors. There are multiple requirements to become speaker, specified in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

The two basic requirements, however, are:

  • Candidates for the role of Speaker of Parliament must have been Councilors for a minimum of two full terms.

  • Candidacy must be announced for the position of Speaker a full two weeks before the election is to take place.

4. How do I make laws?

Any form of legislation, typically bills, must be passed through Parliament with an absolute majority vote from attending Councilors in order to become ratified. These proposals can be submitted at any time to appear in the next Parliamentary meeting. If a bill is presented during one of these meetings, the Speaker must decide whether or not to include it. If the Speaker does choose to include a proposal submitted during an ongoing Parliamentary meeting, it must be done so within 12 hours of Parliament convening, to allow all members to vote.

5. I don't like a law/piece of the Constitution, what do I do?

Changing Acts, Laws, or most decisions is as easy as the process was to put them into effect. In a proposal submitted to Parliament, you appeal will be voted upon at the next meeting. If your appeal is urgent, you can express this and request an Emergency Vote.

Changing the Constitution though, is a bit of a different story. It's best you read the Constitution, or ask a Justice, to find out how the Constitution is amended.


The chief clerk of parliament

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