Originally published Feb 12,200
NORTON PROPOSES CONGRESSIONAL MODEL
(TEXT OF PROPOSAL FROM LATEST PROPOSITION AND SUPPORTING THOUGHTS)
Even if we manage to agree on majority that we use a certain style of Congress, the site work would be enormous.
Don't mistake my words - I still remain fully supportive of a Congress and will work hard to bring it about, along with my proposed working group as per my campaign agenda.
There's a greater difficulty here though beyong politics itself. It's a question of governmental system, first and foremost.
The nation is divided on this issue, from all sides of the political spectrum.
Half want a constitutional republican style of Congress.
Some want a constitutional monarchist ("Westminster") style of Parliament.
Some want a combination in between.
It goes without saying (and I run the risk of probably being the first to publicly suggest it) is that the first stage of of the debate is probably this.
Some preliminary questions for different citizens to answer, if I may:
1) The basic role of Congress;
2) How Congress is elected;
3) What official functions would they hold as part of the Legislative Branch of Government?
4) The passage of legislation/propositions and whether or not they would have the standard three reading, committee hearings etc?
5) Will legislation passed by Congress be subject to authorisation by the Executive Branch (President) before it becomes law?
I think by answering these exploratory questions, it will give us all some information on various views so as to come up with a consensus on each individual point. When we have agree on one point, we move onto the next etc when we become more aware of our collective needs from such an entity.
Sorry if I seem like I'm trying to be bossy. I'm perhaps trying to get us started on a direction where it's more laid out. We all seem to be "chasing our tails" as the metaphor goes.
I'll go first:
1) The basic role of Congress
A. To represent the citizens. To vote on drafter legislation. To confirm nominations made by the President of the Republic. To hold committee hearings on various subjects attended by the Cabinet portfolio member which Department the hearing is over. To censure and impeach the President for unconstitutional and purposefully unlawful acts made during terms in office.
2) How Congress is elected
A. Titulia has an approximate population (in values of 100) of around 700. As such, a Congress the size of one-twentieth (one-tenth being 70 is too many considering those are how many participate on a weekly basis).
Establish the 35 electoral districts of Titulia and give them names.
For example: 1st District of Titulia, 2nd District of Titulia, etc.
There is no restriction in the number of candidates for each of the 35 seats. Should particular political parties wish to have a single candidate, processes should be put in place to allow primaries/pre-selections for their party's congressional nomination.
The election itself shall be conducted in accordance with the current ballot conditions as covered by the Elections for President of the Republic as per the Constitution.
The candidate in each district who wins by popular vote, shall be elected as the Representative of the 'X' th/nd District of Titulia.
3) What official functions would they hold as part of the Legislative Branch of Government?
Please see A #1 for details.
4) The passage of legislation/propositions and whether or not they would have the standard three reading, committee hearings etc?
Three readings, allowing for amendments, provided that all amendments are carried by majority before proceeding to the next reading.
At the conclusion of the third reading of the proposed legislation, a final vote shall be called.
5) Will legislation passed by Congress be subject to authorisation by the Executive Branch (President) before it becomes law?
If the legislation is carried, it shall be send to the President of the Republic for signature or veto.
Should the President veto legislation sent by Congress, Congress can either vote to:
1) Withdraw the legislation;
2) Amend the legislation, as per the methods of passage as explained above and send the new legislation to the President; or
3) Move a Motion to Override Presidential Veto. Should the Congress vote by over 75% popular vote (i.e. 27 votes out of 25),the override vote is successful and it is entered into law provided the President is notified.
