National Constitution of the Carthian Movement

This is a not yet law.

1. Introduction

1.1. Preamble

We, brothers and sisters of the Carthian Movement of Australia, a united front of Brothers and Sisters, do hereby declare our dedication to the cause, ideal and spirit of our movement. In doing so, we also declare our desire to form a fair and equalitarian governance. We believe that the history of the world consistently shows that the best form of self-governance is the form of egalitarian democracy, practiced in various forms since the time of the Greeks.

It is also our belief that the right to equal and fair representation does not vanish at the time of Embrace, contrary to the beliefs of other Covenants. However, it is also our belief that other elements and traditions among Kindred society are vital for a civil society. We also acknowledge the necessity of leadership for the Carthian Movement at a national level, and the need for a clear and concise method to elect both our internal leaders of the covenant and our representatives at the National Conclave, without compromising our beliefs.

In order to ensure a clear and unbiased method of governance that ensures the fair representation and equality we value, we have created and labored to create our own system of governance. It is in order to set an example to Kindred society that we do hereby ratify this document, and ensure the peace, prosperity, and political change necessary and consistency in our own leadership and representation.

1.2. Definitions

This document may be cited as the National Constitution of the Carthian Movement.
The ‘National Legate’ refers to the representative of the Carthian Movement at a National Conclave, as chosen by members of the Movement per Section 4.
‘National Representatives’ refers to the National Prefect or National Myrmidon.
The ‘National Prefect’ refers to the internal leader of the Carthian Movement, as decided by acknowledged members of the Movement per Section 4.
The ‘National Myrmidon’ refers to the internal judge of the Carthian Movement, as decided by acknowledged members of the Movement per Section 4.
‘Regional Representatives’ refers to the Regional Prefect or Regional Myrmidon.
The ‘Regional Prefect’ refers to Regional Leader of the Carthian Movement in a city or region.
a) The ‘Regional Prefect’ may be determined by an any method chosen by Acknowledged members of the Domain.
The ‘Regional Myrmidon’ refers to the chosen representative of the Carthian Movement to ensure peaceful negotiation within and outside the Movement of a city or domain.
b) The ‘Regional Myrmidon’ may be determined by any method chosen by Acknowledged members of the Domain.
‘Carthians’ refers to any member of the Carthian Movement of Australia considered to have a Status of Acknowledged or superior.
'Communications network' refers to the standard system used by the Movement to keep in contact.

2. Use of the National Constitution of the Carthian Movement

2.1. Powers of this Document

This document, and all decisions made by the National Prefect, the National Myrmidon, the Council of Ambassadors, the Regional Prefect and the Regional Myrmidon are considered binding to the Carthian Movement of Australia.
a) These decisions can be overridden by a majority vote of Carthians, per Section 4.

b) Decisions made by Regional Representatives apply only to Carthians within the city they represent.

c) Decisions made by National Representatives apply to all Carthians.

d) Violating this document or the decisions of the above listed representative is considered a Sin against the Covenant at level 2.
i. Anyone accused of such a violation is entitled to a fair trial by their peers, per (xx).
This document cannot be used to countermand the decision of a National Conclave.
a) The decision of a National Conclave may be ignored by the Carthian Movement of Australia with a two-thirds majority vote of Carthians, as per Section 4.1, Exceptional Circumstances.

2.2. Alterations from this Document

In the event of a conflict between the decision of a member of the Movement and the National Constitution of the Carthian Movement, the National Constitution of the Carthian Movement is considered correct.
a) This does not apply when the decision of a National Representative of the Movement is supported by a majority vote of Carthians, per Section 4.
In the event that a section of this Constitution is considered irrelevant, outdated, unnecessary or in need of change or adjustment, an amendment to it can be suggested.
a) This amendment must be ratified by a vote of all Carthians at a National Conclave, per Section 4.

3. The National Parliament

3.1. Specifications of a National Parliament

Bi-annually, the Carthian Movement of Australia may gather at a predetermined location to discuss matters relating to the covenant as a whole, forming a National Parliament.
The location and time of the National Parliament must be clearly stated by the National Myrmidon at least three months beforehand.
Up to one month prior to the National Parliament, the National Myrmidon must be informed of all matters to be discussed at the gathering, including:
a) Amendments to the National Constitution of the Carthian Movement, as per 2.2 (b)

b) Laws the National Leader intends to pass, with regards to section 3.22

c) Trials to be conducted at the National Parliament, as per (xx)

d) Proposals for the official topic of discussion, as per (xx)
Once thus informed, the National Myrmidon will then create a schedule and agenda for the National Parliament.
The agenda for the National Parliament must be distributed by the National Myrmidon, at latest, two weeks before the National Parliament, so as to allow those unable to attend to submit their votes to the National Myrmidon.
a) The National Myrmidon may, in the event of emergency or urgency and at their discretion, allow a matter to be added to the agenda outside these conditions.
i. Examples of emergency matters include impending war, invasion of a Carthian Domain, or natural disaster.

ii. Examples of urgent matters include recent discovery of treachery, betrayal or motions to replace the National Prefect.

3.2. Powers of a National Parliament

The National Representatives may only make decisions at a National Parliament.
The National Prefect has the powers to introduce laws and policies regarding matters such as:
a) Interacting with other Covenants.

b) Declarations of War.

c) Extending protection to Blood Hunted or exiled individuals.

d) Other matters that affect the Carthian Movement on a national scale, as approved by a majority vote of Carthians, per Section 4.
The National Prefect’s decisions must be ratified by a majority vote of Carthians, per Section 4.
The National Myrmidon has the power to make judgments on disputes including:
a) Those between Carthians of separate domains.

b) Those brought to the National Parliament for trial.

c) Those involving betrayal of the Carthian Movement of Australia.

d) Other matters that affect the Carthian Movement on a national scale, as approved by a majority vote of Carthians, per Section 4.
No National Representative shall make a law promoting or prohibiting a religious belief, nor one based on religious beliefs.

3.3. Protocol for a National Parliament

The National Myrmidon will read out the scheduled agenda for the gathering.
This agenda must include:
a) Any annual elections scheduled to be held by the Carthian Movement of Australia.

b) A list of all laws to be voted on.

c) A trial, if any, that will be held.

d) The general topic of discussion that will make up the remainder of the gathering, as per 3.3.3.1
Before concluding, all Carthians attending the National Parliament will participate in The Chain.
The manner in which the agenda is conducted is at the discretion of the National Myrmidon, with respect to the laws of the National Constitution.

3.3.1. The Debate

After the other items of the agenda are concluded, the topic of the evening will be announced.
At this point, the meeting is considered open for free speech and debate on the topic until the conclusion of the National Parliament with The Chain.
Carthians should make an effort to stay on topic, or, at least, speak on matters that will strengthen the Movement as a whole.
The Regional Myrmidon still has the ability to enforce order, as per 3.4.3a.

3.4. Rules and Regulations of a National Parliament

No Carthian may use any Discipline of the Blood during, beforehand, or afterward to manipulate the proceedings. We are free and independent Kindred, and any alteration of our emotions or minds to alter a decision undermines the stability of our government.
The system of Prestation may not be used to alter the decision of a member against their will. The system of government is sacred and should not be open to corruption; the rights of the poorest should not prevent them from participation.
a) A Kindred may freely choose to alter their vote in exchange for Prestation, be it gaining or being released from a debt. Such is their right as free Kindred.
The National Parliament will be conducted in an orderly manner.
a) The Regional Myrmidon of the Domain the National Parliament is held in may choose how to maintain order, without infringing on the rights of Carthians to participate and be heard.
i. The Regional Prefect may fulfill this duty if there is no Regional Myrmidon within the Domain.

ii. The Carthian with the highest standing may fulfill this duty if there is neither Prefect nor Myrmidon in the Domain.

iii. If the Domain where the National Parliament is held bears no Carthians, the National Myrmidon will ensure the meeting is held in an orderly fashion.

4. The System of Majority

Any decision made at a National Parliament must be ratified by a majority of Carthians participating in said decision.
a) For the purposes of this section, 'Carthians participating in said decision' is considered to refer to any Carthian who submits a vote, by proxy or in person, at a National Parliament.
In order for a majority of Carthians to ratify a decision, the National Myrmidon must notify the Carthian Movement of Australia via our communications network, two weeks before the vote is called at a National Parliament.
Any member of the Carthian Movement of Australia may submit a vote over the communications network, in the affirmative or negative. These votes will be tallied before the National Parliament issues a vote.
a) A member of the Movement may also elect to abstain; this is considered submitting a vote, but does not equate to an affirmative or negative vote.
Every Carthian has one vote, and one vote only, to cast in an election, regardless of their position, clan, rank, status, or any other factors.
If an absolute Majority - defined as over 50% - are in favor of a decision, that decision is passed and considered law.

4.1. Exceptional Circumstances

In extraordinary circumstances, The Carthian Movement may issue a declaration of war against a Covenant or Clan, make the decision to ignore the order of a National Conclave, or another decision that could be considered to place a significant portion of the Carthian Movement of Australia in mortal danger.
In this case, a Majority Vote must be called over our communications network.
This vote must grant two weeks notice, and all Carthians are expected to urge and respond, along with clearly stating their agreement or disagreement with the proposed decision.
Over two-thirds of the Carthian Movement of Australia who participated in the polling must agree with the decision in order for it to be considered valid and thus Law.

5. Offices of Officials

5.1. Office of the National Legate

The National Legate is responsible for speaking on behalf of the Carthians at a National Conclave.
Votes on the National Legate are made as per Section 4.
The National Legate is only elected for a National Conclave.
The National Legate is obliged to represent the desires and decisions of the Carthian Movement, and abide by the platform by which they were elected.
The National Legate's term expires at the conclusion of the National Conclave at which they were elected, or after five days.
The National Legate may be the National Myrmidon or National Prefect.

5.2. Office of the National Prefect

The National Prefect is responsible for making decisions regarding the Carthian Movement on a national scale.
Votes on the National Prefect are made as per Section 4.
The National Prefect is obliged to represent the desires and decisions of the Carthian Movement, and abide by the platform by which they were elected.
The National Prefect's term is approximately one year, concluding at the next National Parliament occurring a year after they were elected.
a) The duration of their term may be reduced or extended by three months to accommodate changes in the scheduling of a National Parliament.
The National Prefect may not be the National Myrmidon.

5.3. Office of the National Myrmidon

The National Myrmidon is responsible for organizing the Carthian Movement and judging its laws on a national scale.
Votes on the National Myrmidon are made as per Section 4.
The National Myrmidon is obliged to represent the desires and decisions of the Carthian Movement, and abide by the platform by which they were elected.
The National Myrmidon's term is approximately one year, concluding at the next National Parliament occurring a year after they were elected.
a) The duration of their term may be reduced or extended by three months to accommodate changes in the scheduling of a National Parliament.
The National Myrmidon may not be the National Prefect.

OOC Notes

Current system: National Prefect suggests rules, Parliament (Carthians) vote upon them. Rules can be suggested to the Prefect, but must be suggested by him. Basically, keep it simple.

I need to tell Big Joel to tell the Armidale Carthians about this.