The '''Charter of the South Pacific''' was constructed during the 2016 Great Council by Sandaoguo and their Working Draft Group. This is a constitutional law and requires and a 60% super majority in order for any amendment to pass. It is currently the most powerful document of the Coalition.
The '''Charter of the South Pacific''' was constructed during the 2016 Great Council by Sandaoguo and their Working Draft Group. This is a constitutional law and requires and a 60% super majority in order for any amendment to pass. It is currently the most powerful document of the Coalition. Here are the contents of the chapter:
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-4023.html here]
== The Charter of the Coalition of the South Pacific ==
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-4082-post-129929.html#pid129929 here]
''The Assembly of the Coalition of the South Pacific, representing our diverse community, convenes to establish this fundamental law of our region, to uphold democratic principles and rights, and provide for the security of our unified community both on the forums and in the game.''
A table is here for convenience:
===Constitutional Laws===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
''Defining the supreme laws of our community''
|-
! style="width:20em;" |
! style="width:20em;" |Sandaoguo (Working Group Draft)
! style="width:20em;" |No change
|-
|Sandaoguo (Working Group Draft)
|0
|25
|-
|No Change
|2
|0
|-
|}
One (1) ballot was discarded for being incomplete.
(1) Laws that form the foundation of our community, are considered fundamental to governance, or otherwise are considered of great importance by the Coalition, are to be known as “constitutional laws” and marked as such.
By a vote of 25-2 (92.59%), the proposal as proposed by Sandaoguo (Working Group Draft) was adopted by the Great Council of 2016.
(2) Constitutional laws passed by the Assembly hold precedence and supremacy over all other laws, regulations, and policies of all branches of government.
This proposal was originally ratified on 5-26-2016, 11:17 am.
==Present Charter==
THE CHARTER OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC
(3) This Charter is a constitutional law holding supremacy over all others, and defines the purpose of our government and its framework.
Preamble
The Assembly of the Coalition of the South Pacific, representing our diverse community, convenes to establish this fundamental law of our region, to uphold democratic principles and rights, and provide for the security of our unified community both on the forums and in the game.
(4) Any constitutional law passed by the Assembly that directly affects the gameside community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also receive the consent of the gameside before coming into force, where that consent shall not require more than a three-fifths supermajority in a vote.
'''I. CONSTITUTIONAL LAWS'''
(5) Constitutional laws passed by the Local Council hold the same status as those passed by the Assembly, limited in their scope and force to the realms of Local Council jurisdiction, but may not contradict this Charter or any law, regulation, or policy of the Assembly, Cabinet, or Council on Regional Security.
Defining the supreme laws of our community.
===Sovereignty===
(1) Laws that form the foundation of our community, are considered fundamental to governance, or otherwise are considered of great importance by the Assembly, are to be known as “constitutional laws” and marked as such.
''Outlining the sovereignty of the Coalition and the origins of legitimacy.''
(2) Constitutional laws hold precedence and supremacy over all other laws, regulations, and policies of all branches of government.
(3) This Charter is a constitutional law holding supremacy over all others, and defines the purpose of our government and its framework.
(4) Any constitutional law that directly affects the gameside community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also be debated and voted upon by the gameside community.
'''II. SOVEREIGNTY'''
Outlining the sovereignty of the Coalition and the origins of legitimacy.
(1) The sovereignty of the region lies with the Coalition of the South Pacific. No other group claiming legitimacy will be recognized. The integrity of the Coalition, in its forums and the region, shall not be challenged or violated by any government official, internal dissidents, or other regions.
(1) The sovereignty of the region lies with the Coalition of the South Pacific. No other group claiming legitimacy will be recognized. The integrity of the Coalition, in its forums and the region, shall not be challenged or violated by any government official, internal dissidents, or other regions.
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(2) Authority and legitimacy are held jointly by the region and the forum, and the union between the two is what defines the Coalition. No illegitimate invader or usurper of the region shall be recognized.
(2) Authority and legitimacy are held jointly by the region and the forum, and the union between the two is what defines the Coalition. No illegitimate invader or usurper of the region shall be recognized.
'''III. RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS'''
===Rights and Freedoms===
Recognizing the democratic rights and freedoms of all members of the Coalition.
''Recognizing the democratic rights and freedoms of all members of the Coalition.''
(1) All members of the South Pacific will enjoy the freedoms of expression, speech, assembly, and the press, limited only by reasonable moderation policies.
(1) All members of the South Pacific will enjoy the freedoms of expression, speech, assembly, and the press, limited only by reasonable moderation policies.
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(6) The High Court may strike down any general law or action that violates any right or freedom found in this Charter.
(6) The High Court may strike down any general law or action that violates any right or freedom found in this Charter.
'''IV. THE ASSEMBLY'''
===The Assembly===
'''Establishing legislative authority in the Assembly.'''
''Establishing Legislative authority in The Assembly.''
(1) The Assembly holds supreme legislative authority in the Coalition, and is comprised of all eligible legislators.
(1) The Assembly holds supreme legislative authority in the Coalition, and is comprised of all eligible legislators.
(2) The Assembly will elect a Legislator as Chair for a term lasting four months. The Chair is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, and helping guide Assembly debate into the creation of bills. If a Chair is recalled, loses Legislator status, or is otherwise not in office, a new Chair will be elected for a new term lasting four months. The Election Commissioner will be responsible for organizing Chair elections.
(2) The Assembly will elect a legislator as Chair for a term lasting four months. The Chair is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, and helping guide Assembly debate into the creation of bills. If a Chair is recalled, loses legislator status, or is otherwise not in office, a new Chair will be elected for a new term lasting four months. The date, time, and manner of electing the Chair will be set by the Assembly in a law.
(3) The Chair may appoint a deputy or deputies, to whom the Chair may publicly delegate any powers, responsibilities, or special projects of the Chair, subject to all regulations and restrictions imposed upon the Chair by law. The Chair may dismiss such deputies.
(3) The Chair may appoint a deputy or deputies, to whom the Chair may publicly delegate any powers, responsibilities, or special projects of the Chair, subject to all regulations and restrictions imposed upon the Chair by law. The Chair may dismiss such deputies.
(4) During an interim period in which the Chair is not in office prior to the election of a new Chair, a deputy appointed by the previous Chair will serve as Acting Chair to exercise all powers and responsibilities of the Chair, subject to all regulations and restrictions imposed upon the Chair by law. In the event that more than one deputy was appointed, the most senior deputy according to the order of appointment and availability will serve as Acting Chair. In the event that no deputy was appointed or is available, the Cabinet will designate a legislator to serve as Acting Chair.
Legislator Eligibility
'''Legislator Eligibility'''
(5) A standing commission of legislators will be tasked with granting and revoking legislator status. All residents of the Coalition are eligible to attain legislator status through an application. Continued legislator status requires active membership and good behaviour.
(4) A standing commission of legislators will be tasked with granting and revoking legislator status. All residents of the Coalition are eligible to attain legislator status through an application. Continued legislator status requires active membership and good behaviour.
'''V. THE LOCAL COUNCIL'''
===The Local Council===
Establishing home rule for the in-game region residents.
''Establishing home rule for the in-game region residents.''
(1) The Local Council will be the local government of the in-game community, composed of three or more residents of the South Pacific, and will represent the interests of all players in the region, moderate the Regional Message Board, encourage activity on the gameside, and administrate itself on issues unique to the in-game community.
(1) The Local Council will be the local government of the in-game community, composed of three or more residents of the South Pacific, and will represent the interests of all players in the region, moderate the Regional Message Board, encourage activity on the gameside, and administrate itself on issues unique to the in-game community.
(2) The Local Council is entitled to self-administration within its jurisdiction on local issues, but may not pass laws or regulations that contradict this Charter or constitutional laws. To that end, the Assembly may not enact any law, nor the Cabinet deliver any directive, that is solely related to an issue local to the in-game community.
(2) The Local Council is entitled to self-administration within its jurisdiction on local issues, but may not pass laws or regulations that contradict this Charter or constitutional laws passed by the Assembly. To that end, the Assembly may not enact any law, nor the Cabinet deliver any directive, that is solely related to an issue local to the in-game community, except as done under the terms of this Charter.
(3) The Local Council may not be denied the authority to run regional polls, create and pin Dispatches, and to suppress messages on the Regional Message Board according to a standard moderation policy. However, it may not alter the regional flags or tags, and may not send out mass telegrams, without the approval of the Delegate.
(3) The Local Council may not be denied the authority to run regional polls, create and pin Dispatches, and to suppress messages on the Regional Message Board according to a standard moderation policy. However, it may not alter the regional flags or tags, and may not send out mass telegrams, without the approval of the Delegate.
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(4) To help promote inter-governmental relations, the Local Council may send a representative to the Assembly whose term must not exceed the Local Council’s. The method of selection will be decided by the Local Council.
(4) To help promote inter-governmental relations, the Local Council may send a representative to the Assembly whose term must not exceed the Local Council’s. The method of selection will be decided by the Local Council.
'''VI. THE EXECUTIVE'''
===the executive===
Establishing an executive branch consisting of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
''Establishing an executive branch consisting of the prime minister and the cabinet.''
(1) The Prime Minister will be the head of government and the leader of the Cabinet. They will be responsible for the overall coordination of executive activities, being a liaison between the government and the community, and protecting the Coalition.
(1) The Prime Minister will be the head of government and the leader of the Cabinet. They will be responsible for the overall coordination of executive activities, being a liaison between the government and the community, and protecting the Coalition.
(2) The Cabinet will consist of ministers with the following portfolios: Foreign Affairs, Regional Affairs, and Military Affairs.
(2) The Cabinet will consist of ministers with the following portfolios: Foreign Affairs, Culture, Engagement, and Defense.
(3) As leader of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister is responsible for overseeing a collective Cabinet agenda, and may give directions and instructions to the ministers. Disputes within the Cabinet are subject to the majority decision and collective responsibility; where there is no majority the Prime Minister’s vote shall be the deciding one.
(3) As leader of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister is responsible for overseeing a collective Cabinet agenda, and may give directions and instructions to the ministers. Disputes within the Cabinet are subject to the majority decision and collective responsibility; where there is no majority the Prime Minister’s vote shall be the deciding one.
(4) Members of the Executive are required to hold Legislator status.
(4) The Office of World Assembly Legislation will be a permanent executive office, which will be led by a Director, responsible for coordinating the Coalition's activities in the World Assembly, providing assistance in drafting resolutions, and issuing voting recommendations on World Assembly proposals. At the start of each Cabinet term, the Director will be appointed by the Prime Minister for a term coinciding with the Cabinet's. In any vacancy, a new Director will be appointed by the Prime Minister to serve the remainder of the term.
(5) Members of the Executive are required to hold legislator status.
'''Elections'''
''Elections''
(5) Executive elections will be held every four months, where the Prime Minister and all Cabinet positions will be up for election.
(6) Executive elections will be held every four months, where the Prime Minister and all Cabinet positions will be up for election.
(6) The date, time, and manner of elections will be set by the Assembly in a law.
(7) The date, time, and manner of elections will be set by the Assembly in a law.
'''Minister of Regional Affairs'''
''Minister of Culture''
(7) The Minister of Regional Affairs will be responsible for promoting regional and forum activity, integrating new players into the forums, organizing cultural events, and communicating with the world about the South Pacific’s activities.
(8) The Minister of Culture will be responsible for supporting the roleplay community and organizing regional cultural activities, events, and exchanges.
'''Minister of Foreign Affairs'''
''Minister of Engagement''
(8) The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be the Coalition’s chief diplomat. They will be responsible for establishing the government’s foreign policy program, communicating with allies, and coordinating with the military on foreign policy priorities when necessary.
(9) The Minister of Engagement will be responsible for recruiting and integrating new players into the Coalition's government and community, maintaining public infrastructure such as dispatches and other guides, setting unified presentation standards, and providing graphics to the government and citizens of the Coalition.
(9) The Minister of Foreign Affairs holds the sole power to initiate treaty negotiations with other regions, groups, and organizations, but may designate officers to handle those negotiations. Upon completion of a treaty negotiation, the Minister must present it to the full executive for majority approval, before submitting it to the Assembly for ratification.
''Minister of Foreign Affairs''
(10) The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for establishing standards for the creation and maintenance of consulates and embassies.
(10) The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be the Coalition’s chief diplomat. They will be responsible for establishing the government’s foreign policy program, communicating with allies, and coordinating with the military on foreign policy priorities when necessary.
'''Minister of Military Affairs'''
(11) The Minister of Foreign Affairs holds the sole power to initiate treaty negotiations with other regions, groups, and organizations, but may designate officers to handle those negotiations. Upon completion of a treaty negotiation, the Minister must present it to the full executive for majority approval, before submitting it to the Assembly for ratification.
(11) The Minister of Military Affairs will be the civilian leader of the armed forces of the Coalition, the South Pacific Special Forces. In conjunction with a group of Generals, the Minister of Military Affairs will be responsible for the defense of the Coalition, building military activity, and conducting military operations.
(12) The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for establishing standards for the creation and maintenance of consulates and embassies.
(12) The Minister of Military Affairs may elect to establish an intelligence office, in equal coordination with the Council on Regional Security.
''Minister of Defense''
'''Executive Authorities'''
(13) The Minister of Defense will be the civilian leader of the armed forces of the Coalition, the South Pacific Special Forces. In conjunction with a group of Generals, the Minister of Defense will be responsible for the defense of the Coalition, building military activity, and conducting military operations.
(13) The executive may exercise the collective authority of executive orders, by unanimous consent among the Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers. Executive orders may only be issued to address an immediate and pressing issue created by ambiguity or holes in a particular law, which will immediately have the effect of law.
(14) The Minister of Defense may elect to establish an intelligence office, in equal coordination with the Council on Regional Security.
(14) Upon declaring an executive order, the order will be presented automatically to the Assembly for three days of debate, followed by a vote according to legislative rules, where it will expire and its effects shall be reversed if the Assembly does not incorporate it into law.
''Executive Authorities''
(15) The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers may elect to appoint deputies and advisors, who will be considered junior members of the Cabinet, but will not have voting rights in any executive decision.
(15) The executive may exercise the collective authority of executive orders, by unanimous consent among the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers. Executive orders may only be issued to address an immediate and pressing issue created by ambiguity or holes in a particular law, which will immediately have the effect of law.
VII. THE DELEGATE
(16) Upon declaring an executive order, the order will be presented automatically to the Assembly for three days of debate, followed by a vote according to legislative rules, where it will expire and its effects shall be reversed if the Assembly does not incorporate it into law.
'''Establishing a Head of State.'''
(17) The Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, and other executive offices may elect to appoint deputies and advisors, who will be considered junior members of their respective offices, but will not have voting rights in any executive decision.
===The Delegate===
''Establishing a Head of State.''
(1) The Delegate will be the head of state of the Coalition. They will be responsible for helping maintain the security of the region, promoting growth and activity, and serving as an advisor to the forum-side government. Barring reasonable circumstances, the Delegate will hold the in-game Delegate seat. No person may be Delegate if they have participated, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d'etat of the Coalition or any of its allies, excluding normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military.
(1) The Delegate will be the head of state of the Coalition. They will be responsible for helping maintain the security of the region, promoting growth and activity, and serving as an advisor to the forum-side government. Barring reasonable circumstances, the Delegate will hold the in-game Delegate seat. No person may be Delegate if they have participated, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d'etat of the Coalition or any of its allies, excluding normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military.
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(3) The Delegate must fulfill in-game actions required by law but assigned to others if those actions can only be taken by the person holding the in-game Delegate seat.
(3) The Delegate must fulfill in-game actions required by law but assigned to others if those actions can only be taken by the person holding the in-game Delegate seat.
'''Elections'''
''Elections''
(4) Delegate elections will be held every six months.
(4) Delegate elections will be held every six months.
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(5) The date, time, and manner of electing the Delegate will be set by the Assembly in a law, but must include the participation of the gameside community.
(5) The date, time, and manner of electing the Delegate will be set by the Assembly in a law, but must include the participation of the gameside community.
'''VIII. THE HIGH COURT'''
===the high court===
Creating a supreme judicial authority for the Coalition.
''Creating a supreme judicial authority for the Coalition.''
1 The High Court will consist of one Chief Justice and a number of Associate Justices, and will hold exclusive judicial authority in the Coalition.
(1) The High Court will consist of one Chief Justice and a number of Associate Justices, and will hold exclusive judicial authority in the Coalition.
(2) The procedure for the appointment of the justices will be defined in a law by the Assembly.
(2) The procedure for the appointment of the justices will be defined in a law by the Assembly.
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(3) Procedures for the conduct of criminal trials and civil cases will be defined in a law by the Assembly.
(3) Procedures for the conduct of criminal trials and civil cases will be defined in a law by the Assembly.
''Powers'''
Powers
(4) The High Court has the power to declare any general law, regulation, directive, determination or any other official act of government, in whole or in part, void upon a determination that it violates the terms of this Charter or any other constitutional law.
(4) The High Court has the power to declare any general law, regulation, directive, determination or any other official act of government, in whole or in part, void upon a determination that it violates the terms of this Charter or any other constitutional law.
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(7) The High Court holds the sole power to conduct a criminal trial.
(7) The High Court holds the sole power to conduct a criminal trial.
'''IX. THE COUNCIL ON REGIONAL SECURITY'''
===The CRS and CG===
Establishing a central authority for protecting the Coalition’s security.
''Establishing a central authority for protecting the Coalition’s security.''
(1) The Council on Regional Security will be composed of experienced and trustworthy members of the Coalition, and will be responsible for monitoring and responding to regional security issues. The Council will choose a Chair as needed, who will fulfill all secretarial requirements of the Council that may arise.
(1) The Council on Regional Security will be composed of experienced and trustworthy members of the Coalition, and will be responsible for monitoring and responding to regional security issues. The Council will choose a Chair as needed, who will fulfill all secretarial requirements of the Council that may arise.
'''Membership'''
''Membership of the Council on Regional Security''
(2) The minimum qualifications for membership in the Council on Regional Security are: maintaining a World Assembly member nation in the South Pacific; a Soft Power Disbursement Rating of at least 50,000, or a Regional Influence ranking of Vassal; 200 endorsements or half the endorsements of the Delegate; and having served at least six consecutive months as a legislator or two terms in the Local Council. The influence and endorsement requirements may be updated by the Council, with majority approval by the Assembly.
(2) The minimum qualifications for membership in the Council on Regional Security are: maintaining a nation in the South Pacific and having served at least six consecutive months as a legislator or two terms in the Local Council.
(3) Eligible members may become members of the Council on Regional Security via two methods, either application to the Council itself, or nomination by the Delegate and Prime Minister.
(3) Eligible members may become members of the Council on Regional Security via two methods, either application to the Council itself, or nomination by the Delegate and Prime Minister.
(4) If applying directly to the Council, applicants should explain why they are well suited to protect regional security. Applications will remain private. The Council will review the application and determine whether or not the applicant is well suited. If the application is approved, the Council will forward the nomination to the Assembly for approval via a simple majority vote.
(4) If applying directly to the Council, applicants should explain why they are well suited to protect regional security. Applications will remain private. The Council will review the application and determine whether or not the applicant is well suited. If the application is approved, the Council will forward the nomination to the Assembly for approval via a three-fifths majority vote.
(5) The Delegate and Prime Minister may jointly nominate any person meeting the requirements for membership and who are well suited to protect regional security. Prior to the nomination, the Delegate and Prime Minister will consult with the Council for their advice. To ensure collegiality and prevent dysfunction, if two-thirds of the members of the Council object to the prospective nominee’s membership, the nomination will not move forward. If no such objection exists, then the nomination will be submitted to the Assembly for approval via simple majority vote.
(5) The Delegate and Prime Minister may jointly nominate any person meeting the requirements for membership and who are well suited to protect regional security. Prior to the nomination, the Delegate and Prime Minister will consult with the Council for their advice. To ensure collegiality and prevent dysfunction, if two-thirds of the members of the Council object to the prospective nominee’s membership, the nomination will not move forward. If no such objection exists, then the nomination will be submitted to the Assembly for approval via three-fifths majority vote.
(6) Continued membership in the Council on Regional Security is predicated upon meeting eligibility requirements. Should any member of the Council fail to meet those requirements, they will lose membership and all the powers and privileges that come with it if they do not meet the requirements within a week of notification.
(6) If a majority of the Council deems a member to be a threat to regional security, they will be suspended from the Council pending an official investigation and report to the Assembly. Following the investigation, the Assembly must vote on whether to remove or reinstate the member.
(7) If a majority of the Council deems a member to be a threat to regional security, they will be suspended from the Council pending an official investigation and report to the Assembly. Following the investigation, the Assembly must vote on whether to remove or reinstate the member.
(7) Participation, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d’etat or invasion of the Coalition or any of its allies will disqualify a prospective or sitting member from membership in the Council on Regional Security immediately and permanently. Participation in normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military will not be considered a violation of this clause.
(8) Participation, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d’etat or invasion of the Coalition or any of its allies will disqualify a prospective or sitting member from membership in the Council on Regional Security immediately and permanently. Participation in normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military will not be considered a violation of this clause.
''Powers of the Council on Regional Security''
'''Powers'''
(8) The Council on Regional Security will be responsible for establishing an appropriate cap on endorsements, ensuring that such a cap is not detrimental to the growth of the region. Enforcement of the endorsement cap should be done with leniency if a violator does not pose a significant risk to regional security.
(9) The Council on Regional Security will be responsible for establishing an appropriate cap on endorsements, ensuring that such a cap is not detrimental to the growth of the region. Enforcement of the endorsement cap should be done with leniency if a violator does not pose a significant risk to regional security.
(9) During a coup d’etat, whether committed by outside forces, infiltrators, or duly elected officials, the Council on Regional Security may declare a state of emergency, until such a time that a legitimate government is restored. All necessary measures may be taken to defeat a coup d’etat or hostile invasion, except that the legitimate Assembly may not be suspended.
(10) During a coup d’etat, whether committed by outside forces, infiltrators, or duly elected officials, the Council on Regional Security may declare a state of emergency, until such a time that a legitimate government is restored. All necessary measures may be taken to defeat a coup d’etat or hostile invasion, except that the legitimate Assembly may not be suspended.
(10) The Council on Regional Security, the Prime Minister, and the Delegate will establish a line of succession for the Delegate seat.
(11) The Council on Regional Security, the Prime Minister, and the Delegate will establish a line of succession for the Delegate seat.
(11) The Council on Regional Security shall designate an individual as Intelligence Coordinator, who must be notified of and approve all intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. The Intelligence Coordinator will be responsible for disseminating any and all intelligence to the Council on Regional Security and other bodies as needed. The Intelligence Coordinator and the Minister of Defense will maintain a regional intelligence classification system as necessary for ensuring information security.
(12) The Council on Regional Security shall designate an individual as Intelligence Coordinator, who must be notified of and approve all intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. The Intelligence Coordinator will be responsible for disseminating any and all intelligence to the Council on Regional Security and other bodies as needed. The Intelligence Coordinator and the Minister of Military Affairs will maintain a regional intelligence classification system as necessary for ensuring information security.
Establishing an authority for maintaining influence and endorsements to defend the region.
'''X. THE MILITARY'''
(12) The Coral Guard will be composed of trusted members of the Coalition, and will be responsible for maintaining high endorsements and influence levels. The Coral Guard will choose a Chair as needed, who will fulfill all secretarial requirements of the Coral Guard that may arise.
Creating an official military for the purposes of regional defense, war, and gameplay.
''Membership of the Coral Guard''
(1) The South Pacific Special Forces will be the official military forces of the Coalition. Their responsibilities will be to enact the government’s military policies abroad, foster activity for the region, and serve as a representative of the Coalition’s power and influence.
(13) The minimum qualifications for membership in the Coral Guard are: maintaining a World Assembly member nation in the South Pacific; having served at least six consecutive months as a legislator or two terms in the Local Council; and meeting requirements for influence and endorsements which are set and published by the Council on Regional Security.
(2) The military will be led by the Minister of Military Affairs, along with a corps of generals appointed by the Minister and approved by the Assembly. The Minister and general corps may establish further hierarchy, create programs, and appoint deputies as they see necessary.
(14) Eligible members of the Coral Guard may submit an application directly to the Council on Regional Security in which they describe why they should be trusted with the ability to maintain high endorsement and influence levels and why they are capable of maintaining such high endorsement and influence levels.
(3) The military will have the support of the Coalition in conducting operations to protect innocent regions from attack and oppression and promote legitimate, native democratic institutions across the world. The military may not colonize or annex any region without the express permission of the Cabinet and the Assembly, by majority vote of both chambers. Nor may the military attack, subjugate, purge, destroy, or vandalize any regions, excepting those regions which espouse hateful ideologies and those regions against which the Coalition has declared an official state of war.
(15) Continued membership in the Coral Guard is predicated upon meeting eligibility requirements. Should any member of the Coral Guard fail to meet those requirements, they will lose membership and all the powers and privileges that come with it if they do not meet the requirements within a week of notification.
(4) The Minister of Military Affairs will coordinate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that no military activities harm the government’s diplomatic affairs or public relations.
(16) Members of the Coral Guard may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the Council on Regional Security or recall by the Assembly.
'''XI. RECALLS AND MOTIONS OF NO CONFIDENCE'''
''Powers and Responsibilities of the Coral Guard''
Establishing a method to hold government officials to account.
(17) Members of the Coral Guard are responsible for maintaining high levels of endorsements and influence in the region as well as promoting a growth-oriented endorsement culture in the region, subject to the limitations of the endorsement cap set by the Council on Regional Security.
(1) Any official of the Coalition may be recalled by an Assembly resolution passed with a three-fifths majority of those voting.
(18) During a state of emergency, the Coral Guard will be required to execute any and all directives by the Council on Regional Security in order to restore the legitimate government of the region. When nations must be ejected or banned from the region, the Council on Regional Security will have the power to order any member of the Coral Guard to do so.
*a. Recalls should only be initiated for dereliction of duty, abuse of authority, or violations of the law, and not for purposes of political rivalry.
*b. Upon initiation, recall resolutions must be debated for three days and receive a motion and second before being put to vote.
*c. Upon passage, the recalled official will immediately be removed from office.
(2) A Motion of No Confidence may be initiated by the Assembly if the members have lost faith in the effectiveness and activities of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Motions of No Confidence must be debated for three days and receive a motion and a second before being moved to vote. Passage requires three-fifths majority support of those voting, and triggers a special election for all cabinet offices.
(19) The Coral Guard will have the power, subject to the limitations of the endorsement cap set by the Council on Regional Security, to build infrastructure and conduct events to promote the growth of endorsements in the region, particularly among the Council on Regional Security and Coral Guard.
'''XII. THE ADMINISTRATION TEAM'''
===The Military===
Creating an independent, apolitical body to manage off-site communications.
''Creating an official military for the purposes of regional defense, war, and gameplay.''
(1) The Off-Site Administration Team will be responsible for the technical maintenance of the region's Discord servers, forums, and the integrity of the database. Administrators will not be given responsibilities of a political nature.
(1) The South Pacific Special Forces will be the official military forces of the Coalition. Their responsibilities will be to enact the government’s military policies abroad, foster activity for the region, and serve as a representative of the Coalition’s power and influence.
(2) The Off-Site Administration Team will be responsible for the appointment and removal of its own members, except when an administrator is removed from the position following a guilty verdict in a fair trial for abuse of administrative powers. Additionally, new administrators must be approved by a majority of the Assembly before being granted administrator permissions.
(2) The military will be led by the Minister of Defense, along with a corps of generals appointed by the Minister and approved by the Assembly. The Minister and general corps may establish further hierarchy, create programs, and appoint deputies as they see necessary.
(3) The Off-Site Administration Team must create standard administration and moderation policies. These policies will be submitted to the Assembly for a one-week review and comment period before going into effect.
(3) The military will have the support of the Coalition in conducting operations to protect innocent regions from attack and oppression and promote legitimate, native democratic institutions across the world. The military may not colonize or annex any region without the express permission of the Cabinet and the Assembly, by majority vote of both chambers. Nor may the military attack, subjugate, purge, destroy, or vandalize any regions, excepting those regions which espouse hateful ideologies and those regions against which the Coalition has declared an official state of war.
(4) While the Off-Site Administration Team may appoint global moderators if needed, individual Ministers, the Chair of the Assembly, and roleplay moderators primarily will be responsible for the moderation of their dedicated Discord servers and forums.
(4) The Minister of Defense will coordinate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that no military activities harm the government’s diplomatic affairs or public relations
'''XIII. AMENDMENT PROCESS'''
===Recalls and Motions of No Confidence===
Setting a procedure for amendment of the Charter and constitutional laws.
''Establishing a method to hold government officials to account.''
(1) The Assembly may amend any provision of the Charter or constitutional laws with a three-fifths supermajority. Amendments to the Charter or constitutional laws must be constitutional in nature, and amendments to the Charter must address the structure or framework of government. Bills that may exist as general laws, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, should not be placed in the Charter or constitutional laws.
(1) Any official of the Coalition may be recalled by an Assembly resolution passed with a three-fifths majority of those voting.
(2) Any amendment to the Charter or constitutional laws that directly affects the gameside community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also be debated and voted upon by the gameside community. Additionally, the Local Council may originate amendments to its constitutional structure, which must be debated and voted upon in the Assembly.
'''XIV. GREAT COUNCILS'''
Setting a procedure for constitutional conventions.
(1) When the Assembly wishes to debate the fundamental principles and structures of the Coalition, it may call a Great Council to rewrite all laws in their entirety, or establish a new state for the South Pacific.
(2) A resolution establishing a Great Council may be adopted with a three-fifths supermajority of the Assembly, which must be confirmed by a majority vote of the gameside community.
(3) The purpose of a Great Council is to rewrite all laws from the ground up, not merely to amend existing ones. The Assembly should use the normal amendment process for basic amendments, reserving Great Councils for a time when extreme changes are necessary and proper.
(4) Any and all changes to regional law proposed by a Great Council may be adopted by a three-fifths supermajority of the Assembly, which must be confirmed by a majority vote of the game-side community.
(5) If a Great Council fails to pass a new constitution and set of laws to replace the existing ones, then the existing laws will remain in place.
(6) At least one year must have passed since the previous Great Council before a new one may be established.
==The Original Charter==
'''The Charter of The South Pacific'''
'''Preamble'''
The Assembly of the Coalition of The South Pacific, representing our diverse community, convenes to establish this fundamental law of our region, to uphold democratic principles and rights, and provide for the security of our unified community both on the forums and in the game.
'''I. CONSTITUTIONAL LAWS'''
Defining the supreme laws of our community.
1. Laws that form the foundation of our community, are considered fundamental to governance, or otherwise are considered of great importance by the Assembly, are to be known as “constitutional laws” and marked as such.
2. Constitutional laws hold precedence and supremacy over all other laws, regulations, and policies of all branches of government.
3. This Charter is a constitutional law holding supremacy over all others, and defines the purpose of our government and its framework.
'''II. SOVEREIGNTY'''
Outlining the sovereignty of the Coalition and the origins of legitimacy.
1. The sovereignty of the region lies with the Coalition of The South Pacific. No other group claiming legitimacy will be recognized. The integrity of the Coalition, in its forums and the region, shall not be challenged or violated by any government official, internal dissidents, or other regions.
2. Authority and legitimacy is held jointly by the region and the forum, and the union between the two is what defines the Coalition. No illegitimate invader or usurper of the region shall be recognized.
'''III. RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS'''
Recognizing the democratic rights and freedoms of all members of the Coalition
1. All members of The South Pacific will enjoy the freedoms of expression, speech, assembly, and the press, limited only by reasonable forum moderation policies.
2. The right to a fair trial and defense against criminal accusations will not be abridged. No member may be subject to any bill of attainder, be tried for the same crime more than once, or be tried ex post facto.
3. No member may be banned or ejected from the in-game region without the due process of law.
4. No member may be denied the right to vote or hold office, unless prohibited by constitutional law.
5. No law may be passed by the Assembly that directly affects the activities of the in-game community, without the consent of the in-game community.
6. The High Court may strike down any general law or action that violates any right or freedom found in this Charter.
'''IV. THE ASSEMBLY'''
Establishing legislative authority in the Assembly
1. The Assembly holds supreme legislative authority in the Coalition, and is comprised of all eligible legislators and a representative of the Local Council. It is responsible for establishing and maintaining the legal code of the Coalition.
2. The Assembly will elect a Chair by a public majority vote for a term lasting four months. The Chair is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, and helping guide Assembly debate into the creation of bills. If a Chair is recalled or otherwise not in office, a new Chair will be elected by majority vote for a new term lasting four months. The Election Commission will be responsible for organizing Chair elections.
'''Legislator Eligibility'''
3. All residents of the Coalition are eligible to attain legislator status through application with the Chair, predicated on the Chair ensuring they are not seeking membership in bad faith, are not attempting to obscure their identity, are not attempting to join with multiple nations, and the Council on Regional Security does not declare them a significant risk to regional security. Any member of the Assembly may publicly petition the Chair for or against a prospective legislator’s admission.
4. Continued legislator status requires active membership and good behavior. The Chair will remove legislator status from any person failing to vote in the last two official Assembly votes held on separate days, unless the Chair has granted a leave of absence. Additionally, the Chair may suspend privileges for disruptive members. Frequent suspensions may be grounds for ineligibility, if found appropriate in a fair trial by the High Court.
'''Legislative Rules'''
5. All bills must be moved to a vote upon receiving a second by another legislator. The Chair is responsible for the creation of a voting thread, and recording the votes. In the event that the Chair does not or cannot perform their duties in a reasonable timeframe, any member of the Assembly may create a voting thread.
6. All general laws, resolutions, and treaty ratifications must be passed by a simple majority of those voting. Laws marked as constitutional laws, or resolutions that deal with issues found in constitutional laws, require a three-fifths supermajority of those voting to pass. Appointments, unless otherwise specified, require a simple majority of those voting.
7. The Local Council representative will have a weighted vote of 20% of all non-abstaining votes cast on bills. The Chair will calculate how many votes are allotted to the representative at the close of each vote, and then add the representative’s total votes to the final tally.
8. The legislative history of all laws will be recorded by the Chair, including debate threads, vote results, and amendment histories.
'''V. THE LOCAL COUNCIL'''
Establishing home rule for the in-game region residents
1. The Local Council will be a body of three residents of The South Pacific elected by the region as a whole every four months, who will represent the interests of all players in the region, moderate the Regional Message Board, and encourage activity on the game-side.
2. The content of the World Factbook Entry and Dispatches will be managed by the Local Council, in cooperation with the Delegate, and must contain at least a link to the Official Regional Forums and a notice to endorse members of the Council on Regional Security.
3. The Local Council will have the authority to run regional polls, create and pin Dispatches, and to suppress messages on the Regional Message Board according to a standard moderation policy. It may not alter the regional flag or tags, and may not send out mass telegrams, without the approval of the Delegate.
4. The Local Council is responsible for sending a representative to the Assembly, whose term must not exceed the Local Council’s. The method of selection will be decided by the Local Council, along with how the representative casts their votes in the Assembly.
'''VI. THE EXECUTIVE'''
Establishing an executive branch consisting of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet
1. The Prime Minister will be the head of government and the leader of the Cabinet. They will be responsible for the overall coordination of executive activities, being a liaison between the government and the community, and protecting the Coalition.
2. The Cabinet will consist of ministers with the following portfolios: Foreign Affairs, Regional Affairs, and Military Affairs.
'''Elections'''
3. Executive elections will be held every four months, where the Prime Minister and all Cabinet positions will be up for election.
4. The date, time, and manner of elections will be set by the Assembly in a general law.
'''Minister of Regional Affairs'''
5. The Minister of Regional Affairs will be responsible for promoting regional and forum activity, integrating new players into the forums, organizing cultural events, and communicating with the world about The South Pacific’s activities.
'''Minister of Foreign Affairs'''
6. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be the Coalition’s chief diplomat. They will be responsible for establishing the government’s foreign policy program, communicating with allies, and coordinating with the military on foreign policy priorities when necessary.
7. The Minister of Foreign Affairs holds the sole power to initiate treaty negotiations with other regions, groups, and organizations, but may designate officers to handle those negotiations. Upon completion of a treaty negotiation, the Minister must present it to the full executive for majority approval, before submitting it to the Assembly for ratification.
8. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for establishing standards for the creation and maintenance of consulates and embassies.
'''Minister of Military Affairs'''
9. The Minister of Military Affairs will be the civilian leader of the armed forces of the Coalition, the South Pacific Special Forces. In conjunction with a group of Generals, the Minister of Military Affairs will be responsible for the defense of the Coalition, building military activity, and conducting military operations.
10. The Minister of Military Affairs may elect to establish an intelligence office, in equal coordination with the Council on Regional Security.
'''Executive Authorities'''
11. The executive may exercise the collective authority of executive orders, by unanimous consent among the Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers. Executive orders may only be issued to address an immediate and pressing issue created by ambiguity or holes in a particular law, which will immediately have the effect of law.
12. Upon declaring an executive order, the order will be presented automatically to the Assembly for three days of debate, followed by a vote according to legislative rules, where it will expire and its effects be reversed if the Assembly does not incorporate it into law.
13. The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers may elect to appoint deputies and advisors, who will be considered junior members of the Cabinet, but will not have voting rights in any executive decision.
Recalls and Motions of No Confidence
14. The Delegate and individual Cabinet Ministers may be recalled by an Assembly resolution passed with three-fifths majority of those voting. Recalls may only be initiated for dereliction of duty, abuse of authority, or violations of the law, and not for purposes of political rivalry. Upon initiation, recall resolutions must be debated for three days and receive a motion and second before being put to vote. Upon passage, the recalled official will immediately be removed from office and a special election for their position must be started as soon as possible.
15. A Motion of No Confidence may be initiated by the Assembly, if the members have lost faith in the effectiveness and activities of the Delegate and the Cabinet. Motions of No Confidence must be debated for three days and receive a motion and a second before being moved to vote. Passage requires three-fifths majority support of those voting, and triggers a special election for all executive offices.
'''VII. THE DELEGATE'''
Establishing a head of State
1 The Delegate will be the head of state of the Coalition. They will be responsible for helping maintain the security of the region, promoting growth and activity, and serving as an advisor to the forum-side government.
2. The Delegate will work with the Local Council in moderating the Regional Message Board, fulfilling Regional Officer positions, promoting game-side activities, and representing the preferences of the game-side community.
3. The Delegate must fulfill in-game actions required by law but assigned to others, if those actions can only be taken by the person holding the in-game Delegate seat.
'''Elections'''
4. Delegate elections will be held every six months.
5. The date, time, and manner of electing the Delegate will be set by the Assembly in a general law, but must include the participation of the game-side community.
'''VIII. THE HIGH COURT'''
Creating a supreme judicial authority for the Coalition
1 The High Court will consist of one Permanent Justice and a Pool of Justices, and will hold exclusive judicial authority in the Coalition.
2. The procedure for the appointment of the Permanent Justice and the members of the Pool of Justices will be defined in a general law by the Assembly.
3. Procedures for the conduct of criminal trials and civil cases will be defined in a general law by the Assembly.
'''Powers'''
4. The High Court has the sole power to declare any general law, in whole or in part, void upon a determination that it violates the terms of this Charter or any other constitutional law.
5. The High Court may reconcile contradictions within the Charter, constitutional laws, and general laws, maintaining the least amount of disruption to the intended purposes of the contradictory parts.
6. The High Court may clarify and interpret provisions of law, when presented with a Legal Question about them.
7. The High Court holds the sole power to conduct a criminal trial.
'''IX. THE COUNCIL ON REGIONAL SECURITY'''
Establishing a central authority for protecting the Coalition’s security
1. The Council of Regional Security will be composed of experienced and trustworthy members of the Coalition, and will be responsible for monitoring and responding to regional security issues.
'''Membership'''
2. To be considered for membership in the Council on Regional Security, a person must meet the following qualifications: World Assembly membership in The South Pacific; a Soft Power Disbursement Score of at least 50000, or an Influence Ranking of at least Vassal; at least 200 endorsements or half the endorsements of the Delegate; and six consecutive months of legislator status, or at least two terms in the Local Council. The specific influence score, ranking, and endorsement numbers may be updated by the Council, with majority approval by the Assembly, to reflect changes to the disbursement of influence in the region, or updates to the game.
3. Eligible members may submit an application to the Council, clearly showing that they meet the basic requirements, and offering reasons for why they should considered for membership. The Council will review applicants and choose whether or not an applications will be submitted to the Assembly for approval.
4. The Assembly will vote on applications forwarded by the Council, using a simple majority threshold.
5. Continued membership in the Council on Regional Security is predicated upon meeting eligibility requirements. Should any member of the Council fail to meet those requirements, they will lose membership and all the powers and privileges that come with it, if they do not meet the requirements within a week of notification.
6. If a majority of the Council deems a member to be a threat to regional security, they will be suspended from the Council pending an official investigation and report to the Assembly. Following the investigation, the Assembly must vote on whether to remove or reinstate the member.
7. Participation, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d’etat or invasion of the Coalition or any of its allies will disqualify an applicant or sitting member from membership in the Council on Regional Security immediately and permanently. Participation in normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military will not be considered a violation of this clause.
'''Powers'''
8. The Council on Regional Security will be responsible for establishing an appropriate cap on endorsements, ensuring that such cap is not detrimental to the growth of the region. Enforcement of the endorsement cap should be done with leniency if a violator does not pose a significant risk to regional security.
9. During a coup d’etat, whether committed by outside forces, infiltrators, or duly elected officials, the Council on Regional Security may assume martial command of the Coalition, until such a time that a legitimate government is restored. All necessary measures may be taken to defeat a coup d’etat or hostile invasion.
10. The Delegate must grant members of the Council on Regional Security appropriate Regional Officer powers to fulfill their duties. When there is a limited number of Regional Officer positions available, those positions must be given to the most senior Council members.
11. The Council on Regional Security, the Prime Minister, and the Delegate will establish a line of succession for the Delegate seat.
'''X. THE MILITARY'''
Creating an official military for the purposes of regional defense, war, and gameplay
1 The South Pacific Special Forces will be the official military forces of the Coalition. Their responsibilities will be to enact the government’s military policies abroad, foster activity for the region, and serve as a representative of the Coalition’s power and influence.
2. The military will be led by the Minister of Military Affairs, along with a corps of generals appointed by the Minister and approved by the Assembly. The Minister and general corps may establish further hierarchy, create programs, and appoint deputies as they see necessary.
3. The military may engage in offensive or defensive operations without fear of political reprisal. However, it may not colonize or annex any region without the express permission of the Cabinet and the Assembly, nor may it engage in region destruction. Any changes to the World Factbook Entry, Regional Message Board, regional flag, or embassies list must be reversed at the end of all military operations.
4. The Minister of Military Affairs will coordinate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that no military activities harm the government’s diplomatic affairs or public relations.
'''XI. THE ADMINISTRATION TEAM'''
Creating an independent, apolitical body to manage the forums
1. The Forum Administration Team will be responsible for the technical maintenance of the forums and the integrity of the database. Administrators will not be given responsibilities of a political nature.
2. The Forum Administration Team will be responsible for the appointment and removal of its own members, except when an administrator is removed from the position following a guilty verdict in a fair trial for abuse of administrative powers. Additionally, new administrators must be approved by a majority of the Assembly before being granted administrator permissions.
3. The Forum Administration Team must create standard administration and moderation policies. These policies will be submitted to the Assembly for a one-week review and comment period before going into effect.
4. While the Forum Administration Team may appoint global moderators if needed, individual Ministers and the Chair of the Assembly primarily will be responsible for the moderation of their dedicated forums.
'''XII. AMENDMENT PROCESS'''
Setting a procedure for amendment the Charter
1. The Assembly may amend any provision of the Charter by a three-fifths supermajority, unless that provision sets a separate threshold. Amendments must be constitutional in nature, addressing the structure or framework of government. Bills that may exist as general laws, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, should not be placed in the Charter.
2. Debate on Charter amendments will last for a minimum of two weeks, unless the Council on Regional Security acknowledges that the amendment addresses an immediate and perilous issue that threatens the security of the region. Any amendment that directly affects the game-side community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also be debated and voted upon by the game-side community.
'''XIII. GREAT COUNCILS'''
Setting a procedure for constitutional conventions
1. When the Assembly wishes to debate the fundamental principles and structures of the Coalition, it may call a Great Council to rewrite all laws in their entirety, or establish a new state for The South Pacific.
2. A majority vote by both the Assembly and the game-side community is required to begin a Great Council. At least one year must pass between a Great Council before another one is called.
3. The purpose of a Great Council is to rewrite all laws from the ground up, not merely to amend existing ones. The Assembly should use the normal amendment process for basic amendments, reserving Great Councils for a time when extreme changes are necessary and proper.
4. If a Great Council fails to pass a new constitution and set of laws to replace the existing ones, then the existing laws will remain in place.
==Amendments==
===Amendment 1===
Article IV, Section 6 was amended from on 6-8-2016.
===Amendment 2==
The following Amendment to Article IV Section 4 was adopted on 8-15-2016.
4. Continued legislator status requires active membership and good behaviour. <s>{{color|red|The Chair will remove legislator status from any person failing to vote in the last two official Assembly votes held on separate days, unless the Chair has granted a leave of absence.}}</s> {{color|green|The Chair will remove legislator status from any person absent for three non-concurrent Assembly votes; legislators who have an approved leave of absence from the Chair shall not be considered absent.}} Additionally, the Chair may suspend privileges for disruptive members. Frequent suspensions may be grounds for ineligibility, if found appropriate in a fair trial by the High Court.
===Amendment 3===
The following Amendment to Article IV and XII were adopted on 8-17-2016.
'''Article IV'''
5. All bills {{color|blue|will}} be moved to a vote upon receiving a second by another legislator{[color|blue|, should the Chair or their designated deputy determine that there has been sufficient debate on the issue. Debate must last for a minimum period of time equivalent to that proposed legislation will be at vote for.}}
6. The Chair {{color|blue|or their designated deputy}} is responsible for the creation of a voting thread, and recording the votes. In the event that the Chair {{color|blue|or their designated deputy}} does not or cannot perform their duties in a reasonable timeframe, any member of the Assembly may create a voting thread.
7. {{color|blue|Should a debate lead to multiple competing bills on a single issue, the Chair will bring them to vote in a sequential order based upon which bill has the most seconding motions. Should any bill on the issue be adopted, the issue shall be considered settled and competing bills will not be brought to vote at that point in time.}}
|-|-|-|
'''Article XII'''
1. The Assembly may amend any provision of the Charter by a three-fifths supermajority, <s>{{color|red|unless that provision sets a separate threshold.}}</s> Amendments must be constitutional in nature, addressing the structure or framework of government. Bills that may exist as general laws, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, should not be placed in the Charter.
2. <s>{{color|red|Debate on Charter amendments will last for a minimum of two weeks, unless the Council on Regional Security acknowledges that the amendment addresses an immediate and perilous issue that threatens the security of the region.}}</s> Any amendment that directly affects the game-side community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also be debated and voted upon by the game-side community.
===Amendment 4===
The following Amendment to Article IV, Section 7 was adopted on 9-3-2016.
'''IV. THE ASSEMBLY'''
Legislative Rules
<s>7. Should a debate lead to multiple competing bills on a single issue, the Chair will bring them to vote in a sequential order based upon which bill has the most seconding motions. Should any bill on the issue be adopted, the issue shall be considered settled and competing bills will not be brought to vote at that point in time.</s>
7. Should a debate lead to multiple competing bills on a single issue, the Chair will bring the competing bills to vote separately and simultaneously, in the same way regular business is done. The bill that gets the most aye votes and meets minimum threshold requirements will become law.
===Amendment 5===
Article X, Section 3 was amended on 12-15-2016.
===Amendment 6===
Recalls and Motions of No Confidence
14. The Delegate and individual Cabinet Ministers may be recalled by an Assembly resolution passed with three-fifths majority of those voting. Recalls may only be initiated for dereliction of duty, abuse of authority, or violations of the law, and not for purposes of political rivalry. Upon initiation, recall resolutions must be debated for three days and receive a motion and second before being put to vote. Upon passage, the recalled official will immediately be removed from office and a special election for their position must be started as soon as possible.
15. A Motion of No Confidence may be initiated by the Assembly, if the members have lost faith in the effectiveness and activities of the Delegate and the Cabinet. Motions of No Confidence must be debated for three days and receive a motion and a second before being moved to vote. Passage requires three-fifths majority support of those voting, and triggers a special election for all executive offices.
...And the following was added in the same day:
'''XI. RECALLS AND MOTIONS OF NO CONFIDENCE'''
Establishing a method to hold government government officials to account
(1) Any official of the Coalition may be recalled by an Assembly resolution passed with three-fifths majority of those voting.
a. Recalls should only be initiated for dereliction of duty, abuse of authority, or violations of the law, and not for purposes of political rivalry.
a. Recalls should only be initiated for dereliction of duty, abuse of authority, or violations of the law, and not for purposes of political rivalry.
b. Upon initiation, recall resolutions must be debated for three days and receive a motion and second before being put to vote.
b. Upon initiation, recall resolutions must be debated for three days and receive a motion and second before being put to vote.
c. Upon passage, the recalled official will immediately be removed from office.
c. Upon passage, the recalled official will immediately be removed from office.
(2) A Motion of No Confidence may be initiated by the Assembly, if the members have lost faith in the effectiveness and activities of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Motions of No Confidence must be debated for three days and receive a motion and a second before being moved to vote. Passage requires three-fifths majority support of those voting, and triggers a special election for all cabinet offices.
(2) A Motion of No Confidence may be initiated by the Assembly if the members have lost faith in the effectiveness and activities of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Motions of No Confidence must be debated for three days and receive a motion and a second before being moved to vote. Passage requires three-fifths majority support of those voting, and triggers a special election for all Cabinet offices.
===Amendment 7===
Article IV, Section 2 was amended on 12-29-2016.
===Global Administration and Moderation Team===
===Amendment 8===
Article IV, Section 9 was amended on 12-30-2016.
''Creating an independent, apolitical body to manage off-site communications.''
===Amendment 9===
Several Articles were amended from the following below in January 7, 2017:
(1) The Off-Site Administration Team will be responsible for the technical maintenance of the region's Discord servers, forums, and the integrity of the database. Administrators will not be given responsibilities of a political nature.
===Amendment 10===
Article IX was amended on 3-29-2017 with the addition of a new section, numbered 12.
(2) The Off-Site Administration Team will be responsible for the appointment and removal of its own members, except when an administrator is removed from the position following a guilty verdict in a fair trial for abuse of administrative powers. Additionally, new administrators must be approved by a majority of the Assembly before being granted administrator permissions.
12. The Council on Regional Security shall designate an individual as Intelligence Coordinator, who must be notified of and approve all intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. The Intelligence Coordinator will be responsible for disseminating any and all intelligence to the Council on Regional Security and other bodies as needed.
(3) The Off-Site Administration Team must create standard administration and moderation policies. These policies will be submitted to the Assembly for a one-week review and comment period before going into effect.
====Debate====
(4) While the Off-Site Administration Team may appoint global moderators if needed, individual Ministers, the Chair of the Assembly, and roleplay moderators primarily will be responsible for the moderation of their dedicated Discord servers and forums.
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-4954-post-151653.html#pid151653 here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-4969.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|14
|3
|6
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 60.87% saying "Aye", 13.04% saying "Nay", and 26.09% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 11===
Article IV was amended on 4-24-2017, changing section 4.
4. {[color|green|Within the first week of each calendar month}}, the Chair will remove legislator status from any person absent for <s>{{color|redthree non-concurrent Assembly votes}}</s> {{color|green|more than half of all votes finished in the previous calendar month, if a minimum of two votes occurred. The Chair may exercise their discretion and not remove legislators who have participated in assembly debate, but are below the voting threshold.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-4991-post-152464.html#pid152464 here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5023.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|18
|5
|3
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 69.23% saying "Aye", 19.23% saying "Nay", and 11.54% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 12===
The Charter was amended by the Assembly on 4-4-2017, confirmed by game-side vote on 4-14-2017.
{{color|green|4. Any constitutional law that directly affects the game-side community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also be debated and voted upon by the game-side community.}}
Article IV, Section 1 was amended as follows:
1. The Assembly holds supreme legislative authority in the Coalition, and is comprised of all eligible legislators <s>{{color|red|and a representative of the Local Council.}}</s> It is responsible for establishing and maintaining the legal code of the Coalition.
Article IV, Sections 9-10 were amended as follows:
<s>{{color|red|9. The Local Council representative will have the power to cast an additional weighted vote worth one-fifth of all non-abstaining votes cast on bills, not including the block vote, giving them a one-sixth share of the total vote, excluding abstentions. The Chair will calculate how many votes are allotted to the representative at the close of each vote, rounding them to the nearest whole number, and will then add the representative’s total votes to the final tally.}}</s>
<s>{{color|red|10.}}</s> {{color|green|9.}} The legislative history of all laws will be recorded by the Chair, including debate threads, vote results, and amendment histories.
Article V, Section 4 was amended as follows:
4. To help promote inter-governmental relations, the Local Council will send a representative to the Assembly, whose term must not exceed the Local Council’s. The method of selection will be decided by the Local Council, <s>{{color|red|along with how the representative casts their votes in the Assembly.}}</s>
Article XIII was amended as follows:
'''XIII. AMENDMENT PROCESS'''
Setting a procedure for amendment {{color|green|of}} the Charter {{color|green|and constitutional laws}}
1. The Assembly may amend any provision of the Charter {{color|green|or constitutional laws}} by a three-fifths supermajority. Amendments {{color|green|to the Charter or constitutional laws}} must be constitutional in nature, <s>{{color|red|addressing}}</s> {{color|green|and amendments to the Charter must address}} the structure or framework of government. Bills that may exist as general laws, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, should not be placed in the Charter {{color|green|or constitutional laws.}}
2. Any amendment {{color|green|to the Charter or constitutional laws}} that directly affects the game-side community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also be debated and voted upon by the game-side community. Additionally, the Local Council may originate amendments to its constitutional structure, which must be debated and voted upon in the Assembly.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-4988-post-152050.html#pid152050 here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5001.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|16
|2
|7
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 64.00% saying "Aye", 8.00% saying "Nay", and 28.00% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 13===
The Charter was amended by the Assembly on 5-1-2017.
<s>{{color|red|'''Legislative Rules'''}}
{{color|red|5. All bills will be moved to a vote upon receiving a second by another legislator, should the Chair or their designated deputy determine that there has been sufficient debate on the issue. Debate must last for a minimum period of time equivalent to that proposed legislation will be at vote for.}}
{{color|red|6. All general laws, resolutions, and treaty ratifications must be passed by a simple majority of those voting. Laws marked as constitutional laws, or resolutions that deal with issues found in constitutional laws, require a three-fifths supermajority of those voting to pass. Appointments, unless otherwise specified, require a simple majority of those voting.}}
{{color|red|7. The Chair or their designated deputy is responsible for the creation of a voting thread, and recording the votes. In the event that the Chair or their designated deputy does not or cannot perform their duties in a reasonable timeframe, any member of the Assembly may create a voting thread.}}
{{color|red|8. Should a debate lead to multiple competing bills on a single issue, the Chair will bring the competing bills to vote separately and simultaneously, in the same way regular business is done. The bill that gets the most aye votes and meets minimum threshold requirements will become law.
9. The legislative history of all laws will be recorded by the Chair, including debate threads, vote results, and amendment histories.}}</s>
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5035.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5057.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|17
|4
|9
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 56.67% saying "Aye", 13.33% saying "Nay", and 30.00% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 14===
The Charter was amended by the Assembly on 5-7-2017.
4. The High Court has the power to declare any general law or regulation, Cabinet directive, {{color|green|Chair determination,}} and Local Council law or regulation, in whole or in part, void upon determination that it violates the terms of this Charter or any other constitutional law.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5071.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5087.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|25
|1
|2
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 89.29% saying "Aye", 3.57% saying "Nay", and 7.14% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 15===
{{color|green|3. The Chair may appoint a deputy or deputies, to whom the Chair may publicly delegate any powers, responsibilities, or special projects of the Chair, subject to all regulations and restrictions imposed upon the Chair by law. The Chair may dismiss such deputies.}}
{{color|green|4. During an interim period in which the Chair is not in office prior to election of a new Chair, a deputy appointed by the previous Chair will serve as Acting Chair to exercise all powers and responsibilities of the Chair, subject to all regulations and restrictions imposed upon the Chair by law. In the event that more than one deputy was appointed, the most senior deputy according to order of appointment and availability will serve as Acting Chair. In the event that no deputy was appointed or is available, the Cabinet will designate a legislator to serve as Acting Chair.}}
Legislator Eligibility
3. {{color|green|5.}} All residents of the Coalition are eligible to attain legislator status through application with the Chair, predicated on the Chair ensuring they {{color|green|have a nation in the South Pacific,}} are not seeking membership in bad faith, are not attempting to obscure their identity, are not attempting to join with multiple nations, and the Council on Regional Security does not declare them a significant risk to regional security. Any <s>{{color|red|member of the Assembly}}</s> {{color|green|legislator}} may publicly petition the Chair for or against a prospective legislator’s admission. {{color|green|Anyone admitted to legislator status during a forum election in which only legislators may vote, from the time nominations begin until the conclusion of forum voting, may not stand for election nor vote in that forum election.}}
4. 6. Within the first week of each calendar month, the Chair will remove legislator status from any person {{color|green|no longer maintaining a nation in The South Pacific, or}} absent for more than half of all votes finished in the previous calendar month, if a minimum of two votes occurred. The Chair may exercise their discretion and not remove legislators <s>{{color|red|who have participated in assembly debate, but are below the voting threshold}}</s>{{color|green|reasonable extenuating circumstances.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5102.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5125.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|32
|2
|5
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 82.05% saying "Aye", 5.13% saying "Nay", and 12.82% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 16===
1. The Council of Regional Security will be composed of experienced and trustworthy members of the Coalition, and will be responsible for monitoring and responding to regional security issues. {{color|green|The Council will choose a Chair as needed, who will fulfill all secretarial requirements of the Council that may arise.}}
Membership
{{color|green|2. The minimum qualifications for membership in the Council on Regional Security are: maintaining a World Assembly member nation in the The South Pacific; a Soft Power Disbursement Rating of at least 50,000, or a Regional Influence ranking of Vassal; 200 endorsements or half the endorsements of the Delegate; and having served at least six consecutive months as a legislator or two terms in the Local Council. The influence and endorsement requirements may be updated by the Council, with majority approval by the Assembly.}}
<s>{{color|red|2. To be considered for membership in the Council on Regional Security, a person must meet the following qualifications: World Assembly membership in The South Pacific; a Soft Power Disbursement Score of at least 50000, or an Influence Ranking of at least Vassal; at least 200 endorsements or half the endorsements of the Delegate; and six consecutive months of legislator status, or at least two terms in the Local Council. The specific influence score, ranking, and endorsement numbers may be updated by the Council, with majority approval by the Assembly, to reflect changes to the disbursement of influence in the region, or updates to the game.}}</s>
{{color|green|3. Eligible members may become members of the Council on Regional Security via two methods, either application to the Council itself, or nomination by the Delegate and Prime Minister.}}
{{color|green|4. If applying directly to the Council, applicants should explain why they are well suited to protect regional security. Applications will remain private. The Council will review the application and determine whether or not the applicant is well suited. If the application is approved, the Council will forward the nomination to the Assembly for approval via simple majority vote.}}
{{color|green|5. The Delegate and Prime Minister may jointly nominate any person meeting the requirements for membership and who are well suited to protect regional security. Prior to the nomination, the Delegate and Prime Minister will consult with the Council for their advice. To ensure collegiality and prevent dysfunction, if two-thirds of the members of the Council object to the prospective nominee’s membership, the nomination will not move forward. If no such objection exists, then the nomination will be submitted to the Assembly for approval via simple majority vote.}}
<s>{{color|red|3. Eligible members may submit an application to the Council, clearly showing that they meet the basic requirements, and offering reasons for why they should considered for membership. The Council will review applicants and choose whether or not an applications will be submitted to the Assembly for approval.}}</s>
<s>{{color|red|4. The Assembly will vote on applications forwarded by the Council, using a simple majority threshold.}}</s>
<s>{{color|red|5.}}</s> {{color|green|6.}} Continued membership in the Council on Regional Security is predicated upon meeting eligibility requirements. Should any member of the Council fail to meet those requirements, they will lose membership and all the powers and privileges that come with it, if they do not meet the requirements within a week of notification.
<s>{{color|red|6.}}</s> {{color|green|7.}} If a majority of the Council deems a member to be a threat to regional security, they will be suspended from the Council pending an official investigation and report to the Assembly. Following the investigation, the Assembly must vote on whether to remove or reinstate the member.
<s>{{color|red|7.}}</s> {{color|green|8.}} Participation, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d’etat or invasion of the Coalition or any of its allies will disqualify a<s>{{color|red|n applicant}}</s> {{color|green|prospective or sitting}} member from membership in the Council on Regional Security immediately and permanently. Participation in normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military will not be considered a violation of this clause.
Powers
<s>{{color|red|8.}}</s> {{color|green|9.}} The Council on Regional Security will be responsible for establishing an appropriate cap on endorsements, ensuring that such cap is not detrimental to the growth of the region. Enforcement of the endorsement cap should be done with leniency if a violator does not pose a significant risk to regional security.
<s>{{color|red|9.}}</s> {{color|green|10.}} During a coup d’etat, whether committed by outside forces, infiltrators, or duly elected officials, the Council on Regional Security may <s>{{color|red|assume martial command of the Coalition}}</s> {{color|green|declare a state of emergency,}} until such a time that a legitimate government is restored. All necessary measures may be taken to defeat a coup d’etat or hostile invasion, {{color|green|except that the legitimate Assembly may not be suspended.}}
<s>{{color|red|10.}}</s> {{color|green|11.}} The Delegate must grant members of the Council on Regional Security appropriate Regional Officer powers to fulfill their duties. When there is a limited number of Regional Officer positions available, those positions must be given to the most senior Council members.
<s>{{color|red|11.}}</s> {{color|green}12.}} The Council on Regional Security, the Prime Minister, and the Delegate will establish a line of succession for the Delegate seat.
<s>{{color|red|12.}}</s> {{color|green|13.}} The Council on Regional Security shall designate an individual as Intelligence Coordinator, who must be notified of and approve all intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. The Intelligence Coordinator will be responsible for disseminating any and all intelligence to the Council on Regional Security and other bodies as needed. {{color|green|The Intelligence Coordinator and the Minister of Military Affairs will maintain a regional intelligence classification system, as necessary for the ensuring information security.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5134.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5153.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|22
|2
|5
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 75.86% saying "Aye", 6.90% saying "Nay", and 17.24% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 17===
Article XIV was amended from the below on 6-8-2017.
[...]
<s>{{color|red|2. A majority vote by both the Assembly and the game-side community is required to begin a Great Council. At least one year must pass between a Great Council before another one is called.}}</s>
{{color|green|2. A resolution establishing a Great Council may be adopted by a three-fifths supermajority of the Assembly, which must be confirmed by a majority vote of the game-side community.}}
[...]
{{color|green|4. Any and all changes to regional law proposed by a Great Council may be adopted by a three-fifths supermajority of the Assembly, which must be confirmed by a majority vote of the game-side community.}}
<s>{{color|red|4.}}</s> {{color|green|5.}} If a Great Council fails to pass a new constitution and set of laws to replace the existing ones, then the existing laws will remain in place.
{{color|green|6. At least one year must have passed since the previous Great Council before a new one may be established.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5175.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5197.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|22
|2
|5
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 75.86% saying "Aye", 6.90% saying "Nay", and 17.24% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 18===
Article III was amended from the below on 8-28-2017.
3. No member, {{color|green|who had joined the region in good faith}}, may be banned or ejected from the in-game region without the due process of law.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5401.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5435.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|21
|9
|5
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 60.00% saying "Aye", 25.71% saying "Nay", and 14.29% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 19===
Articles IV, VI, and VII were amended from the below on 9-15-2017.
'''IV. THE ASSEMBLY'''
2. The Assembly will elect a {{color|green|Legislator as}} Chair for a term lasting four months. The Chair is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, and helping guide Assembly debate into the creation of bills. If a Chair is recalled, {{color|green|loses Legislator status,}} or {{color|green|is}} otherwise not in office, a new Chair will be elected for a new term lasting four months. The Election Commission will be responsible for organizing Chair elections.
'''VI. THE EXECUTIVE'''
Establishing an executive branch consisting of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet
1. The Prime Minister will be the head of government and the leader of the Cabinet. They will be responsible for the overall coordination of executive activities, being a liaison between the government and the community, and protecting the Coalition.
2. The Cabinet will consist of ministers with the following portfolios: Foreign Affairs, Regional Affairs, and Military Affairs.
{{color|green|3. Members of the Executive are required to hold Legislator status.}}
'''VII. THE DELEGATE'''
Establishing a head of State
1 The Delegate will be the head of state of the Coalition. They will be responsible for helping maintain the security of the region, promoting growth and activity, and serving as an advisor to the forum-side government. {{color|green|Barring reasonable circumstances, the Delegate will hold the in-game Delegate seat.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5445.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5482.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|30
|2
|8
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 75.00% saying "Aye", 5.00% saying "Nay", and 20.00% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 20===
Article IV was amended from the below on 10-3-2017.
6. {{color|green|Continued legislator status requires active membership and good behavior.}} Within the first week of each calendar month, the Chair will remove legislator status from any person no longer maintaining a nation in The South Pacific, or absent for more than half of all votes finished in the previous calendar month, if a minimum of two votes occurred. The Chair may exercise their discretion and not remove legislators under reasonable extenuating circumstances. {{color|green|Legislators who have an approved leave of absence from the Chair shall not be considered absent. Additionally, the Chair may suspend privileges for disruptive members. Frequent suspensions may be grounds for ineligibility, if found appropriate in a fair trial by the High Court.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5520.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5536.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|30
|5
|6
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 73.17% saying "Aye", 12.20% saying "Nay", and 14.63% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 21===
Article IV was amended 12-8-2017.
Legislator Eligibility
<s>{{color|red|5. All residents of the Coalition are eligible to attain legislator status through application with the Chair, predicated on the Chair ensuring they have a nation in the South Pacific, are not seeking membership in bad faith, are not attempting to obscure their identity, are not attempting to join with multiple nations, and the Council on Regional Security does not declare them a significant risk to regional security. Any legislator may publicly petition the Chair for or against a prospective legislator’s admission. Anyone admitted to legislator status during a forum election in which only legislators may vote, from the time nominations begin until the conclusion of forum voting, may not stand for election nor vote in that forum election.}}
{{color|red|6. Continued legislator status requires active membership and good behaviour. Within the first week of each calendar month, the Chair will remove legislator status from any person no longer maintaining a nation in The South Pacific, or absent for more than half of all votes finished in the previous calendar month, if a minimum of two votes occurred. The Chair may exercise their discretion and not remove legislators under reasonable extenuating circumstances. Legislators who have an approved leave of absence from the Chair shall not be considered absent. Additionally, the Chair may suspend privileges for disruptive members. Frequent suspensions may be grounds for ineligibility, if found appropriate in a fair trial by the High Court.}}</s>
Legislator Eligibility
{{color|green|5. A standing commission of legislators will be tasked with granting and revoking legislator status. All residents of the Coalition are eligible to attain legislator status through application. Continued legislator status requires active membership and good behaviour.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5589.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5715.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|25
|6
|4
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 71.43% saying "Aye", 17.14% saying "Nay", and 11.54% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 22===
Article VIII was amended as follows by the Assembly on 3-15-2018.
1. The High Court will consist of one <s>{{color|red|Permanent Justice}]</s> {{color|green|Chief Justice}} and a <s>{{color|red|Pool of Justices}}</s> {{color|green|a number of Associate Justices}}, and will hold exclusive judicial authority in the Coalition.
2. The procedure for the appointment of <s>{{color|red|the Permanent Justice and the members of the Pool of Justices}}</s> {{color|green|the justices}} will be defined in a general law by the Assembly.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-5990.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6043.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|25
|0
|7
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 78.13% saying "Aye", 0.00% saying "Nay", and 21.88% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 23===
The following corrections were made on 5-11-2018 by chair's discretion.
'''VI. THE EXECUTIVE'''
Establishing an executive branch consisting of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet
1. The Prime Minister will be the head of government and the leader of the Cabinet. They will be responsible for the overall coordination of executive activities, being a liaison between the government and the community, and protecting the Coalition.
2. The Cabinet will consist of ministers with the following portfolios: Foreign Affairs, Regional Affairs, and Military Affairs.
3. Members of the Executive are required to hold Legislator status.
Elections
<s>{{color|red|3.}}</s> {{color|green|4.}} Executive elections will be held every four months, where the Prime Minister and all Cabinet positions will be up for election.
<s>{{color|red|4.}}</s> {{color|green|5.}} The date, time, and manner of elections will be set by the Assembly in a general law.
Minister of Regional Affairs
<s>{{color|red|5.}}</s> {{color|green|6.}} The Minister of Regional Affairs will be responsible for promoting regional and forum activity, integrating new players into the forums, organizing cultural events, and communicating with the world about The South Pacific’s activities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
<s>{{color|red|6.}}</s> {{color|green|7.}} The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be the Coalition’s chief diplomat. They will be responsible for establishing the government’s foreign policy program, communicating with allies, and coordinating with the military on foreign policy priorities when necessary.
<s>{{color|red|7.}}</s> {{color|green|8.}} The Minister of Foreign Affairs holds the sole power to initiate treaty negotiations with other regions, groups, and organizations, but may designate officers to handle those negotiations. Upon completion of a treaty negotiation, the Minister must present it to the full executive for majority approval, before submitting it to the Assembly for ratification.
<s>{{color|red|8.}}</s> {{color|green|9.}} The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for establishing standards for the creation and maintenance of consulates and embassies.
Minister of Military Affairs
<s>{{color|red|9.}}</s> {{color|green|10.}} The Minister of Military Affairs will be the civilian leader of the armed forces of the Coalition, the South Pacific Special Forces. In conjunction with a group of Generals, the Minister of Military Affairs will be responsible for the defense of the Coalition, building military activity, and conducting military operations.
<s>{{color|red|10.}}</s> {{color|green|11.}}The Minister of Military Affairs may elect to establish an intelligence office, in equal coordination with the Council on Regional Security.
Executive Authorities
<s>{{color|red|11.}}</s> {{color|green|12.}} The executive may exercise the collective authority of executive orders, by unanimous consent among the Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers. Executive orders may only be issued to address an immediate and pressing issue created by ambiguity or holes in a particular law, which will immediately have the effect of law.
<s>{{color|red|12.}}</s> {{color|green|13.}} Upon declaring an executive order, the order will be presented automatically to the Assembly for three days of debate, followed by a vote according to legislative rules, where it will expire and its effects be reversed if the Assembly does not incorporate it into law.
<s>{{color|red|13.}}</s> {{color|green|14.}} The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers may elect to appoint deputies and advisors, who will be considered junior members of the Cabinet, but will not have voting rights in any executive decision.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6160.html here]
===Amendment 24===
Article III was amended as follows by the Assembly on May 12th 2018.
'''III. RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS'''
...
1. All members of The South Pacific will enjoy the freedoms of expression, speech, assembly, and the press, limited only by reasonable <s>{{color|red|forum}}</s> moderation policies.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6147.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6164.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|31
|0
|3
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 91.18% saying "Aye", 0.00% saying "Nay", and 8.82% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 25===
The following amendment was passed on 7-27-2018.
1. The Delegate will be the head of state of the Coalition. They will be responsible for helping maintain the security of the region, promoting growth and activity, and serving as an advisor to the forum-side government. Barring reasonable circumstances, the Delegate will hold the in-game Delegate seat. {{color|green| No person may be Delegate if they have participated, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d'etat of the Coalition or any of its allies, excluding normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6334.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6359.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|24
|12
|7
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 55.81% saying "Aye", 27.91% saying "Nay", and 16.28% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 26===
The following amendment was passed on 9-7-2018.
{{color|green|3. As leader of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister is responsible for overseeing a collective Cabinet agenda, and may give directions and instructions to the ministers. Disputes within the Cabinet are subject to majority decision and collective responsibility; where there is no majority the Prime Minister’s vote shall be the deciding one.}}
<s>{{color|red|3.}}</s> {{color|green|4.}} Members of the Executive are required to hold Legislator status.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6393.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6456.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|21
|1
|7
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 77.14% saying "Aye", 2.86% saying "Nay", and 20.00% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 27===
The following amendment was passed on 9-15-2018.
4. To help promote inter-governmental relations, the Local Council <s>{{color|red|will}}</s> {{color|green|may}} send a representative to the Assembly, whose term must not exceed the Local Council’s. The method of selection will be decided by the Local Council.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6419.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6457.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|26
|8
|1
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 74.29% saying "Aye", 22.86% saying "Nay", and 2.86% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 28===
The Charter was amended using the Chair's discretionary powers on the 12-23-2018.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6648-post-178935.html#pid178935 here]
===Amendment 29===
Article VIII of the Charter of the South Pacific is amended as follows:
4. The High Court has the power to declare any general law <s>{{color|red|or}}</s>, regulation, <s>{{color|red|Cabinet}}</s> directive, <s>{{color|red|Chair}}</s> determination, <s>{{color|red|and Local Council law or regulation,}}</s>{{color|green|or any other official act of government}}, in whole or in part, void upon a determination that it violates the terms of this Charter or any other constitutional law.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6597.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6768.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|35
|3
|13
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 68.63% saying "Aye", 5.88% saying "Nay", and 25.49% saying "Abstain".
===Amemdment 30===
Article IV of the Charter was amended on the 2-8-2019.
'''IV. THE ASSEMBLY'''
...
(2) The Assembly will elect a Legislator as Chair for a term lasting four months. The Chair is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, and helping guide Assembly debate into the creation of bills. If a Chair is recalled, loses Legislator status, or is otherwise not in office, a new Chair will be elected for a new term lasting four months. The Election <s>{{color|red|Commission}}</s> {{color|green|Commissioner}} will be responsible for organizing Chair elections.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6806.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-6816.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|41
|4
|5
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 82.00% saying "Aye", 8.00% saying "Nay", and 10.00% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 31===
Article X of the Charter was amended on the 7-16-2019.
THE CHARTER OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC
...
'''X. THE MILITARY'''
...
<s>{{color|red|(3) The military may engage in offensive or defensive operations without fear of political reprisal. However, it may not colonize or annex any region without the express permission of the Cabinet and the Assembly. Nor may it destroy innocent regions. It may engage in the destruction of regions with which the Coalition is at war, and regions espousing hateful ideologies.}}</s>
{{color|green|(3) The military will have the support of the Coalition in conducting operations to protect innocent regions from attack and oppression and promote legitimate, native democratic institutions across the world. The military may not colonize or annex any region without the express permission of the Cabinet and the Assembly, by majority vote of both chambers. Nor may the military attack, subjugate, purge, destroy, or vandalize any regions, excepting those regions which espouse hateful ideologies and those regions against which the Coalition has declared an official state of war.}}
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7220.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7301.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
===Amendment Process===
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|27
|10
|12
|-
|}
''Setting a procedure for amendment of the Charter and constitutional laws.''
This amendment was passed with 55.10% saying "Aye", 20.41% saying "Nay", and 24.49% saying "Abstain".
(1) The Assembly may amend any provision of the Charter or constitutional laws passed by the Assembly with a three-fifths supermajority. These amendments must be constitutional in nature, and amendments to the Charter must address the structure or framework of government. Bills that may exist as general laws, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, should not be placed in the Charter or constitutional laws.
===Amendment 32===
Articles VI, VII, and VIII of the Charter were amended on the 6-26-2019.
(2) Any amendment to the Charter or constitutional laws that directly affects the gameside community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also receive the consent of the gameside community before coming into force, where the consent shall not require more than a three-fifths supermajority in a vote. Additionally, the Local Council may originate amendments to its structure in the Charter, which must receive the consent of the Assembly before coming into force.
'''THE CHARTER OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC'''
(3) The Local Council will determine the qualifications and processes for amendments to its own constitutional laws.
...
===Great Councils===
'''VI. THE EXECUTIVE'''
''Setting a procedure for constitutional conventions.''
...
(1) The Assembly may call a constitutional convention, wherein the Charter and laws of the Coalition can be rewritten or amended in a systematic manner. These conventions shall be known as Great Councils and be presided over by a chair responsible for maintaining decorum, compiling proposals, recognizing motions, and recording votes.
(6) The date, time, and manner of elections will be set by the Assembly in a <s>{{color|red|general}}</s> law.
(2) Great Councils shall operate in parallel to the Assembly, which will still be convened under regular order. Participation in Great Councils is determined in the organizing resolution, where the Assembly may expand eligibility beyond legislators or restrict eligibility by criteria it deems fit.
...
(3) Great Councils may only be called once per year, unless in the intervening time the legitimacy of the Coalition has been challenged and the Assembly must reassert constitutional order.
'''VII. THE DELEGATE'''
...
(5) The date, time, and manner of electing the Delegate will be set by the Assembly in a <s>{{color|red|general}}</s> law, but must include the participation of the gameside community.
...
'''VIII. HIGH COURT'''
...
(2) The procedure for the appointment of the justices will be defined in a <s>{{color|red|general}}</s> law by the Assembly.
(3) Procedures for the conduct of criminal trials and civil cases will be defined in a <s>{{color|red|general}}</s> law by the Assembly.
...
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7223.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7240.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|30
|7
|11
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 62.50% saying "Aye", 14.58% saying "Nay", and 22.92% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 33===
2-4-2020.
'''THE CHARTER OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC'''
...
'''IX. THE COUNCIL ON REGIONAL SECURITY'''
...
<s>{{color|red|(11) The Delegate must grant members of the Council on Regional Security appropriate Regional Officer powers to fulfill their duties. When there is a limited number of Regional Officer positions available, those positions must be given to the most senior Council members. }}</s>
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7808.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7830.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|26
|6
|8
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 65.00% saying "Aye", 15.00% saying "Nay", and 20.00% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 34===
Article XII of the Charter was amended on the 2-20-2020.
'''THE CHARTER OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC'''
...
'''XII. THE ADMINISTRATION'''
Creating an independent, apolitical body to manage <s>{{color|red|the forums}}</s> {{color|green|off-site communications.}}
(1) The <s>{{color|red|Forum}}</s>{{color|green|Off-Site}} Administration Team will be responsible for the technical maintenance of the region's Discord servers, forums, and the integrity of the database. Administrators will not be given responsibilities of a political nature.
(2) The <s>{{color|red|Forum}}</s>{{color|green|Off-Site}} Administration Team will be responsible for the appointment and removal of its own members, except when an administrator is removed from the position following a guilty verdict in a fair trial for abuse of administrative powers. Additionally, new administrators must be approved by a majority of the Assembly before being granted administrator permissions.
(3) The <s>{{color|red|Forum}}</s>{{color|green|Off-Site}} Administration Team must create standard administration and moderation policies. These policies will be submitted to the Assembly for a one-week review and comment period before going into effect.
(4) While the <s>{{color|red|Forum}}</s>{{color|green|Off-Site}} Administration Team may appoint global moderators if needed, individual Ministers and, the Chair of the Assembly, {{color|green|and roleplay moderators}} primarily will be responsible for the moderation of their dedicated {{color|green|Discord servers and}} forums.
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7773.html here]
====Vote====
The vote can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7904.html here]
====Table====
A table is here for convenience:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! style="width:20em;" |Aye
! style="width:20em;" |Nay
! style="width:20em;" |Abstain
|-
|32
|4
|10
|-
|}
This amendment was passed with 69.57% saying "Aye", 8.70% saying "Nay", and 21.74% saying "Abstain".
===Amendment 35===
Section IX of the Charter of the Coalition was amended via Chair's discretionary powers (Pursuant to Article 2 Section 4 of the Legislative Procedure Act) on the 3-6-2020.
'''The Charter of the South Pacific'''
...
'''IX. THE COUNCIL ON REGIONAL SECURITY'''
...
Powers
(9) The Council on Regional Security will be responsible for establishing an appropriate cap on endorsements, ensuring that such a cap is not detrimental to the growth of the region. Enforcement of the endorsement cap should be done with leniency if a violator does not pose a significant risk to regional security.
(4) In calling a Great Council, the Assembly shall pass an organizing resolution by majority vote, naming a chair, determining eligibility requirements, and establishing an agenda and rules of order. Organizing resolutions may be altered by majority vote of the Great Council once convened.
(10) During a coup d’etat, whether committed by outside forces, infiltrators, or duly elected officials, the Council on Regional Security may declare a state of emergency, until such a time that a legitimate government is restored. All necessary measures may be taken to defeat a coup d’etat or hostile invasion, except that the legitimate Assembly may not be suspended.
(5) Changes or additions to the constitutional canon of the Coalition may be adopted by a three-fifths majority of the Great Council. Changes or additions to regular statutory law may be adopted by simple majority of the Great Council.
(<s>{{color|red|12}}</s>{{color|green|11}}) The Council on Regional Security, the Prime Minister, and the Delegate will establish a line of succession for the Delegate seat.
(6) Great Councils shall remain convened until a motion to adjourn sine die is adopted by simple majority.
(<s>{{color|red|13}}</s>{{color|green|12}}) The Council on Regional Security shall designate an individual as Intelligence Coordinator, who must be notified of and approve all intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. The Intelligence Coordinator will be responsible for disseminating any and all intelligence to the Council on Regional Security and other bodies as needed. The Intelligence Coordinator and the Minister of Military Affairs will maintain a regional intelligence classification system as necessary for ensuring information security.
------------
====Debate====
The debate can be found [https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7931.html here]
[[Category:Laws of the South Pacific]]
[[Category:Constitutional Laws of the South Pacific]]
The Charter of the South Pacific was constructed during the 2016 Great Council by Sandaoguo and their Working Draft Group. This is a constitutional law and requires and a 60% super majority in order for any amendment to pass. It is currently the most powerful document of the Coalition. Here are the contents of the chapter:
The Assembly of the Coalition of the South Pacific, representing our diverse community, convenes to establish this fundamental law of our region, to uphold democratic principles and rights, and provide for the security of our unified community both on the forums and in the game.
Constitutional Laws
Defining the supreme laws of our community
(1) Laws that form the foundation of our community, are considered fundamental to governance, or otherwise are considered of great importance by the Coalition, are to be known as “constitutional laws” and marked as such.
(2) Constitutional laws passed by the Assembly hold precedence and supremacy over all other laws, regulations, and policies of all branches of government.
(3) This Charter is a constitutional law holding supremacy over all others, and defines the purpose of our government and its framework.
(4) Any constitutional law passed by the Assembly that directly affects the gameside community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also receive the consent of the gameside before coming into force, where that consent shall not require more than a three-fifths supermajority in a vote.
(5) Constitutional laws passed by the Local Council hold the same status as those passed by the Assembly, limited in their scope and force to the realms of Local Council jurisdiction, but may not contradict this Charter or any law, regulation, or policy of the Assembly, Cabinet, or Council on Regional Security.
Sovereignty
Outlining the sovereignty of the Coalition and the origins of legitimacy.
(1) The sovereignty of the region lies with the Coalition of the South Pacific. No other group claiming legitimacy will be recognized. The integrity of the Coalition, in its forums and the region, shall not be challenged or violated by any government official, internal dissidents, or other regions.
(2) Authority and legitimacy are held jointly by the region and the forum, and the union between the two is what defines the Coalition. No illegitimate invader or usurper of the region shall be recognized.
Rights and Freedoms
Recognizing the democratic rights and freedoms of all members of the Coalition.
(1) All members of the South Pacific will enjoy the freedoms of expression, speech, assembly, and the press, limited only by reasonable moderation policies.
(2) The right to a fair trial and defense against criminal accusations will not be abridged. No member may be subject to any bill of attainder, be tried for the same crime more than once, or be tried ex post facto.
(3) No member, who had joined the region in good faith, may be banned or ejected from the in-game region without the due process of law.
(4) No member may be denied the right to vote or hold office, unless prohibited by constitutional law.
(5) No law may be passed by the Assembly that directly affects the activities of the in-game community without the consent of the in-game community.
(6) The High Court may strike down any general law or action that violates any right or freedom found in this Charter.
The Assembly
Establishing Legislative authority in The Assembly.
(1) The Assembly holds supreme legislative authority in the Coalition, and is comprised of all eligible legislators.
(2) The Assembly will elect a legislator as Chair for a term lasting four months. The Chair is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, and helping guide Assembly debate into the creation of bills. If a Chair is recalled, loses legislator status, or is otherwise not in office, a new Chair will be elected for a new term lasting four months. The date, time, and manner of electing the Chair will be set by the Assembly in a law.
(3) The Chair may appoint a deputy or deputies, to whom the Chair may publicly delegate any powers, responsibilities, or special projects of the Chair, subject to all regulations and restrictions imposed upon the Chair by law. The Chair may dismiss such deputies.
Legislator Eligibility
(4) A standing commission of legislators will be tasked with granting and revoking legislator status. All residents of the Coalition are eligible to attain legislator status through an application. Continued legislator status requires active membership and good behaviour.
The Local Council
Establishing home rule for the in-game region residents.
(1) The Local Council will be the local government of the in-game community, composed of three or more residents of the South Pacific, and will represent the interests of all players in the region, moderate the Regional Message Board, encourage activity on the gameside, and administrate itself on issues unique to the in-game community.
(2) The Local Council is entitled to self-administration within its jurisdiction on local issues, but may not pass laws or regulations that contradict this Charter or constitutional laws passed by the Assembly. To that end, the Assembly may not enact any law, nor the Cabinet deliver any directive, that is solely related to an issue local to the in-game community, except as done under the terms of this Charter.
(3) The Local Council may not be denied the authority to run regional polls, create and pin Dispatches, and to suppress messages on the Regional Message Board according to a standard moderation policy. However, it may not alter the regional flags or tags, and may not send out mass telegrams, without the approval of the Delegate.
(4) To help promote inter-governmental relations, the Local Council may send a representative to the Assembly whose term must not exceed the Local Council’s. The method of selection will be decided by the Local Council.
the executive
Establishing an executive branch consisting of the prime minister and the cabinet.
(1) The Prime Minister will be the head of government and the leader of the Cabinet. They will be responsible for the overall coordination of executive activities, being a liaison between the government and the community, and protecting the Coalition.
(2) The Cabinet will consist of ministers with the following portfolios: Foreign Affairs, Culture, Engagement, and Defense.
(3) As leader of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister is responsible for overseeing a collective Cabinet agenda, and may give directions and instructions to the ministers. Disputes within the Cabinet are subject to the majority decision and collective responsibility; where there is no majority the Prime Minister’s vote shall be the deciding one.
(4) The Office of World Assembly Legislation will be a permanent executive office, which will be led by a Director, responsible for coordinating the Coalition's activities in the World Assembly, providing assistance in drafting resolutions, and issuing voting recommendations on World Assembly proposals. At the start of each Cabinet term, the Director will be appointed by the Prime Minister for a term coinciding with the Cabinet's. In any vacancy, a new Director will be appointed by the Prime Minister to serve the remainder of the term.
(5) Members of the Executive are required to hold legislator status.
Elections
(6) Executive elections will be held every four months, where the Prime Minister and all Cabinet positions will be up for election.
(7) The date, time, and manner of elections will be set by the Assembly in a law.
Minister of Culture
(8) The Minister of Culture will be responsible for supporting the roleplay community and organizing regional cultural activities, events, and exchanges.
Minister of Engagement
(9) The Minister of Engagement will be responsible for recruiting and integrating new players into the Coalition's government and community, maintaining public infrastructure such as dispatches and other guides, setting unified presentation standards, and providing graphics to the government and citizens of the Coalition.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
(10) The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be the Coalition’s chief diplomat. They will be responsible for establishing the government’s foreign policy program, communicating with allies, and coordinating with the military on foreign policy priorities when necessary.
(11) The Minister of Foreign Affairs holds the sole power to initiate treaty negotiations with other regions, groups, and organizations, but may designate officers to handle those negotiations. Upon completion of a treaty negotiation, the Minister must present it to the full executive for majority approval, before submitting it to the Assembly for ratification.
(12) The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for establishing standards for the creation and maintenance of consulates and embassies.
Minister of Defense
(13) The Minister of Defense will be the civilian leader of the armed forces of the Coalition, the South Pacific Special Forces. In conjunction with a group of Generals, the Minister of Defense will be responsible for the defense of the Coalition, building military activity, and conducting military operations.
(14) The Minister of Defense may elect to establish an intelligence office, in equal coordination with the Council on Regional Security.
Executive Authorities
(15) The executive may exercise the collective authority of executive orders, by unanimous consent among the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers. Executive orders may only be issued to address an immediate and pressing issue created by ambiguity or holes in a particular law, which will immediately have the effect of law.
(16) Upon declaring an executive order, the order will be presented automatically to the Assembly for three days of debate, followed by a vote according to legislative rules, where it will expire and its effects shall be reversed if the Assembly does not incorporate it into law.
(17) The Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, and other executive offices may elect to appoint deputies and advisors, who will be considered junior members of their respective offices, but will not have voting rights in any executive decision.
The Delegate
Establishing a Head of State.
(1) The Delegate will be the head of state of the Coalition. They will be responsible for helping maintain the security of the region, promoting growth and activity, and serving as an advisor to the forum-side government. Barring reasonable circumstances, the Delegate will hold the in-game Delegate seat. No person may be Delegate if they have participated, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d'etat of the Coalition or any of its allies, excluding normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military.
(2) The Delegate will work with the Local Council in moderating the Regional Message Board, fulfilling Regional Officer positions, promoting gameside activities, and representing the preferences of the gameside community.
(3) The Delegate must fulfill in-game actions required by law but assigned to others if those actions can only be taken by the person holding the in-game Delegate seat.
Elections
(4) Delegate elections will be held every six months.
(5) The date, time, and manner of electing the Delegate will be set by the Assembly in a law, but must include the participation of the gameside community.
the high court
Creating a supreme judicial authority for the Coalition.
(1) The High Court will consist of one Chief Justice and a number of Associate Justices, and will hold exclusive judicial authority in the Coalition.
(2) The procedure for the appointment of the justices will be defined in a law by the Assembly.
(3) Procedures for the conduct of criminal trials and civil cases will be defined in a law by the Assembly.
Powers
(4) The High Court has the power to declare any general law, regulation, directive, determination or any other official act of government, in whole or in part, void upon a determination that it violates the terms of this Charter or any other constitutional law.
(5) The High Court may reconcile contradictions within the Charter, constitutional laws, general laws, Cabinet directives, and Local Council laws and regulations, maintaining the least amount of disruption to the intended purposes of the contradictory parts.
(6) The High Court may clarify and interpret provisions of law when presented with a Legal Question about them.
(7) The High Court holds the sole power to conduct a criminal trial.
The CRS and CG
Establishing a central authority for protecting the Coalition’s security.
(1) The Council on Regional Security will be composed of experienced and trustworthy members of the Coalition, and will be responsible for monitoring and responding to regional security issues. The Council will choose a Chair as needed, who will fulfill all secretarial requirements of the Council that may arise.
Membership of the Council on Regional Security
(2) The minimum qualifications for membership in the Council on Regional Security are: maintaining a nation in the South Pacific and having served at least six consecutive months as a legislator or two terms in the Local Council.
(3) Eligible members may become members of the Council on Regional Security via two methods, either application to the Council itself, or nomination by the Delegate and Prime Minister.
(4) If applying directly to the Council, applicants should explain why they are well suited to protect regional security. Applications will remain private. The Council will review the application and determine whether or not the applicant is well suited. If the application is approved, the Council will forward the nomination to the Assembly for approval via a three-fifths majority vote.
(5) The Delegate and Prime Minister may jointly nominate any person meeting the requirements for membership and who are well suited to protect regional security. Prior to the nomination, the Delegate and Prime Minister will consult with the Council for their advice. To ensure collegiality and prevent dysfunction, if two-thirds of the members of the Council object to the prospective nominee’s membership, the nomination will not move forward. If no such objection exists, then the nomination will be submitted to the Assembly for approval via three-fifths majority vote.
(6) If a majority of the Council deems a member to be a threat to regional security, they will be suspended from the Council pending an official investigation and report to the Assembly. Following the investigation, the Assembly must vote on whether to remove or reinstate the member.
(7) Participation, in whole or in part and at any time, in any coup d’etat or invasion of the Coalition or any of its allies will disqualify a prospective or sitting member from membership in the Council on Regional Security immediately and permanently. Participation in normal raiding, defending, or liberation efforts as part of an organized military will not be considered a violation of this clause.
Powers of the Council on Regional Security
(8) The Council on Regional Security will be responsible for establishing an appropriate cap on endorsements, ensuring that such a cap is not detrimental to the growth of the region. Enforcement of the endorsement cap should be done with leniency if a violator does not pose a significant risk to regional security.
(9) During a coup d’etat, whether committed by outside forces, infiltrators, or duly elected officials, the Council on Regional Security may declare a state of emergency, until such a time that a legitimate government is restored. All necessary measures may be taken to defeat a coup d’etat or hostile invasion, except that the legitimate Assembly may not be suspended.
(10) The Council on Regional Security, the Prime Minister, and the Delegate will establish a line of succession for the Delegate seat.
(11) The Council on Regional Security shall designate an individual as Intelligence Coordinator, who must be notified of and approve all intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. The Intelligence Coordinator will be responsible for disseminating any and all intelligence to the Council on Regional Security and other bodies as needed. The Intelligence Coordinator and the Minister of Defense will maintain a regional intelligence classification system as necessary for ensuring information security.
Establishing an authority for maintaining influence and endorsements to defend the region.
(12) The Coral Guard will be composed of trusted members of the Coalition, and will be responsible for maintaining high endorsements and influence levels. The Coral Guard will choose a Chair as needed, who will fulfill all secretarial requirements of the Coral Guard that may arise.
Membership of the Coral Guard
(13) The minimum qualifications for membership in the Coral Guard are: maintaining a World Assembly member nation in the South Pacific; having served at least six consecutive months as a legislator or two terms in the Local Council; and meeting requirements for influence and endorsements which are set and published by the Council on Regional Security.
(14) Eligible members of the Coral Guard may submit an application directly to the Council on Regional Security in which they describe why they should be trusted with the ability to maintain high endorsement and influence levels and why they are capable of maintaining such high endorsement and influence levels.
(15) Continued membership in the Coral Guard is predicated upon meeting eligibility requirements. Should any member of the Coral Guard fail to meet those requirements, they will lose membership and all the powers and privileges that come with it if they do not meet the requirements within a week of notification.
(16) Members of the Coral Guard may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the Council on Regional Security or recall by the Assembly.
Powers and Responsibilities of the Coral Guard
(17) Members of the Coral Guard are responsible for maintaining high levels of endorsements and influence in the region as well as promoting a growth-oriented endorsement culture in the region, subject to the limitations of the endorsement cap set by the Council on Regional Security.
(18) During a state of emergency, the Coral Guard will be required to execute any and all directives by the Council on Regional Security in order to restore the legitimate government of the region. When nations must be ejected or banned from the region, the Council on Regional Security will have the power to order any member of the Coral Guard to do so.
(19) The Coral Guard will have the power, subject to the limitations of the endorsement cap set by the Council on Regional Security, to build infrastructure and conduct events to promote the growth of endorsements in the region, particularly among the Council on Regional Security and Coral Guard.
The Military
Creating an official military for the purposes of regional defense, war, and gameplay.
(1) The South Pacific Special Forces will be the official military forces of the Coalition. Their responsibilities will be to enact the government’s military policies abroad, foster activity for the region, and serve as a representative of the Coalition’s power and influence.
(2) The military will be led by the Minister of Defense, along with a corps of generals appointed by the Minister and approved by the Assembly. The Minister and general corps may establish further hierarchy, create programs, and appoint deputies as they see necessary.
(3) The military will have the support of the Coalition in conducting operations to protect innocent regions from attack and oppression and promote legitimate, native democratic institutions across the world. The military may not colonize or annex any region without the express permission of the Cabinet and the Assembly, by majority vote of both chambers. Nor may the military attack, subjugate, purge, destroy, or vandalize any regions, excepting those regions which espouse hateful ideologies and those regions against which the Coalition has declared an official state of war.
(4) The Minister of Defense will coordinate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that no military activities harm the government’s diplomatic affairs or public relations
Recalls and Motions of No Confidence
Establishing a method to hold government officials to account.
(1) Any official of the Coalition may be recalled by an Assembly resolution passed with a three-fifths majority of those voting.
a. Recalls should only be initiated for dereliction of duty, abuse of authority, or violations of the law, and not for purposes of political rivalry.
b. Upon initiation, recall resolutions must be debated for three days and receive a motion and second before being put to vote.
c. Upon passage, the recalled official will immediately be removed from office.
(2) A Motion of No Confidence may be initiated by the Assembly if the members have lost faith in the effectiveness and activities of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Motions of No Confidence must be debated for three days and receive a motion and a second before being moved to vote. Passage requires three-fifths majority support of those voting, and triggers a special election for all Cabinet offices.
Global Administration and Moderation Team
Creating an independent, apolitical body to manage off-site communications.
(1) The Off-Site Administration Team will be responsible for the technical maintenance of the region's Discord servers, forums, and the integrity of the database. Administrators will not be given responsibilities of a political nature.
(2) The Off-Site Administration Team will be responsible for the appointment and removal of its own members, except when an administrator is removed from the position following a guilty verdict in a fair trial for abuse of administrative powers. Additionally, new administrators must be approved by a majority of the Assembly before being granted administrator permissions.
(3) The Off-Site Administration Team must create standard administration and moderation policies. These policies will be submitted to the Assembly for a one-week review and comment period before going into effect.
(4) While the Off-Site Administration Team may appoint global moderators if needed, individual Ministers, the Chair of the Assembly, and roleplay moderators primarily will be responsible for the moderation of their dedicated Discord servers and forums.
Amendment Process
Setting a procedure for amendment of the Charter and constitutional laws.
(1) The Assembly may amend any provision of the Charter or constitutional laws passed by the Assembly with a three-fifths supermajority. These amendments must be constitutional in nature, and amendments to the Charter must address the structure or framework of government. Bills that may exist as general laws, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, should not be placed in the Charter or constitutional laws.
(2) Any amendment to the Charter or constitutional laws that directly affects the gameside community or its home governance, as determined by the Chair of the Assembly, must also receive the consent of the gameside community before coming into force, where the consent shall not require more than a three-fifths supermajority in a vote. Additionally, the Local Council may originate amendments to its structure in the Charter, which must receive the consent of the Assembly before coming into force.
(3) The Local Council will determine the qualifications and processes for amendments to its own constitutional laws.
Great Councils
Setting a procedure for constitutional conventions.
(1) The Assembly may call a constitutional convention, wherein the Charter and laws of the Coalition can be rewritten or amended in a systematic manner. These conventions shall be known as Great Councils and be presided over by a chair responsible for maintaining decorum, compiling proposals, recognizing motions, and recording votes.
(2) Great Councils shall operate in parallel to the Assembly, which will still be convened under regular order. Participation in Great Councils is determined in the organizing resolution, where the Assembly may expand eligibility beyond legislators or restrict eligibility by criteria it deems fit.
(3) Great Councils may only be called once per year, unless in the intervening time the legitimacy of the Coalition has been challenged and the Assembly must reassert constitutional order.
(4) In calling a Great Council, the Assembly shall pass an organizing resolution by majority vote, naming a chair, determining eligibility requirements, and establishing an agenda and rules of order. Organizing resolutions may be altered by majority vote of the Great Council once convened.
(5) Changes or additions to the constitutional canon of the Coalition may be adopted by a three-fifths majority of the Great Council. Changes or additions to regular statutory law may be adopted by simple majority of the Great Council.
(6) Great Councils shall remain convened until a motion to adjourn sine die is adopted by simple majority.
