The Devolution of Power Act

Ponc_Gavrisom

Date: Sunday, 07 Feb 2010, 1:59 PM | Message # 1

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Beings of the Senate,

I would like to propose a devolution of power from the Central Government to the Sector Assemblies in order to scale back the powers of the Federal Government.

How much will the Sector Assemblies not be able to do?

It can make laws relating to "devolved matters". These are:

agriculture, fisheries and forestry
economic development;
education;
food standards;
health;
housing;
local government and planning;
social work;
some transport policy, such as Sector ports and roads;
tourism.

What about tax-raising powers?

Sector Assemblies will have the right to change the income tax rate by up to 3 per cent.

What happens if the Senate wants to make a law that will affect these devolved matters in the Sector Assemblies?

Theoretically it will be able to overrule the Sector Assemblies. But the New Republic Government intends to create a convention whereby the Senate will have to consult Sector Assemblies before making new laws that affect devolved matters.

Which policy areas will still be controlled by the New Republic Centrally?

The New Republic Federal Government will retain control for policy in "reserved matters". These are:
the constitution;
defence;
foreign affairs;
energy;
employment;
environmental matters;
financial and economic matters on a Galactic Scale.

What if a devolved matter and a reserved matter overlap - for example, planning permission for a NRDF station, or a change in shipping charges?

The General Ministry of the New Republic will decide which category such issues fall into. But in principle, Sector Assemblies will be able to make laws relating to devolved matters even if they also affect reserved matters.

Would The Senate ever be able to intervene to stop a piece of Sector law?

Yes - if that law

would conflict with an "treaty obligation" of the New Republic;
would damage the New Republic or cause a break in social cohesion;
would damage national security or defence;
would adversely affect a law that applies to "reserved matters".

Ponc Gavrisom
Chief of State

Message edited by Ponc_Gavrisom - Sunday, 07 Feb 2010, 2:07 PM

Simon_Levi

Date: Monday, 08 Feb 2010, 6:15 AM | Message # 2

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This motion provides an excellent de-centralising approach which will result in a more representative system, closer and more accountable to the populace in order to legislate on local issues, while being a valuable consultative body for galactic issues.

This is a step towards a more democratic Republic, and a better Republic, able to adapt and react to changing circumstances, as such I vote In Favour of this motion.

Moff of the Tammuz Sector

Tremaine_Fowlkes

Date: Monday, 08 Feb 2010, 7:18 AM | Message # 3

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This is a rare occasion where I agree with Senator Kruus, this motion would certainly help start a step toward a more democratic Republic and certainly a better Republic. This motion may have make things go a lot smoother, as long as we know which issues falls into whose Jurisdiction it is supposed to fall into.

I vote in favor of this proposal.

Tremaine Fowlkes,
Senator of Mowgle

Tremaine Fowlkes
Senator of Telos IV

Johannes_Oswaldt

Date: Monday, 08 Feb 2010, 9:34 AM | Message # 4

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The Empire could never have done as much damage to the Republic as the Republic is doing to itself with this proposal. Senators, mark my words—the Sector Assemblies are engines of secession, and the Republic fraternizes with them at its own peril. The more empowered and autonomous its sectors become, the more those sectors will question the purpose of their association with the Republic (especially in those few, but sensational instances in which their laws conflict with ours). This measure would create a new confederacy, and eventually cause what might as well be called the Second Clone War. I vote against, because a galactic government must govern galactically.

Do not repeat the mistakes of the past, Senators. Or else the New Republic will find itself beside the Old in history's trash bin.

Johannes Oswaldt
Senator and Governor of Eriadu

Artemis_Vanden

Date: Tuesday, 09 Feb 2010, 2:53 AM | Message # 5

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I agree entirely with Senator Kruus on this matter, and disagree (unsurprisingly) with Governor Oswaldt. What is good for the Republic's worlds is good for the Republic. The Sector Assemblies can be far more responsive to the needs of their respective peoples and places than can the Senate, and in this sense they are indeed a boon for our worlds. I vote in favor.

Artemis Vanden
Representative of the Naboo

Mical_de_Crion

Date: Tuesday, 09 Feb 2010, 4:51 PM | Message # 6

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I have some concerns on this, mainly its opening to corruption and deception by the executive. The fact that whether a conflicting issue is in the authority of the federal government or sector government lying within the decision of the General Ministry, all of which are picked by the CoS, leaves little doubt in my mind which way the pendulum would fall in that situation. I'm afraid much more thought than countering an opposing bill will have to go into this measure. On top of that, this is taking some powers away from the Senate, and away from the local governments, and investing them into the Sector Assemblies.

I vote Against this measure.

Mical Léo de Crion
Director, All Stars Burn As One Foundation
Chairman, Urban Youth College Fund
Owner, Château Hiver Rivière

Cul-utaanForte

Date: Tuesday, 09 Feb 2010, 4:52 PM | Message # 7

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My concern is more so towards Senator De Crion's second point. The movement of powers, which are traditionally local or Senatorial in nature. I vote Against this measure, which adds more bureaucracy to a system already straddled with enough as it is.

General Cul'utaan'forte
Forte's Legion

Simon_Levi

Date: Tuesday, 09 Feb 2010, 5:43 PM | Message # 8

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This is a measure of very great stature, as such, it may have gone over Senator Fortes head.

Moff of the Tammuz Sector

Senator_Cambrist

Date: Wednesday, 10 Feb 2010, 0:12 AM | Message # 9

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To be honest, it's quite a tall order to oppose this measure. I'm surprised that Senator Forte is up to it.

With respect to Senator Crion's point, one assumes that the New Republic Courts are, of course, a recourse to appeal the General Ministry's determinations. It is is a misunderstanding or a mischaracterization of this proposal to refer to it as an expansion of executive power. In fact, it is the opposite. I am in favor of the measure, but before I vote as such I would like an assurance that the Senate's authority to "regulate interstellar commerce," as stated in the Common Charter, will be preserved under this measure. I am assuming that this is included in "financial and economic matters of a Galactic scale," but a clarification of this would be appreciated.

Ponc_Gavrisom

Date: Wednesday, 10 Feb 2010, 6:53 PM | Message # 10

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Mr Cambrist,

I can assure you that this motion will not effect the Senates ability to regulate galactic commerce.

Mr Fowlkes,

Could I ask your reasons for deciding to change your vote? and perhaps alay some concerns you may have?

Ponc Gavrisom
Chief of State

Jamie_the_Hutt

Date: Wednesday, 10 Feb 2010, 7:59 PM | Message # 11

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I vote in favour of this act. I believe in Democracy, and this is a vote in favour of giving power back to the little guy, back to the Sector Assemblies which allow all voices from across the Galaxy to be heard. This is a move towards a more de-centralised government, and one which I am in favour of.

Ponc_Gavrisom

Date: Thursday, 11 Feb 2010, 11:09 AM | Message # 12

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With Five Votes in Favour, and Three Against. This motion passes.

Ponc Gavrisom
Chief of State