The Act Restricting the Power of Planetary Monarchs
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Bernard_Oriel | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 6:08 AM | Message # 1 |
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| The Act Restricting the Power of Planetary Monarchs The Emperor should be the only ruler who bears an Imperial Title, equally such minor Kingly titles are often inappropriate for worlds to bear. While the Senate does not call for the abolition of these officials, it calls for the restriction of their powers. Many of these officials spend the money they have accrued from their people with little restraint and spend obscene amounts on clothes, gluttony and other waste. This is not acceptable, as such Monarchs power and costs must be curbed. "Monarch" shall be defined in this act as "any Individual holding the title of "King" or "Queen" or "Emperor/Empress" who is either Sovereign or Head of State. While they are often hereditary, this does not have to be the case" Only in Elected Civil officials not bearing a title of monarchy shall be vested power. A Monarch shall bear no actual power, and may only be a symbolic ruler/head of state for ceremonial purposes, they shall have no powers to upbraid the will of the people. Monarchs will receive the average annual income of their world's people as an annual salary. All of their namely members will cease to receive state stipends. All lands, palaces, houses, businesses and other chattels of Monarchs (worth more than 5,000 credits each) will be Confiscated and may be retained by the state or sold, a monarch may retain one residence on their home world up to the value of 500,000 Imperial Credits. Crown Jewels, Weapons etc shall be property of the State, but may be used by the Monarch on official occasions. Monarchs may not vote, stand for office and shall not involve themselves in politics or government affairs. A Monarch may resign his or her crown if he or she chooses to do so, this will have the effect of rendering them a common citizen, they may then vote and stand for office etc. If a Monarch abdicates he or she must surrender all royal chattels and property, in addition to surrendering her official residence. Monarchs will be able to claim suitable expenses as follows: Food and Drink: up to 50 Credits a day Communications/Technology: up to 10,000 Credits a year Transport: As required, Monarchs must travel by Public Transport, Taxis and Commercial Operators when travelling between planets or on their own. They may not claim the cost of a shuttle or it's maintenance. Entertainment: As considered suitable by their world's legislature. COMPNOR will have oversight of all Monarchical expenses and will assure worlds compliance with this law, Sector Governors shall have the power to enforce this law also. I now yeild the floor to Senator Star to state her opposition to this act.
Bernard Oriel Senator for the Planet of Vjun 1st Earl Malreaux (Second Creation) Vjun Delegation to the Imperial Senate
Message edited by Bernard_Oriel - Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 6:44 AM |
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Crin_Star | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 8:47 AM | Message # 2 |
Major general
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| "Thank you senator Oriel for already stating my position. But I would simply pose a few questions about this measure and yield the floor to you once more. What of planets where the 'monarch' is not the only official in power. Volus for instance does have a hereditary monarch but his power is limited by both our Prefecture, our legislative body and a council of our city governors, all of which are elected directly by the people of Volus. Now I'm not going to get into Volusian Civics 101, but our king is not given money except by our legislature who are in control of our purse strings. Yes he is provided a residence by the people, but it is part of a much larger capital complex where our center of government is kept. So tell me why should we tell planets such as Volus, or any other planet with a monarch that they can not decide for themselves how their own local government is run?
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Bernard_Oriel | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 9:22 AM | Message # 3 |
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| Monarchy contradicts democracy Monarchy denies the people a basic right - Many believe that it should be a fundamental right of the people of any nation to elect their head of state and for every citizen to be eligible to hold that office. It is argued such a head of state is more accountable to the people, and that such accountability to the people creates a better nation. Monarchy devalues a parliamentary system Monarchical prerogative powers can be used to circumvent normal democratic process with no accountability, and such processes are more desirable than not for any given world-state. Monarchy is ethnic-discrimination By virtue of their narrow breeding mechanisms, most monarchs belong to a clearly identifiable ethnic group. Thus, members of other ethnic groups are forever denied a head of state they can directly relate to. This phenomenon produces divided societies where one ethnic group can, openly or discreetly, boast about their ethnic link to the royal family and derive from it a sense of superiority. In ethnically homogeneous countries, this has little effect. However in multi-ethnic worlds, this can be become extremely divisive and the historical record of constitutional monarchy ability to maintain planetary unity, in the face of multi-ethnic tensions, is not good. Monarchy is gender-discriminative Many royal houses uses male primogeniture, which means that the crown is inherited by the eldest son, and is only passed on to a daughter if the monarch has no sons. If absolute primogeniture were used instead of male primogeniture, the crown would be passed on to the eldest child irrespective of sex so that daughters had the same rights as sons. The current method of succession disinherits not only daughters but their descendants. However this is not an argument against Monarchy per se, only against particular monarchical systems. A monarchy demands deference It is argued by republicans that the way citizens are expected to address members, however junior, of the royal family is part of an attempt to keep subjects 'in their place'. It is the enemy of merit and aspiration The order of succession in a monarchy specifies a person who will become head of state, regardless of qualifications. The highest titular office in the land is not open to "free and fair competition". Although monarchists argue that the position of civil governor or other non monarchical officials, the titles with greater real power, is something anyone can aspire to become, the executive and symbolically powerful position of Monarch is not. It devalues intellect and achievement Members of a royal family bolster their position with unearned symbols of achievement. Royals are often fast tracked to senior civil service or military positions... Even unintentionally, due to popular reverence for ridiculous and outmoded traditions. It harms the monarchs themselves A hereditary system condemns each heir to the throne to an abnormal childhood. Many are forced to only breed with a select group of relatives leading to inbreeding in many cases. Equally, every royal suffers to some degree or another from long term psychological harm due to abnormally large responsibilities. Monarchs are not impartial, and lack accountability Monarchs are not impartial but harbour their own opinions, motives, and wish to protect their interests. Monarchs are not accountable to the people in elections. As an example, the former Queen of Naboo has spoken and acted in ways that have widely been interpreted as taking a political stance, citing her refusal to comply with the Empires Order 66. I see a lack of important democratic accountability and transparency for such institutions, if a family are a drain on the planetary treasury then they should submit to popular accountability. Monarchy is expensive The total costs to taxpayers including hidden elements (e.g., the Royal Protection security) of the average galactic monarchy are over 100 million per annum. Monarchy makes the a world appear 'backwards' I argue that the monarchy may be considered embarrassing: as a concept it is archaic, and while a world has a monarchical head of state it cannot claim to be a modern and progressive one. Any world which is not as modern and progressive a world as it can be is fails the Empire in it's basic duties to it's people.
Bernard Oriel Senator for the Planet of Vjun 1st Earl Malreaux (Second Creation) Vjun Delegation to the Imperial Senate
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Senator_Cambrist | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 9:42 AM | Message # 4 |
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| I would also contribute a point that the Senator of Vjun referred to earlier. That in an Empire, in which the Emperor is sovereign, it does not do to have worlds claiming their own Emperors, whether by that title or others ("King," "Mandalore," etc.). This is a symbolic point, perhaps, but I feel it is an important one. Worlds should be reminded of their place—a place that is subordinate to Imperial Center. They are not "empires," they are not "kingdoms," they are but one world among many. To this end, I would suggest two simple amendments friendly to this measure. 1. Henceforth, where monarchy is present on an Imperial world, and where an Imperial Governor is also present, the Imperial Governor shall have supremacy over that world's monarch in all affairs of state. 2. Henceforth, where monarchy is not present on an Imperial world, that world may not constitute (or re-constitute) one.
Message edited by Senator_Cambrist - Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 9:52 AM |
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Bernard_Oriel | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 9:45 AM | Message # 5 |
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| I'd be happy to incorporate Senator Cambrist's amendments.
Bernard Oriel Senator for the Planet of Vjun 1st Earl Malreaux (Second Creation) Vjun Delegation to the Imperial Senate
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Senator_Cambrist | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 9:48 AM | Message # 6 |
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| And I vote in favor.
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Fabio | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 10:29 AM | Message # 7 |
 Major
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| You wish to disable the power that comes with being "King" Or "Queen?". I must ask why? ... Sure... There are some planet's that have king's of not much repute. But the Title King has been around since... Who knows when?
Fabio Riada. King of Anobis.
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Bernard_Oriel | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 10:37 AM | Message # 8 |
 Colonel general
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| To repeat my previous statement... Quote Monarchy denies the people a basic right - Many believe that it should be a fundamental right of the people of any nation to elect their head of state and for every citizen to be eligible to hold that office. It is argued such a head of state is more accountable to the people, and that such accountability to the people creates a better nation. Monarchy devalues a parliamentary system Monarchical prerogative powers can be used to circumvent normal democratic process with no accountability, and such processes are more desirable than not for any given world-state. Monarchy is ethnic-discrimination By virtue of their narrow breeding mechanisms, most monarchs belong to a clearly identifiable ethnic group. Thus, members of other ethnic groups are forever denied a head of state they can directly relate to. This phenomenon produces divided societies where one ethnic group can, openly or discreetly, boast about their ethnic link to the royal family and derive from it a sense of superiority. In ethnically homogeneous countries, this has little effect. However in multi-ethnic worlds, this can be become extremely divisive and the historical record of constitutional monarchy ability to maintain planetary unity, in the face of multi-ethnic tensions, is not good. Monarchy is gender-discriminative Many royal houses uses male primogeniture, which means that the crown is inherited by the eldest son, and is only passed on to a daughter if the monarch has no sons. If absolute primogeniture were used instead of male primogeniture, the crown would be passed on to the eldest child irrespective of sex so that daughters had the same rights as sons. The current method of succession disinherits not only daughters but their descendants. However this is not an argument against Monarchy per se, only against particular monarchical systems. A monarchy demands deference It is argued by republicans that the way citizens are expected to address members, however junior, of the royal family is part of an attempt to keep subjects 'in their place'. It is the enemy of merit and aspiration The order of succession in a monarchy specifies a person who will become head of state, regardless of qualifications. The highest titular office in the land is not open to "free and fair competition". Although monarchists argue that the position of civil governor or other non monarchical officials, the titles with greater real power, is something anyone can aspire to become, the executive and symbolically powerful position of Monarch is not. It devalues intellect and achievement Members of a royal family bolster their position with unearned symbols of achievement. Royals are often fast tracked to senior civil service or military positions... Even unintentionally, due to popular reverence for ridiculous and outmoded traditions. It harms the monarchs themselves A hereditary system condemns each heir to the throne to an abnormal childhood. Many are forced to only breed with a select group of relatives leading to inbreeding in many cases. Equally, every royal suffers to some degree or another from long term psychological harm due to abnormally large responsibilities. Monarchs are not impartial, and lack accountability Monarchs are not impartial but harbour their own opinions, motives, and wish to protect their interests. Monarchs are not accountable to the people in elections. As an example, the former Queen of Naboo has spoken and acted in ways that have widely been interpreted as taking a political stance, citing her refusal to comply with the Empires Order 66. I see a lack of important democratic accountability and transparency for such institutions, if a family are a drain on the planetary treasury then they should submit to popular accountability. Monarchy is expensive The total costs to taxpayers including hidden elements (e.g., the Royal Protection security) of the average galactic monarchy are over 100 million per annum. Monarchy makes the a world appear 'backwards' I argue that the monarchy may be considered embarrassing: as a concept it is archaic, and while a world has a monarchical head of state it cannot claim to be a modern and progressive one. Any world which is not as modern and progressive a world as it can be is fails the Empire in it's basic duties to it's people.
Bernard Oriel Senator for the Planet of Vjun 1st Earl Malreaux (Second Creation) Vjun Delegation to the Imperial Senate
Message edited by Bernard_Oriel - Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 10:38 AM |
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Fabio | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 11:14 AM | Message # 9 |
 Major
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| I apologize Senator Oriel, But where did you get your facts? On Anobis we run thing's differently. If my father did something of ill repute, a special group of nobles on Anobis were allowed to dethrone him, and have a vote to see who was capable to be the next king. The king is not always blood. For instance. I can chose to, I could reject my future as King of Anobis, and have the assembly find some one better suited to it. Perhaps you would consider adding this to your proposal? have what we call an Assembly, on the planets with as you say. "Monarchs" If they are found taking bribes, then it's easily remedied, add an outsider, one from the empire.
Fabio Riada. King of Anobis.
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Bernard_Oriel | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 11:34 AM | Message # 10 |
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| Quote A special group of nobles can dethrone him This demonstrates the problem, from whence comes the constitutional justification for this coup? I won't comment on your specific case Senator Fabio, nor do I question that your King is a good man. However the system itself is a bad one. To elevate a hereditary monarch to power sets him above the people, relegating them to being nothing better than slaves. Needless to say I cannot consent to your amendment as it is not in a legislative format.
Bernard Oriel Senator for the Planet of Vjun 1st Earl Malreaux (Second Creation) Vjun Delegation to the Imperial Senate
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Fabio | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 11:46 AM | Message # 11 |
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| I have no clue, it was founded when human colonist's colonized Anobis a few hundred thousand years ago. I know all things must change... If I may ask, Senator. What type of "leader" or whatever you would like to call it does your planet have? Perhaps it is time we adopted a new style of leading out planet.
Fabio Riada. King of Anobis.
Message edited by Fabio - Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 11:47 AM |
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Bernard_Oriel | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 12:00 PM | Message # 12 |
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| Vjun does not have a single leader. It has a Parliament which makes executive and legislative decisions during peacetime, each decision is open to deliberation and debate to ensure decisions are not made in a hasty manner. During war or a crisis that requires quick decisions a "primus inter pares" (first amongst equals) will be appointed for a fixed six month term to act as executive branch.
Bernard Oriel Senator for the Planet of Vjun 1st Earl Malreaux (Second Creation) Vjun Delegation to the Imperial Senate
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Fabio | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 12:06 PM | Message # 13 |
 Major
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| That... Is not a bad idea... I'll have to put it into order. You wouldn't mind if we used something like that would you, Senator Oriel?
Fabio Riada. King of Anobis.
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Senator_Cambrist | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 12:09 PM | Message # 14 |
 Lieutenant general
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| I would note that Vjun's system is well suited to a small and sparingly populated world. It might not be well suited to Anobis, however.
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Fabio | Date: Monday, 22 Nov 2010, 12:13 PM | Message # 15 |
 Major
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| Well... As far back as the archives go... We've had a king and a queen. If the king and queen died before a child, the assembly, would elect a new king or queen, based on his or her abilities to make the best decisions for the people of the planet. I would like to keep it so, however. this bill seems promising... I'm sure I'll figure something out for my system.
Fabio Riada. King of Anobis.
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