Post Archive

Region: The Thaecian Senate

History

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of Thaecia against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

Taungu, Dendrobium

I do solemnly affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of Thaecia against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

Taungu, Dendrobium

Candidacy Declaration for Senate Chair

As nearly every Senator has been sworn into the Senate, bar one, the process for electing a Chair for the 9th Senate term has begun!

Please state your candidacy in the RMB if you intend to run for Chair. I will also be in touch with the Senators to expedite this process, respond with due haste so as to continue on the next step of the election.

This period shall end when either all Senators have informed me of their intent/non-intent to run for Chair or until 24 hours have elapsed from the start of this candidacy declaration period, whichever happens first. To expedite the process, I will be in touch with each Senator to determine when to close the period.

As the Senator-elect Dykataar is currently on a brief Leave of Absence slated until today or tomorrow, they will be able to take their oath at the time of their return and may declare their candidacy for Chair before the final period for voting opens, should they so choose, even if the candidacy declaration period has elapsed.

Senators, if you wish to run for the position of Chair, declare your candidacy now.

[spoiler=Senators]Antenion (IND)

Ashlawn (IND)

Cerdenia (IND)

Dendrobium (SOL)

Dykataar (NTN)

Ermica (TCU)

Hulldom (IND)

Pap Sculgief (IND)

Toerana V (IND)

[/spoiler]

- Taungu

Electoral Commissioner of Thaecia

I'm running for Chair

The Islamic Country Of Honour, Marvinville

I'm not running for Chair. Regardless of what it said in my platform, it would be...bad to run for Chair and immediately abandon the Senate. I urge a ballot for Ashlawn if he is the only candidate who runs.

I will be running for the Chairmanship.

The Islamic Country Of Honour, Marvinville

Debate/Statements Period for Senate Chair Election

The candidacy declaration period has now elapsed as each Senator, bar one current absent, has informed me of their decision whether to stand or not.

As noted earlier, Senator Dykataar will have the remaining time in the discussion/statements period to declare a candidacy for Senate Chair, should they so wish, otherwise, once voting opens, that opportunity is no longer in play.

As of the end of the candidacy period, the two Senators who have stepped forward with a bid for Chair are;

• [nation=noflag]Ashlawn[/nation] (IND)

• [nation=noflag]Cerdenia[/nation] (IND)

Any Senator in the chamber is welcome voice their views of consternation or confidence in the declared candidate or field questions at this point.

I invite the chair-candidates to parlay their hopes, visions, or intents for this coming term in a statement, should they wish to make one.

Senators, if you would like to make a statement or pose a question to the candidate to gain a better understanding of them if they were to take up the role of Chair, please do so now.

[spoiler=Chair-candidates][nation]Ashlawn[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Cerdenia[/nation] (IND)

[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Senators][nation]Antenion[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Ashlawn[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Cerdenia[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Dendrobium[/nation] (SOL)

[nation]Dykataar[/nation] (NTN)

[nation]Ermica[/nation] (TCU)

[nation]Hulldom[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Pap Sculgief[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Toerana V[/nation] (IND)[/spoiler]

- Taungu

Electoral Commissioner of Thaecia

Toerana V

I guess I'll start with the Generic Questions

1. What can you bring to the table as the Chairman of the Thaecian Senate?

2. How would you ensure that the senators will remain active during their term and what would you do if one became inactive?

3. How would you run the senate in the most efficient and effective way possible?

Dykataar

Antenion wrote:[spoiler=Questions]

1. What can you bring to the table as the Chairman of the Thaecian Senate?

2. How would you ensure that the senators will remain active during their term and what would you do if one became inactive?

3. How would you run the senate in the most efficient and effective way possible?[/spoiler]

1. I'd like to continue the efficiency we had last term. I have also learned from my Senate Reduction mistake and hope to ensure that never happens again.

2. Encouraging Senators to vote whether it be through our group chat or through directly messaging one would be the main way of getting Senators to remain active. On the subject of what to do if one becomes inactive I think it would depend on the circumstances. If a Senator has stated that they will be inactive for a period of time, which is within reason, then nothing much would happen, we would just continue with business as usual until they get back. If one suddenly becomes inactive without any explanation for a long period of time then that would be grounds for a recall in my opinion.

3. Well the easiest way would be being active and making sure that votes and debate are started and ended on time. Another way of ensuring that the Senate remains efficient is continuing to allow Deputy Chairs to start or end votes and debate if for some reason I can't. However this doesn't mean strictly adhering to the 24h minimum for both if there is a lively debate occurring about the topic or if only a few Senators have voted, though as I stated in the previous answer I will be messaging Senators to vote.

Antenion wrote:I guess I'll start with the Generic Questions

1. What can you bring to the table as the Chairman of the Thaecian Senate?

2. How would you ensure that the senators will remain active during their term and what would you do if one became inactive?

3. How would you run the senate in the most efficient and effective way possible?

To summarise all of this, if I run the Senate it'll be good, if Ashlawn does it'll be bad, therefore you are better off supporting me ultimately cause I'm pretty good at everything and could even be considered a perfect person with no flaws at all.

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of Thaecia against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter."

[spoiler=read_me.txt]I apologize for the lateness of my oath. I was on a skiing vacation in Taos, New Mexico with my family where I broke my ankle. This delayed my return to my home and Discord/NationStates. I am doing my best to reply to everything as quickly as I can. At this time, if anything is needed of me, I ask that you personally DM me on Discord. Thank you and congratulations to you all on joining the Thaecian Senate.[/spoiler]

Taungu, Dendrobium

I will be running for Chairman of the Thaecian Senate. My apologies for the delayed declaration.

Voting Period for Senate Chair

Seeing no further discussion on the floor, we are now entering into the voting period, the following vote options are available;

• [nation=noflag]Ashlawn[/nation] (IND)

• [nation=noflag]Cerdenia[/nation] (IND)

• [nation=noflag]Dykataar[/nation] (NTN)

• Present

• Abstain

Alongside the standard vote options to vote for a specific candidate and an abstention, Senators can also vote 'Present', indicating an abstention from choice that is not discounted from the total votes cast, whereas a standard abstain is discounted from voting.

As the chamber consists of 9 members, a simple majority of 5 votes is necessary to elect a Chair.

Should no candidate receive a simple majority in this vote, as per Article II Section III of the Constitution, a run-off vote will be held between the top two candidates of the first round. Should a tie occur for the first place spot occur, all tied candidates will proceed to a run-off where a plurality will be necessary to elect a Chair.

Senators, you may now cast your votes...

[spoiler=Chair-candidates][nation]Ashlawn[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Cerdenia[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Dykataar[/nation] (NTN)

[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Senators][nation]Antenion[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Ashlawn[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Cerdenia[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Dendrobium[/nation] (SOL)

[nation]Dykataar[/nation] (NTN)

[nation]Ermica[/nation] (TCU)

[nation]Hulldom[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Pap Sculgief[/nation] (IND)

[nation]Toerana V[/nation] (IND)[/spoiler]

- Taungu

Electoral Commissioner of Thaecia

Indian Genius

I vote for Cerdenia.

Indian Genius

I vote for myself

Indian Genius

I vote for the Cerdenia dude

Indian Genius

I vote for Ashlawn

Ashlawn, Indian Genius

I vote for Ashlawn :)

Ashlawn, Indian Genius

I vote for Ashlawn

Ashlawn, Indian Genius

I vote for Ashlawn.

Ashlawn, Indian Genius

Everyone bein' formal and fancy, I likey.

Ashlawn gets my vote cus he's cool :)

Ashlawn

Sorry for voting a bit late, I’ve been busy!

I vote for Ashlawn

Ashlawn

Voting Results for Senate Chair Election

As every Senator has cast their votes, the voting period is now closed.

Hon. [nation=noflag]Ashlawn[/nation] [7]: [nation]Ashlawn[/nation], [nation]Ermica[/nation], [nation]Dykataar[/nation], [nation]Antenion[/nation], [nation]Dendrobium[/nation], [nation]Toerana V[/nation], [nation]Pap Sculgief[/nation]

Hon. [nation=noflag]Cerdenia[/nation] [2]: [nation]Cerdenia[/nation], [nation]Hulldom[/nation]

Hon. [nation=noflag]Dykataar[/nation] [0]:

A majority in favor of a Chair-candidate has been established!

The Rt. Hon. Senator Ashlawn is duly re-elected to the Senate Chair position heading into the 9th term of the Thaecian Senate with 7 votes!

In accordance to L.R. 037 "Senate Procedures Act", Article VI Section I Sub-Section Ia, the candidate with the second most votes received in the election of a Chair is to be the Shadow Chair. With that, the Rt. Hon. Senator Cerdenia, with 2 votes, is the incoming Shadow Chair of the Senate.

Senate business will begin as soon as Chair Ashlawn brings the first matter into session.

Congratulations to Ashlawn and the incoming Senate leadership team! Here's to a solid term!

Taungu, out - o7

- Taungu

Electoral Commissioner of Thaecia

Indian Genius, Dendrobium, Marvinville

gg I win

Indian Genius, Marvinville

I'd like to thank the Senate for re-electing as Chairman and look forward to serving as Chairman for a full term (hopefully).

For my Deputy Chairs I have decided to appoint Dendrobium as Senior Deputy Chairman and Dykataar and Ermica as Junior Deputy Chairmans.

With that we have now begun the confirmation hearing of Indian Genius for Culture Minister.

[spoiler=Senators]

Antenion (IND)

Cerdenia (IND)

Dendrobium (SOL)

Dykataar (NTN)

Ermica (TCU)

Hulldom (IND)

Pap Sculgief (IND)

Toerana V (IND)[/spoiler]

Pap Sculgief, Indian Genius, Toerana V, Dendrobium, Marvinville, Dykataar

Thank you for this appointment, Chairman Ashlawn. I greatly appreciate this opportunity.

Moving onto the confirmation hearing,

Indian Genius, what are your plans for the Culture Ministry if you take over as Culture Minister? Please clarify any details that you have at this time.

Indian Genius

Full support. The executive needs leadership to do its job and get Thaecia back on track.

Indian Genius

From my side there are just a few minor questions for the proposed CM. Firstly, I would like to know what news Indian Genius is planning to bring to this ministry. We all know you have a long and broad history spread over multiple positions in Thaecia, but what is it you want to bring to the CM that could not be brought by anyone else, or, simpler put, what concrete plans of improvement not continuation do you have for the ministry? Secondly, as it has already been breifly mentioned in my last point, to what extent do you intent to make your term as CM a continuation of the last ministry and to what extent something entirely different?

Indian Genius

First of all, congrats IG on your nomination, it’s a great honour to be nominated, and I’m glad to see you in this position!

I only have one question, and it’s about how you will get people involved. What’s your plan for involvement from the region? If people don’t take part, how will you try to reverse that?

Hello to all the Senators! It is exciting for me to be partaking in the first confirmation hearing of a Minister in the Senate, a place where I used to debate with my fellow Senators a long time ago. I thank to the Honourable Prime Minister for nominating me for the position of the Culture Minister. With that being said, I would now answer the questions of the Right Honourable Senators.

Dykataar wrote:Indian Genius, what are your plans for the Culture Ministry if you take over as Culture Minister? Please clarify any details that you have at this time.

I would like to thank to the Right Honourable Senator for asking the question. Well, plans, I have a lot of them. First of all, (this might be a part of an answer to Dendro too) I shall release a monthly schedule of the Cultural Ministry, the first being released the moment after I get confirmed (rather say, if I get confirmed). And I will continue the concept of celebration of a special day, like the Scotland week we had under Islo's CM-ship. For example, if the Honourable Senate confirms me within today or tomorrow, perhaps I shall start the celebration of 21st March, the Human Rights Day of South Africa, and it shall go along the whole week. And of course, you have the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games shall be held thrice in a week. And from now on, we will have CYOAs on the discord and some minor (funny too, note that) polls in NS (mainly because the NS polls allow only for 108 characters and you know I am a big brain guy and I want to do big things, hehe.) And yes, there shall be another Late Nite Festival after three months, resulting in the culmination of the works of the Cultural Ministry. Now, as I have some new ideas and plans, I guess I should put them as answer to Right Honourable Senator Dendrobium's question, as both questions partly collaborate with each other. You shall get the rest of your answer in the next paragraph. :p

Dendrobium wrote:But what is it you want to bring to the CM that could not be brought by anyone else, or, simpler put, what concrete plans of improvement not continuation do you have for the ministry?

I would like to thank to the Right Honourable Senator for asking the questions. First of all, I would like to say that I see a lot of potential in the Culture Ministry, it is just that we all have failed to utilize it perfectly. As I have already said as answer to Right Honourable Senator Dykataar, I will release a monthly schedule of the Culture Ministry and would like to follow it to the best of my potential. And I would like to introduce a new event to Thaecia, that is a monthly "Jeopardy". FYI, Jeopardy is an American television game show where there are five different sets of questions, with different money slots allotted to each question depending on their difficulty level. There shall be a monthly Jeopardy, on the last Sunday of the month. We had one in the Late Nite Festival 2, courtesy to Former PM The Bigtopia, and I want to make that a regularity in Thaecia. And I shall do a weekly Thae-meme contest, where the best memes would be added to the !(add number here) commands. And yes, the Weekly Competitions which I used to have during my tenure as Deputy CM under Antenion will be revived. And though this is just an idea of mine, not yet a plan, I wish to collaborate with the RP Secretary to make a new NS Forum RP. We all know that there have been times where new nations have come to Thaecia and have left because our RMB is not as active as our discord and they don't have a discord. The NS Forum RP will be there to introduce them to the region's community and make it fun for them too. Now, to your next question...

Dendrobium wrote: Secondly, as it has already been breifly mentioned in my last point, to what extent do you intent to make your term as CM a continuation of the last ministry and to what extent something entirely different?

Well, well, well, that's something that is hard to answer. For example, I have a good bit of ideas of my own and I am also continuing the ideas of Former Culture Minister Islonia. I simply want my term to be an amalgam of different ideas continuing from previous ministries and of my own and of course, the rest of the staff of the Ministry of Culture. So, in percentages, things being continued from previous Cultural Ministries: 55%, new things done in my term: 45% (/44%, the rest 1% being Smerv). Now, answering the question of Right Honourable Senator Pap Sculgief...

Pap Sculgief wrote:First of all, congrats IG on your nomination, it’s a great honour to be nominated, and I’m glad to see you in this position!

I only have one question, and it’s about how you will get people involved. What’s your plan for involvement from the region? If people don’t take part, how will you try to reverse that?

I would like to thank to the Right Honourable Senator for asking this question. Well, like I have already answered to the Right Honourable Senator Dendrobium, I have an idea of doing an NS Forum RP that will allow newer citizens of Thaecia who don't have discord to partake in the region's activities and get introduced to the region's community. Like I have already said, the Ministry of Culture has a lot of potential but it has not been utilized. I shall mass-telegram for every major event the Culture Ministry shall have and therefore that will increase the number of people involved in cultural events. Yes, that is an old method, but that is a cool method. It is a priority for me to increase the number of people partaking in cultural events and I shall try to do that all the time. Thank you again!

I am ready to answer any other questions asked by any Right Honourable Senators. And thank you Right Honourable Senator Toerana V.

Toerana V, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Dendrobium

I have no opposition towards Indian Genius and his candidacy for CM, He as served under me as DCM and Secretary of the CM and has done amazing jobs at both positions! No Questions from me.

Indian Genius

Antenion wrote:I have no opposition towards Indian Genius and his candidacy for CM, He as served under me as DCM and Secretary of the CM and has done amazing jobs at both positions! No Questions from me.

Thanks to the Right Honourable Senator! And my former boss

Senators, we have begun voting on the nomination Indian Genius for Culture Minister.

Abstain

[spoiler=Senators]

Antenion (IND)

Cerdenia (IND)

Dendrobium (SOL)

Ermica (TCU)

Hulldom (IND)

Pap Sculgief (IND)

Toerana V (IND)[/spoiler]

Indian Genius, Toerana V

Nay. I like IG as a person, but that ban in the last year for a week has me with real concerns over whether or not he could consistently do the job. I have no doubt he could do it, and well, but I'd rather the nominee not be someone with a history of being right at the line.

Indian Genius, Toerana V

Criticism against the nominee doesn't appear particularly convincing to me. I mean, if it were up to me this wouldn't even be a ministry at all but rather a lesser sort of "agency" under another Ministry or the PM, but since it is we might as well approve the nominee, he has worked on the ministry before and appears to have provided relatively alright responses to the questions of my fellow Senators.

Aye

Indian Genius, Toerana V, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Aye Aye Captain

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

I'm going to abstain. I do have some concerns with the nominee that aren't relevant to the position, so I think its fair that I find the middle ground.

Abtsain

Hulldom, Indian Genius, Toerana V

Oh come on this guys served under me as DCM and I think he would be a fine guy as CM.

I vote Aye

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Aye

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Aye

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Results:

Aye (5) Antenion Cerdenia Dendrobium Ermica Toerana V

Nay (1) Hulldom

Abstain (2) Ashlawn Pap Sculgief

Indian Genius has been confirmed as Culture Minister.

[spoiler=Prime Minister]

The Islamic Country Of Honour[/spoiler]

Senators, we have begun the confirmation hearing of Hulldom for Foreign Affairs Minister.

Hulldom, Indian Genius, Brototh, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Here are my questions Hulldom:

1. What would you like to do with our relationship with the Consortium? Especially given the defeat of the Convention of Lausanne.

2. Are there any specific regions you would like to reach out to or improve relations with during your term?

Hulldom, Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

To be perfectly honest, I have no qualms about Hulldom's nomination. He's active, trustworthy and has a really solid understanding of the NS world. I have nothing against this selection, and I wish good luck to the candidate on the rest of the hearing

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Ashlawn wrote:Here are my questions Hulldom:

1. What would you like to do with our relationship with the Consortium? Especially given the defeat of the Convention of Lausanne.

2. Are there any specific regions you would like to reach out to or improve relations with during your term?

1. As mentioned in my Presidential campaign, I'd like to reach out to all of the Senators from last term who voted to see what their issues were with the legislation, then I'd reach out to the rest of the Consortium and assess willingness to re-negotiate those specific provisions before hopefully sending on here to be ratified.

2. A few, actually! I'd like to start off by at least constructing off-site embassies with Kaer Solas and Sky Haven, both of whom are run by long-time friends of the region. I'd also like to make progress on, and hopefully, come to an accord with Europeia (while respecting our allies in XKI and TRR). I'd also like to target some medium-sized UCRs like the New West Indies we have been friendly with in the past as well as other medium-to-large democratic UCRs. Finally, I want to explore a relationship with TNP, with a forum consulate at first, before hopefully constructing on-site embassies by the end of my term.

Ashlawn, Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Not much for me to say really. I fully support Hulldom's nomination.

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

No questions from me, I am in full support

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Senators, we have begun voting on the nomination of Hulldom for Foreign Affairs Minister.

Aye

[spoiler=Senators]

Antenion (IND)

Cerdenia (IND)

Dendrobium (SOL)

Ermica (TCU)

Hulldom (IND)

Pap Sculgief (IND)

Toerana V (IND)[/spoiler]

Andusre, Indian Genius, Brototh, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Abstain

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Sure, why not

Indian Genius

Results:

Aye (7) Ashlawn Antenion Cerdenia Dendrobium Ermica Pap Sculgief Toerana V

Nay (0)

Abstain (1) Hulldom

Hulldom has been confirmed as Foreign Affairs Minister.

[spoiler=Prime Minister]

The Islamic Country Of Honour[/spoiler]

Senators, we have begun debate on the Motion for a Reduction of the Senate.

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1521609

Hulldom, Indian Genius, Dendrobium

I agree with it. I've supported a reduction for some time.

Indian Genius, Marvinville

This has been talked about and discussed enough already, I propose we keep this brief as possible. We all agree this motion is necessary in the current situation Congress is in. Lets get to voting on this motion soon so we can get this entire situation over with.

Indian Genius

I support, this is necessary to avoid two by-elections, and just in general make the Senate more competitive and active

Indian Genius

Senators, we have begun voting on the Motion for a Reduction of the Senate.

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1521609

Aye

[spoiler=Senators]

Antenion (IND)

Cerdenia (IND)

Dendrobium (SOL)

Ermica (TCU)

Hulldom (IND)

Pap Sculgief (IND)

Toerana V (IND)[/spoiler]

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

[You realize I'm not a Senator now, yes]

Indian Genius, Brototh

Aye

Indian Genius

Results:

Aye (4) Ashlawn Antenion Cerdenia Dendrobium

Nay (0)

Abstain (3) Ermica Pap Sculgief Toerana V

The motion to continue has passed.

Senators, we have begun the final vote on the Motion for a Reduction of the Senate.

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1521609

Aye

Indian Genius

Nay

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Results:

Aye (6) Ashlawn Antenion Cerdenia Dendrobium Ermica Pap Sculgief

Nay (1) Toerana V

Abstain (0)

The motion has passed and will be sent to the House.

[spoiler=Speaker]

Marvinville[/spoiler]

Senators, we have begun the confirmation hearing of Snalland for Justice Minister.

Indian Genius, Dendrobium

While the position of Justice Minister usually doesn't do much, it's still important that the nominee undergoes some scrutiny being a relative newcomer.

Therefore I would like to ask two thigns:

1. Could you tell us why you believe you are qualified for the position.

2. What would you do if you become Justice Minister, and how would it be different from your predecessors.

Snalland

Indian Genius

Senate Reduction Proposal that cleared the House earlier Ashlawn

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1522022

Indian Genius, Marvinville, Rhyssuan Peoples

Let’s just put this bluntly, I’m not the single best candidate for this position, and I’m probably not even in the top 5. But by the time I’m done I sure as hell will be.

I’m planning on sweeping change, from what my experience has been in Thaecia, and I’m assuming others has been as well, the Justice Ministry has been doing a whole lot of nothing. In order to justify its existence, I’m planning on establishing subservient committees to expand the reach of the Justice Ministry. The first of these is the Committee for Enabling Legislation. I understand that their are a large number of people with great ideas for Thaecia that simply either lack the technical ability to write legislation, or the time to do so. This committee will take their ideas, write potential bills and put them before Congress. This may be an overreach of the Ministry of Justice’s legal ability, but it needs to be done, and I will do it. There are a few more minor ones, which I will now describe. The Committee Regarding the Safegaurding of the Constitution, which will ensure that all bills written by any person and are submitted for review by congress, are actually constitutional. To save you guys time. The Committee Regarding Judicial Norms, which will more strictly enforce the proceedings and processes of the Judiciary, and others along the same line. If you have any questions regarding these committees I’d be quite happy to answer.

Now, my qualifications for any ministry are as follows. I’ve done NS on and off for roughly four years. I served as MP in this region for a month, last month actually. And I’ve plenty of free time.

(also I’m formatting on mobile rn so don’t be mad please)

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Firstly I have a small follow-up question for Snalland concerning those committees. I believe it sounds very nice and could prove to be helpful if excecuted and maintained well, so my question is if you have any plans yet for exactly that? How will this, and any possible future committees at the JM, function and do you have trust that they will be kept up?

Secondly I would like to point Senator Ermica to Article VII Section VI of the Senate Procedures Act. Proposing this legislation is against the rules of this Chamber and is something that should have been thought about when the author proposed it themself while the previous motion had already been added to the Senate Docket. Perhaps if the HoC ceases it's current business the same issue can be prevented when our motion reaches their attention.

Indian Genius

Ok, I thought about that but I was told to post it, so consider it withdrawn then.

Ashlawn, Indian Genius, Dendrobium

Maintenance and continuation of my committees is ultimately up to the future JMs. I’ll do my best to do a good job of showing why they’re necessary and good. Whether they continue to exist after my term is done is unfortunately outside of my control.

I appreciate the question and I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss the most prevalent of my secondary objectives, that being the rewriting of the Bar Exam. The Bar exam is very simplistic, and while that is a positive in its own way, additions to the exam would make the test better and more robust. I’d not propose rewriting of the existing test, but adding more to it. This is a secondary goal, the expansion of the Justice Ministry must be achieved before I work on rewriting the Bar Exam.

Honestly, not much more to add regarding the committees. They’d be staffed with volunteers, headed by myself. They’d do as I’ve described earlier, with some leniency applied to give them freedom of expression and movement.

Cerdenia, Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

I have no concerns about the JM nomination

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

I support Snalland's nomination

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

I fully support the nomination of Snalland

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

I support the Nomination of Snalland

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

With permission of the Chair, we have now started voting on the confirmation of Snalland for Justice minister.

[spoiler=Senators]Ashlawn Antenion Cerdenia Dendrobium Ermica Pap Sculgief Toerana V[/spoiler]

My vote is Aye.

Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Aye

Indian Genius

Cerdenia wrote:Aye

Changing my vote to Abstain.

Indian Genius

Results:

Aye (5) Ashlawn Antenion Dendrobium Ermica Pap Sculgief

Nay (0)

Abstain (2) Cerdenia Toerana V

Snalland has been confirmed as Justice Minister.

[spoiler=Prime Minister]

The Islamic Country Of Honour[/spoiler]

Senators, we have begun debate on the Procedures for the Organisation of Constitutional Conventions Act.

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1505652

Pap Sculgief, Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour

Seems pretty good to me

Indian Genius

y'all can't even bother debating on my bill? smh

Indian Genius

While I don't believe this bill will be put to use very soon, it is good to have it at the ready. Just a few Amendments I would like to propose;

[spoiler=Amendment A]

Adds to Article I:

Section III - Together with a motion for the initiation of the Constitutional Convention, the person proposing the motion must also provide at least three Amendments they will be sponsoring during the Constitutional Convention.[/spoiler]

This is a way to prevent motions for such a Convention intended to cease the workings of Congress and is also simply a general way to ensure enough work will be done.

[spoiler=Amendment B]

Changes Article II Section III to say:

Section III - Among it's Members, the Convention shall elect a Convention Chairman and a Convention Deputy Chairman. The Convention Chairman shall be tasked with overseeing and organising debates and votes on amendments, and the Deputy Chairman shall be tasked with aiding him whenever necessary, being able to temporarily assume the office of Chairman if designated to do so. The Electoral Commissioner or a member of the Electoral Commission designated by him, shall be tasked with the organisation of the elections for the two offices. If no candidate obtains a simple majority of voting Members of the Convention at the first round of voting, a second round shall be held with the two candidates who received the most votes. The Convention Chairman and Convention Deputy Chairman may not both hold office as Cabinet Members or be in same Legislative Chamber.[/spoiler]

This is to prevent one Chamber of Congress or the Excecutive to hold too much power and steer the Convention to their will.

[spoiler=Amendment C]

Changes Article IV to say:

Section I - All amendments are entitled to a minimum 12 24 hours of debate and a maximum 48 hours of debate. This time may be extended once by up to an additional 24 hours if deemed necessary by the Chairman of the Convention or if less than 50% of Members of the Convention have voted.

Section II - All amendments are entitled to a minimum 24 hours of voting and a maximum 48 hours of voting. This time may be extended once by up to an additional 24 hours if less than 50% of Members of the Convention have voted.

[...][/spoiler]

A small error I found; two Sections saying basically the same thing but differing in the timeframe they set out could end up being a problem.

[spoiler=Amendment D]

Changes all mentions of the word "Chairman" to the word "Chair"[/spoiler]

Simple, to my knowledge all uses of "Chairman" have been changed in other pieces of legislation so lets keep a some consistency.

Dendrobium wrote:While I don't believe this bill will be put to use very soon, it is good to have it at the ready. Just a few Amendments I would like to propose;

[spoiler=Amendment A]

Adds to Article I:

Section III - Together with a motion for the initiation of the Constitutional Convention, the person proposing the motion must also provide at least three Amendments they will be sponsoring during the Constitutional Convention.[/spoiler]

This is a way to prevent motions for such a Convention intended to cease the workings of Congress and is also simply a general way to ensure enough work will be done.

[spoiler=Amendment B]

Changes Article II Section III to say:

Section III - Among it's Members, the Convention shall elect a Convention Chairman and a Convention Deputy Chairman. The Convention Chairman shall be tasked with overseeing and organising debates and votes on amendments, and the Deputy Chairman shall be tasked with aiding him whenever necessary, being able to temporarily assume the office of Chairman if designated to do so. The Electoral Commissioner or a member of the Electoral Commission designated by him, shall be tasked with the organisation of the elections for the two offices. If no candidate obtains a simple majority of voting Members of the Convention at the first round of voting, a second round shall be held with the two candidates who received the most votes. The Convention Chairman and Convention Deputy Chairman may not both hold office as Cabinet Members or be in same Legislative Chamber.[/spoiler]

This is to prevent one Chamber of Congress or the Excecutive to hold too much power and steer the Convention to their will.

[spoiler=Amendment C]

Changes Article IV to say:

Section I - All amendments are entitled to a minimum 12 24 hours of debate and a maximum 48 hours of debate. This time may be extended once by up to an additional 24 hours if deemed necessary by the Chairman of the Convention or if less than 50% of Members of the Convention have voted.

Section II - All amendments are entitled to a minimum 24 hours of voting and a maximum 48 hours of voting. This time may be extended once by up to an additional 24 hours if less than 50% of Members of the Convention have voted.

[...][/spoiler]

A small error I found; two Sections saying basically the same thing but differing in the timeframe they set out could end up being a problem.

[spoiler=Amendment D]

Changes all mentions of the word "Chairman" to the word "Chair"[/spoiler]

Simple, to my knowledge all uses of "Chairman" have been changed in other pieces of legislation so lets keep a some consistency.

I'm supportive of A, B and C, not a big fan of D though. D is just not really a big deal, think it's fine as it is, not really related to the position of Senate Chairman.

Indian Genius

Cerdenia wrote:I'm supportive of A, B and C, not a big fan of D though. D is just not really a big deal, think it's fine as it is, not really related to the position of Senate Chairman.

Wait no I was just pointed out that Section I and II are about debating and voting respectively, didn't even realise even though I wrote this thing lmao.

So yeah not supporting Amendment C.

Indian Genius

Because it was pointed out that I misread something, I am repealing Amendment C.

I'm against holding the elected legislature or any other body above that of regular citizens. People who may not be interested in the regular day to day legislature are significantly more likely to be invested in the constitution. All citizens should be put on an equal level for a convention, not just those who have government positions.

With permission of the Chair we have now started voting on the Amendments proposed:

[spoiler=Amendment A]

Adds to Article I:

Section III - Together with a motion for the initiation of the Constitutional Convention, the person proposing the motion must also provide at least three Amendments they will be sponsoring during the Constitutional Convention.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Amendment B]

Changes Article II Section III to say:

Section III - Among it's Members, the Convention shall elect a Convention Chairman and a Convention Deputy Chairman. The Convention Chairman shall be tasked with overseeing and organising debates and votes on amendments, and the Deputy Chairman shall be tasked with aiding him whenever necessary, being able to temporarily assume the office of Chairman if designated to do so. The Electoral Commissioner or a member of the Electoral Commission designated by him, shall be tasked with the organisation of the elections for the two offices. If no candidate obtains a simple majority of voting Members of the Convention at the first round of voting, a second round shall be held with the two candidates who received the most votes. The Convention Chairman and Convention Deputy Chairman may not both hold office as Cabinet Members or be in same Legislative Chamber.

[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Amendment D]

Changes all mentions of the word "Chairman" to the word "Chair"[/spoiler]

My votes are

A. Aye

B. Aye

D. Aye

[spoiler=Senators]

Ashlawn, Antenion, Cerdenia, Dendrobium, Ermica, Pap Sculgief, Toerana V

[/spoiler]

Toerana V

A. Nay

B. Aye

D. Aye

Ultimately I've decided I'll also be voting nay to amendment A. The requirement it sets is actually quite ineffective, as the individual proposing the motion could in theory create a bunch of meaningless small amendments just to be able to have their motion considered as legitimate.

A - Nay

B - Aye

C- Nay

A - Nay

B - Aye

C - Aye

Assembled with Dot's Region Saver.
Written by Refuge Isle.