Organic Law
The 1997/XVIII Organic Law, also known as the OrgLaw, is the highest law of Talossa and the supreme governing document. Its twenty-one articles broadly establish the boundaries of the nation, the role of the sovereign, the functioning of the government, the nature of the Ziu, and other vital topics. The nineteenth article describes a Covenant of Rights and Freedoms modeled after the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights, which guarantees a list of rights vital to the Talossan people.
History
The Organic Law was established in 1997/XVIII.
Contents
Article I: Declaration of Independence
This section consists of a single sentence, mimicking the original founding of Talossa by "proclaim[ing] the Kingdom of Talossa to be an independent unit in the master plan of World Singular Secession."
Article II: Points of State
This article establishes the boundaries of Talossa and its capital, Abbeville. It also describes some of the most important symbols of the nation, including the flag, national motto, and arms of the state.
Article III: The King
- See our main article on this subject at Crown.
- See our main article on this subject at Crown.
The third article declares Talossa to be a "constitutional, hereditary Monarchy," and its second section grants the sovereign specified powers, such as the ability to veto bills and grant pardons. The bulk of this article, however, concerns the manner in which the monarch is replaced or succeeded. It details how the crown passes from King John to his next heir, irrespective of gender, and the implementation of a regency when this is not immediately possible.
The article also specifies how the Ziu may remove an heir from the line of succession, or remove a reigning monarch from his position. Lastly, Article III requires a new King to establish a Privy Council of esteemed elder Talossans, to advice him on "matters of grave importance."
Article IV: Election to the Senäts
Article IV describes the method of election for members of the Senäts, as well as the means by which a Senator can be removed from office (voluntarily, by the Cort Pü Inalt, or by impeachment by the rest of the Senäts).
Article V: Composition of the Senäts
- See our main article on this subject at Senäts.
- See our main article on this subject at Senäts.
The main article regarding the functioning and makeup of the Senäts, this article lays out much of the scope of that body's power, as well as associated restrictions. The Senäts does not have any say in the monthly vote of confidence undertaken by the Cosa, and no bill that appropriates money may originate in the Senäts (although such bills must still acquire the assent of the Senäts to pass). Certain types of amendments to the Organic Law, on the other hand, may only pass with a 2/3 vote of the Senäts; bills pertaining to Talossan territorial claims, provincial boundaries, the amendment process, or the Senäts itself all require this strength of support.
Two of the more arcane rules of Talossan governance also are delineated in this article:
- The sovereign is prohibited from entering the Senäts chamber unless called to testify. This has in the past combined with statutes that require royal assent to an action of the Senäts (such as the awarding of a Senatorial Medal of Honour) to necessitate a royal messenger.
- If the Senäts twice rejects a revenue bill, the sovereign may force both houses of the Ziu to meet in a single body with him, passing the bill if a majority of that body assent to it. It is due to this provision that the Crown is considered to be a part of the Ziu.