Constitution of the Duchy of Brunswick



The Constitution of the Duchy of Brunswick (German: Verfassung des Herzogtums Braunschweig) is the supreme law and the source of law in the Duchy of Brunswick. It was written by the People's Council of Brunswick on the 19th of January, 2009, and ratified by the Ministerial Cabinet of the Duchy of Brunswick with the consent of the Duchess of Brunswick on the 20th of January, 2009.

Preamble
We the Citizens of the Duchy of Brunswick, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and for future generations, do ordain and establish the Duchy of Brunswick.

Article I
The Duchy of Brunswick is a constitutional monarchy with a government that is consists of:
 * A Duchess.
 * Twelve Ministers and their respective departments.
 * The People’s Council of Brunswick.

Article II
The Duchess of the Duchy of Brunswick is the head of state and government of the Duchy of Brunswick and is the highest political office in the Duchy. The Duchess has power to:
 * To preside over the executive branch of the government of the Duchy of Brunswick.
 * To enforce the law of the nation as given in the Constitution.
 * To act as Commander-In-Chief of the Military of the Duchy of Brunswick.
 * To declare a war or an emergency.
 * To create a cabinet of advisers, known as the Ministerial Cabinet, and dissolve the current Cabinet to appoint new ministers.
 * To preside over meetings of the Ministerial Cabinet.
 * To sign into law or veto bills that have been brought to meetings of the Ministerial Cabinet.
 * To grant pardons, reprieves, or awards with the advice and consent of Ministerial Cabinet.
 * To make treaties and appoint officers, ambassadors, and judges, including nominating Justices of the Supreme Court of Braunschweig.
 * To preside over all matters involving citizenship, passports/visas, and expulsion of a citizen or foreign national with the advice and consent of the Ministerial Cabinet.

Any action taken by the Duchess can be opposed with a two-thirds majority vote in the Ministerial Cabinet, if either the Cabinet or the People’s Council of Brunswick has felt the Duchess made her decision in error. This is designed to prevent any government official from having absolute power over the Duchy.

The Duchess’ position is hereditary, and therefore, the holder of the position holds it for life.

The benefits of this position are as follows:
 * The privilege of the Duchess and Ducal Family to reside at Schloss Richmond in Braunschweig.
 * The privilege to use its staff and facilities, including medical care, recreation, housekeeping, and security services.
 * The privilege to use of an aircraft for government purposes only.
 * The privilege of a salary of €400,000.

Since these are privileges, they can be reduced or revoked at any time deemed necessary by the Ministerial Cabinet.

Article III
Each Minister is the head of his own department and has the power to deal with issues that fall under his department's jurisdiction. It is the duty of each Minister to ensure acts under his department’s jurisdiction have been voted upon by the People’s Council before bringing them to be made into law at the quarterly meetings of the Ministerial Cabinet. Meetings take place on the first day of the third month in a quarter and can be changed within reason if a crisis arises. The meetings schedule is as follows:
 * March 1st
 * June 1st
 * September 1st
 * December 1st

If a Minister is unable to perform the duties assigned to his department or has fallen out of the favor with the people, it is the right of the Duchess to appoint his successor. This successor must be approved by the People’s Council before being allowed into government.

Article IV
The People’s Council of Brunswick is formed of two representatives from the major cities within the actual Duchy of Brunswick. Each territory of the Duchy of Brunswick has the right to elect two representatives and send to the People’s Council. Representatives are usually elected by the people in each city within the Duchy and each territory.

The powers of the People’s Council of Brunswick are as follows:
 * To create bills and pass them onto the Ministerial Cabinet to be considered for approval to become a law or policy.
 * To protest any decision made by the Duchess or the Ministerial Cabinet.

The People’s Council of Brunswick has meetings quarterly. Citizens are allowed to attend this meeting but must call in advance to reserve a seat. The meetings are broadcast live on the public television network. If there are any delays, a public notice will be made. Their meetings are scheduled as follows:
 * January 1st
 * April 1st
 * July 1st
 * December 1st

Article V
The Supreme Courts of Braunschweig consists of the:
 * Appellate Court
 * High Court of Justice (Civil Cases)
 * Ducal Court(Criminal Cases)

These courts are presided over by Justices of the Supreme Court of Braunschweig. Justices are nominated by the Duchess and confirmed by the Ministerial Cabinet. These justices have the authority over lower courts in the Duchy of Brunswick and may overturn the ruling on a case from a lower court.

Article VI
The Military of the Duchy of Brunswick is presided over by the Duchess of Brunswick, the Minister of Defense, and the commanding generals from each branch of military service. The Duchy of Brunswick will not commit unprovoked acts of aggression and shall only commit to war in response to acts of aggression, real or threatened, or the financial facilitation thereof, against the Duchy of Brunswick, or her allies.

In the event of war, the Duchess must declare war and provide a reason, subject to approval by Ministerial Cabinet. The decision is then passed down to the Minister of Defense, who will then wait for commands from the Duchess. These decisions can be overridden by an alliance body or the Ministerial Cabinet.

Other Military Actions
1. The Ministry of Defense may conduct military action against any nation or alliance that commits acts of violence or the financial facilitation of violence against the Duchy of Brunswick, her allies, or other nations not specifically allied with the Duchy of Brunswick. The Duchess may order the cessation of any military action conducted under this subsection.

2. The Minister of Defense may conduct military action against nations that have not committed acts of violence or the financial facilitation of violence only with consent of the alliance body.

Article VIII
Amendments will be added from the previous article when necessary by the Government of the Duchy of Brunswick.