TGECN: First Constitution



Constitution of The German Empire

Part I -- Proclamation
 ~ Preamble ~

"A government must not waver once it has chosen its course. It must not look to the left or right but go forward." - Otto von Bismarck

The German Empire, founded on the principles of monarchy, national unity and order, hereby sets forth these beliefs in the form of this constitution. It is the duty of the people of the German Empire to maintain and protect the constitution, although we recognize that it may be necessary to modify it from time to time and after due consideration, in order to maintain it as a living reflection of the life and needs of the Empire.

The German Empire is a constitutional monarchy, with the German Emperor as the Head of State. The Reichstag represents all citizens of the German Empire, while the Imperial Chancellor and Ministries are represented and presided over by the German Emperor in the form of the Prussian House of Lords.

Part II -- Immigration Policies
Section I -- Imperial Citizenship

Any sovereign state wishing to join the German Empire must fulfill certain requirements, including but not limited to a series of examinations to determine eligibility for entry into the German Empire. Once the sovereign state becomes a citizen of the German Empire, such a citizen may not join any other alliance, unless that citizen publicly resigns from the German Empire.

Therefore, an applicant for Imperial Citizenship must:

- Register on the German Empire forums, and post an application; - Change alliance affiliation to "Imperial German Immigrant"; - Be approved as a Foreign Immigrant, which occurs after the posting of the application; - Have Custom 8 as his national flag, absent specific permission to the contrary; - Be part of the White Sphere, absent specific permission to the contrary; - Complete the Imperial Citizenship Examinations with a score of 90% or higher; - Swear loyalty to Emperor Frederick II and the German Empire; - Agree to adhere to all laws of the German Empire; - Agree to join the German Reichswehr; and - Affirm that they do not support racial hate or white supremacy or affiliate in any way with any group that does. As all human beings are equal in the eyes of God, they therefore should not be discriminated against, hated, or treated in any inhumane way. - After completing all the above, the new member must have "The German Empire" in his/her alliance affiliation.

Section II -- Resignation

A citizen of the German Empire may at any time resign from the German Empire, so long as a resignation post is placed in the correct forum section, and all outstanding debts to the German Empire are settled. Once the citizen in question completes these steps, they must remove "The German Empire" from their alliance affiliation.

Part III -- The Imperial German Government
Section I -- The German Emperor

The German Emperor is the Head of State of the German Empire. The German Emperor is responsible for directing the Imperial German Government. The German Emperor cannot be removed unless he abdicates the Imperial Crown as his own voluntary act. He also holds the power to veto all legislation and appointments in the Imperial German Government. In the event, however, that a bill is passed by the Reichstag, the Prussian House of Lords and approved by the Imperial Chancellor, it cannot be vetoed by the German Emperor. In all affairs involving the German Empire, the German Emperor holds the final authority. If the German Emperor is absent, the Imperial Chancellor may temporarily assume his duties, unless otherwise stated by the German Emperor, until the German Emperor returns from said absence. The German Emperor can give vote priority to any legislation appointed by any member of the Reichstag and the Prussian House of Lords, to which the German Emperor can add or modify prioritized bills at his discretion, but only before the approval of the bill.

Section II -- The German Emperor's Duties

The German Emperor is responsible for overseeing and directing the German Empire. He may have the Imperial Ministers work directly for him, or if he chooses, for the Imperial Chancellor. He may decide on this at any given time during his reign. No Government Official within the German Empire may be removed or resign from his position without the consent of the German Emperor. ''' Article I -- Martial Law '''

Should the security of the German Empire warrant, the German Emperor may declare martial law with the consent of the majority of the Reichstag and the majority of the Prussian House of Lords. Under Martial Law, the German Emperor may take actions, create laws or issue Imperial Decrees regarding any sector of the German Empire at his sole discretion without the consent of the Reichstag or the Prussian House of Lords. Martial Law may be terminated by Imperial Decree or by a majority vote of the Reichstag and the Prussian House of Lords, which vote may be introduced in either house upon motion of any member of these legislative chambers.  Section III -- Abdication

If at any point the German Emperor is unable to perform his duties, he may allow the Imperial Chancellor to assume his duties. However, if he returns the Imperial Chancellor must return the power when asked to. Also, if the German Emperor wishes to do so, he may abdicate, forfeiting the Imperial Crown to someone else, or abolishing the monarchy in the German Empire.

Section IV -- The Imperial Chancellor

The Imperial Chancellor is in charge of overseeing the everyday affairs of the German Empire. He is responsible for heading the Imperial German Government and representing the German Empire abroad in international affairs. The Imperial Chancellor is responsible for the protection and advancement of the German Empire. The Imperial Chancellor is appointed by the German Emperor, and serves at the sole discretion of the German Emperor.  Section V -- The Imperial Chancellor's Duties

- Has the power to veto legislation and appointments. - Has the power to expel any citizen, deny immigration applications, subject to the German Emperor's consent. - Has the final word on all day-to-day matters within the German Empire. The German Emperor may overrule if needed. - Can nominate the Imperial Ministers to be voted on by the Reichstag. - Manages all elections and votes within the German Empire, and may move to dissolve the current Reichstag with the approval of the German Emperor and the Prussian House of Lords. - Directs the German Empire from day to day. - Casts votes as necessary to break tie votes in the Reichstag. - Can, at the request of the Emperor, dissolve the Reichstag in case of inactivity and call a new election for Reichstag Deputies.

'''Section VI -- Resignation/Removal '''

The Imperial Chancellor is subject to removal by the German Emperor at any time. A special session of the House of Lords may propose his removal, with the final approval of the German Emperor, regardless if he is active or inactive during the vote, to which the Imperial Vice-Chancellor may act as a mediator if needed.

Section VII -- Imperial Vice-Chancellor

The Imperial Vice-Chancellor is appointed by the Imperial Chancellor from the elected Reichstag Deputies, subject to the consent of the German Emperor. He may be dismissed and replaced by another Reichstag Deputy at any given time, unless the exception stated in Section IX, below, is in place. The Imperial Vice-Chancellor may assume the duties of the Imperial Chancellor if the Imperial Chancellor is not present.  Section VIII -- Imperial Vice-Chancellor's Duties

- Preside over the Reichstag. - Fill in as the Imperial Chancellor if the Imperial Chancellor is absent. - Organize and maintain the order and coherence of the Reichstag. - Act as Imperial Representative of the Reichstag in the Prussian House of Lords. - Submits as required detailed reports of the acts of the Reichstag to the German Emperor, Imperial Chancellor, or directly to the German people.

Section IX -- Resignation/Removal

The Imperial Vice-Chancellor may be removed at any time by the Imperial Chancellor, except when the Imperial Vice-Chancellor acts as a mediator or channel between the Prussian House of Lords and the German Emperor in the case of the removal of the Imperial Chancellor, and replaced with another Reichstag Deputy.

Section X -- Imperial Ministers

The Imperial Ministers of the Imperial German Government are as follows:

- Minister of Education - Minister of Finance - Minister of Foreign Affairs - Minister of Immigration - Minister of Propaganda - Minister of War

The Imperial Chancellor or the German Emperor may at any given time create a ministry if necessary as long as it is approved by the German Emperor. The Imperial Ministers can be appointed by the German Emperor or Imperial Chancellor, and must be approved by all parties, including the Reichstag with a majority vote, and the Prussian House of Lords with also a majority. No Imperial Minister can be dismissed without the consent and approval of the German Emperor.  Section XI - Duties of Imperial Ministers

The Minister of Education -- is responsible for furthering knowledge within the German Empire's educational institutions. He or she is responsible for maintaining the University of Königsberg, creating informational guides, assisting new members in the learning process, and developing new ideas for implementation in the education system.

The Minister of Finance -- is responsible for technology deals, aid and trades. It is at the Minister of Finance's discretion as to whom in the German Empire will receive aid. The Minister of Finance also oversees tech deals arranged through the forums and may be called upon to help with trades. However, the Minister of Finance’s duties will consist mostly of setting up and deploying our operational banking nations so that they are prepared to send aid.

The Minister of Immigration -- is responsible for immigration, recruiting, ensuring new members are settled and overseeing the activities of the Imperial Immigration Guard. It is the responsibility of the Minister of Immigration to grade all entrance exams, and to decide whether or not an applicant is eligible for membership in the German Empire.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs -- is responsible for maintaining and overseeing diplomatic relations with foreign alliances, and has the ability to appoint and assign Diplomats to help him/her in preserving friendly relations with the rest of Planet Bob. The Minister of Foreign Affairs can set Foreign Policy only at the approval of the Emperor and the Imperial Chancellor, or has to carry out Foreign Policy set forth by the Emperor. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is legally capable of discussing Tech Deals and other types of diplomatic negotiations with Foreign Entities.

The Minister of Propaganda -- is responsible for all visuals and graphic design created on behalf of the German Empire. This ranges from signatures and avatars to recruitment posters and non-official commissions that are just for enjoyment and pleasure.

The Minister of War -- is responsible for all of the military aspects of the German Empire. The Minister of War exercises authority over all matters related to the military and, with the aid of his officers, manages, organizes, and directs the Reichswehr, the Medizinisches Korps, and any other subgroup of the Imperial German Military.

Part IV -- The Reichstag, The Prussian House of Lords and The Imperial Court of Justice
Section I -- The Reichstag and Reichstag Deputies

The Reichstag is the voice of the people of the German Empire. Elections of the Reichstag's Imperial Deputies will take place on:

- February 25th - April 25th - June 25th - August 25th - October 25th - December 25th

The term of the Reichstag Deputies begins on the first of the new month following the election. The Reichstag votes on legislation for the Imperial Government of the German Empire. All bills passed by the Reichstag must be signed by the German Emperor and Imperial Chancellor within the period of ten days or they are considered void and vetoed. The number of representatives in the Reichstag, otherwise known as Reichstag Deputies, is dictated by the German Emperor, and can only be changed every two months. In the event of dissolution of the Reichstag, a new elections shall take place two days before the end of the month, and Reichstag Deputies announced on the first day of the new month.

To be eligible for the position of Reichstag Deputy the citizen must announce their candidacy at least 24 hours prior to the election. Candidates cannot currently hold the position of Imperial Minister or Field Marshal. The candidates must have served the German Empire for a period of two weeks prior to election day, this clause can be waived with a letter of recommendation from the German Emperor or Imperial Chancellor. The letter of recommendation must cite exact reasons for the waiver.

In the event that a member of the Reichstag is removed or resigns, the Reichstag is required to announce the open position for a period of 48 hours, during which citizens may publicly announce their intent to be considered. At the end of this period, the Reichstag will appoint a replacement deputy with a majority vote and the approval of the German Emperor. The Reichstag must appoint a new deputy within a period of no greater then five days from the resignation or removal of said named deputy.

The citizens of the German Empire have the full right to propose ideas which can be passed forward to the Reichstag. In order for a proposed idea to be brought forward to the Reichstag, the proposed idea must have three more votes for it then against it, and it should have more then ten votes for its approval in order to be forwarded to the Reichstag. The Reichstag then votes on the proposed Bill, needing a majority vote, then it will be forwarded to the German Emperor who can either approve it, or send it back.

Section II -- The Prussian House of Lords and its Representatives

The Prussian House of Lords is comprised of the following: The German Emperor, Imperial Chancellor, Imperial Vice-Chancellor, Imperial Ministers, Imperial High Judge, and two citizens of high regard who have been ennobled by the German Emperor. Membership for current Imperial Ministers, the Imperial High Judge and the Imperial Vice Chancellor is automatic. Citizens who are in good standing with the German Empire can be nominated for appointment by the Emperor and approved by a two-thirds vote of the Reichstag. There can be no more than two Imperial Citizens appointed to the House at any given time. Appointment to the Prussian House of Lords is in effect until resignation or removal.

Members of the Prussian House of Lords may be removed by the Emperor with the approval of a majority vote of the Reichstag. Removal is automatic when such member is removed from his current position. Members may at any time resign from the Prussian House of Lords, however if said member is appointed to the House by virtue of position within the Imperial German Government, he/she then also resigns from said position.  Section III -- The Imperial Court of Justice

The Imperial Court of Justice is in charge of the duty of enforcing laws and the constitution. The Imperial Court of Justice consists of the Imperial High Judge, and two Imperial Judges. The Imperial High Judge is in charge of all matters regarding discipline unless otherwise stated herein.

Imperial Judges are appointed by the Emperor in consultation with the Imperial Chancellor, and must be approved by a majority of both the Reichstag and the Prussian House of Lords.

In order to maintain the impartiality of the Imperial Court of Justice, no judge may serve concurrently as a Minister, Reichstag Deputy, or Field Marshal, and shall be automatically recused from any vote in the Prussian House of Lords relating to the Imperial Court of Justice, including but not limited to the appointment of Imperial Judges.

Imperial Judges are appointed to serve in perpetuity but may resign with the consent of the German Emperor or may be removed from office by the German Emperor with the consent of the Imperial Chancellor and a majority of the Prussian House of Lords and the Reichstag.

Part V -- The Imperial German Military
Section I - Citizens' Duty to Serve

Every German citizen is subject to military duty, and in the discharge of this duty no substitute can be accepted. The total land force of the German Empire shall form one Army, which, in war and in peace, shall be under the ultimate command of the German Emperor.

Section II - Maintenance of the Military

The German Army shall consist of five Army Groups, each under the command of a Field Marshal. It shall be the duty and the right of the German Emperor and the Minister of War to take care that, throughout the German Army, all Imperial Divisions are to be kept full and well equipped, and that unity be established and maintained in regard to organization and formation, equipment, and command in the training of the men, as well as in the qualification of the officers. For these purpose the German Emperor shall be authorized to satisfy himself at any time of the condition of the several Imperial Divisions, and to provide remedies for existing defects. The German Emperor shall have the right to designate garrisons within the German Empire, as also to call any portion of the Army into active service.

The Imperial German Military exists to support the German Empire and the German Emperor and will act only in the best interests of the German Empire. If at any time, it appears that they are acting outside these strict guidelines, an immediate inquiry can be called by the Reichstag.

Any major actions on the part of the military will be taken with the consent of the German Emperor. The Minister of War is owed no personal loyalty, save as head of the military chain of command. Neither he, nor his officers are allowed to coerce, threaten or demand anything of the general membership unless the German Empire itself is under threat.

Section III - Command Structure of the Military

All German troops are bound implicitly to obey the orders of the German Emperor. This obligation shall be included in the Oath of Allegiance. The German Emperor has the right to appoint officers, however it is the prerogative of the Minister of War to assign military positions as he deems fit based on his observation of the individual officers’ competence, activity and devotion to duty. At any time, members of the military are subject to replacement at the request of the German Emperor.

If the Minister of War is absent, the Deputy Minister of War shall take over such duties as assigned, but if the Deputy Minister of War acts outside the terms of his post, the Reichstag shall intervene and approach the standing Minister of War for clarification. The Reichstag has the power to veto any action of the Deputy Minister of War.

The Minister of War can be asked to stand down if more than five standing or reserve officers petition for his removal. Upon such petition, the Minister of War will be required to submit his resignation to the German Emperor and await His decision.

Section IV - Court Martial of the German Empire

The Court Martial of the German Empire shall comprise all current Field Marshals and shall be presided over by the Minister of War, who will be the final arbiter of this body. This Court shall be responsible for discipline for insubordination, absence without leave, refusal to fight, unauthorized tech raids, or any infraction of military rules or orders. The Court Martial will have the discretionary power to issue and order any sentence it deems appropriate, including suspension from the military and suspension from aid and trades or a sentence of "Ghost" status. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any sentence of Zero Infrastructure issued by the Court Martial, will carry an automatic right of appeal to the High Court of the German Empire, which may confirm or vacate such sentence of the Imperial Court Martial. In such a case, the decision of the High Court will be final. Any sentence of the Court Martial that would result in attacks against an citizen of the German Empire must be approved by both the German Emperor and a majority of the Reichstag.

Section V - Nuclear First Strike Policy

The German Empire denounces offensive nuclear strikes. Should the German Empire become engaged in a non-conventional war, the German Emperor may grant by written approval the right to a nuclear strike against an aggressor and his affiliated alliance as a whole. Written consent must cite specific reasons for defensive response. The German Empire will consider all nuclear nations of the affiliated alliance as imminent threats.

Section VI - Declarations of War

Only the Reichstag can authorize alliance-wide war or attacks against alliances of any size. A majority vote accompanied by approval of the German Emperor, the Imperial Chancellor, the Prussian House of Lords and the Minister of War is necessary for the declaration of war. The Minister of War may submit a request for declaration of war by written proposal, such proposal citing a specific casus belli. The Declaration of War will be effective upon public announcement by the German Emperor, which announcement must cite a specific casus belli.

Individual wars are to be approved by the Minister of War, or in his absence, the Deputy Minister of War, the German Emperor or the Imperial Chancellor. Written approval for any individual war is necessary; Any member state of the German Empire engaging in acts of war absent written approval will be considered a rogue and will face punitive actions. In the case of individual war it is not necessary to cite a specific casus belli.  Section VII - Zero Infrastructure

The German Empire reserves the right to use Zero Infrastructure as a judicial penalty, civil or military, and during time of war against enemy nations. The foregoing includes simple Zero Infrastructure, i.e,. a single occurrence of Zero Infrastructure, or as a judicial penalty only, Permanent Zero Infrastructure ("PZI"), which can recur as long as an individual has a specific nation. The German Empire hereby renounces the practice of Eternal Zero Infrastructure (“EZI”).

Part VI -- Amendments to the Constitution
Amendments of the Constitution shall be made by the Reichstag if there is a two-thirds vote in favor thereof, as well as Approval of the German Emperor and a simple majority of the Prussian House of Lords.