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Bill: A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia
Details
Submitted by[?]: Democratic People's Movement
Status[?]: defeated
Votes: This bill asks for an amendement to the Constitution. It will require two-thirds of the legislature to vote in favor. This bill will not pass any sooner than the deadline.
Voting deadline: February 4186
Description[?]:
| Members of Congress, The election of the National Party as the plurality party highlights the imminent need for constitutional reform in our nation. The people have sent a clear message to politicians: 'we want a better system'. To that end, I wish to open the discussion on such matters here. In my own 18-point programme, I made clear that the basis of constitutional reform would be: -Cut the size of Congress in half -End botched plans for a bicameral system -Reverse the decision of the Terrarokkan referendum and bring an end to devolution completely -Withdraw from all foreign treaties limiting the sovereignty of the Baltusian Congress I will start from these points and take feedback about how I can improve this legislation. However, I warn all Congress men and women that if they do not listen to the warning of the Baltusian people now, the ultimate impact for their parties will be severe. Kathleen Wiley Majority Speaker of the House |
Proposals
Article 1
Proposal[?] to change The constitutional right and responsibility to propose a cabinet to the legislature.
Old value:: Only the Head of State can propose a cabinet coalition.
Current: Each party can propose a cabinet coalition.
Proposed: Each party can propose a cabinet coalition.
Article 2
Proposal[?] to change The salaries of members of parliament and/or government.
Old value:: Members of parliament and/or government are entitled to a comparatively average salary.
Current: Members of parliament and/or government are entitled to a comparatively average salary.
Proposed: Members of parliament and/or government are entitled to a comparatively small salary.
Debate
These messages have been posted to debate on this bill:
| Date | 23:36:20, March 22, 2017 CET | From | United Democratic Party - Syndicalists | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | This is disgusting the people of Terraroka voted for devolution and you want to reverse the decision, and we need to work with other countries as diplomacy and cooperation is key to a peaceful world |
| Date | 23:38:40, March 22, 2017 CET | From | Democratic People's Movement | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | What a surprise! The Commies don't understand how democracy works! The people of Terrarokka do not decide on the fate of the entire nation; they can have whatever votes they like but only Congressional and Presidential elections carry any weight. Unfortunately, you terrorists often lose those elections so no wonder you want to try and undermine their legitimacy. Kathleen Wiley Majority Speaker of the House |
| Date | 23:44:16, March 22, 2017 CET | From | United Democratic Party - Syndicalists | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | How are you allowed to speak like this, this is congress we understand how democracy works more than you and I never said anything about terraroka deciding the fate of Baltusia you are twisting my words |
| Date | 23:50:21, March 22, 2017 CET | From | Democratic People's Movement | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | Does it offend you to be called a terrorist? What is much more offensive is how you threatened to blow up anybody who voted against you in the referendum. The Baltusian people have clearly shown they do not want devolution to go ahead through the results of the Congressional elections. Why can't you put down your weapons and accept that fact? Kathleen Wiley Majority Speaker of the House |
| Date | 00:04:01, March 23, 2017 CET | From | United Democratic Party - Syndicalists | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | We Never threatened to blow anyone up and could take you to court for that and we never picked up weapons so yeah we do find being called a terrorist offensive but we try to ignore your offensive comments and terraroka still voted RAC so the other states shouldn't control Terraroka |
| Date | 00:07:25, March 23, 2017 CET | From | Democratic People's Movement | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | Now you are threatening to abduct me? Looks like you Commie scum can't help but make threats when you don't get your own way! Kathleen Wiley Majority Speaker of the House |
| Date | 00:11:08, March 23, 2017 CET | From | United Democratic Party - Syndicalists | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | when did I say I was going to abduct you? |
| Date | 13:27:53, March 23, 2017 CET | From | Foundation Party | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | I won't support any bill that decreases the number of representations to the congress |
| Date | 17:07:38, March 23, 2017 CET | From | Patriotic Party of Baltusia | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | Members of congress, I have some points and questiona for the Majority Speaker: Baltusia has been wrestling with the idea of a new legislative system for some time. The bicameral system, we felt, gave the current presidential system vital checks and balances. The Republicans have put forward the latest proposal - why does the Speaker feel it is botched and how would she improve on it? Secondly, while we do do not wish to see an increase in the number of seats in the house we believe the number of seats proposed here is too few and would lead to a costly and time consuming overhaul of electoral boundaries. We also believe the people have spoken and will not stand in the way of the referendum result. We back our president's plans to push through devolution of Terrarokka as soon as possible. Finally, we have a fully presidential republican system - something that has been in place for many decades. To enable any party to propose the president's cabinet seems to completely undermine this system and one more in keeping with a parliamentary-style democracy. We ask why the Majority Speaker feels this change is necessary. Thank you Alexandra Flanders Patriotic Party Leader in the House |
| Date | 20:12:03, March 23, 2017 CET | From | Democratic People's Movement | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | RACP Congressman/Congresswoman, You said you were going to take me to court, given that I do not intend to go there of my accord- that is a threat against me. You should immediately withdraw that comment and apologise to myself and other members of Congress for bringing this House into disrepute. Congresswoman Flanders, Baltusia's legislature is perfectly capable of fulfilling its duties as a unicameral body. There is no need for a second chamber. In my view, there is only one motivation for this proposal, career politicians want the Baltusian taxpayer to pay more towards their salaries. More seats means more payment for their buddies. We won't let this happen. The Presidential system grants the President a single power: to propose a cabinet. S/he has no executive power whatsoever, they are entirely accountable to our democratically elected Congress. However, if you really wish for the President's power to be limited, we could consider splitting the office in two and creating a head of government drawn from Congress. On this issue, we are open to debate. You have said you do not wish for the President's power of patronage to be eroded, perhaps under this system it could be retained. Secondly, I do not understand how this would cause a re-drawing of electoral boundaries. We currently elect Members of Congress under a regional list system, with each state granted a number of seats. If this change goes ahead, the number of seats each state receives would simply decrease. We do not need seven hundred people to govern this country- its simply unnecessary. Obviously, we oppose total devolution and will do everything in our power to prevent it. Kathleen Wiley Majority Speaker of the House |
| Date | 21:15:47, March 23, 2017 CET | From | Patriotic Party of Baltusia | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | Thank you for your answers, Speaker Wiley. I shall take your points on board when voting. Alexandra Flanders |
| Date | 21:52:00, March 23, 2017 CET | From | United Democratic Party - Syndicalists | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | I am not sorry for threatening to take you to court you after slandered me and other RAC members and under Baltusian law I can do so this is a free and Democratic state, also there have been a number of court cases between politicians |
| Date | 08:25:55, March 24, 2017 CET | From | Democratic People's Movement | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | What a surprise that the Commies don't believe in free speech! Kathleen Wiley Majority Speaker of the House |
| Date | 18:43:18, March 24, 2017 CET | From | Popular Consensus | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | Popular Consensus support this Bill! |
| Date | 20:54:25, March 24, 2017 CET | From | United Democratic Party - Syndicalists | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | I just said I did but what you said whas liable |
| Date | 21:11:21, March 24, 2017 CET | From | Baltusian International Democratic Party | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | The decision of the Republican Party will be to vote No to this bill, however, we thank the National Party for raising the issue of the constitution. Ongoing debate about such issues are essential to our democracy and we are glad that such discussion is occurring. I would just like to highlight a legal point though, as Justice minister, whilst I support Baltusian Law and libel, slander and defamation charges, what someone said in Congress which effectively was hyperbole does not require the time and cost of a courtroom. Mary Jones Justice Minister |
| Date | 23:10:13, March 24, 2017 CET | From | Baltusian Democratic Green Party (BDGP) | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | The current political system of our country is admired throughout Terra, and I am determined to keep it the way it is. These changes are unneeded and could cause greater instability in Baltusia - why should the President be forced into a cabinet that he doesn't agree with? Many in my party, whilst understanding the need for debate and conversation over important issues such as this, see this as the National Party of Baltusia having a sulk because they were unable to get into Government. The moderate majority spoke, but with all their talk of ignoring the wishes of the people of Terrarokka, and labeling my colleagues as 'terrorists', it's no surprise that no-one wishes to work with them. They are clearly an undemocratic party that threatens right, left and centre. BDGP Chairwoman Valentine Perkins Minority Speaker of the House |
| Date | 00:59:39, March 25, 2017 CET | From | Democratic People's Movement | To | Debating the A New Constitutional Settlement for Baltusia |
| Message | The BDGP continue to peddle lies about the National Party in an attempt to scare our voters away. That won't happen: people are sick of being told what they can and can't think by a corrupt elite of which the BDGP is the worst example. The only actual point made by the woman who (in my view falsely) claims the position of Minority Speaker is that the President would be 'forced' to work with a cabinet s/he opposes. Obviously if she had done any research into our political system, she would know that any canines bill requires the support of the President. Nonetheless, I'm not sure why I even dignify this terrorist-sympathiser with a response! Ultimately, she'll just lie once again. Kathleen Wiley Majority Speaker of the House |
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Voting
| Vote | Seats | |||||||
| yes | Total Seats: 186 | |||||||
| no |
Total Seats: 514 | |||||||
| abstain | Total Seats: 0 |
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