Difference between revisions of "Government of Taijitu"

Revision as of 00:01, 26 May 2011

The Government of Taijitu is the set of political bodies and offices responsible for governing the region of Taijitu. The government is arranged according to a tripartite presidential model, divided into separate legislative, executive and judicial branches. This scheme is complimented by a system of direct-democracy through petitions and referendums. The basic structure of this government is defined in the region's constitution, while other details are established both by both legal acts and convention.

Legislative branch

Main article: Senate of Taijitu

The legislative branch takes the form of a unicameral Senate. The body consists of seven senators, who are elected at large using the single-transferable-vote method of proportional representation to seven-week, infinitely renewable terms. While in office, Senators are guaranteed access to the Senate and may only be removed from office by a referendum. For such a referendum to succeed, fewer voters must vote for the Senator in question to remain in office than was necessary to elect them.

The body's primary responsibilities are legislative and it may pass laws by a majority vote. Such laws may not be bills of attainder, retroactive or conflict with constitutionally guaranteed rights. The Senate may also propose constitutional amendments to be put to a referendum by a two-thirds majority vote. The Senate's other responsibilities involve oversight of the executive and judicial branches of government. The ministries of the Cabinet may be regulated through law and ministers removed by a majority vote, while the Delegate and Vice Delegate's removal may be put to a referendum by a two-thirds majority. Judicial appointments require the consent of a two-thirds majority, trial procedures may be regulated by law and justices may be removed from office by another two-thirds super-majority.

The Senate's business is presided over by a Speaker, elected by the Senate by a majority vote. The Speaker may be relieved of their office at any time by a similar vote. The Senate alone has the power to determine its own internal procedures, and therefore unlike other laws they may not be vetoed by the Delegate or altered by a referendum. The Speaker is empowered to exercise discretionary authority when no clear procedures exist.

Executive branch

Main articles: Delegate of Taijitu, Vice Delegate of Taijitu, Cabinet of Taijitu

The executive branch of Taijitu's government is headed by an elected Delegate. Elections for the office are held every seven weeks using an instant-runoff vote. The Delegate is elected on the same ticket as a Vice Delegate of Taijitu. The vice delegate's only formal responsibility is taking over as delegate should the present one be unable to serve, but the office has traditionally also functioned as a high level assistant to the Delegate.

Judicial branch

Elections and referendums

Current Government