Constitution of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate (2011)
Kept and Written by
HIM Taeglan I Nihilus
Imperator et Primus inter Pares
Imperial Triumvir
High King of the Triumvirate
Part I - Declaration of Independence and Governmental Issues
Article I - The Reylan Empire
I, Imperator Taeglan I Nihilus do declare the independence of this new state, the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate (Hereby known as the Reylan Empire), in accordance with the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of Statehood from its surrounding nations, servant to no-one, with the express aims of keeping the peace, and providing a safe haven for any who wish to join us.
Article II - The Imperial System
I declare this state to be under an imperial system of government with the Emperor as Head of State. The full title of the emperor shall be Imperator et Primus Inter Pares. All 0policy decisions, whether proposed by the Cabinet, or the Emperor must be ratified, first by the Cabinet, then by the Imperator. The Cabinet will be comprised of two main Ministries, those of Internal and External Affairs, which will in turn be subdivided into five sub Ministries. The Imperator reserves the right to fire any member of the cabinet. I decree that each new emperor should take a name to rule under, for example the name that the Founding Emperor has taken, Taeglan I, they shall also take a second latin name, to be inserted after their regnal name and number if applicable, thus the first emperor is Emperor Taeglan I Nihilus.
Article III - The Line of Succession
The Imperial throne must never be left unfilled and as such I decree, as founder of the state, that the eldest child, whether male or female, of the Emperor be granted the title of Imperator/Imperatrix, upon the demise of the emperor. If the Imperator has no children then they shall appoint a successor from the citizenry until such time as a child is born to him/her.
Article IV - The Cabinet
Until such time as the number of citizens is increased, the emperor will appoint the cabinet. When the Empire has more citizens, democratic elections will be held, annually to decide upon the members of the Cabinet.
Article V - The Flag, and Symbols of the State
The Reylan flag is comprised of a green flag, with a Black Bar superimposed on a white strip on the left hand side. Each ministry has a separate flag, constructed by replacing the Black Bar with the Coat of Arms of the Ministry. The Imperial Standard is the flag, but the Bar is replaced by the Imperial Coat of Arms. The Flag should be flown on all National Holidays and is to be flown at half mast on days where imperial leaders die, or on any other Commemorative occasion that the Emperor sees fit.
Article VI - The Titular Orders
The four Titular Orders serve as a reward system for citizens. Three of them, The Imperial Order of Reyla, The Order of the Moon and the Order of Chaos, the Emperor may bestow upon any he sees fit. The Red Knights of Life are a charitable organisation to perform charitable tasks as a representative of the Reylan Empire. The Emperor holds the title of Master and sovereign of all these orders. The Cabinet may nominate people to receive these honours and the Emperor will consider the petition. The base ranks of the order are, in order of precedence, Prince, Duke, Earl, Count, Lord, Knight.
Article VII - The Sub-Ministries
Section I - The Ministry for Internal Affairs
The Ministry for Internal Affairs and all of its sub-ministries are overseen by the First Minister, subordinate to only the Emperor.
Sub Ministry I - Ministry for Transport
The Ministry for Transport will dictate the Empire’s transport affairs and policy and take responsibility for the Imperial Transport Network. All methods of transport will be covered from walking to the public transportation service.
Sub Ministry II - Ministry for Culture, Sport and Leisure
The Ministry for Culture, Sport and Leisure is responsible for the aforementioned topics. It is responsible for overseeing Imperial entertainments on public holidays and other days of celebration. It is also responsible for arranging any Imperial sporting events and leisure activities.
Sub Ministry III - Ministry of Finance
The Ministry of Finance deals with the Imperial Treasury and oversees the operation of the Imperial Bank of Reyla. They are granted the right to appoint who they see fit as the Governor of the IBR.
Sub Ministry IV - Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice, appoints Judges, and oversees general Imperial Courts. They have responsibility for the care and punishment of any criminals that may emerge in the Empire. They also will administer the Law Enforcers and the system of punishment.
Sub Ministry V - Ministry of Academia
The Ministry of Academia deals with all matters of history, science and education. The Ministry oversees the Reylan Imperial Scientific Institute and the Imperial Libraries.
Section II - The Ministry for External Affairs
Sub Ministry I - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs administers and runs the diplomatic Corps, and undertakes any negotiations with other nations on the behest of the Emperor. The Ministry will also be responsible for International trade.
Article VIII - The Imperial Forum
It is decreed that each month a public Forum will be held, In order for the political leaders of Reyla to mingle with the citizenry and hear the citizenry’s views on the laws and the topics of the day.
Part II- Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Article IX - Rights of Citizens
All citizens have the right to life and the right to live in peace and without disruption. All citizens have the right to a home, food and drink. All citizens have the right to live without fear of oppression or any other person. We hold all people to be equal, whatever colour, religion, race, creed or sexuality.
Article X - Responsibilities of Citizens
All citizens are bound to act according to the laws of the land, and to support all other citizens. Citizens over the age of ten years are to be held responsible for their own actions, whether for good or otherwise. All citizens are bound to help uphold the law and behave in a manner befitting calm human beings. Citizens are also required to be polite to all others in all situations.
Article XI - Citizens Arrest
All citizens have the right to place under arrest any person who they suspect of committing a crime, who they suspect will commit a crime, or who has had an Imperial arrest warrant issued upon them. As soon as reasonably possible after the arrest has been made, the arrested person must be presented to the nearest designated Imperial official. This Official may be any titled person, minister or Imperial peacekeeper.
Part III - Imperial Celebrations
Article XII - National Holidays
Over the course of the year several national holidays will be held, celebrations will take place during the day. The National holidays are as follows
Section I - Norton Day - 8th January
Held to celebrate the life of Emperor Norton I of the United States on the 8th January each year, the empire will celebrate this on the set date.
Section II - Sun-Earth Day - 18th March
Held annually to celebrate the Sun and popularize knowledge about it.
Section III - Earth Day - 22nd April
Earth day is celebrated each April 22nd in order to celebrate the Earth and its atmosphere.
Section IV - Independence Day - 5th July
The Empire celebrates its independence on the 5th July each year marking the day that the Emperor declared his independence from the surrounding Nation.
Section V - Citizens Day - 3rd Thursday in September
Citizens Day is held on the third Thursday in September to celebrate the citizens of the Reylan Empire.
Section VI - Human Rights Day - 10th December
Human rights day celebrates human rights and raises awareness of the aforementioned rights. It is celebrated on 10th December to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Part IV- Equality Law
Article XIII - Sexuality
We hold that all people, whether heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual are equal in both the eyes of the Imperial Law and in the eyes of the Officials thereof. No discriminatory practices must be carried out in offence of these regulations.
Article XIV - Gender
We hold that all people, whether male or female are equal in both the eyes of the Imperial Law and in the eyes of the Officials thereof. No discriminatory practices must be carried out in offence of these regulations.
Article XV - Race
We hold that all people, of every race are equal in both the eyes of the Imperial Law and in the eyes of the Officials thereof. No discriminatory practices must be carried out in offence of these regulations.
Article XVI - Colour
We hold that all people, of any skin tone or coloration are equal in both the eyes of the Imperial Law and in the eyes of the Officials thereof. No discriminatory practices must be carried out in offence of these regulations.
Article XVII - Religion
We hold that all people, of every religious faith are equal in both the eyes of the Imperial Law and in the eyes of the Officials thereof. No discriminatory practices must be carried out in offence of these regulations.
Article XVIII - Creed
We hold that all people, of every creed are equal in both the eyes of the Imperial Law and in the eyes of the Officials thereof. No discriminatory practices must be carried out in offence of these regulations.
Part V - Criminal Law
Article XIX - Crime
We hold all crimes to be those attacks upon the basic human rights of the citizens and the equality laws. In an attempt to keep the civil peace, and keep the crime rates at a low rate, a corps of peacekeeping law enforcers will be maintained, comprising of volunteers from the Electorate. All citizens are expected to uphold the Law and prevent injustices where they see them.
Article XX - Punishment
Most crimes will be punished by a fine or a period of imprisonment, to be tailored according to the severity of the crime, and passed by the Imperial Courts of Law.
Article XXI - Imperial Courts of Law
The Imperial Courts of Law are presided over by the titled officials of the Empire. The presiding official shall be the one closest to the location of the crime. The Emperor may personally preside over any case that he wishes to.
Part VI - Imperial Policy
Article XXII - Imperial Foreign Policy
I will it that the Empire should hold an open borders policy with all its neighbours. I also will that any country may approach the Empire, with relation to peaceful intentions for treaties or alliances.
Article XXIII - Imperial Military Policy
The Empire adopts a policy of peace with all nations it deals with and as such maintains no standing military. Should Reyla be attacked, then citizens will be expected to defend Imperial territory. They will receive no formal training although it is expected that they will be able to defend themselves adequately. Reyla will never serve as the aggressor in any conflict and will fight, only to defend itself or its alliances.
Article XXIV - Imperial Drug Policy
All drugs are banned in the empire with the exception of alcohol. All recreational drugs save Caffeine and alcohol are banned, without exception; tobacco is also banned in order to help save the lives of countless imperial citizens.
Article XXV - Imperial Entertainments Policy
All entertainments will be allowed with the exception of so-called “Gentleman’s Entertainments”. These will be prohibited due to the problem of the “Entertainers” being easily taken advantage of. Thus these entertainments are prohibited.
Article XXVI - Imperial Religious Policy
Although there is no official Imperial religion, all religions will be allowed, although some practices, such as sacrifices will be prohibited for obvious reasons. This is in line with the Imperial policy of Free Speech.
Article XXVII - Free Speech
Free speech is practiced in the Empire and there are no issues that are prohibited to speak about. If Citizens have a problem they are encouraged to bring it up with their nearest Imperial Official.
Article XXVIII - Imperial Trade Policy
The official Imperial monetary Unit is the ICU, Imperial Currency Unit and the trade and economics of the nation are conducted from the Ministry of Finance. Barter is acceptable and indeed encouraged, as is haggling.
Part VII - Additions and Amendments
Addition I - Imperial Environmental Policy
The Empire adopts the Kyoto Protocols as its Imperial environmental policy.
Addition II - Law Enforcement and Governmental Agencies
All agencies affecting citizens must be included in the constitution; this extends to law enforcement and other formal organizations.
Addition III - Triumvirate System
The Triumvirate system means that there shall be three Triumvirs, The Imperial Triumvir (The Emperor), the Parliamentary Triumvir (The First Minister) and a Citizens triumvir, to be elected by the people. They shall form the Council of Three, an Executive Body of the Empire.
Amendment I - Part I - Article II - The Imperial System
New legislation must first be ratified by the Parliament, then by the Council of Three, and finally by the Emperor.
Addition IV - Part I - The Great Families
As of this date, 23rd January 2008, the nine principle families of the Empire, take up positions as a governmental Institution. The nine families are as follows:
- The Noble House of James
- The Noble House of Leadbetter
- The Noble House of Isted
- The Noble House of Dalton
- The Noble House of Williams
- The Noble House of Swift
- The Noble House of Cullen
- The Noble House of Baldock
The Heads of the Nine Families hold the title of King or Queen of their Respective house. The heir to each of the House Leaders is the Crown Prince/Princess of the Family. All Constitutional Amendments must pass through the Families as well as the Parliament, the Council of Three, and the Emperor. The Families may adopt others into them as Trial-Born. Trial-Born may not hold any high position within the Families.
Amendment II - Part II - The Imperial System
New legislation should first be Ratified by the Government, then by the Council of Three, the Great Families and finally by the Emperor.
Addition V – Part I - Article VII - Sub-Ministry V
The Minister of Academia also oversees the operations of the Ministry of Records.
Addition VI - Part I - The Great Families
The Following families are hereby added into the Greats:
- The Noble House of Ochiltree
- The Noble House of Holdcroft
- The Noble House of Black
- The Noble House of Waddingham
The initial leaders of the Families are appointed as:
- The Noble House of James- King Matthew
- The Noble House of Leadbetter- Queen Tiffany
- The Noble House of Isted- King Christopher
- The Noble House of Dalton- King Henry
- The Noble House of Williams- Queen Francesca
- The Noble House of Swift- King Robert
- The Noble House of Cullen- King Thomas
- The Noble House of Baldock- King George
- The Noble House of Ochiltree- King David
- The Noble House of Holdcroft- Queen Anna
- The Noble House of Black- Queen Naomi
- The Noble House of Waddingham- Queen Beartrice
Addition VII - Part I - Article VII - Sub Ministry VI
The Ministries of Science, Health and Veterinary Health are all established as separate bodies, no longer under the control of the Ministry of Academia.
Addition VIII - Part II - Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens - Imperial Civil Marriage
Any citizen over the age of sixteen can declare their intention to undergo marriage, and be seen as husband and wife in the eyes of Imperial Law. The couple must announce their intentions to an Imperial official. The Official, any titled person will then arrange a date for the ceremony. The Ceremony may be conducted by any Imperial Official above the rank of Earl.
Amendment III - Article VI - The Titular Orders
The title of Count-Palatine is hereby added into the orders, above the rank of Count, and below that of Earl.
Addition IX - Part VI - Imperial Education Policy
All Imperial Citizens should remain in full time education until at least the age of eighteen, with preference on continued higher education. Provision will be made on a case by case basis.
Addition X - The Imperial University and Academy
The passage of this legislation approves the creation of the Imperial University and Academy, an educational body where Imperial citizens may seek education from each other and any of the instructors. I will that this service be provided for free to Imperial citizens. The chief representative of the University is the Chancellor. This falls under the aegis of the Ministry of Education.
Amendment IV - Part I - The Great Houses
The Great Houses be reformed into a purely cultural institution. They shall lose all governmental function, and shall serve as a unique Imperial cultural Icon. They have no special powers, but can stand for election in the Imperial Government or as Diplomats.
Addition XI - Part I - Article VIII - The Office of Emperor
Section I - Appointment to the Office of Emperor
Each Imperator should select, upon his assumption of Office, both an Heir Apparent, and an Heir Presumptive, both to be styled as Crown Prince/ss. The Empire is not a hereditary monarchy, and although the Throne may be handed to children and close kin, this should only be done if the reigning Emperor believes them to be the person best suited to the Office. Upon the death of the reigning Emperor, there shall be a brief interregnum, to be used as a period of national mourning, of a length of time no longer than a month, the exact time to be decided by the Imperial Parliament, as representatives of the Electorate. During the Interregnum, the Empire should be governed by the Imperial Parliament and the Council of Three. No new laws or constitutional amendments may be made during an interregnum. This period is also the only time during which elections, to Parliament or any High Office, may never occur. After the cessation of the Interregnum, the coronation of the new Emperor may take place.
Section II - Coronation of the Emperor
The Coronation ceremony of the Heir Apparent (First in line to the Imperial Throne) should be conducted by the Imperial Procurator of Justice (Representing the support of Imperial Law), the previous Emperor’s Lord High Chancellor (Representing the support of the previous Emperor), and an elected citizen (Representing the support of the Electorate and therefore the Imperial Government). The Citizen representative need not be the Citizen’s Triumvir, or an elected Minister, but may be any Citizen. The Election of the Citizen Representative should be held a week before the coronation, immediately after the Interregnum ceases. Citizens may nominate themselves or others for this role by submitting their nomination to the Council of Three during the Interregnum. On the day of the coronation, all citizens and foreign ambassadors should be invited to an open air location, where they should convene before the ceremony commences. When all are gathered, the Imperial Procurator of Justice, the previous Emperor’s Lord High Chancellor, and the Citizen Representative should progress to the front of the assembly, where each should say a few words about the previous Emperor. Once the first speeches are concluded, the Imperial Procurator of Justice should invite the Heir Apparent to join the representatives. When they have, they should speak briefly about the previous Emperor. The Heir should then kneel before the Electorate, facing them, and should repeat the Imperial Oath of Office, after the Representatives, who, arrayed around him: the Citizens Representative directly behind; the Imperial Procurator of Justice, to the left, and the Lord High Chancellor to the right, should divide the oath among them. Once the oath-taking is complete, the Lord High Chancellor should place his left hand on the right shoulder of the Heir and say: “You have the support of Lord [Previous Emperor’s Latinate Name]. You have the support of the past.” The Imperial Procurator of Justice should then place his right hand upon the left shoulder of the Heir and say: “You have the support of Imperial Law, and thus the present.” The Citizen’s representative should cross their hands and place them both on the head of the Heir and say: “You have the support of the Electorate, and therefore, the future.” All three should then remove their hands from the person of the Heir. The Imperial Procurator of Justice should then complete the ceremony, and formally install the new Emperor with the words: “Rise and Address the Electorate, as His Imperial Majesty [Full regnal name] of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate, Imperator et Primus Inter Pares, Imperial Triumvir, Prince of The Marimear”. The Emperor should the rise and address the assembly. In his first speech, the Emperor should set out his agenda for his reign, and should indicate the direction in which he wishes to take the Empire. After he has finished, the Lord High Chancellor should kneel before him and resign his Office. The Emperor may then choose whether to reinstate them as Lord High Chancellor, or may choose to appoint his own. The Emperor should appoint their Heir Apparent and Heir Presumptive at some point within their reign. Should an Emperor die before he can appoint a Heir Apparent, then the previous Heir Presumptive will take up the throne, thus, until the Emperor appoints their own Heir Apparent, the Heir Presumptive takes up the position.
Section III - Titles and Styles of the Emperor
The full title and style of the Emperor is:
His Imperial Majesty [Full Regnal Name] of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate, Imperator et Primus Inter Pares, Imperial Triumvir, Prince of The Marimear
This title is to be used on all formal correspondence with the Office of the Emperor, although in informal communication, the title to be used may be specified by the Emperor.
Section IV - Rights and Responsibilities of the Emperor
The Emperor is responsible for the maintenance and keeping of the Imperial Constitution, and acts as both Head of State, and Head of Government. He may try any court case that he wishes, and may veto any new law that he sees fit. He is also the only person who can issue the Imperial Executive Orders, apart from Order 18, which allows for his arrest and detention, and Order 20 which allows for his removal from power if, for example, he were to be certified as ill in such a way that he could not fulfil the roles of his office adequately. These orders may be issued by the High Officers of State, if they are in complete agreement on the necessity of their execution. The Emperor is not immune from private prosecution, and can stand trial for any crime, including that of treason which is defined as crimes against the people of the Empire.
Addition XII - Provinces and Governorships
Any Imperial Territory outside direct Imperial Control may be designated as Governorates. A Governorate is overseen directly by the Council of Three, and is run directly by its Governor. The Governor of a Territory governs as representative of the Emperor, and is directly responsible for the government of their region. The Governor is elected by the Citizens of the region, subject to approval by the Council of Three. The Governor should choose his Administrative team, again subject to Council approval. Each Provincial Government has a variety of powers, and the Central Imperial Government recognise that not all laws are appropriate in all regions. The Empire prides itself on its dynamic legal system, and local opinions and customs will be taken into account when compiling Provincial legalities.
Addition XIII - Voluntary Taxation System
Although there is no enforceable Imperial tax system, and no citizen is required by law to pay taxation to the government. Citizens are however encouraged to make voluntary donations to the Imperial government. These donations are not mandatory, but are encouraged in order to help pay upkeep costs of Imperial operations. Half of any excess is placed into Imperial reserves, looked after by the Ministry of Finance, and the remainder is given to the Imperial Charities Commission.
Addition XIV - Imperial Academic Honours
There shall also be within the Empire several other honours, not associated with the titular Orders. The first grouping, that of academic honours shall be divided into two degrees, merit and excellence, and further subdivided by subject, thus the list of honours shall be as follows (with post-nominals):
- Order of Scientific Merit- OSM
- Order of Scientific Excellence- OSE
- Order of Psychological Merit- OPM
- Order of Psychological Excellence- OPE
- Order of Artistic Merit- OAM
- Order of Artistic Excellence- OAE
- Order of Dramatic Merit- ODM
- Order of Dramatic Excellence- ODE
- Order of Linguistic Merit- OLM
- Order of Linguistic Excellence- OLE
- Order of Humanitarian Merit- OHM
- Order of Humanitarian Excellence- OHE
- Order of Historic Merit- OHiM
- Order of Historic Excellence- OHiE
The Academic Honours are bestowed by the Imperial Parliament, and may be bestowed upon non-Imperial citizens.
Addition XV - Other Imperial Honours
There shall also be within the Empire several other honours, not associated with the titular Orders. The second grouping, are awards for outstanding contributions, listed below (with post-nominals):
- Order of Sporting Merit- OSpM
- Order of Sporting Excellence- OSpE
- Imperial Peace Award- IPA
- Imperial Literary Award- ILA
- Imperial Politics Award- IPoA
- Loyal Service Award- LSA
The other Honours are bestowed by the Imperial Parliament, and may be bestowed upon non-Imperial citizens. The four Awards are granted on the Birthday of the Imperator.
Amendment V - Part I - Titular Orders
The Red Knights of Life are removed from the Orders and are re-organized as the Imperial Charities Commission. They fulfil the same role in this new position as their old one.
Addition XVI - Religious Liaison Office
The Religious Liaison Office is designed to facilitate communications between the secular government and religious officials and bodies. The Office is governed by a council of faiths lead by the Director. The director should be elected by the council of faiths.
Addition XVII - Imperial Diplomatic Policy
The Empire shall enter into formal diplomatic relations with only micro-nations and micro-states that are judged by the Council of Three to be of equal seriousness and intent as the Empire itself. Therefore, no formal relations will be established with purely internet based, or fantasy micronations. In order to establish relations with the Empire, other states shall prove, by the provision of documents or other evidence, four things:
- i) a permanent population
- ii) a clearly defined territory
- iii) a stable government
- iv) capacity to enter into formal relations with other states
These criteria are in accordance with those given in the Montevideo Conventions on the Rights and Duties of Statehood (1933).
Addition XVIII - The Imperial Intelligence Network
In accordance with Addition II, after consultation, the Imperial Intelligence Network is officially recognised and presented to the citizenry as the prime intelligence gathering organisation within the Empire, charged with collating intelligence internally and externally. The leader of the IIN is the Director, who reports to the Council of Three. Documentation pertaining to the IIN is classified, unless otherwise stated.