Constitution

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Constitution of the Sovereign State of Versmark

Preamble

This Constitution of the Sovereign State of Versmark serves as the foundation of our country and outlines the principles by which we stand. This document shall be upheld by all citizens and the government which has been instituted by it. It is the duty of all Versmarkians to honour and unite for the cause that is the Sovereign State of Versmark.

On April 21st, 2023 the founders of our nation came together to form Versmark. Making a nation instilled with the values of strong central authority through the Sovereign, rightfully awarded merit and the idea of renewal. It is this set of principles that Versmark was founded upon and by which all Versmarkians shall recognize.

Being elected the first Sovereign of Versmark by our founders, I have the immense privilege of serving and leading our nation and its people. Though struggles have arisen in the past, it is an honour to work with Versmark’s government to build a better future for all.

It is my vow to continue to serve Versmark, to act in its best interest, to award meritorious actions, and to bring prosperity wherever and whenever it is needed. 

It is by these tenets that I serve Versmark as your Sovereign. Long live Versmark!

His Sovereign Majesty 

Wald Friedli

(r. Apr. 21st, 2023 - Present)

Section I

Article I 

The Sovereign

The Monarch of Versmark shall be titled as the Sovereign of Versmark or the Sovereign. It is the Sovereign’s duty to serve, protect and lead the people of Versmark.

It is the duty of the Citizens of Versmark to respect, honour and to take pride in the Sovereign.

Article II

The Powers of the Sovereign

The Sovereign is the highest ranking noble in Versmark, who shall be empowered to grant titles and honours, as well as removing them at their pleasure. Nobles, appointed by the Sovereign, may be placed upon the House of Lords, serving at the Sovereign’s pleasure.

The Sovereign is entitled to the power of the Veto in Parliament, which may not be denied nor overturned. The appointment of the Premier shall be held by the Sovereign, who will serve at the Sovereign's pleasure. At any time the Sovereign may introduce a piece of legislation to Parliament, as well as call both chambers to a session.

The Sovereign may exercise the executive authority to advise and command the Ministries of Versmark, as well as serve as commander-in-chief of the Versmark Armed Forces.

The Sovereign appoints the High Magistrate, who will serve at their pleasure.

The Sovereign is entitled to deliver letters of patent to companies, guilds and other organizations. These letters of patents will allow groups to exercise rights of business and commerce. Groups with letters of patents are required to report to the Ministry of the Treasury according to policy. Letters of patent are granted and revoked at the pleasure of the Sovereign.

Article III

The Regency Council

The Sovereign is entitled to create a list of trusted citizens ensured with the preservation of the nation and of the powers of the monarch. These citizens shall make up the membership of the Regency Council.

The Regency Council can be activated at any time and specific terms may be described in a Regency Council Declaration. The Regency Council will remain active for thirty days, at which point they will disband, unless otherwise dictated by the Sovereign.

The Regency Council shall be permitted to use any power of the Sovereign, with a collective agreement between the members of the Council. The Council may not force an abdication or a removal of the Sovereign from power.

Article IV

Emergency Powers

The Sovereign shall be able to exercise two major Emergency Powers. Firstly is the power to declare a state of emergency, which may be executed at any time. During a state of emergency, Parliament will be called into an emergency session, where they can dictate to uphold the order or end the state of emergency. 

Secondly, in a dire situation the Sovereign may call all of the sitting Ministers to an assembly. With a unanimous vote of all Ministers, the Sovereign will be granted absolute power over the Legislature and Executive branch. In such a case, Parliament will be dissolved temporarily. This power shall last thirty days. 

Article V

Succession

The Sovereign is an elected title, serving for life. The Sovereign is permitted to allow certain noble titles to be passed on to the designated heir, however the title of Sovereign may only be passed onto the newly elected Monarch. 

The Sovereign’s designated heir must be outlined in a will and/or in a public declaration. If no heir is selected, then the closest of kin shall be made heir, with the Sovereign’s children having priority according to equal-preference primogeniture.

Section II

Parliament

Article I

The Premier

The Premier shall be appointed by the Sovereign and shall act as a moderator over all sessions and joint-sessions of Parliament. The Premier serves at the Sovereign’s pleasure.

The Premier is permitted to post and enforce standing orders as they see fit, the Speakers of both houses are tasked with the enforcement of the standing orders.

The Premier shall be allowed to exercise the power of the veto, which can be overturned by a two-thirds majority.

Article II

The House of Representatives

The Lower Chamber in Versmark’s Parliament shall be the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives shall be made up of five citizens of Versmark, who will be publicly elected. The Representatives term will last six months. 

Legislation shall arrive in the House of Representatives first, and if passed, sent to the House of Lords for further deliberation. Representatives are permitted to submit any bill to the House of Representatives for deliberation, as well as ensure the right to speak on behalf of their bill or in opposition of any bill.

Any constitutional amendment must be passed by a two-thirds vote.

The House of Representatives shall be led by the Speaker, who will be elected from among the Representatives. The Speaker shall be empowered to moderate any and all sessions, as well as delegate a Deputy Speaker.

Article III

The House of Lords

The Upper Chamber in Versmark’s Parliament shall be the House of Lords.

The House of Lords shall consist of members of Nobility and Peers that the Sovereign shall appoint, serving at the Sovereign’s pleasure. The Sovereign is permitted to appoint as many Lords to the chamber as they wish.

Legislation passed in the House of Representatives will face deliberation and voting in the House of Lords, and if passed, made into law.

Any constitutional amendment must be passed by a two-thirds vote.

The House of Lords shall be led by the Speaker, who will be appointed by the Sovereign, serving at the Monarch’s pleasure. The Speaker shall be empowered to moderate any and all sessions, as well as delegate a Deputy Speaker.

Article IV

Sessions of Parliament

Each chamber is required to hold a session once every seven days, or otherwise call a recess for another seven days. 

A joint-session of Parliament will be moderated by the Premier and assisted by the individual Speakers. 

Every bill must be presented to the lower chamber at least twenty-four hours prior to the next session of Parliament. 

Article V

Session Voting

Voting will occur as outlined in standing orders implemented by the Premier or Speakers. 

All voting members of Parliament receive the following options during voting:

1. “Aye,” an affirmative or yes vote;

2. “Nay,” a negative or no vote;

3. “Abstain,” a present or undecided vote.

In the event of a tie, the vote will be delayed until the next session of Parliament. If a second tie occurs, then the Premier is permitted to break the tie.

Article VI

Types of Legislation

Versmark shall have 5 types of legislation:

1. “General,” a type if law not specifically mentioned below;

2. “Constitutional,” an amendment to the constitution of Versmark;

3. “Financial,” dealing with a financial issue, taxes or the national budget;

4. “Appointment,” where a citizen is granted a parliamentary appointment;

5. “Honours,” where a citizen receives an honour or similar form of merit.

The following are the 3 types of implementation:

1. “National,” with nationwide effect;

2. “Provincial,” with effects on specific province(s);

3. “Provincial Opt-in,” leaving provinces able to choose to adopt or reject individually.

Foreign Treaties with individual states may be made without parliamentary approval, but at the pleasure of the Sovereign. Organizations or multi-state treaties require parliamentary approval.

Appointments may be vetoed by the Sovereign or by the Premier. Parliament may break the tie afterwards with a two-thirds majority.

Section III

Justice

Article I

The Supreme Court

The Sovereign of Versmark shall be empowered to appoint a High Magistrate to the Supreme Court, who will serve at the Monarch’s pleasure.

The High Magistrate shall review all passed legislation by Parliament, and enforce its compliance with the Constitution of Versmark. Legislation found to be unconstitutional shall be overturned by the High Magistrate. All constitutional amendments are not subject to judicial review.

The High Magistrate is allowed to make interpretations of constitutional law and the meanings of certain sections and articles. The High Magistrate shall publish all findings and reviews to the public. The High Magistrate may not in any way inhibit or alter the power of judicial removal, which is reserved to the Sovereign.

The Supreme Court of Versmark is the highest court in Versmark, with the ability to overturn or make rulings on all cases in lesser courts. The High Magistrate shall be the sole Magistrate serving on the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has the power to form lesser courts, as well as appointing Magistrates to sit on lesser courts.

Section IV

The Ministries

Article I

The Chief Minister

The Chief Minister shall be head of the Ministries of Versmark, tasked with the maintenance of projects, orders and inter-ministry communication.

The Chief Minister is appointed by Parliament and shall serve at Parliament’s pleasure. 

The Sovereign is entitled to advise as well as receive reports from the Chief Minister regularly. 

Article II

List of Ministries

• Ministry of the Interior: In charge of managing immigration, records, the environment, and inter-Territory affairs.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: In charge of managing Embassies, Diplomatic Affairs and Versmark's public image.

• Ministry of Justice: In charge of the enforcement of the law and maintaining records of legal proceedings.

• Ministry of the Treasury: In charge of managing, distributing and increasing funds.

• Ministry of Culture and the Arts: In charge of promoting, maintaining and sharing Versmark's culture and various arts.

• Ministry of Defense: In charge of the Armed Forces of Versmark and the unity of the nation.

Article III

Ministry Officials

Each ministry shall be headed by their respective Minister, who may make executive decisions and direct policy relating to their respective sectors of administration. Ministers shall be appointed by Parliament and serve at its pleasure. 

Ministers report to the Chief Minister and must complete tasks or projects instituted by the Chief Minister and by the Sovereign.

Deputy Ministers are appointed by their respective Ministers, serving as a second-in-command. Deputy Ministers have most of the same powers as their Minister, but are subject to certain guidelines set by said Minister.

Ministers are entitled to present legislation to Parliament, as well as speak before either chamber. 

Ministers may hire employees into positions that relate to their specific sector, ministers have complete authority to assign tasks and projects to their employees.

Ministers may resign with a minimum three days given notice, in this situation Parliament will not need to approve the said Minister's dismissal. Only during a state of emergency, which is declared by the Monarch, will a Minister's resignation need to be approved.

Article IV

Departments

Departments are subdivisions of their respective ministry, and are able to operate only within the authority and sector of their parent ministry.

Departments are led by a Director, who is appointed by the Minister. Directors have the authority to make executive decisions and direct policy relating to their respective sectors of administration.

Ministers are able to form or dissolve departments at their pleasure, as long as they abide by the sectors of administration for the parent ministry. The Chief Minister may veto the creation of a department, as well as form them at their own pleasure.

The following is a list of permanent departments, which cannot be dissolved by their respective Ministers:

1. Department of Health and Welfare: Under the Ministry of the Interior. In charge of creating, distributing and monitoring welfare services, as well as health services.

2. Department of the Environment: Under the Ministry of the Interior. In charge of promoting and maintaining environmental protection protocol and national parks.

3. Department of Education: Under Ministry of Culture and the Arts. In charge of schools, colleges and all other educational services in Versmark.

Section V

Territories

Article I

Provinces

Provinces are the primary subdivision of Versmark, they are considered fully integrated parts of the nation. 

Provinces are managed by Governors, who serve year long terms and are elected concurrently with General Elections. These Governors are allowed the rights to institute local policy as permitted by Parliament, host local festivities and enforce Versmarkian law throughout their Province. Ministers may also present legislation to Parliament for consideration.

The Capital Province shall be headed by the Sovereign, serving as Lord-Governor. The title of Lord-Governor shall be passed down alongside the title of Sovereign. A Steward may serve at the Monarch’s pleasure to manage day-to-day tasks.

Article II

Royal States

Royal States are granted to a Noble of Versmark by the Sovereign, and will be considered a fiefdom of Versmark. Royal States require Parliamentary approval to be formed.

Royal States are headed by their Landed Noble, who are appointed by the Sovereign, and serve at the Monarch’s pleasure.

Article III

Crown Protectorates

Crown Protectorates are semi-autonomous territories of Versmark, with the freedom of succession. They are formed by Treaties of Adoption, which will be a formal treaty incorporating the Crown Protectorate into Versmark.

Crown Protectorates will swear fealty to the Sovereign and the government of Versmark. Their head, bearing a Noble Title, will serve on the House of Lords. Any taxes and mandates delivered to the Crown Protectorate are expected to be fulfilled, in return for their representation in Parliament.

Article IV

Unincorporated Territories

Unincorporated Territories are not permitted to form local governments or assemblies, but are managed directly by the national government.

Sanctuaries are uninhabited lands with significant ecological or natural features, or are otherwise protected. They are to be managed by the Department of the Environment. They are to be formed with Parliamentary approval.

Resource Reserves are any land that are used for natural resources, such as farming, logging or mining. They are managed by the Ministry of the Interior. Land allocated to Resource reserves must be designated to the Ministry of the Interior, with permission for land use.

Section VI

Nobility

Article I

Peers

Peers are any Citizen of Versmark that has been granted an ennoblement by the Sovereign. The Sovereign is the chief Noble Title and Peer of Versmark.

Titles and styles of the Peerage of Versmark shall be managed by the Sovereign. 

Titles are not inherited, unless a Peer belongs to a Noble House, in which the selected heir shall receive all designated titles. Title disputes will be managed by the Royal Court and the Sovereign.

Article II 

The Royal Court

The Royal Court of Versmark is the assembly of all Peers and Knights of the nation. It shall be led by the Sovereign. 

The royal court will serve as an advisory council for the Sovereign, who may call upon the Royal Court at any time

All new, re-elected or continuing to serve members of Government, including Parliament, are required to issue an oath before the Royal Court and to the Sovereign. 

The Royal Court shall have officers from among the Peers of the nation to fulfill specific roles, serving at the Monarch’s pleasure. These officers include:

1. “Chancellor,” will present an agenda and moderate meetings of the Royal Court,

2. “Court Constable,” a Knight ensured with the maintenance of order and security among the Court,

3. “Chamberlain,” will be the master of funds and the Court’s treasury,

4. “King of Arms,” entrusted with the issuance and maintenance of coats of arms.

Article III

Noble Houses

A Noble House is a family that has been granted a distinct privilege by the Sovereign, with all close family members being considered titleless nobles. The Sovereign is entitled to dissolve Noble Houses at their pleasure. 

When a Peer with a title dies or otherwise gives up the title, the closest of kin shall inherit the title, with children having priority. A Peer of a Noble House is also permitted to designate an heir.

All members of a Noble House are permitted to be in the Royal Court.

Article IV

The Sovereign House

The Sovereign House or the Royal House is the family of the Sovereign, who will all be considered titleless nobles, unless otherwise granted. 

The children of the Sovereign shall bear the titles of “Prince or Princess”, with the designated heir being granted the title of “Crown Prince” or “Crown Princess.”

Any former Sovereign House shall remain a Noble House after the title of Sovereign has been passed to another family.

Section VII

Honours

Article I

Honours of Versmark

Honours are signs of merit earned through various deeds, accomplishments and signs of loyalty to Versmark. There are State Honours and Meritorious Honours.

Meritorious Honours include military medals, foreign awards and other forms of merit.

Article II

State Honours

The Sovereign of Versmark serves as the Grandmaster of all State Honours, and may present them at the Sovereign’s leisure.

From highest to lowest; 

• Grand Order of Versmark (awarded exclusively by the sovereign)

  • Ranks: Knights Grand Cross, Knights, Members

• The Royal Order (awarded by the house of lords)

  • Ranks: Knights Grand Cross, Knight Commanders, Knights, Commanders, Members

• Order of Spring (awarded by the house of elected reps)

  • Ranks: Knights, Commanders, Members

• Order of Commendation (awarded by either the house of lords or reps)

  • Ranks: Knights, Commanders, Members

Section VIII

Elections

Article I

Voting Requirements

1. Must be a valid Citizen of the Sovereign State of Versmark.

2. Must be over the age of fourteen.

3. Must not be convicted of a Felony in the Sovereign State of Versmark.

4. Must properly fill out the received ballot and provide all required information.

Article II

General Elections

1. This voting method shall be used for House of Representatives Elections, which will be called the “Versmark General Election”.

2. All registered parties in Versmark must release a list of selected candidates to fill the House of Representatives seats. 

   1. The list must be published fourteen days prior to the ballots opening. With additions and subtractions permitted.

   2. The list does not have a minimum number of candidates or a maximum.

   3. Each party may decide the method of selection for the candidate list.

3. The ballot will contain a list of all registered parties, voters will be able to select their preferred party from the list.

   1. Independent candidates may ask a party to be added to their list of candidates, and will be marked as independent on the ballot, but appear under said parties list.

   2. Two or more independent candidates may choose to submit their own party list, which will be titled “Indpendants”.

4. Once their preferred party has been selected, the voter will rank all of the listed candidates by preference.

   1. All listed candidates must be ranked.

5. The amount of seats each party gains will be based on the percentage of votes each party receives. 

   1. For every twenty percentage points a party receives, they will receive a seat.

   2. If there are remaining empty seats, the party with the closest percentage points to twenty will earn a remaining seat. 

      1. This process will repeat until there are no empty seats remaining.

      2. If a party runs out of listed candidates, they will not be able to gain any more seats in the cycle.

      3. If the leading parties are tied, then a run-off election may need to be held. A run-off election will be held as a first past the post election.

   3. All preferences for each party's candidates shall be organized into an overall list. Each seat won by a party, will mean the top listed candidate earns that seat. If multiple seats are earned, then the next candidate in the order of preference earns the next seat.

6. Provincial Governor Elections shall be held concurrently with the General Election, being available to provincial citizens. The following rules will only apply to Provincial Governor elections.

   1. Citizens running for provincial governor must be a citizen from said province and must register 10 days prior to the opening of the ballot. Voters must likewise be from the electing province.

   2. All registered candidates will be listed on a ranked-choice ballot. Voters will mark the candidates in order of preference.

   3. For every number in the ranking a candidate receives, that number will be a point. The candidate with the least points wins.

Article III

Election of the Sovereign

1. The election of the Sovereign will be held fourteen days after the death or abdication of the Sovereign.

2. Any citizen is eligible to be placed on the ballot for Sovereign. They must be nominated by three or more people to run.

3. If the Sovereign has a designated heir, that individual will be on the ballot regardless of nominations. They will be listed at the top of the ballot and marked as the designated heir. 

   1. The Sovereign has the right to designate any heir. If the Sovereign has not selected an heir prior to abdication or death, and only if, the Regency Council has the ability to designate an heir. 

4. After seven days all nominations and candidates must be submitted, as well as released to the public.

5. The election shall be opened on the fourteenth day, and must be open for 24 hours.

6. The election will be a ranked-choice electoral system;

   1. All voters must rank all the listed candidates in order of preference.

   2. The most preferred candidate overall wins.

Section IX

Bill of Rights

Article I

List of Rights

1. All citizens shall be entitled the inalienable rights of free thought, speech, and of the press.

2. Citizens shall be entitled to the right to assemble freely, to voice their opinions on the proceedings of the government.

3. No citizen shall be subject to undue search and seizure. No citizen shall be subject to cruel and unusual punishment.

4. No individual in Versmark shall be discriminated against on account of their race, religion, creed, sexuality, gender identity, nationality, place of origin, or other such aspects of their character. There shall be no difference in the application of the law.

5. Citizens of Versmark shall be guaranteed the freedom of religion, insofar as their practices do not violate the law. This shall include any monotheistic, polytheistic, and non-theistic religious beliefs.

6. The right to own, carry, and conceal, a firearm for personal protection, recreation, and sustenance hunting, shall be protected.

7. Anything else, not directly banned by national, provincial, or local law, shall be seen as legal within the borders of the Sovereign State of Versmark.