Overview of the Curia
The Curia serves as the unicameral legislative body of LegisCraft. Composed of elected Senators, it is the primary institution responsible for representing the will of the Citizens, enacting laws, and overseeing the operations of the Government.
The authority and structure of the Curia are established in § III of the Constitution.
Composition
The Curia is a single chamber consisting of Senators who are elected directly by the populous. These Senators are tasked with representing the interests of their constituents and the broader community of LegisCraft.
Powers & Responsibilities
The Curia holds broad authority to govern the server through legislation. Its primary powers include:
- Enactment of Laws: Creating and passing statutes that regulate server conduct, the economy, and infrastructure.
- Oversight: Monitoring the actions of the Executive branch and its Ministries.
- Appropriations: Authorizing public projects and spending.
- Policy Making: Establishing policies regarding gameplay, claims, and governance.
No law may take effect without the approval of a majority of Senators, unless otherwise specified by the Constitution.
Leadership
At the beginning of each legislative term, the Curia elects a President from among its members. The President is responsible for:
- Presiding over debates and sessions.
- Moderating discussions.
- Representing the Curia in formal proceedings.
The Curia may also appoint other officers as necessary to ensure its smooth operation.
Legislative Procedure
The process for passing legislation is designed to be democratic and transparent:
- Introduction: Any Senator may introduce a bill.
- Vote: Bills require a simple majority vote to pass the Curia.
- Assent: Passed bills are presented to the Chancellor, who must sign them into law or return them with objections within 48 hours.
- Override: If the Chancellor objects (vetoes), the Curia may override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
Certain actions, such as internal resolutions, procedural rules, and votes of confidence, do not require the Chancellor's assent.
Checks on the Executive
The Curia plays a vital role in holding the Executive Government accountable.
Vote of Confidence
The First Minister and their Government serve only as long as they maintain the confidence of the Curia.
- The Curia may declare no confidence in the First Minister or the Government, effectively removing them from office.
- The Curia may also withdraw confidence from individual Ministers.
Oversight
Senators have the power to summon Ministers to explain their actions, provide reports, and answer for the administration of their departments.
Elections
To ensure the Curia remains representative of the people, elections are held frequently.
- Frequency: Elections are held on a bi-weekly basis (every two weeks).
- System: A proportional representation system is used to ensure that the makeup of the Curia reflects the preferences of the electorate and allows for minority representation.
- Terms: Senators serve until the next regularly scheduled election.
Elections are overseen by an impartial authority to ensure they are free, fair, and competitive.
Discipline
The Curia maintains its own order and dignity. Senators who engage in disorderly conduct may be suspended by a three-fifths vote. In cases of egregious misconduct, a Senator may be expelled by a three-fourths vote.