The Empire of Templicia

His Imperial Majesty the King of Templicia and all her dominions, by the will of the people and in the name of the Empire of Templicia, concludes this eternal union for the protection of the Empire’s territories and the rights therein, and for the welfare and prosperity of the Templician people. The Empire of Templicia, founded upon the principles of strength, progress, and unity, shall stand as a beacon of stability, liberty, and enlightenment. This union shall forever bear the name “The Empire of Templicia”, and shall be governed by the following Constitution.

Article I. Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
The citizens of the Empire of Templicia shall enjoy and be entitled to the following fundamental rights and freedoms, which are essential to the dignity of the individual and the well-being of society;

• Right to Life and Security: Every citizen has the inherent right to life, liberty, and personal security, free from violence and oppression. The state shall take all necessary measures to protect its citizens from harm and ensure their safety.

• Freedom of Speech and Expression: Citizens shall enjoy the freedom to express their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retaliation, fostering a vibrant and open discourse. This freedom includes the right to access information and to participate in discussions that shape public policy and societal norms.

• Right to Assembly and Association: Citizens shall have the right to assemble peacefully and associate freely, allowing them to engage in collective action and advocacy for their interests. This right encompasses the formation of labor unions, social movements, and other organizations that serve to promote the welfare and rights of citizens.

• Right to Participate in Government: Every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic process, including the right to vote and stand for election, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people. The state shall facilitate access to the electoral process and protect the integrity of elections.

• Freedom of Religion: Citizens shall have the right to practice their faith freely or to live without religious affiliation, in accordance with their beliefs. The state shall uphold the separation of church and state, ensuring that no citizen is disadvantaged or favored based on their religious beliefs.

• Right to Privacy: Citizens shall have the right to privacy in their personal lives and communications, protected from arbitrary interference by the state or other entities. This includes protection against unlawful searches, surveillance, and disclosures.

Article II. Prohibition of Discrimination
Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, or political affiliation is strictly prohibited. The state shall actively promote equality and protect the rights of all citizens, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Any laws, policies, or practices that perpetuate discrimination shall be deemed invalid and subject to repeal.

Article III. Exercise of Rights
The exercise of these rights and freedoms shall be subject only to such limitations as are necessary to protect the rights of others, public order, and the common good, ensuring a balance between individual liberties and the welfare of society as a whole.

Article IV. The Imperial Crown
The Reigning Sovereign of Templicia is the head of state and represents the unity and continuity of the Empire.

1. The Imperial Crown of Templicia is hereditary, and the succession shall be governed by the laws established in this Constitution. The Crown passes according to primogeniture, ensuring continuity of the imperial line.

2. The monarch's authority is exercised in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the land, symbolizing the Empire’s stability, tradition, and moral authority.

3. The person of the sovereign is inviolable. No legal action may be brought against him for his official acts. All acts of the Emperor require the counter-signature of the Chancellor or the appropriate minister.

Article V. The Powers of the Monarch

1. The monarch formally bears the authority to appoint and dismiss the Chancellor, who serves as the head of government, based on the outcome of parliamentary elections.

2. All laws passed by the Parliament must receive the Emperor’s ratification to take effect. The Emperor may veto any law, but this veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority of both houses of Parliament.

3. The monarch represents the Empire of Templicia in all matters of foreign affairs. He shall conclude treaties, accredit and receive ambassadors, and may declare war and conclude peace with the consent of the Parliament.

4. The monarch holds supreme command over the armed forces of Templicia. In times of war or national emergency, the Emperor may issue decrees necessary for the defense and safety of the Empire, subject to parliamentary oversight.

5. The monarch may convene the Imperial Council and/or Imperial Cabinet for counsel on significant matters of state and constitutional interpretation.

Article VI. The Role of the Monarchy in the State

1. The monarch shall convoke, open, and dissolve the Imperial Parliament according to the provisions of this Constitution. He may also call for extraordinary sessions when necessary.

2. In the exercise of executive authority, the Emperor issues decrees and ordinances for the enforcement of laws. However, such decrees must be countersigned by the Chancellor or a minister responsible for the execution of the law.

3. The monarch holds the right to grant pardons, commute sentences, and confer honors. However, this right does not extend to cases of impeachment or treason, which are subject to judicial review.

Article VII: The Federal Parliamentary System

1. The Empire of Templicia shall establish a bicameral legislature, known as the Imperial Parliament, composed of two chambers;

   • The Imperial Diet, directly elected by the citizens, shall hold primary responsibility for legislation and the oversight of the government’s functions.

   • The Imperial Council, composed of nobility, appointed members, and experts from various fields, shall serve as a reviewing chamber, providing counsel, amendments, and revisions to proposed legislation.

2. The Imperial Parliament shall possess the following powers:

   • To enact laws, regulate taxation, and approve the national budget.

   • To oversee the executive branch and hold ministers accountable for their actions.

   • To engage in debates concerning national policies, propose new legislation, and represent the interests of the Templician populace.

Article VIII. The Imperial Chancellor

1. The Chancellor shall serve as the head of government, tasked with the execution of laws and the management of the day-to-day affairs of the Empire.

2. The Chancellor is appointed by the monarch, based on the majority held within the Imperial Diet, and must maintain the confidence of the Parliament throughout their term.

3. The Chancellor, in cooperation with the Imperial Cabinet, shall formulate national policy, present the national budget, and ensure the security and welfare of the state.

4. The Chancellor may propose laws to the Imperial Parliament and holds the authority to represent the Empire in international affairs, all subject to oversight by the Parliament.

Article IX. The Imperial Cabinet

1. The Imperial Cabinet shall consist of ministers appointed by the Chancellor, each responsible for distinct areas of governance.

2. Ministers shall be accountable to both the Chancellor and the Imperial Parliament, providing regular reports on the operations and performance of their respective ministries.

3. The Cabinet shall assist the Chancellor in formulating national policy, managing government affairs, and defending the Empire against external threats.

Article X. Territory of the Empire

1. The Empire of Templicia is a federal state, with the individual polities comprising it retaining autonomy over certain local matters, including education, healthcare, and internal security.

2. The territory of the Federation is comprised of the States of Pilotinia, Treiburg, Mannheim-Alechsen, and Großviktoria.

3. Each region shall have a regional parliament, elected by the people, with the power to legislate on issues not reserved for the federal government. Federal law supersedes regional law in cases of conflict, but regional autonomy shall be respected where appropriate.

Article XI. Regional Representation

1. Each region is entitled to representation in both houses of the Imperial Parliament, with regional representatives in the Imperial Council appointed by their respective regional governments.

2. The Imperial Council will consist of representatives from each of the four states of the Empire of Templicia. The distribution of votes among the regions is as follows;

   • The Kingdom of Pilotinia: 12 votes

   • The Principality of Treiburg: 5 votes

   • The Grand Duchy of Mannheim-Alechsen: 4 votes

   • The Kingdom of Großviktoria: 3 votes

   • Total: 24 votes.

3. Each region may nominate a number of representatives to the Imperial Council corresponding to its votes. However, the totality of votes from a region can only be cast in a single direction.

4. The Imperial Council shall be responsible for reviewing proposed legislation, advising on matters of state, and representing the interests of their respective regions within the framework of the Empire. The Council’s deliberations shall be essential for ensuring balanced governance and collaboration among the diverse regions of Templicia.

Article XII. Establishment of Ministries
The Empire of Templicia shall establish the following ministries as permanent institutions of government, each responsible for specific areas of state policy:

1. Ministry of War: Manages the armed forces, national security, and military policy.

2. Ministry of Finance: Oversees the national budget and economic policy.

3. Ministry of the Interior: Manages internal affairs, public administration, security, and civil protection.

4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Conducts diplomatic relations and foreign policy.

5. Ministry of Justice: Upholds the legal system and safeguards civil rights.

6. Ministry of Education and Science: Manages public education and technological advancement.

7. Ministry of Health: Oversees healthcare services and public health initiatives.

8. Ministry of Commerce and Industry: Promotes economic development and regulates commerce.

9. Ministry of the Environment: Protects natural resources and promotes sustainability.

10. Ministry of Culture and Heritage: Fosters the arts, cultural identity, and historical preservation.

11. Ministry of Labor and Employment: Ensures fair labor practices and promotes workforce development.

Each ministry shall be headed by a minister appointed by the Chancellor, subject to parliamentary approval.

Article XIII. Government Committees

1. Permanent committees shall be established within the Imperial Parliament to oversee government ministries, review legislation, and investigate national matters. Committees will comprise members from both houses, ensuring diverse political and regional representation.

2. Each committee shall have the authority to summon ministers, review governmental reports, and propose amendments. The Defense, Economic Affairs, Civil Liberties, and Foreign Affairs Committees shall serve as essential pillars of parliamentary oversight, focusing on defense policies, the national budget, civil rights legislation, and foreign policy initiatives, respectively.

Article XIV. National Defense
The armed forces of the Empire of Templicia shall be maintained to safeguard the nation against external threats and to uphold internal order during national emergencies.

Article XV. Military Service

1. Every Templician is liable and obligated to compulsory military service, and cannot have that service performed by substitute.

   The standard service term shall be;

   • 5 years in active service, beginning at the age of 18.

   • 3 years in reserve, following active duty.

2. In times of peace, the total force will be determined based on the population, and its distribution among the regions of the Empire will be proportional to their population size.

Article XVI. Structure of the Imperial Armed Forces

1. The Imperial Armed Forces shall operate as a unified military under the supreme civilian command of the Chancellor and the Minister of War, with strategic oversight provided by the monarch as the symbolic commander-in-chief.

2. Regional contingents from each of the four constituent states shall be integrated into a single national force. The uniform code of the Templician military will reflect the traditions of Pilotinia, while distinct regional insignias may be retained to honor local heritage.

Article XVII. Military Expenditures and Contributions
The military expenses of the Empire shall be shared equally among all regions. The Imperial Parliament will allocate funds for the military through the national budget, ensuring equitable distribution across all regions. Financial savings from military expenditures will be directed to the Imperial Treasury for reinvestment.

Article XVIII. Structure of Command

1. During peacetime, the armed forces shall operate under the civilian authority of the Chancellor and the Minister of War.

2. In times of war or national emergency, command of the armed forces shall transition to military leaders appointed by the monarch in consultation with the Chancellor and the Minister of War.

3. The monarch, as the head of state, shall maintain a significant role in the military command structure. The monarch has the authority to appoint high-ranking military officials and to consult with military leaders on matters of national defense, ensuring that the interests of the Empire are represented in military decisions.

Article XIX. Oath of Service

1. Every member of the armed forces shall swear an oath to the Fatherland, pledging loyalty to the unity, security, and defense of the Empire of Templicia.

2. No loyalty can be sworn to any one individual, irregardless of rank or influence. The only loyalty that a serving member of the armed forces can make is to that of the Fatherland and the ideals that which it represents and seeks to preserve.

3. The oath shall be thus;

Article XX. Emergency Powers
In times of national crisis or external threat, the Imperial Parliament and/or the monarch (with the support of the Parliament) may declare a state of emergency, during which the armed forces may be mobilized for the defense of the nation. Any such mobilization must receive parliamentary approval and be overseen by the Ministry of War.

Article XXI. Process of Amendment

1. Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by a two-thirds majority in the Imperial Diet and must be approved by a majority in the Imperial Council.

2. Once passed by both houses, the proposed amendment shall require the formal assent of the monarch to take effect.

3. Amendments shall not infringe upon the core principles of the monarchy, the federal structure, or the rights guaranteed to the citizens of Templicia.

Article XXII. Supremacy of the Constitution

1. This Constitution is the supreme law of the Empire. Any law or action that contradicts its provisions shall be deemed invalid.

2. All government officials, military officers, and members of the Imperial Parliament shall take an oath to uphold this Constitution and the integrity of the Empire.

Article XXIII. Continuity of Government

1. In the event of a crisis or emergency that threatens the stability of the government, the Empire may invoke temporary emergency measures as determined by the Imperial Diet and the Imperial Council, with oversight from both houses and the Imperial Cabinet.

2. The monarchy shall serve as a stabilizing figure during such times, ensuring the preservation of national unity and the continuation of lawful governance.