Apr 21, 2008

The Most Controversial Change

There have been a few changes to the laws of citizenship since the first draft of the Constitution in October, 1999. For example, originally there was a push to allow voting by citizens as young as 16, although this never made it to a draft. There has been a rather persistent attempt to change the right to vote since the very beginning. Her Majesty, the Queen, has been the leading proponent of this alteration and, after 9 years, she has prevailed. Here is the new language on the right to vote;

"(4) The right to vote is not universal. In order to have the ability to vote, must;

(a) Have Edanian citizenship

(b) Be male

(c) Be at least 18 years old

(d) Not be barred from voting due to penalties imposed by the courts for a specific conviction

(e) Have valid census information on file with the Ministry of State no more than 5 years old

(f) Have met the minimum education standards of the Kingdom as defined in this constitution as demonstrated by formal test"

This means that women do not have suffrage within the Kingdom. Further, it imposes a minimum standard of reading and writing in one of the Kingdom's official languages.

New Preamble

"In furtherance of the desire of all people to be free, to gather together, and to determine their own destiny, His Royal Majesty Richard has created this constitution for the Kingdom of Edan to protect its citizens and their rights in humble acknowledgement of of God who is the source of all justice, all freedom, and all good."

This makes explicit that the source of the King's sovereignty is God.

Structural Changes to the Consitution

After some serious debate within the Royal Family and amongst the citizens on the discussion lists, there are some major changes in the structure of the seventh draft of the Constitution. The section on Nobles has been moved to make them explicitly part of the executive power of the Kingdom and to clarify their rights, privileges, and responsibilities. There are also changes to the preamble, clarifications to the laws of citizenship, and minor alteration to judges and courts, making them an outgrowth of executive power, not a separate branch. Further, a section on laws is being added. Excerpts will follow.