Constitution Revision - Is it wanted? Needed? What should it be?

[Shaitan]

Our Constitution is a fine document and is evolving into a comprehensive and descriptive document. It's also getting a bit unwieldy as we continue to add specific articles to handle various situations. Donsig has proposed (and I second) a Constitutional revision. The basic idea would to be a complete rewrite of the document where it is broken into component parts:

Preamble - A preamble that summarizes what we're all about here in Phoenatica would be the first thing read in the constitution. It would set the tone for everything that follows. [donsig]

Bill of Rights - A bill of rights that simply and clearly spells out what citizens can do. [donsig]

Constitution - The high level rules that form the core of the nation.

Code of Laws - The implementation of the Constitution. The specific rules, "how to's", "shoulds" and "dont's".

The first three items would be very hard to change. The Code of Laws would be easier to modify but must enforce a specific part of the Bill of Rights and/or Constitution.

In addition, I propose that we go to an "additive" system instead of the "editing" system we're currently using. That is, if there is a change in a law, that change is noted and the original article it changes is referenced but the original stays. Perhaps once a term the Code of Laws could be normalized/edited for clarity.

 

[donsig]

Originally posted by Shaitan
Constitution - The high level rules that form the core of the nation.

Code of Laws - The implementation of the Constitution. The specific rules, "how to's", "shoulds" and "dont's".

The first three items would be very hard to change. The Code of Laws would be easier to modify but must enforce a specific part of the Bill of Rights and/or Constitution.

I would add that it would be appropriate for the code of laws to 'fill in' any gaps we find in the constitution. Since the constitution cannot forsee every contingency the 'easyier to change' code of laws can be used to quickly address any new situations. If the 'quick fix' doesn't work a constitutional amendment can follow.

I suggest we start with the preamble. Since it should set the tone for the rest of the document we need to have that in place to proceed, don't we?

BTW, yes, I do want a constitutional rewrite.

 

[Shaitan]

Start at the beginning?! How...orderly.

Unfortunately I probably won't be able to work on it for some time. If somebody would like to draft a Preamble please do so. Just post here that you are working on it so we don't have people doing duplicate work.

 

[disorganizer]

im pro to this proposal, but think we are too far in the game to do it this game (and finish it).
i would propose this to be done for the next game, as this is REALY MUCH WORK! who will do it? not me!