Constitution

Drafted by Colonel Tarquin Soll shortly after the Sordish Civil War and ratified in 1929, the **Constitution of '29** is the second and current Constitution of the Republic of Sordland, as of 1953. Plagued by numerous loopholes and vague guidelines designed to stifle opposition in the representative branch, the Grand National Assembly, give the judiciary branch, the Supreme Court, the ability to vote on legislation, and the executive branch, the President, an absolute veto and largely unrestricted powers, the Constitution is viewed as an unmitigated disaster by a great many Sordish citizens (exclusively non-Sollists). For these reasons, as well as other undemocratic practices implemented by the '29 Constitution, its continued legality has become a major point of contention in contemporary Sordish politics.

## Key Laws

* **Reform Committee**: According to Article 5 of the Constitution, an amendment may be proposed by members of the Assembly with at least 150 signatures. A two-thirds majority vote in the Grand National Assembly and a simple majority vote in the Supreme Court is required for the amendment.
* **Sordish citizenship**: Article 6 of the Sordish Constitution identifies all citizens as 'Sords,' irrespective of their ethnicity or cultures. Article 7 states that every Sord is equal before the law, implying equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens.
* **President Impeachment Process**: According to Article 17 of the new constitution, the President of Sordland is not responsible for the actions performed in the exercise of presidential duties, except in the case of high treason or violation of the constitution. In such cases, the President may be impeached by the Supreme Court in a joint session, with an absolute majority of its members.
* **Presidential Decrees**: According to Article 18 and 51, the President may issue decrees on political, social, and economic issues that would carry the force of law. However, they could not contradict the constitution and are subject to judicial review. The Assembly may pass legislation on the same subjects to override presidential decrees.
* **Election Threshold**: According to Article 50 of the new constitution, a political party needs a minimum of 10% of the total national vote to win seats in the Grand National Assembly. The votes of the parties who pass the threshold are redistributed proportionally.
* **Ministers Chosen by Assembly:** The President appoints ministers to the Council of Ministers from among the elected members of the Assembly. This process fosters political inclusiveness and allows for representation from various parties in the executive decision-making process.
* **Justice Immunity**: The Justices of the Supreme Court are not held individually responsible for the actions performed in the exercise of their duties. This principle safeguards their independence and shields them from personal liability while upholding the impartiality of their judicial decision-making.
* **State of Emergency** (**Articles 57,58 and 100**): In accordance with Article 57 and 58 of the Constitution, the State bans and declares the following a national security threat, as they have been found to pose an existential threat for the Republic of Sordland and public security of its citizens. On the basis of Article 58 of the constitution, the following is ordered in defense against national security threats: Increased police authority beyond legal limits, suspension of the right to protest, and detention without trial. On the basis of their acts of aggressive politics, interfering with the internal affairs and disrespecting the sovereignty of the Republic of Sordland, the State declares the severance of all diplomatic ties, places and embargo and denies entry to the citizens of any following nation.
* **Absolute Veto**: Article 77 and 82 of the new Constitution grant the President the authority to veto a bill by returning it to the Assembly with a written statement. This veto power serves as a check and balance mechanism, allowing the President to express concerns and initiate further deliberations on proposed legislation.
* **Member of Honor**: Article 99 of the new Constitution defines the 'Member of Honor' title, its appointment procedure as well as the rights their members may exercises. A Member of Honor has absolute immunity and is a permanent member of the Grand National Assembly. He/She is entitled to his/her security team, provided by the State's Presidential Guards. A member is also eligible to live in a special private residence provided by the State for free. The only Member of Honor is Tarquin Soll.
* **Special Zone of Bergia**: The region of Bergia is currently structured as a 'Special Zone' and has a different governance structure than the rest of the country. Established by Tarquin Soll after the bloody revolts of the separatists, the Special Zone was aimed to eliminate the security threats in the region and to maintain peace. There are no municipal elections within the Special Zone and the region is governed by a governor with expanded powers from the city of Deyr — who is usually appointed by the president. The Special Zone has its own security forces and is not in the jurisdiction of the Interior Ministry.
* **Unlimited Terms**: According to the Constitution of Sordland, there are no limitations on the number of terms the President can serve. This provision allows for the possibility of the President being elected and reelected for consecutive terms without any restrictions or term limits. The absence of term limits provides stability in leadership and continuity in governance, allowing the President to potentially serve an unlimited number of terms if reelected by the electorate.

## Paths

The Constitution will be amended in 1956.