Government of Rindland

Rindland is a constitutional monarchy, where national legislative power is vested in the Rindish Parliament. The constitutional monarchy system has, since 430, been dominated by the Rindish People's Party (RMP) and the Nationalist Party (SPD). The judiciary of Rindland is independent of the executive and the legislature, while it is common for leading members of the executive to be members of the legislature as well. The political system is laid out in the 429 constitution, the *Begonluud*. The constitution emphasizes the protection of Rindish sovereignty and divides powers between the monarchy and the democratically elected national government. The Rindish Parliament is the unicameral legislature, which is responsible for creating laws and levying taxes. The executive branch is headed by the prime minister, who serves alongside a five member cabinet. Rindland was a founding member of the Northern Alliance, and also is a member of the Helvic Community and the Almorian World Council.

## History

#### Before 430

Prior to the constitutional transition in Rindland, the Duke of Rindland had full power over all state affairs, with little-to-no democratic representation among the public. The Duchy was therein the last country in Helva to become a constitutional monarchy. Following political pressure from elected governments in both Veintland and Kroftland, Duke Avard kol Vidzvad issued a decree in 428 outlining a pathway for the transition to a constitutional monarchy alongside democratic reformers. Eventually, 5 different political parties were established in the years leading up to the 430 elections, with only 3 of those parties actually standing by the time they arrived.

#### 430 - present

Since the ratification of the constitution, there have been 4 national elections in Rindland, as well as 2 different prime ministers. Power has shifted between the People's Party and the Nationalists, with minor parties playing only a minimal role in politics. The government has since expanded its power granted in the constitution, moving away from the powers bestowed in the duke.

## Constitution

The Primary Law of the Duchy of Rindland (Begonluud kol dij Harzung kol Rindlond) is the constitution of Rindland. It was formally approved on December 15, 428, and, with the signature of the Duke of Rindland came into effect on January 1, 429. The constitution took inspiration from the constitutional monarchies of Kroftland and Veintland.

## Executive

#### Head of state

*Main Article: Duke of Rindland*

The Rindish head of state is the Duke of Rindland. As outlined in the Rindish constitution, the prime minister runs the day-to-day politics of the country, while the role of the Duke has been to act as the primary representative of the country, yet also wielding control over the National Court of Rindland, having the power to pardon, and the title of commander-in-chief of the Rindish Army. The Duke is obliged by the constitution to withhold formal affiliation to any political party. The residence of the Duke is at the Rindish Ducal Palace in Shnijhofin.

#### Head of government

*Main Article: Prime Minister of Rindland*

The Prime Minister heads the national government and thus the executive branch of government. They are elected by and responsible to the Rindish Parliament, and can be removed by a two-thirds majority. The prime minister is responsible for signing legislation brought forth by parliament, appointing the national cabinet, and also yields the power of pardon. Unlike the cabinet, the prime minister may not hold a voting seat in parliament.

#### Cabinet

The Rindish cabinet is the chief executive body of the Rindish government. It consists of the prime minister and six appointed ministers, generally of the prime minister's party.

The cabinet consists of the following government ministries:

* Ministry of Defense: Yon Falded

* Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Artor Zaneiz

* Ministry of State: Yosef Kuipor

* Ministry of Justice: Logas Rijgig

* Ministry of Finance: Yon Sondor Vidz

* Ministry of Health: Ardor Yon Selbung

## Legislature

The Rindish legislature is unicameral, with all legislative power being vested in the Rindish parliament. The parliament is directly elected by the people.

#### Parliament

The parliament is elected for 4 year terms, and consists of 30 elected members. They are elected through means of mixed-member proportional system. 26 out of the 30 members are elected by direct popular vote, with 4 being elected from the county constituencies. A party must receive at least 5 percent of the national vote or earn the largest voter share in a single county to be represented in parliament.

When voting on legislature in parliament, a simple majority (16 votes) is required. The constitution does not provide provisions for a tie-breaker, and thus, an even parliament results in legislative deadlock.

## Judiciary

The judiciary of Rindland consists of two types of courts.

* Ordinary courts, dealing with most criminal and civil cases, are the most numerous. Judges are locally elected from the counties in which they preside.
* National court, specializes in judicial review and constitutional interpretation and consists of 5 judges, appointed by the Duke.

## Foreign relations

Rindland maintains embassies in 7 foreign countries and is a member of 3 international organizations, including the Northern Alliance, the Helvik Community and the Almorian World Council.