Government of the Vexim Empire

The Vexim Empire is a federal, parliamentary, constitutional monarchy that extends its influence over a quarter of the Andromeda Galaxy, it boasts a uniquely structured political system. At the heart of this system is the federal government, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the nation.

## Federal Government

### Government Structure

The Veximic political system operates on a hierarchical basis. The First Congress holds supreme authority, overseeing the entire empire. Subordinate to it are the Second Congress, responsible for governing star systems, and the Third Congress, entrusted with the governance of individual planets. Beneath these federal levels of government are states, counties, and cities, constituting the lower echelons of governance. Larger Cities can be further divided into districts, categorized according to their size and population.

##### Legislative Process

In the Vexim Empire, the process of enacting new laws is a rigorous one, exemplifying a commitment to preserving the empire's core principles. To pass a new law, it must undergo a multifaceted evaluation. The law requires the approval of the Royal Family, a two-thirds majority in the Congress, and scrutiny by the Supreme Court to ensure its compatibility with the constitution. This stringent process ensures that new legislation aligns with the empire's fundamental principles. The process to repeal a law is similar, but comparatively more accessible, requiring only a one-third majority in the Congress.

The Second and Third Congresses follow a similar legislative process, but they must also ensure compatibility with the laws of the federal government (First Congress) and, in the case of the Third Congress, with the Second Congress as well. However, these subordinate congresses do not require the additional approval of the Royal Family.

#### The Parliament

The parliament of the Vexim Empire serves as the central institution of government, embodying the will of the people and acting as a check on the powers of the monarchy and executive branch. This parliamentary structure consists of two main bodies: the Congress and the Supreme Court.

The Congress, the larger and less powerful of the two bodies, is composed of members elected by the voters. Its primary functions include initiating and passing legislation, holding the government accountable through oversight, and providing a platform for public debate and discussion on national issues.

In contrast, the Supreme Court is a smaller, more exclusive body. Its members are appointed by the monarch based on the advice of the prime minister. The Supreme Court's role is to meticulously review, revise, or halt legislation before it becomes law. Additionally, it holds the authority to approve or reject nominations for key government positions, ensuring the appointment of qualified individuals to critical roles in the empire's governance.

The Congress's responsibilities extend to managing the budget, approving international treaties, and declaring war. It serves as a forum where the nation's most pressing concerns are deliberated, allowing the voices of the people to resonate and influence the direction of the empire.

### Election System

In the Vexim Empire, the right to vote is a privilege bestowed upon a select group: the taxpayers. This distinctive approach to suffrage forms the cornerstone of Vexim's election system, reflecting the empire's distinctive political philosophy and commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Only those who contribute directly to the state's finances through taxation possess the right to cast their votes. This exclusivity extends to a wide array of citizens, but also excludes certain groups from the right to vote.

* **Taxpayers:** Individuals who actively contribute to the public coffers through income taxation, regardless of age, sex, sexuality, ethnicity, species, or any other category are eligible to participate in the electoral process. This remarkable feature means that even minors with taxable income can exercise their voting rights.
* **Citizenship Requirement:** In addition to paying taxes, holding Veximic citizenship is a prerequisite to vote. This dual requirement underscores the empire's commitment to ensure that those who shape its future have a direct stake in its well-being.
* **Voting Rights in Tax-Friendly Regions:** In states where income tax is absent, a broader spectrum of individuals can exercise their voting rights. Those with stable income from various sources, including assets such as rent, financial investments, and interest, are granted access to the electoral process.
* **No Room for Public Employees and Politicians:** Veximic governance draws a strict line between those who serve the public and those who fund it. Public employees, politicians, and anyone whose income is derived from the state's resources are deliberately excluded from the voting pool.

The rationale behind this unique electoral system in Vexim is straightforward. In Veximic society, individuals in the public sector and political figures are considered servants of the people, not representatives of the people themselves. Hence, they are intentionally excluded from the voting process. Furthermore, those who do not financially contribute to the government are seen as lacking the right to shape the nation's political destiny.

#### The Cascade of Representation

Vexim's election process is intricately layered, designed to ensure a thoughtful and thorough selection of its leaders. It unfolds in the following stages:

* **Voting Districts:** Vexim is divided into voting districts, based on counties, cities, and city districts. Citizens in these districts cast their votes for electors who represent their interests.
* **State Representatives:** These electors, once elected, come together to vote for state representatives. These representatives, in turn, form the third congress, where regional concerns are addressed, and legislation proposed.
* **Cascading Representation:** The process continues as the third congress votes for the second congress, responsible for governing over star systems, and the second congress votes for the first congress, which holds dominion over the entire Vexim Empire.

### The Prime Minister

At the summit of the Veximic political hierarchy stands the Prime Minister, who serves as the head of the ruling party. This figurehead is critical in shaping the empire's policies and direction, representing the ultimate embodiment of the voters' will, as expressed through their chosen party.

The Vexim Empire's election system, driven by the notion of fiscal responsibility and active contribution to the state, is a testament to its unique blend of political philosophy and governance. While some may find it exclusive, it reflects Vexim's commitment to ensuring that those who determine its future are also those who invest in its prosperity.

### Frozen State & Low Voter Turnout

The Veximic government is often described by outsiders as a "frozen state" due to the substantial burden associated with passing new laws and the strict constraints imposed by the constitution. As a result, voter turnout in Vexim is exceptionally low, with fewer than 10% of taxpayers participating in elections. This is primarily due to the arduous legislative process and the limited scope of government power.