Establishment of a new Commonwealth

[JEDCJT]

According to the national referendum, approximately 38% of the population narrowly supported the formation of a Commonwealth in New England, with 33% against and 28% abstaining. After some deliberations, it was thus decided to formally establish a commonwealth in New England. The Commonwealth of New England officially came into being.

With the notion of a bicameral system of governance receiving broad support (over 61% of the popular vote), the nation’s administrative and governing system thus underwent a major transformation. The government was effectively divided into three branches: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. The Executive branch (the President and his cabinet) was pruned of much of its legislative powers, of which were transferred to the Legislature branch (the State National Legislature). On a similar note, the State National Legislature was renamed the National Assembly and appropriated powers and responsibilities. The National Assembly now has authority to draft, debate, and pass bills (and even override a Presidential veto with a 66%+1 majority).

In addition, the National Assembly is to be comprised of two houses: the House of Commons and the Senate. The states will receive representation in the House of Commons in proportion to its population. Each representative (about 129 total) in the House will serve two-year terms, and has the authority to impeach government officials and elect the President in case of election deadlocks. Next, the states will be represented in the Senate through two senators each, regardless of population as to ensure equal representation. The Senate is endowed powers not allocated to the House, including but not limited to: ratifying treaties, confirming the appointment of government officials (Cabinet secretaries, federal judges, etc), and hold impeachment trials. The Senate will be comprised of 14 seats.

Lastly, the Judicial branch (the Supreme Court) will function independently of both the Executive and Legislature branches. The Supreme Court will be the highest court in the Commonwealth of New England, and will deal with matters related to the federal government, settle disputes between states, and make rulings on any law, act, or resolution passed by the National Assembly, of which will be final and binding. Below the Supreme Court are the courts of appeals, which will deal with appeals, and the lower courts, which will deal with federal law and the like. The Supreme Court will comprise of seven Justices, which are appointed for life by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the courts of appeals, and the lower courts.

Each state will have their own court systems separate from the federal system; each will deal with their own laws and have their own rules and procedures. A state court may appeal to the Supreme Court only if it is a matter of federal question. Together, federal and state laws form New England law.

Finally, the new Commonwealth will remain a nonpartisan state, as 57% of the population supported such position. Political parties will not play a part on the political scene. Citizens of the Commonwealth will elect government officials based on their experience, performance, and expertise.

“This is the dawn of a new beginning.” President John F. Kennedy stated in a speech to the nation today, as his wife and children stood near him. “The Commonwealth of New England will serve as a shining example of democracy, freedom, and liberty in the world and it shall be so. So help us, God.”

[Subtleknifewielder]

Little needs to be said, other than we recognize the re-formed government, if it is felt that this is necessary.

Edited May 11, 2009 by Subtleknifewielder