National Transition Board

[Germanic Republic]

OOC: All posts contained within are private unless otherwise specified. This is to legitimize changes made to the FSA in an IC manner.

IC:

Inside the capitol building of Washington City, seat of the Federated States of America, the NTB was stationed. Consisting of several civil planners, lawmakers, and ambassadors, its task was to ease the transition of the FRA & New England into the Federated States of America, later to give way to an established legislature.

This body decides the form of the new government, the ceremonial trappings of it, and other pieces of public policy. The FRA head ambassador to it is Secretary of State Nikolai Kunis, who has been transferred from his usual duties in Alabama to Washington City to serve as a board member until an appropriate replacement is found.

[Germanic Republic]

We would like to suggest we focus on the following things to be discussed:

• Flag of the FSA
  
• Linking the highways of the FRA and New England
  
• Combining the military high command w/ regards to the preservation of national control of the militaries of FRA & NE
  
• A Constitution
  
• Commonwealth-Reich situation, and conflicting treaties
  
• Policy regarding suspected threats (FRG, New Eden, Louisiana)
  

If New England representatives have other things to add to this list or take away, we'd appreciate it. Communication is key, brethren.

[JEDCJT]

With the establishment of the NTB, several prominent New Englander figures, politicans, and officials went to Washington City to help implement the transition of New England and the FRA into an unified nation in every sense of the word. This includes Secretary of State Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was appointed by President Johnson to serve as the head of the New Englander section of the NTB. Other figures also included Joseph P. Kennedy, father of former President John F. Kennedy; Robert F. Kennedy; Edward Kennedy; Jackie Kennedy; former General Mark Clark, General Douglas MacArthur; along with others.

In the Capitol, Roosevelt reviewed the list and made some additions to the new agenda, with the support of Johnson:

• Establishment of a Federal District and renaming Washington City to reflect that
  
• Economic and financial policies
  
• Security and law-enforcement agencies
  

[Shadowsage]

OOC: Remember; Imperial Economic Prosperity Zone.

[Germanic Republic]

All right then, we acknowledge the changes made and will proceed with the discussion.

Flag of the FSA

We offer that a historical flag may be appropriate, acknowledging the number of states that we have (including territories), and as such we believe that the old United States 1836 flag with 25 stars would be rather fitting, of a nation which spans almost the entire Eastern seaboard. This will give a sense of unity to FRA and New England citizens that we are all United as Americans, under this banner.

Infrastructure of New England and the FRA

The obvious linkage between New England and the FRA is through Tennessee, and there will be the point of focus. Developing infrastructure in and around the FRA/New England border will foster trade and prosperity between the two groups. Additional trade ports can be constructed in Georgia, should you need to focus shipping within the Atlantic and not going around Florida.

Military High Command

To be combined at the highest levels, with the head of the military being the Commander-in-Chief, who will report to both Presidents Johnson and Engelmann. He will serve as the key military figure in the executive branch of our government. The FRA and New England will retain the right to use their military locally, and within their own separate military systems outside of this Federal one.

A Constitution

This is going to be tricky to master, so the Constitution should be changeable through the legislative branch of our government, in order to create a more perfect list of rights and responsibilities. The Constitution should outline our government, the branches of government, the interaction between the States, Federal Government, and semi-autonomous regions of the FSA. It should also include base rights, such as speech, expression, of and from religion, equality in the eyes of the law of the sexes, sexual orientations, and races/ethnic groups, the freedom to assembly and of the press, and of the right to petition for reform within the government. If you see anything we've missed, point it out and add or take away from this list.

Commonwealth-Reich situation

We've yet to speak with the Reich on this, but we plan to. Maybe it's possible for all FRA states and forces to abstain from the fighting, thus fulfilling our peace treaty with them, or renegotiate one with the Reich?

Suspected threats

The FRA's currently policy regarding the FRG is to ignore their remarks and jabs at our credibility and honor, and to protect our southern border from what we fear may be an imminent attack. Their underhandedness was shown with their and New Eden's violation of treaties signed with me, that we admittedly had reneged on ourselves, and New Eden selling us down the river to further their land-grabbing agenda. We do not trust them, but we don't seek war with them at all. However, we fear they may be seeking war, with New Eden's recent declaration upon the Imperial Hudson Reich-- however shortlived it was.

Washington Federal District

What would you suggest regarding that?

Economic policies

The Progressive Way is the leading political party in the FRA, and it promotes an interventionist point of view from time-to-time, but otherwise believes that the free market should rule. One of our close neighbors has also established an economic policy which may be beneficial-- the Imperial Economic Prosperity Zone of the Phoenix Empire (OOC: Shadowsage). It may be of interest to look into this further. Other viewpoints on economics are welcome.

Security/Law Enforcement

It could be hierarchical.

City -> County -> State -> Federal?

Past that, we believe an intelligence agency to assist the Federal enforcement agency necessary to tracking down violent criminals who have eluded all else. Your views?

[JEDCJT]

It seems we're making good progress so far. It should go as smoothly as possible.

Flag of the FSA

We offer that a historical flag may be appropriate, acknowledging the number of states that we have (including territories), and as such we believe that the old United States 1836 flag with 25 stars would be rather fitting, of a nation which spans almost the entire Eastern seaboard. This will give a sense of unity to FRA and New England citizens that we are all United as Americans, under this banner.

We agree with this proposition. The old 1836 US flag should be the basis of the flag of the Federated States of America, and as such it has my vote, support, and approval.

Infrastructure of New England and the FRA

The obvious linkage between New England and the FRA is through Tennessee, and there will be the point of focus. Developing infrastructure in and around the FRA/New England border will foster trade and prosperity between the two groups. Additional trade ports can be constructed in Georgia, should you need to focus shipping within the Atlantic and not going around Florida.

Indeed, Tennessee will be the central hub of the linkage between New England and the FRA. Funds and resources will be dedicated to Tennessee's infrastructure, especially the capital of Nashville. For security reasons, Nashville will be fortified; anti-aircraft and artillery defenses will be allayed around the city and other necessary measures undertaken. After all, we do not want our links to be severed during wartime, do we?

Regarding ports in Georgia, we agree on that. We can fortify the city of Savannah, as well Mobile, Alabama, as to assure the security in southern FSA. In addition, we will have fun naming the new ports, right?

Military High Command

To be combined at the highest levels, with the head of the military being the Commander-in-Chief, who will report to both Presidents Johnson and Engelmann. He will serve as the key military figure in the executive branch of our government. The FRA and New England will retain the right to use their military locally, and within their own separate military systems outside of this Federal one.

Agreed. This has my full support.

A Constitution

This is going to be tricky to master, so the Constitution should be changeable through the legislative branch of our government, in order to create a more perfect list of rights and responsibilities. The Constitution should outline our government, the branches of government, the interaction between the States, Federal Government, and semi-autonomous regions of the FSA. It should also include base rights, such as speech, expression, of and from religion, equality in the eyes of the law of the sexes, sexual orientations, and races/ethnic groups, the freedom to assembly and of the press, and of the right to petition for reform within the government. If you see anything we've missed, point it out and add or take away from this list.

Perhaps the old United States Constitution should be used as a basis for the new Constitution, with few modifications? Or perhaps the New Englander Constitution? Maybe we can integrate our Constitutions together to create an unified one that will serve as a basis for law in the FSA.

Commonwealth-Reich situation

We've yet to speak with the Reich on this, but we plan to. Maybe it's possible for all FRA states and forces to abstain from the fighting, thus fulfilling our peace treaty with them, or renegotiate one with the Reich?

We should speak with the Reich regarding this, so renegiotation would be necessary.

Suspected threats

The FRA's currently policy regarding the FRG is to ignore their remarks and jabs at our credibility and honor, and to protect our southern border from what we fear may be an imminent attack. Their underhandedness was shown with their and New Eden's violation of treaties signed with me, that we admittedly had reneged on ourselves, and New Eden selling us down the river to further their land-grabbing agenda. We do not trust them, but we don't seek war with them at all. However, we fear they may be seeking war, with New Eden's recent declaration upon the Imperial Hudson Reich-- however shortlived it was.

New Eden does pose a concern given its actions in recent times, but we need not worry about it. Should they choose to start a conflict with us, it is them that will be utterly crushed, given our overwhelming superiority in military, economics, and technology. With that said, let us not worry about New Eden for the time being and focus on other aspects of foreign affairs.

Washington Federal District

What would you suggest regarding that?

Well, if we were to establish a Federal District in Washington City, it would create an...interesting situation, so to say. You see, Washington City is situated in the State of New Columbia, which encompasses Washington City as a whole. In other words, Washington City and New Columbia are basically the same, albeit on different government levels and functions. If a Federal District was created, then Washington City would serve as the capital of itself, New Columbia, and the FSA. Perhaps we could establish a special jurisdiction over the capital?

Oh, and if a Federal District was to be established, I would suggest renaming Washington City to Washington, FD. Or perhaps Washington, DC. Whatever the people prefer, we will follow.

Economic policies

The Progressive Way is the leading political party in the FRA, and it promotes an interventionist point of view from time-to-time, but otherwise believes that the free market should rule. One of our close neighbors has also established an economic policy which may be beneficial-- the Imperial Economic Prosperity Zone of the Phoenix Empire (OOC: Shadowsage). It may be of interest to look into this further. Other viewpoints on economics are welcome.

Hm, but at the same time, I do not want to see the FSA become 'subordinated' to another nation's economic policies, even if they are our allies. With that, we believe in and support government intervention in the economy, for New England is basically a mixed, capitalist economy. The government controls and regulates vital industries, and it maintains social programs for the betterment of society as a whole, such as health care, Medicare, etc.

Security/Law Enforcement

It could be hierarchical.

City -> County -> State -> Federal?

Past that, we believe an intelligence agency to assist the Federal enforcement agency necessary to tracking down violent criminals who have eluded all else. Your views?

The arrangement would be perfectly acceptable for the structure of the FSA, I approve. As for an intelligence agency, we should use the basis of the Central Intelligence Agency (both the old US one and current New Englander one) for that purpose. That, and we should establish a Department of Homeland Security or Department of State Security to protect internal and external security of the FSA. Lastly, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should be established as well, to be modeled on the old US and current New Englander model.

What do you think? Any suggestions would be welcome.

Edited January 20, 2010 by JEDCJT

[Germanic Republic]

We agree with this proposition. The old 1836 US flag should be the basis of the flag of the Federated States of America, and as such it has my vote, support, and approval.

Then it is settled, the FSA's national flag will be the 1836 United States flag with 25 stars, representing the 25 states of the FSA.

Indeed, Tennessee will be the central hub of the linkage between New England and the FRA. Funds and resources will be dedicated to Tennessee's infrastructure, especially the capital of Nashville. For security reasons, Nashville will be fortified; anti-aircraft and artillery defenses will be allayed around the city and other necessary measures undertaken. After all, we do not want our links to be severed during wartime, do we?

Regarding ports in Georgia, we agree on that. We can fortify the city of Savannah, as well Mobile, Alabama, as to assure the security in southern FSA. In addition, we will have fun naming the new ports, right?

I would hope that most of your major cities would have contingency plans to fortify them in the event of an emergency. We have several forts on the Tennessee border, as well, in case an event happened with the former nation. We support the endeavor to fortify Nashville.

Mobile is already well fortified, since it is one of three main naval bases and shipyards, but yes, Savannah needs to be protected as well. And of course, naming things is always a doozy!

Agreed. This has my full support.

Then it shall be so.

Perhaps the old United States Constitution should be used as a basis for the new Constitution, with few modifications? Or perhaps the New Englander Constitution? Maybe we can integrate our Constitutions together to create an unified one that will serve as a basis for law in the FSA.

I believe that using an old template might serve us well, but that we should not truly base this new constitution on any one document. Our shared values and commitment to freedom will mold this document. Whatever happens, the 9th Amendment to the old US Constitution is definitely something to retain.

We should speak with the Reich regarding this, so renegiotation would be necessary.

Absolutely. We will talk to them as soon as we can get a diplomat over.

New Eden does pose a concern given its actions in recent times, but we need not worry about it. Should they choose to start a conflict with us, it is them that will be utterly crushed, given our overwhelming superiority in military, economics, and technology. With that said, let us not worry about New Eden for the time being and focus on other aspects of foreign affairs.

New Eden is only a threat insofar as it has the FRG's backing as far as we can see, and via FRG, Louisiana's backing. And Kitex's. They've quite an impressive array of friends and masters to which they may suck up to. But I agree that we may be over-reacting.

Well, if we were to establish a Federal District in Washington City, it would create an...interesting situation, so to say. You see, Washington City is situated in the State of New Columbia, which encompasses Washington City as a whole. In other words, Washington City and New Columbia are basically the same, albeit on different government levels and functions. If a Federal District was created, then Washington City would serve as the capital of itself, New Columbia, and the FSA. Perhaps we could establish a special jurisdiction over the capital?

Oh, and if a Federal District was to be established, I would suggest renaming Washington City to Washington, FD. Or perhaps Washington, DC. Whatever the people prefer, we will follow.

We could abolish the state of New Columbia entirely, and add that onto Maryland, sans the capitol city. This would require us to create another state or use a 24-star flag. This way, the capitol of the nation will not be part of any state, and preferable to any state. And yes, a special jurisdiction would be good.

And yes, Washington, F.D., sounds good and separates us from a certain former nation.

Hm, but at the same time, I do not want to see the FSA become 'subordinated' to another nation's economic policies, even if they are our allies. With that, we believe in and support government intervention in the economy, for New England is basically a mixed, capitalist economy. The government controls and regulates vital industries, and it maintains social programs for the betterment of society as a whole, such as health care, Medicare, etc.

It goes without saying-- there is no such thing as a functioning, pure capitalist society. However, controlling vital industries goes against the FRA's sense of libertarian thought, even if the Progressive are in charge. Regulation certainly is needed, but controlling them sounds a bit too friendly with central planning. This would definitely be a point of contention in the Federal government, as I suspect parties will develop regardless of what we do to stymie them. Right of association is very important, of course.

The arrangement would be perfectly acceptable for the structure of the FSA, I approve. As for an intelligence agency, we should use the basis of the Central Intelligence Agency (both the old US one and current New Englander one) for that purpose. That, and we should establish a Department of Homeland Security or Department of State Security to protect internal and external security of the FSA. Lastly, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should be established as well, to be modeled on the old US and current New Englander model.

Fair enough, but with concessions that will effectively disable the FBI and CIA from conducting illegal activities upon citizens. Law and justice is all well and good, but when the law becomes unjust, it effectively ceases to be lawful.

Concluded:

• 1836 US flag
  
• Tennessee Focal Point of Infrastructure
  
• Ports Savannah/Mobile, creation of Georgia ports
  
• Military High Command
  

OOC: Maybe a color that isn't navy blue or forest green be chosen for the world map of the FSA, considering the FRA and New England's old colors?

What about Gray? Yellow?

Edited January 20, 2010 by Germanic Republic

[JEDCJT]

I would hope that most of your major cities would have contingency plans to fortify them in the event of an emergency. We have several forts on the Tennessee border, as well, in case an event happened with the former nation. We support the endeavor to fortify Nashville.

All major cities in New England has contigency plans established in place to take effect in an emergency.

Mobile is already well fortified, since it is one of three main naval bases and shipyards, but yes, Savannah needs to be protected as well. And of course, naming things is always a doozy!

Indeed. So, how many ports will we build? We, of course, can send over some of our finest engineers, managers, supervisors, and workers to participate in this endeavor.

I believe that using an old template might serve us well, but that we should not truly base this new constitution on any one document. Our shared values and commitment to freedom will mold this document. Whatever happens, the 9th Amendment to the old US Constitution is definitely something to retain.

But still, the Constitution, let alone any old documents, can serve as a basis for us to establish a new Constitution, with the guarantee of democratic values and freedom, as well as pursuit of happiness.

New Eden is only a threat insofar as it has the FRG's backing as far as we can see, and via FRG, Louisiana's backing. And Kitex's. They've quite an impressive array of friends and masters to which they may suck up to. But I agree that we may be over-reacting.

New Eden just collapsed. Pity it couldn't have turned over the areas over to us. Oh well, problem solved.

We could abolish the state of New Columbia entirely, and add that onto Maryland, sans the capitol city. This would require us to create another state or use a 24-star flag. This way, the capitol of the nation will not be part of any state, and preferable to any state. And yes, a special jurisdiction would be good.

Hmm, this could be a concern to some of our lawmakers and the inhabitants of the State of New Columbia. It's not a simple matter of dissolving a state, but this proposition will remain on the table for the time being. We will certainly consider it. But you are correct in the fact that the national capital should not be a part of any state in the FSA.

And yes, Washington, F.D., sounds good and separates us from a certain former nation.

And so it shall be.

It goes without saying-- there is no such thing as a functioning, pure capitalist society. However, controlling vital industries goes against the FRA's sense of libertarian thought, even if the Progressive are in charge. Regulation certainly is needed, but controlling them sounds a bit too friendly with central planning. This would definitely be a point of contention in the Federal government, as I suspect parties will develop regardless of what we do to stymie them. Right of association is very important, of course.

Hmm, we could maintain a level of government participation in the economy to a moderate degree. The government will control a very few industries, but for the last part will regulate the nation's industry to varying effect. As for political parties, we never had them in the first place, so they are a bit new to us. But we hope they will enable us to maintain political stability in the FSA.

Fair enough, but with concessions that will effectively disable the FBI and CIA from conducting illegal activities upon citizens. Law and justice is all well and good, but when the law becomes unjust, it effectively ceases to be lawful.

Both the FBI and CIA will be subordinated to the government, and checks and balances will be imposed upon them to prevent such thing from happening.

OOC: Maybe a color that isn't navy blue or forest green be chosen for the world map of the FSA, considering the FRA and New England's old colors?

What about Gray? Yellow?

OOC:

How about....maroon?

[Germanic Republic]

All major cities in New England has contigency plans established in place to take effect in an emergency.

Good, just checking. The same is true for the FRA, especially since our southern neighbor arrived.

Indeed. So, how many ports will we build? We, of course, can send over some of our finest engineers, managers, supervisors, and workers to participate in this endeavor.

There isn't a whole lot of need for a bunch of them. One to three planned harbor towns along the coast of Georgia will be sufficient for trade between the FRA and New England.

But still, the Constitution, let alone any old documents, can serve as a basis for us to establish a new Constitution, with the guarantee of democratic values and freedom, as well as pursuit of happiness.

As I said, for the template, sure, but not an exact copy. It's definitely not a perfect document.

New Eden just collapsed. Pity it couldn't have turned over the areas over to us. Oh well, problem solved.

I suppose, except now we have a nation which refuses to even recognize the FSA bordering us to the east and south.

Hmm, this could be a concern to some of our lawmakers and the inhabitants of the State of New Columbia. It's not a simple matter of dissolving a state, but this proposition will remain on the table for the time being. We will certainly consider it. But you are correct in the fact that the national capital should not be a part of any state in the FSA.

Agreed.

Hmm, we could maintain a level of government participation in the economy to a moderate degree. The government will control a very few industries, but for the last part will regulate the nation's industry to varying effect. As for political parties, we never had them in the first place, so they are a bit new to us. But we hope they will enable us to maintain political stability in the FSA.

Often times our country existed as a parliamentary coalition between 2-3 parties, but this might be a good experiment to try as well.

Both the FBI and CIA will be subordinated to the government, and checks and balances will be imposed upon them to prevent such thing from happening.

Good.

OOC:

How about....maroon?

OOC:

=D You know how to speak to a PrF fan. Agreed.

Edited January 21, 2010 by Germanic Republic

[JEDCJT]

As I said, for the template, sure, but not an exact copy. It's definitely not a perfect document.

Right. We'll go with that.

I suppose, except now we have a nation which refuses to even recognize the FSA bordering us to the east and south.

Oh well, we'll just continue on conducting business as usual. The FSA's still here and kicking, whether they recognize it or not. We don't need their approval, and we should focus on other affairs.

Often times our country existed as a parliamentary coalition between 2-3 parties, but this might be a good experiment to try as well.

Hmm...hopefully it will work out, for us that is.

Well, seems that pretty much everything's figured out. Shall we proceed in implementing them, or is more discussion and discourse needed?

OOC:

=D You know how to speak to a PrF fan. Agreed.

OOC:

[Germanic Republic]

Right. We'll go with that.

Oh well, we'll just continue on conducting business as usual. The FSA's still here and kicking, whether they recognize it or not. We don't need their approval, and we should focus on other affairs.

Hmm...hopefully it will work out, for us that is.

Well, seems that pretty much everything's figured out. Shall we proceed in implementing them, or is more discussion and discourse needed?

Aye, it's not like we were in the business of dealing with Greenlander imperialists anyway.

No further discussion is really needed, for this round. We need to hash out the constitution though. We've already set the template, so here it is, and we'll each offer suggestions to change it:

Article I - The Legislative Branch Note

Section 1 - The Legislature

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Section 2 - The House

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

(Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.) (The previous sentence in parentheses was modified by the 14th Amendment, section 2.) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

Section 3 - The Senate

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, (chosen by the Legislature thereof,) (The preceding words in parentheses superseded by 17th Amendment, section 1.) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; (and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.) (The preceding words in parentheses were superseded by the 17th Amendment, section 2.)

No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Section 4 - Elections, Meetings

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of Chusing Senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall (be on the first Monday in December,) (The preceding words in parentheses were superseded by the 20th Amendment, section 2.) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.

Section 5 - Membership, Rules, Journals, Adjournment

Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a Member.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

Section 6 - Compensation

(The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.) (The preceding words in parentheses were modified by the 27th Amendment.) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

Section 7 - Revenue Bills, Legislative Process, Presidential Veto

All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.

Section 8 - Powers of Congress

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and Post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings; And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section 9 - Limits on Congress

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

(No capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.) (Section in parentheses clarified by the 16th Amendment.)

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.

Section 10 - Powers prohibited of States

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Article II - The Executive Branch Note

Section 1 - The President Note1 Note2

The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:

Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

(The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not lie an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; a quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two-thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice-President.) (This clause in parentheses was superseded by the 12th Amendment.)

The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.

No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

(In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.) (This clause in parentheses has been modified by the 20th and 25th Amendments.)

The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Section 2 - Civilian Power over Military, Cabinet, Pardon Power, Appointments

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Section 3 - State of the Union, Convening Congress

He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.

Section 4 - Disqualification

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Article III - The Judicial Branch Note

Section 1 - Judicial powers

The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behavior, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Section 2 - Trial by Jury, Original Jurisdiction, Jury Trials

(The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls; to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; to Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State; between Citizens of different States; between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.) (This section in parentheses is modified by the 11th Amendment.)

In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Section 3 - Treason Note

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

Article IV - The States

Section 1 - Each State to Honor all others

Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

Section 2 - State citizens, Extradition

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.

A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.

(No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, But shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.) (This clause in parentheses is superseded by the 13th Amendment.)

Section 3 - New States

New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

Section 4 - Republican government

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

Article V - Amendment Note1 - Note2 - Note3

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

Article VI - Debts, Supremacy, Oaths

All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

We can further edit the document to suit our needs and those of the FSA. the 18th century is a different time from now, of course.

Edited January 22, 2010 by Germanic Republic