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DispatchAccountDiplomacy

by The Federal Republic of Baumland. . 19 reads.

Former Constitutions of the Federal Republic of Baumland (1849-1877)

The 1849 Baumland Constitution was created with inspiration from the Declaration of the Rights of Man, the 1787 US Constitution, the 1826 Bolivia Constitution, the 1824 Constitution of the Empire of Brazil, the 1776 Massachusetts Constitution, and the 1776 Virginia Constitution.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Baumland (1849)

Preamble

We, the Representatives of the Peoples of this vast land, have gathered here in the city of Friedrichstadt to establish a united government that will promote and secure human rights from Almighty God, the well-being of others, justice, domestic tranquility, freedom, general welfare, unity, the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do hereby ordain this Constitution as the sole governing document of the land known internationally as "Baumland".

Chapter I; Basicalities of the Nation

Article 1. Baumland is to be a federation based on republican values, known as the Federal Republic of Baumland.

Article 2. Baumland is to consist of the Provinces Surinam, Neue-Hanau, and Deutsches Guiana.

Article 3. The national colors of Baumland are to be white over green. The white of the flag is to symbolize Heaven, God, Purity, the Sky, and the People. The green of the flag is to symbolize the Land and its richness of material and natural beauty and wonders, Brotherhood, and Freedom.

Article 4. The national march of Baumland is to be "Yorck'sher Marsch" by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Article 5. The national anthem of Baumland is to be "Nun danket alle Gott" by Martin Rinkart.

Article 6. The capital of Baumland shall be Friedrichstadt in the Province Neue-Hanau.

Article 7. The government of Baumland shall be split intro three parts: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branches.

Article 8. This Constitution is to be the supreme law of the land and no one is above the Constitution.

Chapter II; Governing the Nation

Article 9. The Executive branch is to consist of a President and an advisory council of 6 members. The President is to pass laws and create executive orders on the advice of his council, veto bills sent to him by the House of the People. He can nominate members of his council with the approval of the House of the People. The President has to power to make Peace with a warring nationstate. The President can be granted emergency powers by the House of the People when it is a time of extraordinary circumstances in which the President is able to work independently without communication and interference from the House of the People and the National People's Court. The President is to make an annual address to the House of the People on the State of the Nation. The President is to be elected by Electoral College vote every 5 years on the second Tuesday of August and to be inaugurated on October 2 that election year. Upon being elected President, they are to be sworn in by Oath at thier Inauguration with the following: "I do faithfully affirm that I will uphold the office of President of the Federal Republic of Baumland and the laws and policies set fourth by the Father of Independence and the Federal Constitution, respect and defend the Federal Constitution, support the welfare of all peoples of this land, and honor God as we have done." In order to become President, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. The President has to power to appoint the Chief Justice of the National People's Court and to appoint the Speaker of the House in the event of death or assassination or resignation. In the event that the President is unable to serve his role as President due to death or assassination or resignation or impeachment, the Speaker of the House shall become President and finish the remaining term.

Article 10. The Legislative branch is to consist of an unicameral legislature, called the House of the People. The House of the People will house representatives from the Provinces to create laws beneficial to the people and the nation, impeach public officials, set the annual national budget on the advice from the President, create alliance agreements which must be approved by the President, over-ride the President's veto on a bill thru a 2/3 vote, declare War. Under extraordinary circumstances, the House of the People can grant the President emergency powers. Each province is to send 11 representatives. The House of People shall be in session from the first Monday of January after New Years to the last Friday of June and the first Monday of October to the last Friday the week before Christmas with the exception of National Holidays and Sundays. In order to become a Representative, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. Representatives are to be elected every 2 years on October 2 and to take office on the first Monday of January after New Years. Upon being elected a Representative, they are to be sworn in by Oath on the first Monday of January after New Years with the following: "I do faithfully affirm that I will uphold my elected position as Representative of the House of the People of the Federal Republic of Baumland and the Federal Constitution, respect and defend the Federal Constitution, support the welfare of all peoples of this land, and honor God as we have done." The House of the People is to confirm the results of the current Presidential Election. The presiding officer of the House of the People shall be the Speaker of the House, elected every two years by thier fellow members every non-election year. In the event that the Speaker of the House is unable to serve his role as Speaker of the House due to death or assassination or resignation or impeachment, the President shall appoint the next Speaker of the House. By being elected Speaker of the House by thier fellow Representatives, they will no longer be eligible to be elected by the people of thier Province until thier term as Speaker of the House has come to an end. Each Representative has the position of "Elector" when it is a Presidential Election year, each voting by which Presidential Candidate gets the most votes in thier own District.

Article 11. The Judicial branch is to consist of 9 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice, each province sending 3 Associate Justices approved by the House of the People, calling itself the National People's Court. The National People's Court is to review laws and make sure those laws are constitutional, address hearings as the highest court of the land. In order to become a Justice, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, be admitted into the bar, be approved by the Provincial Legislature from where they reside, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. The term of the Chief Justices shall end on thier 75th Birthday. The term of the Associate Justices shall end with thier last breath of life.

Chapter III; Rights of the People

Article 12. The Rights of the People of the Federal Republic of Baumland are to never be infringed by any government.

Article 13. Liberty consists of doing anything which does not harm others: thus, the exercise of the natural rights of each man has only those borders which assure other members of the society the enjoyment of these same rights. These borders can be determined only by the law.

Article 14. The People of each Province shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of People in the several Provinces.

Article 15. The People are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions can be founded only on the common good.

Article 16. The People have the right to vote in elections so long as they are male, are above the age of 25 years, are not insane, are not criminally active, are able to read and write, and are citizens of the Federal Republic of Baumland.

Article 17. The People have the right to freely join the Federal military on thier own will, the use of conscription against the People is barred from the Federal government.

Article 18. The People-citizens of the Federal Republic of Baumland are to be born on Baumlander soil to either foreign nationals or native Baumlanders. The right of Baumlander citizenship is passed down to the children of Baumlanders if out of the country, in which the children must choose between the citizenship of the Federal Republic Baumland or thier host country by thier 21st birthday.

Article 19. The People have the right to bear Arms for the protection of the country.

Article 20. The People have the right to peaceably assemble and petition against the Federal government.

Article 21. The People have the right to practice thier own religion without fear of persecution.

Article 22. The People have the right to refuse quartering to Federal soldiers in times of peace.

Article 23. The principle of any sovereignty resides essentially in the Nation. No body, no individual can exert authority which does not emanate expressly from it.

Article 24. The formation of political parties are to be considered as an essential liberty for the benefit of the country and the People.

Article 25. The law should establish only penalties that are strictly and evidently necessary, and no one can be punished but under a law established and promulgated before the offense and legally applied.

Article 26. Any man being presumed innocent until he is declared culpable, if it is judged indispensible to arrest him, any rigor which would not be necessary for the securing of his person must be severely reprimanded by the law.

Article 27. The People have the right to amend the Constitution thru voting, requiring 2/3 of all voters to approve of it.

Article 28. In the event that a new Constitution for the country has to be created, all Provinces must ratify the new Constitution before it comes into force.

Article 29. The use of slaves in the Federal Republic of Baumland is morally wrong and to be considered as a crime punishable by death.

Article 30. The use of involuntary labor in the Federal Republic of Baumland as a punishment is justly right.

Article 31. All power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any authority without consent of the representatives of the people is injurious to their rights and ought not to be exercised.

Article 32. The freedom of the press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

Article 33. In controversies respecting property and in suits between man and man, the ancient trial by jury is preferable to any other and ought to be held sacred.

Article 34. Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men: Therefore the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity and happiness require it.

Article 35. Laws made to punish for actions done before the existence of such laws, and which have not been declared crimes by preceding laws, are unjust, oppressive, and inconsistent with the fundamental principles of a free government.

Article 36. No subsidy, charge, tax, impost, or duties, ought to be established, fixed, laid, or levied, under any pretext whatsoever, without the consent of the people or their representatives in the legislature.

Article 37. The privilege and benefit of the writ of habeas corpus shall be enjoyed in the Federal Republic of Baumland in the most free, easy, cheap, expeditious and ample manner; and shall not be suspended by the House of the People, except upon the most urgent and pressing occasions, and for a limited time not exceeding twelve months.

Article 38. In all elections of civil officers by the people of the Federal Republic of Baumland, whose election is provided for by the constitution, the person having the highest number of votes shall be deemed and declared to be elected.

Article 39. Voting machines or other mechanical devices for voting may be used at all elections under such regulations as may be prescribed by law: provided, however, that the right of secret voting shall be preserved.

Article 40. The maintenance and distribution at reasonable rates, during time of war, public exigency, emergency or distress, of a sufficient supply of food and other common necessaries of life and the providing of shelter, are public functions, and the Federal Republic and the cities and towns therein may take and may provide the same for their inhabitants in such manner as the general court shall determine.

Article 41. The veto power of the President shall not extend to measures approved by the People.

Article 42. Advertising on public ways, in public places and on private property within public view may be regulated and restricted by law.

Article 43. The preservation and maintenance of ancient landmarks and other property of historical or antiquarian interest is a public use, and the Federal Republic and the cities and towns therein may, upon payment of just compensation, take such property or any interest therein under such regulations as the National People's Court may prescribe.

Article 44. All military and naval officers shall be selected and appointed and may be removed in such manner as the National People's Court may by law prescribe, but no such officer shall be appointed unless he shall have passed an examination prepared by a competent commission or shall have served one year in either the federal or state militia or in military service. All such officers who are entitled by law to receive commissions shall be commissioned by the President.

Article 45. Names of candidates of political parties for public office shall be grouped on the official ballot for use at elections according to the parties they represent, and the voter may cast a single vote for any such group, which shall count as a vote for each candidate in such group, but may not cast a vote for only one of the candidates in such group.

Article 46. It shall be considered to be right to reaffirm the customary and traditional liberties of the people with respect to the conduct of their local government, and to grant and confirm to the people of every city and town the right of self-government in local matters.

Article 47. Every city and town shall have the power to adopt or revise a charter in the following manner: A petition for the adoption or revision of a charter shall be signed by at least fifteen per cent of the number of legal voters residing in such city or town at the preceding election. Whenever such a petition is filed with the board of registrars of voters of any city or town, the board shall within ten days of its receipt determine the sufficiency and validity of the signatures and certify the results to the city council of the city or board of selectmen of the town, as the case may be. As used in this section, the phrase "board of registrars of voters" shall include any local authority of different designation which performs the duties of such registrars, and the phrase "city council of the city or board of selectmen of the town" shall include local authorities of different designation performing the duties of such council or board. Objections to the sufficiency and validity of the signatures on any such petition as certified by the board of registrars of voters shall be made in the same manner as provided by law for objections to nominations for city or town offices, as the case may be. Within thirty days of receipt of certification of the board of registrars of voters that a petition contains sufficient valid signatures, the city council of the city or board of selectmen of the town shall by order provide for submitting to the voters of the city or town the question of adopting or revising a charter, and for the nomination and election of a charter commission. If the city or town has not previously adopted a charter pursuant to this section, the question submitted to the voters shall be: "Shall a commission be elected to frame a charter for (name of city or town)?" If the city or town has previously adopted a charter pursuant to this section, the question submitted to the voters shall be: "Shall a commission be elected to revise the charter of (name of city or town)?" The charter commission shall consist of nine voters of the city or town, who shall be elected at large without party or political designation at the city or town election next held at least sixty days after the order of the city council of the city or board of selectmen of the town. The names of candidates for such commission shall be listed alphabetically on the ballot used at such election. Each voter may vote for nine candidates. The vote on the question submitted and the election of the charter commission shall take place at the same time. If the vote on the question submitted is in the affirmative, the nine candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.Within ten months after the election of the members of the charter commission, said commission shall submit the charter or revised charter to the city council of the city or the board of selectmen of the town, and such council or board shall provide for publication of the charter and for its submission to the voters of the city or town at the next city or town election held at least two months after such submission by the charter commission. If the charter or revised charter is approved by a majority of the voters of the city or town voting thereon, it shall become effective upon the date fixed in the charter.

Article 48. No student shall be assigned to or denied admittance to a public school on the basis of race, color, national origin or creed.

Article 49. No otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity within the Federal Republic.

Article 50.

The 1873 Baumland Constitution was created with inspiration from the Declaration of the Rights of Man, the Communist Manifesto, the 1849 Baumland Constitution, the 1861 Florida Constitution, the 1787 US Constitution, the 1826 Bolivia Constitution, the 1824 Constitution of the Empire of Brazil, the 1776 Massachusetts Constitution, the 1852 Louisiana Constitution, the 1848 French Constitution, and the 1776 Virginia Constitution.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Baumland (1873)

Preamble

We, the Representatives of the Workers of this vast land, have gathered here in the city of Arbeiterstadt to establish a united government that will promote and secure the rights of the Worker, justice, domestic tranquility, freedom, general welfare, unity, liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do hereby ordain this Constitution as the sole governing document of the land known internationally as "Baumland".

Chapter I; Basicalities of the Nation

Article 1. Baumland is to be a federation based on republican values in the name of Socialism, known as the Federal Republic of Baumland.

Article 2. Baumland is to consist of the Provinces Surinam, Neue-Hanau, and Deutsches Guiana.

Article 3. The national color of Baumland are to be red. The red of the flag is to symbolize the worker, the blood of the people, and those who died in the Revolution.

Article 4. The national march of Baumland is to be "Yorck'sher Marsch" by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Article 5. The national anthem of Baumland is to be "Deutsche Arbeiter-Marseillaise" by Jacob Audorf.

Article 6. The capital of Baumland shall be Arbeiterstadt in the Province Neue-Hanau.

Article 7. The government of Baumland shall be split intro three parts: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branches.

Article 8. This Constitution is to be the supreme law of the land and no one is above the Constitution.

Chapter II; Governing the Nation

Article 9. The Executive branch is to consist of an executive committee of 6 members. The Executive Committee is to pass laws and create executive orders, veto bills sent to it by the House of the People. The Executive Committee has to power to make Peace with a warring nationstate. The Executive Committee can be granted emergency powers by the House of the People when it is a time of extraordinary circumstances in which the Executive Committee is able to work independently without communication and interference from the House of the People and the National People's Court. A selected Member of the Executive Committee is to make an annual address to the House of the People on the State of the Nation. Members of the Executive Committee is to be elected by the Worker every 5 years on the second Tuesday of August and to be inaugurated on October 2 that election year. Upon being elected as a Member of the Executive Committee, they are to be sworn in by Oath at thier Inauguration with the following: "I do faithfully affirm that I will uphold the office of Member of the Executive Committee of the Federal Republic of Baumland and the laws and policies set fourth by the People and the Federal Constitution, respect and defend the Federal Constitution, support the welfare of all peoples of this land, and honor the Worker as we have done." In order to become a Member of the Executive Committee, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. The Executive Committee has to power to appoint the Chief Justice of the National People's Court and to appoint the Speaker of the House in the event of death or assassination or resignation. In the event that a Member of the Executive Committee is unable to serve his role as Member of the Executive Committee due to death or assassination or resignation or impeachment, the Speaker of the House shall become a Member of the Executive Committee and finish the remaining term with an election for that specific seat of office the next year.

Article 10. The Legislative branch is to consist of an unicameral legislature, called the House of the People. The House of the People will house representatives from the Provinces to create laws beneficial to the people and the nation, impeach public officials, set the annual national budget on the advice from the Executive Committee, create alliance agreements which must be approved by the Executive Committee, declare War, take such measures as may be necessary to preserve from waste or damage all land so granted and appropriated to the purpose of Education. Under extraordinary circumstances, the House of the People can grant the Executive Committee emergency powers. Each province is to send 11 representatives. The House of People shall be in session from the first Monday of January after New Years to the last Friday of June and the first Monday of October to the last Friday the week before Christmas with the exception of National Holidays and Sundays. In order to become a Representative, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. Representatives are to be elected every 2 years on October 2 and to take office on the first Monday of January after New Years. Upon being elected a Representative, they are to be sworn in by Oath on the first Monday of January after New Years with the following: "I do faithfully affirm that I will uphold my elected position as Representative of the House of the People of the Federal Republic of Baumland and the Federal Constitution, respect and defend the Federal Constitution, support the welfare of all peoples of this land, and honor the Worker as we have done." The House of the People is to confirm the results of Elections for Members of the Executive Committee. The presiding officer of the House of the People shall be the Speaker of the House, elected every two years by thier fellow members at the beginning of each Session after the Representative Elections. In the event that the Speaker of the House is unable to serve his role as Speaker of the House due to death or assassination or resignation or impeachment, the Executive Committee shall appoint the next Speaker of the House.

Article 11. The Judicial branch is to consist of 9 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice, each province sending 3 Associate Justices approved by the House of the People, calling itself the National People's Court. The National People's Court is to review laws and make sure those laws are constitutional, address hearings as the highest court of the land. In order to become a Justice, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, be admitted into the bar, be approved by the Provincial Legislature from where they reside, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. The term of the Chief Justices shall end on thier 75th Birthday. The term of the Associate Justices shall end on thier 75th birthday.

Chapter III; Rights of the Worker

Article 12. The Rights of the Worker of the Federal Republic of Baumland are to never be infringed by any government.

Article 13. Liberty consists of doing anything which does not harm others: thus, the exercise of the natural rights of each man has only those borders which assure other members of the society the enjoyment of these same rights. These borders can be determined only by the law.

Article 14. The Workers of each Province shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of People in the several Provinces.

Article 15. The Workers are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions can be founded only on the common good.

Article 16. The Workers have the right to vote in elections so long as they are above the age of 25 years, are not insane, are not criminally active, and are citizens of the Federal Republic of Baumland.

Article 17. The Workers have the right to freely join the Federal military on thier own will, the use of conscription against the Worker is barred from the Federal government.

Article 18. The Worker-citizens of the Federal Republic of Baumland are to be born on Baumlander soil to either foreign nationals or native Baumlanders. The right of Baumlander citizenship is passed down to the children of Baumlanders if out of the country, in which the children must choose between the citizenship of the Federal Republic Baumland or thier host country by thier 21st birthday.

Article 19. The principle of any sovereignty resides essentially in the Nation. No body, no individual can exert authority which does not emanate expressly from it.

Article 20. The formation of political parties are to be considered as an essential liberty for the benefit of the country and the Workers.

Article 21. The law should establish only penalties that are strictly and evidently necessary, and no one can be punished but under a law established and promulgated before the offense and legally applied.

Article 22. The Workers have the right to amend the Constitution thru voting, requiring 2/3 of all voters to approve of it.

Article 23. In the event that a new Constitution for the country has to be created, all Provinces must ratify the new Constitution before it comes into force.

Article 24. The use of slaves in the Federal Republic of Baumland is morally wrong and to be considered as a crime punishable by death.

Article 25. The use of involuntary labor in the Federal Republic of Baumland as a punishment is justly right.

Article 26. All power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any authority without consent of the representatives of the people is injurious to their rights and ought not to be exercised.

Article 27. In controversies respecting property and in suits between man and man, the ancient trial by jury is preferable to any other and ought to be held sacred.

Article 28. Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men: Therefore the Workers alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity and happiness require it.

Article 29. No subsidy, charge, tax, impost, or duties, ought to be established, fixed, laid, or levied, under any pretext whatsoever, without the consent of the people or their representatives in the legislature.

Article 30. In all elections of civil officers by the people of the Federal Republic of Baumland, whose election is provided for by the constitution, the person having the highest number of votes shall be deemed and declared to be elected.

Article 31. Voting machines or other mechanical devices for voting may be used at all elections under such regulations as may be prescribed by law: provided, however, that the right of secret voting shall be preserved.

Article 32. The maintenance and distribution at reasonable rates, during time of war, public exigency, emergency or distress, of a sufficient supply of food and other common necessaries of life and the providing of shelter, are public functions, and the Federal Republic and the cities and towns therein may take and may provide the same for their inhabitants in such manner as the general court shall determine.

Article 33. The veto power of the Executive Committee shall not extend to measures approved by the People.

Article 34. Advertising on public ways, in public places and on private property within public view may be regulated and restricted by law.

Article 35. The preservation and maintenance of ancient landmarks and other property of historical or antiquarian interest is a public use, and the Federal Republic and the cities and towns therein may, upon payment of just compensation, take such property or any interest therein under such regulations as the National People's Court may prescribe.

Article 36. All military and naval officers shall be selected and appointed and may be removed in such manner as the National People's Court may by law prescribe, but no such officer shall be appointed unless he shall have passed an examination prepared by a competent commission or shall have served one year in either the federal or state militia or in military service. All such officers who are entitled by law to receive commissions shall be commissioned by the President.

Article 37. Names of candidates of political parties for public office shall be grouped on the official ballot for use at elections according to the parties they represent, and the voter may cast a single vote for any such group, which shall count as a vote for each candidate in such group, but may not cast a vote for only one of the candidates in such group.

Article 38. It shall be considered to be right to reaffirm the customary and traditional liberties of the people with respect to the conduct of their local government, and to grant and confirm to the people of every city and town the right of self-government in local matters.

Article 39. No student shall be assigned to or denied admittance to a public school on the basis of race, color, national origin or creed.

Article 40. No otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity within the Federal Republic.

Article 41. The Worker shall have daily meetings to actively engage and discuss the policies of the ruling party.

Article 42. The freedom to work is an essential right, therefore the Worker shall have job assignments.

Article 43. Treason against this Workers' Free Republic shall consist only in levying war against it or in adhering to its enemies while giving them aid and comfort, committing bourgeoise acts. No Worker shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his confession in open court.

Article 44. Divorces from the bonds of matrimony shall not be allowed but by the judgment of a court, as shall be prescribed by law.

Article 45. No lottery shall be authorized by this Workers' Free Republic, and the buying or selling of lottery tickets within the nation is prohibited as it is against the ideals of Socialism.

Article 46. No foreign or bourgeoise troops can be introduced into this Workers' Free Republic, without the previous assent of the Executive Committee.

Article 47. The Executive Committee confides the trust of this present Constitution, and the rights it consecrates, to the guardianship and patriotism of every Baumlander.

Article 50.

The 1877 Baumland Constitution was created with inspiration from the Declaration of the Rights of Man, the 1849 Baumland Constitution, the 1861 Florida Constitution, the 1787 US Constitution, the 1850 Constitution of the Kingdom of Prussia, the 1826 Bolivia Constitution, the 1824 Constitution of the Empire of Brazil, the 1776 Massachusetts Constitution, the 1852 Louisiana Constitution, the 1848 French Constitution, the 1873 Baumland Constitution, and the 1776 Virginia Constitution.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Baumland (1877)

Preamble

We, the Representatives of the Peoples of this vast land, have gathered here in the city of Friedrichstadt to establish a united
and free government that will promote and secure human rights from Almighty God, the well-being of others, justice, domestic tranquility, freedom, general welfare, unity, the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do hereby ordain this Constitution as the sole governing document of the land known internationally as "Baumland".

Chapter I; Basicalities of the Nation

Article 1. Baumland is to be a federation based on republican values, known as the Federal Republic of Baumland.

Article 2. Baumland is to consist of the Provinces Surinam, Neue-Hanau, and Deutsches Guiana.

Article 3. The national colors of Baumland are to be white over green. The white of the flag is to symbolize Heaven, God, Purity, the Sky, and the People. The green of the flag is to symbolize the Land and its richness of material and natural beauty and wonders, Brotherhood, and Freedom.

Article 4. The national march of Baumland is to be "Yorck'sher Marsch" by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Article 5. The national anthem of Baumland is to be "Nun danket alle Gott" by Martin Rinkart.

Article 6. The capital of Baumland shall be Friedrichstadt in the Province Neue-Hanau.

Article 7. The government of Baumland shall be split intro three parts: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branches.

Article 8. This Constitution is to be the supreme law of the land and no one is above the Constitution.

Chapter II; Governing the Nation

Article 9. The Executive branch is to consist of a President and an advisory council of 6 members. The President is to pass laws and create executive orders on the advice of his council, veto bills sent to him by the House of the People. He can nominate members of his council with the approval of the House of the People. The President has to power to make Peace with a warring nationstate. The President can be granted emergency powers by the House of the People when it is a time of extraordinary circumstances in which the President is able to work independently without communication and interference from the House of the People and the National People's Court. The President is to make an annual address to the House of the People on the State of the Nation. The President is to be elected by Electoral College vote every 5 years on the second Tuesday of August and to be inaugurated on October 2 that election year. Upon being elected President, they are to be sworn in by Oath at thier Inauguration with the following: "I do faithfully affirm that I will uphold the office of President of the Federal Republic of Baumland and the laws and policies set forth by the Father of Independence and the Federal Constitution, respect and defend the Federal Constitution, support the welfare of all peoples of this land, and honor God as we have done." In order to become President, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. The President has to power to appoint the Chief Justice of the National People's Court and to appoint the Speaker of the House in the event of death or assassination or resignation. In the event that the President is unable to serve his role as President due to death or assassination or resignation or impeachment, the Speaker of the House shall become President and finish the remaining term.

Article 10. The Legislative branch is to consist of an unicameral legislature, called the House of the People. The House of the People will house representatives from the Provinces to create laws beneficial to the people and the nation, impeach public officials, set the annual national budget on the advice from the President, create alliance agreements which must be approved by the President, over-ride the President's veto on a bill thru a 2/3 vote, declare War, take such measures as may be necessary to preserve from waste or damage all land so granted and appropriated to the purpose of Education. Under extraordinary circumstances, the House of the People can grant the President emergency powers. Each province is to send 11 representatives. The House of People shall be in session from the first Monday of January after New Years to the last Friday of June and the first Monday of October to the last Friday the week before Christmas with the exception of National Holidays and Sundays. In order to become a Representative, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. Representatives are to be elected every 2 years on October 2 and to take office on the first Monday of January after New Years. Upon being elected a Representative, they are to be sworn in by Oath on the first Monday of January after New Years with the following: "I do faithfully affirm that I will uphold my elected position as Representative of the House of the People of the Federal Republic of Baumland and the Federal Constitution, respect and defend the Federal Constitution, support the welfare of all peoples of this land, and honor God as we have done." The House of the People is to confirm the results of the current Presidential Election. The presiding officer of the House of the People shall be the Speaker of the House, elected every two years by thier fellow members every non-election year. In the event that the Speaker of the House is unable to serve his role as Speaker of the House due to death or assassination or resignation or impeachment, the President shall appoint the next Speaker of the House. By being elected Speaker of the House by thier fellow Representatives, they will no longer be eligible to be elected by the people of thier Province until thier term as Speaker of the House has come to an end. Each Representative has the position of "Elector" when it is a Presidential Election year, each voting by which Presidential Candidate gets the most votes in thier own District.

Article 11. The Judicial branch is to consist of 9 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice, each province sending 3 Associate Justices approved by the House of the People, calling itself the National People's Court. The National People's Court is to review laws and make sure those laws are constitutional, address hearings as the highest court of the land. In order to become a Justice, you must be a natural-born citizen, over the age of 30, be admitted into the bar, be approved by the Provincial Legislature from where they reside, and have resided in the country for the last 15 years. The term of the Chief Justices shall end on thier 75th Birthday. The term of the Associate Justices shall end with thier last breathe of life.

Chapter III; Rights of the People

Article 12. The Rights and Liberties of the People of the Federal Republic of Baumland are to never be infringed by any government except in times of national protection.

Article 13. Liberty consists of doing anything which does not harm others: thus, the exercise of the natural rights of each man has only those borders which assure other members of the society the enjoyment of these same rights. These borders can be determined only by the law.

Article 14. The People of each Province shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of People in the several Provinces.

Article 15. The People are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions can be founded only on the common good.

Article 16. The People have the right to vote in elections so long as they are above the age of 25 years, are not insane, are not criminally active, are able to read and write, and are citizens of the Federal Republic of Baumland.

Article 17. The People have the right to freely join the Federal military on thier own will, the use of conscription against the People is barred from the Federal government.

Article 18. The People-citizens of the Federal Republic of Baumland are to be born on Baumlander soil to either foreign nationals or native Baumlanders. The right of Baumlander citizenship is passed down to the children of Baumlanders if out of the country, in which the children must choose between the citizenship of the Federal Republic Baumland or thier host country by thier 21st birthday.

Article 19. The People have the right to bear Arms for the protection of the country.

Article 20. The People have the right to peaceably assemble and petition against the Federal government.

Article 21. The People have the right to practice thier own religion without fear of persecution.

Article 22. The People have the right to refuse quartering to Federal soldiers in times of peace.

Article 23. The principle of any sovereignty resides essentially in the Nation. No body, no individual can exert authority which does not emanate expressly from it.

Article 24. The formation of political parties are to be considered as an essential liberty for the benefit of the country and the People. Those considered to be dangerous for the country and the People are banned.

Article 25. The law should establish only penalties that are strictly and evidently necessary, and no one can be punished but under a law established and promulgated before the offense and legally applied.

Article 26. Any man being presumed innocent until he is declared culpable, if it is judged indispensible to arrest him, any rigor which would not be necessary for the securing of his person must be severely reprimanded by the law.

Article 27. The People have the right to amend the Constitution thru voting, requiring 2/3 of all voters to approve of it.

Article 28. In the event that a new Constitution for the country has to be created, all Provinces must ratify the new Constitution before it comes into force.

Article 29. The use of slaves in the Federal Republic of Baumland is morally wrong and to be considered as a crime punishable by death.

Article 30. The use of involuntary labor in the Federal Republic of Baumland as a punishment is justly right.

Article 31. All power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any authority without consent of the representatives of the people is injurious to their rights and ought not to be exercised.

Article 32. The freedom of the press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

Article 33. In controversies respecting property and in suits between man and man, the ancient trial by jury is preferable to any other and ought to be held sacred.

Article 34. Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men: Therefore the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity and happiness require it.

Article 35. Laws made to punish for actions done before the existence of such laws, and which have not been declared crimes by preceding laws, are unjust, oppressive, and inconsistent with the fundamental principles of a free government.

Article 36. No subsidy, charge, tax, impost, or duties, ought to be established, fixed, laid, or levied, under any pretext whatsoever, without the consent of the people or their representatives in the legislature.

Article 37. The privilege and benefit of the writ of habeas corpus shall be enjoyed in the Federal Republic of Baumland in the most free, easy, cheap, expeditious and ample manner; and shall not be suspended by the House of the People, except upon the most urgent and pressing occasions, and for a limited time not exceeding twelve months.

Article 38. In all elections of civil officers by the people of the Federal Republic of Baumland, whose election is provided for by the constitution, the person having the highest number of votes shall be deemed and declared to be elected.

Article 39. Voting machines or other mechanical devices for voting may be used at all elections under such regulations as may be prescribed by law: provided, however, that the right of secret voting shall be preserved.

Article 40. The maintenance and distribution at reasonable rates, during time of war, public exigency, emergency or distress, of a sufficient supply of food and other common necessaries of life and the providing of shelter, are public functions, and the Federal Republic and the cities and towns therein may take and may provide the same for their inhabitants in such manner as the general court shall determine.

Article 41. The veto power of the President shall not extend to measures approved by the People.

Article 42. Advertising on public ways, in public places and on private property within public view may be regulated and restricted by law.

Article 43. The preservation and maintenance of ancient landmarks and other property of historical or antiquarian interest is a public use, and the Federal Republic and the cities and towns therein may, upon payment of just compensation, take such property or any interest therein under such regulations as the National People's Court may prescribe.

Article 44. All military and naval officers shall be selected and appointed and may be removed in such manner as the National People's Court may by law prescribe, but no such officer shall be appointed unless he shall have passed an examination prepared by a competent commission or shall have served one year in either the federal or state militia or in military service. All such officers who are entitled by law to receive commissions shall be commissioned by the President.

Article 45. Names of candidates of political parties for public office shall be grouped on the official ballot for use at elections according to the parties they represent, and the voter may cast a single vote for any such group, which shall count as a vote for each candidate in such group, but may not cast a vote for only one of the candidates in such group.

Article 46. It shall be considered to be right to reaffirm the customary and traditional liberties of the people with respect to the conduct of their local government, and to grant and confirm to the people of every city and town the right of self-government in local matters.

Article 47. Every city and town shall have the power to adopt or revise a charter in the following manner: A petition for the adoption or revision of a charter shall be signed by at least fifteen per cent of the number of legal voters residing in such city or town at the preceding election. Whenever such a petition is filed with the board of registrars of voters of any city or town, the board shall within ten days of its receipt determine the sufficiency and validity of the signatures and certify the results to the city council of the city or board of selectmen of the town, as the case may be. As used in this section, the phrase "board of registrars of voters" shall include any local authority of different designation which performs the duties of such registrars, and the phrase "city council of the city or board of selectmen of the town" shall include local authorities of different designation performing the duties of such council or board. Objections to the sufficiency and validity of the signatures on any such petition as certified by the board of registrars of voters shall be made in the same manner as provided by law for objections to nominations for city or town offices, as the case may be. Within thirty days of receipt of certification of the board of registrars of voters that a petition contains sufficient valid signatures, the city council of the city or board of selectmen of the town shall by order provide for submitting to the voters of the city or town the question of adopting or revising a charter, and for the nomination and election of a charter commission. If the city or town has not previously adopted a charter pursuant to this section, the question submitted to the voters shall be: "Shall a commission be elected to frame a charter for (name of city or town)?" If the city or town has previously adopted a charter pursuant to this section, the question submitted to the voters shall be: "Shall a commission be elected to revise the charter of (name of city or town)?" The charter commission shall consist of nine voters of the city or town, who shall be elected at large without party or political designation at the city or town election next held at least sixty days after the order of the city council of the city or board of selectmen of the town. The names of candidates for such commission shall be listed alphabetically on the ballot used at such election. Each voter may vote for nine candidates. The vote on the question submitted and the election of the charter commission shall take place at the same time. If the vote on the question submitted is in the affirmative, the nine candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.Within ten months after the election of the members of the charter commission, said commission shall submit the charter or revised charter to the city council of the city or the board of selectmen of the town, and such council or board shall provide for publication of the charter and for its submission to the voters of the city or town at the next city or town election held at least two months after such submission by the charter commission. If the charter or revised charter is approved by a majority of the voters of the city or town voting thereon, it shall become effective upon the date fixed in the charter.

Article 48. No student shall be assigned to or denied admittance to a public school on the basis of race, color, national origin or creed.

Article 49. No otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity within the Federal Republic.

Article 50. Treason against the Republic shall consist only in levying war against it or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No Citizen shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his confession in open court.

Article 51. Divorces from the bonds of matrimony shall not be allowed but by the judgment of a court, as shall be prescribed by law.

Article 52. No lottery shall be authorized by the government of Baumland, and the buying or selling of lottery tickets within the nation is prohibited.

Article 53. No foreign or rebel troops can be introduced into Baumland, without the previous assent of the President and the House of Representatives.

Article 54. The House of Representatives confides the trust of this present Constitution, and the rights it consecrates, to the guardianship and patriotism of every Baumlander.

Article 55. The boundaries of the territories belonging to Baumland can only be altered by law.

Article 56. Civil death and confiscation of property, as punishment, shall not be permitted.

Article 57. Religious and ecclesiastical associations, which have no corporate rights, can only acquire those rights by special laws.

Article 58. A special law shall be enacted relating to church patronage and to the conditions on which it may be abolished.

Article 59. Every one shall be at liberty to give instruction, and establish institutions of learning, provided he shall have given proof, to the proper state authorities, of his moral, scientific and technical fitness.

Article 60. The law shall determine the conditions on which corporate rights may be granted or refused.

Article 61. All Citizens shall be entitled to meet in closed rooms, peacefully and unarmed, without previous permission from the authorities. All Citizens shall have the right to form associations for such purposes as do not contravene the penal laws. The law shall regulate with special regard to insuring the public security, the exercise of the right guaranteed by this. Political associations may be subjected by law to restrictions and temporary prohibitions.

Article 62. Taxes and contributions to the public treasury shall be collected only in so far as they shall have been included in the budget, or authorized by special laws.

Article 63. In the matter of taxes there shall be no privileges. Existing tax-laws shall be subjected to a revision, and all such privileges abolished.

Article 64. The representation and administration of the communes, circuits and provinces of Baumland, shall be determined by special laws.

Article 65. Existing taxes and dues shall continue to be raised; and all provisions of existing statute-books, single laws and ordinances, which do not contravene the present constitution, shall remain in force until altered by law.

Article 66. The claims of State officials who received a permanent appointment before the promulgation of this Constitution shall receive special consideration in the new laws regulating the civil service.

Articles 67. Elections shall be done in a timely manner as directed by the Constitution.

Article 68. In the event of War or Revolution, and pressing danger to public security therefrom ensuing, Articles 17, 20, 21, 22, 26, 32, 41, 48, 56, 61, and 67 of the Constitution may be suspended as directed and in certain districts. The details shall be determined by law.

The Federal Republic of Baumland

Edited:

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