Executive Branch

[Myroria]

In light of the new constitution vote, I think we should discuss the powers that the Ecclesia shall see fit to delegate to the Executive. In the event that Eluvatar's minimalist proposal no one objected to fails, we can always use this discussion to base a new Constitution off of.

On August 28, when I wrote what would become the Standing Ordinances, I set the delegate's term at four months and gave the office no political power. I think four months is a fine term. That sets our next election on December 28, 2014.

I think we can all agree Taijitu has grown tremendously since then. To function interregionally our delegate must have some political power to swing about. One idea I had - and I know some of you will find this sacreligious - is to allow the Citizen-Delegate to appoint the Citizen-Diplomat. These two offices must work closely together and I think it would be smoother for all of us to allow the executive to dictate foreign policy via their appointment.

That being said, I also think the delegacy should act on the Westminster model - elected by the legislature and dependent on them. An independent executive is far too susceptible to the coups that cripple other regions and that Taijitu has suffered herself. The Ecclesia should be the end-all be-all of power in Taijitu, as it is quite literally the will of all the people.

[Delfos]

I disagree. The current power distribution is fine, ecclesia delegates powers to whoever from the needs of the region.

[Allama]

To function interregionally our delegate must have some political power to swing about. One idea I had - and I know some of you will find this sacreligious - is to allow the Citizen-Delegate to appoint the Citizen-Diplomat. These two offices must work closely together and I think it would be smoother for all of us to allow the executive to dictate foreign policy via their appointment.

This is a change I would favor strongly. The Citizen-Delegate essentially has no power currently so I don't see adding this one ability as likely to upset the power balance. It would be easier to function as even the figurehead of a region if they are able to choose their own diplomatic "team".

I disagree. The current power distribution is fine, ecclesia delegates powers to whoever from the needs of the region.

What is preferable about having the Ecclesia appoint the Citizen-Diplomat over the Citizen-Delegate doing so?

That being said, I also think the delegacy should act on the Westminster model - elected by the legislature and dependent on them. An independent executive is far too susceptible to the coups that cripple other regions and that Taijitu has suffered herself. The Ecclesia should be the end-all be-all of power in Taijitu, as it is quite literally the will of all the people.

Agreed.

[Myroria]

A compromise could be to allow the Delegate to appoint the Diplomat but allow the Ecclesia to recall or veto the choice. This way if a delegate appoints a hard-line raider, for instance, the people could rectify it.

[Allama]

A compromise could be to allow the Delegate to appoint the Diplomat but allow the Ecclesia to recall or veto the choice. This way if a delegate appoints a hard-line raider, for instance, the people could rectify it.

That makes sense!

[Delfos]

I agree with the compromise.

[Funkadelia]

All of my views have been accurately described in this thread and I agree with allama and myroria.

[Myroria]

I suppose another question should be, who shall be Taijitu's head of state - our representative abroad? The Citizen-Delegate? The Citizen-Initiator? Someone else?

[Allama]

My assumption was that the Citizen-Delegate would be Head of State as it just seems to fit the role, but I'm open to arguments otherwise.

[Myroria]

Those were my feelings as well. Its what the rest of the game is used to and, like you said, just seems natural.

[Gulliver]

Citizen-Delegate is the natural choice. I also agree with what Allama and Myroria have said so far regarding the Citizen-Diplomat. I'm fine with the position being appointed but subject to recall.

As to the Westminister model, I agree with that, but it does bring up the question of what to do if the delegate (or any other elected office for that matter) is recalled. I think the best option would be just to hold an immediate election for a new one, there's just the question of what to do in the interim with the actual in-game position of delegate.

[Myroria]

Hopefully the outgoing delegate would be magaminous enough to not cause trouble while the transition occurs.

Alternatively, we could have an endorsee or two and kickban the recalled delegate until the next update.

[Eluvatar]

Historically we had a Vice or Lieutenant Delegate. I would support restoring that position if the Ecclesia exceeds 25 active members.

[Allama]

Historically we had a Vice or Lieutenant Delegate. I would support restoring that position if the Ecclesia exceeds 25 active members.

Agreed, this could alleviate some of the worry over sudden Delegacy transitions.

[Delfos]

Historically we had a Vice or Lieutenant Delegate. I would support restoring that position if the Ecclesia exceeds 25 active members.

Agreed, this could alleviate some of the worry over sudden Delegacy transitions.

I disagree, there's nothing to worry about Delecacy transitions when Ecclesia is in charge. If the Delegate is absent the Ecclesia can appoint another person temporarily until there is another vote (ecclesia electoral vote for the delegate).