Law and Politics of New South Scotland
New South Scotland's status as a self-governing territory within an already-democratic nation lends itself to a fiercely democratic system of governance. All New South Scottish citizens above the age of twelve are entitled to vote in elections to fill the Legislative Assembly (New South Scotland's parliament), with elections conducted via a proportional party-list system once every three months. The Emperor, meanwhile, is represented by his Governing Commissioner, who manages certain aspects of government and is responsible for reviewing legislation passed by the Assembly.
Governing Commissioner |
Legislative Assembly & PremierThe Legislative Assembly is charged with passing bills, which if approved by the Governing Commissioner (as is the expectation), then enter into New South Scottish law. The party which commands the Legislative Assembly must appoint a Premier, who is then responsible for enacting New South Scottish law, typically through government 'departments'. The Governing Commissioner may also delegate some of his/her responsibilities to members of the Legislative Assembly, including defence and demography.
If the Legislative Assembly is dissatisfied with Austenasian law applicable to New South Scotland (which is considered New South Scottish law), it may submit its protest to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor via a 'motion of imperial review'. |
Elections & Political PartiesNew South Scottish citizens have a constitutional right to form and join political parties. Under the Constitution, political parties are required to self-organise democratically, holding internal elections at least once a year.
Elections to fill the Legislative Assembly occur approximately once every three months. Eight days prior to any election, parties and independent candidates submit lists to the Commission of Electoral Affairs, which must include all candidates standing for election under that organisation. Citizens may then preferentially number these lists, with candidates elected on a proportional basis. |
JudiciaryThe 'Supreme Jurist' is a position established under the Constitution which is responsible for managing the New South Scottish judiciary. The judiciary includes the Civil Court and the Supreme Court.
Civil Court: Responsible for trialing individuals suspected to have broken New South Scottish law or civil contracts. Supreme Court: Responsible for trialing individuals (or reviewing laws) suspected to have broken New South Scottish law or the Constitution. The Supreme Court may also hear appeals from the Civil Court. |