The Executive Branch (President, Vice President, etc.)

[Clyde1998]

I think that we should allow certain members of the executive branch to sit in Congress or in the Regional Legislatures. Probably the only roles that wouldn't be allowed to would be the President, Vice President and the Game Moderator.

I think this will make these roles easier to fill and reduce the amount of positions within the game.

[Clyde1998]

Nay

[Clyde1998]

As that's already been settled, is there any other responsibilities that could be designated to the VP? I feel that the VP should have more power than just breaking ties in Congress, but I'm not really sure what powers could be given to the VP.

[Clyde1998]

Are we in agreement that the presidential term should last four months (as it does now)? If so, we will begin debate on the powers to be held by the executive.

I agree with that, unless anyone wants to talk about changing the term limit. You could potentially have a "cooling off period" where someone, who's had two terms, can run for President again a year after they were last President (for example).

[Clyde1998]

I'm proposing a slight amendment to Griffin's principle vote idea - purely adding an option to increase the number of terms, while still keeping a term limit.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Clyde1998]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Clyde1998]

1.  The President should have the ability to grant reprieves and pardon individuals of crimes past and present.

2.  The President should have the ability to introduce legislation into the queue of the Senate.

3.  The President should have the ability to appoint cabinet members, and to create cabinet-level offices as he/she sees fit.

4.  The President should have the ability to appoint individuals to the Supreme Court, subject to Senate approval.

Point 1, I agree with Leinad.

We should put some safeguard on the pardoning system, if not scrap it altogether. Letting the president pardon someone unilaterally is dangerous.

Point 2, Agreed.

Point 3, Do not agree.  This must be subject to debate in the Senate and to Senate confirmation.  On this issue, it is absolutely necessary to have a system of checks and balances in place.

Point 4, Agreed.

Point 1 could be safeguarded by having a Senate approval for it.

[Clyde1998]

OFFICIAL BALLOT
Principle Vote on Presidential Powers

The President shall have the power...

1.  To grant reprieves and pardon individuals of crimes past and present.*
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

*NOTE: We will discuss possible restrictions on this power at a later date.

2.  To introduce legislation into the queue of the Senate.
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

3.  (Pick one)
      [ X ] To appoint the cabinet
      [   ] To appoint the cabinet with the advice and consent of the Senate
      [   ] NOTA

4. To appoint the justices of the Supreme Court with the advice and consent of the Senate
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

5. To establish executive departments as necessary
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

6. To veto acts of legislation passed by Congress
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

7. To exercise a line-item veto over the budget
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

8. To appoint the vice president in the event that the office falls vacant
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

9. To command the armed forces of the Republic of Atlasia
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

10. To make treaties with the advise and consent of the Senate
[ X ] AYE    [   ] NAY    [   ] Abstain

[Clyde1998]

I have no objections in moving toward a final vote.

[Clyde1998]

Aye