FT 4-10: Official Renaming Act

[Kamala]

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[Kamala]

This is a pretty simple bill to give the government of Fremont more logical names.

I don't think "House of Commons" makes much sense without a House of Lords to go along with it. Of course, the suggestions in the bill are as such; "General Chamber" and "Legislative Council" can be replaced with anything anyone suggests, in an amendment.

The name of the elected members of the renamed chamber would probably need to be changed to match.

"Prime Minister," I think, is faulty for two reasons:
1. Prime Minister to whom? In nearly all of the countries where there is a Prime Minister, there's also a President, monarch, or some other executive. Premier makes more sense.

2. Prime Minister also tends to be the highest, federal officeholder -e.g. Canada. Since the Commonwealth of Fremont is a substate of Atlasia, Premier is, in my opinion, a more appropriate title– once again, look to Canada. The Premier of British Columbia is under the Prime Minister of Canada.


Of course, this bill is merely an aesthetic change. There's no (real, active) expenses to conducting this change, only the changing of some signs and all future documents.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Thank you for this bill, Madam Speaker. I must confess that, with eight month's hindsight, I rather agree that there may be more appropriate titles for our governing institutions than "prime minister" and "House of Commons." When I drafted the Second Constitution in January, parliamentary democracy was a new idea and I wanted to make it recognizable; there was also the fact that, with the government in free fall and an urgent need to clarify the constitutional situation immediately, there wasn't a lot of time to argue about names.

Two points I would like to make: first, as the titles of our regional officers are established in the Constitution, this bill would be subject to the procedures established for constitutional amendments. Second, I would very much prefer we stay away from overused titles like "Assembly," "Legislature," and "Council." Part of the beauty of Fremont's parliamentary system is that it is unique in national history; reverting to a generic title like "council" would, I feel, obscure that original spirit of excitement.

In alternative, might I offer as titles for the legislature "Parliament" (somewhat general, perhaps, but clear and to-the-point) or "States General"? I agree with the title "Member of Parliament" for legislators, and can agree to "Premier" for the head of government (though I would offer "First Minister" as an alternative used for the devolved regional governments of the UK).

[Kamala]

How about "The Diet of Frémont"? Or perhaps "Grand Synod"? I jest, we aren't a theocracy (yet?)

If we want something unique, perhaps a "Commonwealth Summit" ?

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

How about "The Diet of Frémont"? Or perhaps "Grand Synod"?

Only if I get to be Pope.

"Commonwealth Summit" is certainly unique, though a little indistinct — there are summits for cheerleading championships and corporate retreats, after all. Aesthetically, my preference would be for a title of parliamentary lineage, to differentiate our system of government from the other regions.

It would probably be easier to come to a decision if the other MPs would chime in.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Since it appears nobody has anything more to add at this juncture, I'll propose an amendment to get the ball rolling:

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Thoughts?

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Seeing no objection (?), the amendment has been adopted.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

I move for a final vote on the bill, as amended (unless anyone has further thoughts).

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

OK, then: I move for a final vote on this bill.

[Kamala]

We'll begin voting now. AYE.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

AYE.

[Pericles]

AYE

[Kamala]

I don't believe 3 votes meets the quorum requirement. Considering this is a constitutional amendment, I would like all members to vote.

I am extending voting for an additional 3 days.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

I don't believe 3 votes meets the quorum requirement. Considering this is a constitutional amendment, I would like all members to vote.

I of course would also prefer every member cast a vote on this bill (and on every bill, for that matter). I will merely note that, based on my reading of the Constitution, the three votes in favor are sufficient to ratify the amendment (there is no quorum rule in the Constitution — only the requirement that amendments pass by a 4/5 vote).

[Kamala]

I don't believe 3 votes meets the quorum requirement. Considering this is a constitutional amendment, I would like all members to vote.

I of course would also prefer every member cast a vote on this bill (and on every bill, for that matter). I will merely note that, based on my reading of the Constitution, the three votes in favor are sufficient to ratify the amendment (there is no quorum rule in the Constitution — only the requirement that amendments pass by a 4/5 vote).

I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.

Perhaps another amendment is needed, then, to add a quorum?

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Perhaps another amendment is needed, then, to add a quorum?

I would advise strongly against any such measure, as it could impede the region's ability to respond effectively to an activity crisis.

[Kamala]

Perhaps another amendment is needed, then, to add a quorum?

I would advise strongly against any such measure, as it could impede the region's ability to respond effectively to an activity crisis.

You're right. Regardless, this isn't the right place to debate this. Sorry.

[Cactus Jack]

Let me hopefully simplify matters.

AYE

[Pericles]

AYE

[Kamala]

With a vote of 4-0-2 not voting, this resolution to amend the constitution does pass. It shall appear on the next election ballot for a public referendum.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

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