Constitution of Marienbourg

Constitution of Marienbourg
Created	20 January 2023
Presented	22 January 2023
Ratified	1 February 2023
Date effective	1 February 2023
System	Confederate elective constitutional monarchy
Government structure
Branches	Four
Chambers	Ducal Diet
Executive	The Monarch
Judiciary	Supreme Ducal Court
History
Amendments	1
Last amended	3 March 2023
Author(s)	Arthur van der Bruyn
Signatories	Arthur van der Bruyn Gustave Lynch Jonathan Scherer

The Constitution of Marienbourg, officially Political Instrument of the Bases of the Duchy (Portuguese: Instrumento Político das Bases do Ducado) is the supreme law of the Duchy of Marienbourg. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of Marienbourg as a sovereign state and a confederation. It provides the framework for the organization of government and its branches and of citizens and their rights. Originally written in Portuguese, the constitution was largely based on the 1824 constitution of the Brazilian Empire, with mechanisms inspired by the Constitution of Liechtenstein.

History

After the formal establishment of Marienbourg through the Treaty of Conditional Concession of Sovereignty and Foundation of the Duchy Symbol of the National Union on 26 December 2022, Arthur van der Bruyn, who assumed the position title of Duke of Marienbourg started the project to develop a constitutional charter for the new country, which would formally proclaim itself as a sovereign state independent of Brazil only on 9 January 2023. For the creation of the constitution, Arthur sought help from Ebenthali politicians, as well as his philosopher friend Gabriel Antônio.

The Constitution of Marienbourg was largely inspired by the Brazilian Constitution of 1824, of the former Empire of Brazil, by the Portuguese Constitution of 1826, of the Kingdom of Portugal, both known for their centralized monarchies, and by the Constitution of Liechtenstein, renowned for its emphasis in direct democracy, minimal structural organization of state administration and strong local governance. The Marienbourg Constitution sought to strike a balance between tradition and modernity.

On 20 January 2023 the foundational principles of the Marienbourgish Constitution were unveiled. Reflecting the spirit of Duke Arthur's political views and drawing from the collective wisdom of Marienbourg's political landscape, the document encapsulated the nation's aspirations for democracy, individual rights, and responsible governance. The constitution was revised for two days and finally presented to the Ducal Diet on 22 January 2023. Notable political figures, such as Jonathan Scherer and Gustave Lynch, lent their expertise and insights to the constitutional discourse. Drawing from the historical contexts of Brazil and Liechtenstein, these deliberations aimed to strike a delicate balance between a strong central authority and decentralized powers.

On the 1st of February 2023, the Marienbourgish Constitution was officially ratified, solidifying its place as the guiding legal framework for the nation. The Duke, alongside his esteemed counterparts, added their signatures, affirming their commitment to the principles and ideals enshrined within the document. Lynch signed the constitution as Leading Minister Without Portfolio, and Scherer as Provisional Head of the Legislature. As the constitution entered into force, both were respectively enshrined as Minister-President of Marienbourg and Lord President of the Diet.