Parliament of Arlandica
Parliament of Arlandica Filipino: Parlamento ng Arlandika | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Parliament | |
 Seal | |
| Type | |
| Type | |
Term limits | None[a] |
| History | |
| Founded | 28 July 2023 |
| Preceded by | Council of State |
| Leadership | |
Jerold I since 26 December 2020 | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 5 |
 | |
Political groups |
|
| Elections | |
| Appointment by the Monarch. For PPA, Systems include: | |
Last election | 1 July 2024 |
Next election | 2025 |
| Meeting place | |
 | |
| Parliament House, Rio Santiago City, Lémarita, Arlandica (de jure) Messenger (de facto) | |
| Constitution | |
| Constitution of Arlandica | |
The Parliament of Arlandica is the supreme legislative body of the Kingdom of Arlandica, as established by Article 6 of the 2022 Arlandican Constitution. The parliament is composed of five members, also known as Governor-Representatives, who are appointed by the Monarch to represent each province of the kingdom.
The legislative powers are exclusively vested in the Parliament. The Parliament is organized as a unicameral legislative body, comprising a single chamber. The members of Parliament, including the president, possess the authority to draft and propose Acts of Parliament, referred to as bills before enactment. These bills are subject to approval by the monarch.
History
The Arlandican Council of State, established on May 23, 2022, served as the initial legislative and advisory body in the Kingdom's governance structure. Comprising ministers appointed by the monarch, the council held significant responsibilities in advising and assisting the monarch in governing the nation. It played a role in formulating policies, proposing bills, and making important decisions.
On July 28, 2023, a historic transformation took place as the Council of State was officially dissolved and replaced by the Parliament of Arlandica. The inaugural session of the parliament took place on the same day.
Function
The members of Parliament have the authority to create and propose an Act of Parliament, which, before enactment, is referred to as a bill. The President of the Parliament also has the authority to propose an Act of Parliament, which is to be voted upon by its members before presenting it to the monarch for approval.
Once a bill is introduced in Parliament, it undergoes a thorough debate by the members of Parliament. The bill is subject to scrutiny, amendments, and discussions. Following the debate, the bill is put to a vote among the members of Parliament. Each member has the opportunity to cast their vote in favor, against, or abstain from the bill. A majority vote of the members present and voting is needed for the bill to pass. However, parliamentary voting is only optional and may or may not be practiced; it is at the discretion of the President of the Parliament. Bills may bypass the voting stage.
After the bill has been passed by the Parliament, it is submitted to the president of the Parliament for further review. The president has the responsibility to ensure the compliance of the bill with the constitution. Upon the review by the president of the Parliament, the bill is forwarded to the monarch for final approval or rejection. The monarch has the authority to consider the bill and make a decision regarding its enactment into law.
In addition to their role in creating bills and enacting legislation, the members of Parliament shall serve as advisors to the monarch, offering their expertise and insights on matters of governance and national importance. The President of the Parliament assumes the role of the principal advisor to the monarch and is responsible for providing guidance, counsel, and recommendations on matters affecting the nation's well-being and constitutional principles.
While the decision-making authority resides with the monarch, the advice and recommendations from the Parliament are given due consideration and weigh in the decision-making process.[b]
The opening and closing of legislative sessions are marked by ceremonial events presided over by the monarch of Arlandica. At least once a year, the monarch delivers a royal address to the Parliament.
The meetings of the Parliament commence on the date and time as determined by the President. The President also possesses the power to adjourn parliamentary meetings when necessary.
Membership
To become a member of Parliament, one must be a citizen of Arlandica and possess the ability to read and write. Members of the Parliament are appointed by the monarch. Whenever a new province is established, a new seat is added to the parliament to represent it. Conversely, if a province is dissolved, its corresponding seat in the parliament is removed. The term of office for members is indefinite, as the monarch retains the authority to replace them at their discretion and whenever deemed necessary.
Members of Parliament are allowed to hold any other office or employment within the Government or its agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled companies, without forfeiting their seat during their term.
Elections
The Parliament elects its President, who will serve as its head, through a majority vote of all its respective Members. They have a one-year term in service and may be re-elected. The President presides over the sessions and meetings of Parliament.
Dissolution
The monarch of Arlandica possesses the authority to dissolve the Parliament. In the event of the dissolution of Parliament, the monarch issues a royal decree outlining the reasons and justifications for such a decision. Upon the dissolution of Parliament, the monarch appoints new members, or new parliamentary elections are held to elect the new president of Parliament.
After the dissolution, the Parliament commences a new legislative session. The dissolution of Parliament does not affect the validity of laws previously enacted, unless otherwise specified in a royal decree.
List of governor-representatives
| Name | Province | Political party | Date of appointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacant | Galrea | – | – |
| Benz Gian Arellano | Lémarita | National People's Party | 6 July 2022 |
| Kyenchub Choden | Mainland Arlandica | Independent | 29 July 2023 |
| Jeanne | Nueva Bago | National People's Party | 8 July 2022 |
| Joshua Borja | Paddaya | National People's Party | 27 August 2022 |
Opposition
The Leader of His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition, commonly referred to as The Opposition, is the person who leads the Official Opposition in the Parliament. By convention, the Opposition is the second-largest political group or a political party not affiliated with the governing party, to which the President of the Parliament usually belongs.
Kyenchub Choden has been the incumbent leader since the foundation of the legislature. Choden is an independent and is not affiliated with the governing National People's Party.
Committees
Active
The Committee on Quality of Life and Human Rights is currently the sole parliamentary committee permitted to be created under Section 195, Article 10 of the constitution. The committee was established on July 1, 2024, through a royal decree that amended the aforementioned constitutional provisions prior to this year's parliamentary general elections.
Its primary focus is on Gross National Happiness (GNH) and Human Rights, particularly the implementation of the Bill of Rights. The committee conducts surveys and questionnaires to directly ask individuals about their happiness, life satisfaction, and well-being.
The committee is composed of all Governor-Representatives, including the President of the Parliament, and all members of the Cabinet. Jeanne is currently appointed as the chairperson.
Proposed
Despite the constitutional provision that only one parliamentary committee is allowed. Jerold I proposed that the parliament must create more committees regarding the national security and intelligence, however, according to Benz Arellano, that is not necessary to create it and let the Civil Guard (CGA) do their jobs.
Legislative sessions
| No. | Term | President | Seats | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2023 – 2024 | Benz Gian Arellano | 5 | "Facing the Future Together as a Nation" |
| 2nd | 2024 – 2025 | 5 | "One People, One Nation, One Vision" |
Notes
- ↑ There are no term limits for most positions, except for the president, who serves a term of one year.
- ↑ The monarch and the president of the Parliament collaborate to promote effective governance, uphold the principles of democracy, and protect the rights and welfare of the citizens, according to Section 76, Article 6 of the 2022 Arlandican constitution. This means that the monarch still has an important role in the legislature. The monarch's role in parliament is considered to be referred to as "Crown-in-Parliament."