President of Penrith
| President of the Federal Republic of Penrith | |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
The President of the Federal Republic of Penrith is Penrith's head of state. The position is a more ceremonial one than in presidential systems, with the President acting with the advice of the legislature. Nevertheless the President represents Penrith in the world and has some important "reserve powers" in case of political instability. Furthermore legislation and appointments always need the President's approval to become law. The President is elected by the Federal Legislature, a body elected by the citizens of the nation. The current president is Leam Mark Farrar, serving in an acting capacity until legislature elections can be held and a new president can be elected by the legislature
The president serves for four years, and may be re-nominated to the position as many times as the legislature want them to serve. The only way a President can be removed from office is if he/she resigns (to which a new legislature election for President must be held within 30 days); or if the legislature calls a vote of impeachment, which is successful (to which a new legislature election for President must be held within 30 days)
Selection
The Federal President is elected by secret ballot, without debate, by the Federal Legislature, a body elected by the people. The legislature consists of all members of parliament. The Federal Legislature attempts to elect a president by an absolute majority of votes cast. If, after two votes, no single candidate has received this level of support, in the third and final vote the candidate endorsed by a plurality of votes cast is deemed elected. The process of electing the President is usually determined by party politics, the office being in the gift of whichever party, or group of allied parties, can muster a majority in the legislature.
Qualifications
The office of President is open to all citizens who are elected by the people to the legislature. Therefore; only citizens over the age of 18 may serve as President. The President may not be a member of the government. On taking office; the president must resign from their current legislature seat and the president must take the following oath before the assembled members of the legislature (however he or she is permitted to omit the religious references if so desired):
I swear that I will dedicate my efforts to the well-being of the Federal Republic of Penrith and its people, enhance their benefits, avert harm from them, uphold and defend the Constitution and the statutes of the Federation, fulfil my duties conscientiously, and do justice to all. (So help me God.)
Duties and functions
The degree of power actually conferred upon the President by the Basic Law is ambiguous. However, in practice, holders of the office treat it as a largely ceremonial one and act with the advice of the Federal Government. Unlike many constitutions; Penrith does not designate the head of state as the commander-in-chief of the military (ceremonially or otherwise). This role is vested in times of peace in the Minister of Defense, and only going to the President in times of war; aided by the Minister of Defense
The President carries out the following duties:
- Appointment of the Federal Government
- The President proposes an individual who leads the party with the majority of seats in the legislature as Chief Executive. The President appoints and dismisses the remaining members of the Federal Government "upon the proposal of the Chief Executive." The President can dismiss the Chief Executive but only in the event that the legislature passes a Vote of No Confidence. If this occurs the President must dismiss the chancellor and appoint the successor requested by the Bundestag.
- Other appointments
- The President appoints federal judges, federal civil servants and military officers. All such appointments require the counter-signature of either the Chief Executive or the relevant cabinet minister.
- Dissolution of the Legislature
- Every four years; upon recommendation of the Chief Executive; the President may commission the writs to a general election to which a new parliament will be elected. Once a new parliament is convened; the president is required to request an election to the position of President; to which he/she may be re-elected by the legislature; or face a ballot
- Promulgation of the law
- All federal laws must, after counter-signature, be signed by the president before they can come into effect. Upon signing, the President has to check if the law was passed according to the order mandated by the constitution and/or if the content of the law is constitutional. If not, he/she has the right to refuse to sign the law. The legislature has a veto power against the promulgation; only if the ruling party has 70% of the total number of seats. If a bill is vetoed by both the President then the legislature; the Chief Executive has the power to request an early election
- Foreign relations
- The President represents Penrith in the World, holds foreign visits and receives foreign dignitaries. He or she also concludes treaties with foreign nations (which do not come into effect until affirmed by the legislature), accredits diplomats and receives the letters of accreditation of foreign diplomats.
- Pardons and honours
- The President grants pardons if the person concerned had been convicted under federal jurisdiction and confers decorations and honours.
Succession
The constitution did not create an office of vice president. If the President is outside of the country, or the position is vacant, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court temporarily assumes the powers of the president until a successor is elected without assuming the office of president as such. While doing so, he or she does not continue to exercise the role of chair of the Chief Justice, but returns to the role once a new president is elected. If the President dies, resigns or is otherwise removed from office, a successor is to be elected within thirty days. While the President is abroad on a state visit the Speaker of the Republic Legislature does not assume all of his responsibilities but may deputize for the President, performing on the President's behalf merely those tasks that require his or her physical presence, such as the signing of documents.
Impeachment and removal
While in office the President enjoys immunity from prosecution and cannot be voted out of office or recalled. The only mechanism for removing the President is impeachment by the Legislature for willfully violating Penrith law. Once the Legislature (which during the time of impeachment debates is chaired by the Chief Justice) impeaches the President, then the legislature is dissolved and fresh elections are held.