Senate motion - Revision history

Twiggy at 11:33, 17 February 2026

2026-02-17T11:33:22Z

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	<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">I have no need of the power to propose a motion senator - that's what you are for. The soldier has a post, the sword has a scabbard, the pot has a fire. Everything has a purpose. Raising this motion is now yours.</quote>		<quote by="Varkula, The Throne">I have no need of the power to propose a motion, senator - that's what you are for. The soldier has a post, the sword has a scabbard, the pot has a fire. Everything has a purpose. Raising this motion is now yours.</quote>
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=SenateMotion.jpg\|caption=The implications of any Senate motion are constrained by the precise [[motion wording\|wording]].\|align=left\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=SenateMotion.jpg\|caption=The implications of any Senate motion are constrained by the precise [[motion wording\|wording]].\|align=left\|width=350}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T21:31:12Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

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	The senator who proposes a motion is responsible for the execution of the motion if it is passed by the Senate. The civil service will take guidance from the senator who proposed the motion to complete any [[motion_wording#Necessary_Details\|necessary details]] that are omitted from the wording of the original motion.		The senator who proposes a motion is responsible for the execution of the motion if it is passed by the Senate. The civil service will take guidance from the senator who proposed the motion to complete any [[motion_wording#Necessary_Details\|necessary details]] that are omitted from the wording of the original motion.

	Once a motion has been read out, a short time is set aside by the Speaker to ask questions and debate the motion. The claims made while speaking on the floor of the Senate do not carry any legal weight; it is left to the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] to ensure that citizens who they feel have mislead the Senate are suitably dealt with.		Once a motion has been read out, a short time is set aside by the Speaker to ask questions and debate the motion. The claims made while speaking on the floor of the Senate do not carry any legal weight; it is left to the [[Synod]] to ensure that citizens who they feel have mislead the Senate are suitably dealt with.
	===Single Issue===		===Single Issue===
	A motion must contain a single clear issue that senators can vote on. The civil service will not normally allow a motion that incorporates multiple separate issues. The defining test for this is whether a senator might wish to vote in favour of one part of a motion and against another part. It is common for the Senate to debate a set of motions with similar themes; in these situations the motions are often discussed together as a set and then voted on in rapid succession.		A motion must contain a single clear issue that senators can vote on. The civil service will not normally allow a motion that incorporates multiple separate issues. The defining test for this is whether a senator might wish to vote in favour of one part of a motion and against another part. It is common for the Senate to debate a set of motions with similar themes; in these situations the motions are often discussed together as a set and then voted on in rapid succession.
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	* [[Conscience of the Senate]]		* [[Conscience of the Senate]]

	The [[The_Assemblies_of_the_Synod\|General Assembly]] of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] may [[veto]] a single majority vote once per Imperial summit. If any motion is vetoed by the Imperial Synod then the Senate may not raise a motion which is functionally the same until the next summit.		The [[The_Assemblies_of_the_Synod\|General Assembly]] of the [[Synod]] may [[veto]] a single majority vote once per Imperial summit. If any motion is vetoed by the Imperial Synod then the Senate may not raise a motion which is functionally the same until the next summit.

	===Constitutional Vote===		===Constitutional Vote===

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T14:59:45Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=SenateMotion.jpg\|caption=The implications of any Senate motion are constrained by the precise [[motion wording\|wording]].\|align=left\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=SenateMotion.jpg\|caption=The implications of any Senate motion are constrained by the precise [[motion wording\|wording]].\|align=left\|width=350}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Motions are the primary way that the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] carries out its business. Commissions are ordered, laws implemented, citizens appointed - all using motions. All the main [[powers of the Imperial Senate]] rely on a motion being raised and passed when directly employed by the Senate.		Motions are the primary way that the [[Senate]] carries out its business. Commissions are ordered, laws implemented, citizens appointed - all using motions. All the main [[powers of the Imperial Senate]] rely on a motion being raised and passed when directly employed by the Senate.

	The only alternative to a motion is if the Senate create an [[Imperial title]] which has the legal authority to use one or more Senate powers. These powers can then be executed using a [[Senate announcement]] rather than a motion.		The only alternative to a motion is if the Senate create an [[Imperial title]] which has the legal authority to use one or more Senate powers. These powers can then be executed using a [[Senate announcement]] rather than a motion.

Matt: /* Constitution */

2025-07-14T15:06:45Z

Constitution

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	===Constitution===		===Constitution===
	It is not legal for the Senate to pass a motion which violates the spirit of the constitution. Each motion that comes before the Senate is [[scrutiny\|scrutinised]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court\|Constitutional Court]] to check for any constitutional implications. Motions that propose changes to the way the constitution is interpreted or applied are possible, but require a [[#~~constitutional vote~~\|constitutional vote]] to pass. Motions that violate the principles of the constitution will be struck down even if they have already passed the floor of the Senate. Sensible senators will bring their motions to the civil service in good time, before submitting them for a session, to ensure that they can be checked and any appropriate changes made.		It is not legal for the Senate to pass a motion which violates the spirit of the constitution. Each motion that comes before the Senate is [[scrutiny\|scrutinised]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court\|Constitutional Court]] to check for any constitutional implications. Motions that propose changes to the way the constitution is interpreted or applied are possible, but require a [[#Constitutional Vote\|constitutional vote]] to pass. Motions that violate the principles of the constitution will be struck down even if they have already passed the floor of the Senate. Sensible senators will bring their motions to the civil service in good time, before submitting them for a session, to ensure that they can be checked and any appropriate changes made.

	The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court\|Constitutional Court]] is the highest authority on the principles and application of the constitution. Historically, the Court has always acted to ensure that the rights and powers of the other bodies of state such as the Bourse, Military Council or Conclave and the nations and citizens of the Empire receive the protection they are guaranteed by the Constitution.		The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court\|Constitutional Court]] is the highest authority on the principles and application of the constitution. Historically, the Court has always acted to ensure that the rights and powers of the other bodies of state such as the Bourse, Military Council or Conclave and the nations and citizens of the Empire receive the protection they are guaranteed by the Constitution.

Matt: /* Voting */

2024-08-19T01:53:59Z

Voting

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	==Voting==		==Voting==
	Motions are decided by vote of the [[Senator\|Senators]] and the [[Conscience of the Senate]]. Votes are usually open. In open votes, the Speaker will invite all in favour of the motion to move to the Throne's left or right; "Ayes" to the right and "Noes" to the left. The functionaries of the Senate will then count the votes and the result is announced. If no-one present disputes the count, then it is recorded and the matter is complete.		Motions are decided by vote of the [[Senator\|Senators]] and the [[Conscience of the Senate]]. Votes are usually open. In open votes, the Speaker will invite all in favour of the motion to move to the Throne's left or right; "Ayes" to the right and "Noes" to the left. The functionaries of the Senate will then count the votes and the result is announced. If no-one present disputes the count, then it is recorded and the matter is complete.

	Any [[senator]] may call for a secret ballot by informing the [[Speaker_for_the_Senate\|Speaker]] of their intention to do so before the start of the Senate session. To permit a secret ballot on a motion first requires the majority vote of all present. If that vote passes then one white and one black bead are distributed to everyone who can vote and they vote by placing a single bead into bags carried by the Senate functionaries.

	If a citizen is not present during the session then they forfeit their right to vote, unless they have appointed a proxy who is present to vote in their stead. It is not possible to cast a vote in advance, the citizen with the power to vote must be present to do so. It is not unknown for senators on their deathbed to be brought to the floor of the chamber to cast a vote.		If a citizen is not present during the session then they forfeit their right to vote, unless they have appointed a proxy who is present to vote in their stead. It is not possible to cast a vote in advance, the citizen with the power to vote must be present to do so. It is not unknown for senators on their deathbed to be brought to the floor of the chamber to cast a vote.

Harry: /* Proposal */

2024-06-11T15:13:14Z

Proposal

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	Motions can be [[Senate_session#Setting_the_Agenda\|presented to the Speaker]] at any time, but the civil service usually reject a motion brought to them less than two hours before a session is due to begin, unless there is a very good reason for it.		Motions can be [[Senate_session#Setting_the_Agenda\|presented to the Speaker]] at any time, but the civil service usually reject a motion brought to them less than two hours before a session is due to begin, unless there is a very good reason for it.

	There is a printable pro-forma for Senate [[:File:Senate_Motion_Sheet.pdf\|motions]] ~~here.~~		There is a printable pro-forma for Senate [[:File:Senate_Motion_Sheet.pdf\|motions here.]]

	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

Harry: /* Proposal */

2024-06-11T15:12:58Z

Proposal

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	Motions can be [[Senate_session#Setting_the_Agenda\|presented to the Speaker]] at any time, but the civil service usually reject a motion brought to them less than two hours before a session is due to begin, unless there is a very good reason for it.		Motions can be [[Senate_session#Setting_the_Agenda\|presented to the Speaker]] at any time, but the civil service usually reject a motion brought to them less than two hours before a session is due to begin, unless there is a very good reason for it.

			There is a printable pro-forma for Senate [[:File:Senate_Motion_Sheet.pdf\|motions]] here.

	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

Hailmur: /* Proposal */

2024-05-13T23:06:49Z

Proposal

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	* [[Senator]]		* [[Senator]]
	* [[Conscience of the Senate]]		* [[Conscience of the Senate]]
	* [[~~Dean of the Academy~~]]		* [[Citizens' Voice]]

	A motion must have a second. Any citizen with the right to propose a motion may also second a single motion each summit.		A motion must have a second. Any citizen with the right to propose a motion may also second a single motion each summit.

Hailmur: /* Constitutional Vote */

2023-05-23T13:43:14Z

Constitutional Vote

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	[[The Throne]] is assumed to be independent of the political affiliations of the senators. Any change to the law that has constitutional implications requires the approval of The Throne to ensure that the Senate is acting in the interests of the Empire as a whole. A motion that requires a constitutional vote cannot come into force without an Empress or Emperor to ratify it.		[[The Throne]] is assumed to be independent of the political affiliations of the senators. Any change to the law that has constitutional implications requires the approval of The Throne to ensure that the Senate is acting in the interests of the Empire as a whole. A motion that requires a constitutional vote cannot come into force without an Empress or Emperor to ratify it.

	The General Assembly or the Assembly of Nine may veto any constitutional vote (including the [[The Throne#Appointment\|appointment of [[the Throne]]).		The General Assembly or the Assembly of Nine may veto any constitutional vote (including the [[The Throne#Appointment\|appointment]] of [[the Throne]]).

	===Budget===		===Budget===

Rafferty: /* Constitutional Vote */

2023-05-05T14:20:56Z

Constitutional Vote

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	[[The Throne]] is assumed to be independent of the political affiliations of the senators. Any change to the law that has constitutional implications requires the approval of The Throne to ensure that the Senate is acting in the interests of the Empire as a whole. A motion that requires a constitutional vote cannot come into force without an Empress or Emperor to ratify it.		[[The Throne]] is assumed to be independent of the political affiliations of the senators. Any change to the law that has constitutional implications requires the approval of The Throne to ensure that the Senate is acting in the interests of the Empire as a whole. A motion that requires a constitutional vote cannot come into force without an Empress or Emperor to ratify it.

	The General Assembly or the Assembly of Nine may veto any constitutional vote.		The General Assembly or the Assembly of Nine may veto any constitutional vote (including the [[The Throne#Appointment\|appointment of [[the Throne]]).

	===Budget===		===Budget===