The Constitution

The Constitution of the United Phoenix Empire

Fourth edition

Ratified 7/18/2025

Signed into law by

His Imperial Majesty 

Vincent William Paul I

“Today we burn with the Holy Fire of Rebirth”

Table of Contents

Preamble

Article I — The Elder Council
Structure, powers, procedures, duties, and limitations; composition of the House of Assembly, Senate, and House of Royals.

Article II — The Nobility
Ranks of nobility, succession rules, appointment and removal authority, and responsibilities; distinction between royal bloodline and appointed nobility.

Article III — The Monarch
Succession to the throne, appointment authority, removal provisions, and responsibilities; distinction between royal bloodline and appointed nobility.

Article IV — The Judiciary
High Court and lower tribunals; appointment processes, jurisdiction, and judicial procedures.

Article V — Provincial Relations and Imperial Territory
Governance of provinces, territories, and dependencies of the Empire.

Article VI — Amendment Process
Procedures for proposing, debating, and ratifying constitutional amendments.

Article VII — Supremacy and Continuity of Law
Establishing the Constitution as the supreme law, treatment of prior laws, and transitional provisions.

Article VIII — Ratification
Requirements and procedures for ratifying the Constitution and its effectuation date.

Article IX — Article of Rights (Bill of Rights)
Civil, political, religious, and economic rights of citizens.

Article X — The Great Purge
Legal definition, scope, and process for purging corruption, treason, or sedition from government and society.

Article XI — Council of Ecclesiarchs
Religious oversight body; role in moral law, spiritual guidance, and advisory capacity to the state.

Article XII — Imperial Instruments of Authority
Symbols of office, seals, regalia, and their lawful uses.

Article XIII — The Imperial Ministries
List and description of ministries, their powers, duties, and responsibilities.

Article XIV — The Head Advisor of the Empire
Role, appointment, term limits, and powers of the Head Advisor.

Article XV — Succession and Regency
Procedures for imperial succession, regency councils, and temporary governance during the monarch’s incapacity.

Article XVI — Imperial Treasury and Budget Law
Fiscal policy, balanced budget requirements, sovereign wealth fund rules, and treasury operations.

Article XVII — Immigration and Citizenship
Criteria for citizenship, naturalization process, rights and duties of citizens, and grounds for revocation.

Article XVIII — Electoral Law and Term Limits
Voting systems, eligibility requirements, campaign regulations, and limits on terms of office.

Article XIX — Digital and Data Rights
Protections for privacy, cybersecurity standards, and regulation of state use of digital data.

Article XX — Environmental and Basic Sustenance Rights
Rights to food, water, clean air, and sustainable use of natural resources; protections for land stewardship and livestock ownership.

Article XXI — Imperial Economic Charter
Guildonomic system, regulation of commerce, and promotion of economic development.

Article XXII — Entitlements and Rewards for Nobility
Privileges, honors, ceremonial duties, and entitlements of the nobility.

Article XXIII — Imperial Holidays, Honors, and National Symbols
List of official holidays, orders, decorations, and protected national symbols.

Article XXIV — The Holy Feast of the Crowned Christ
Religious observance, ceremonial acts, and legal recognition of the supreme holy solemnity of the Empire.

PREAMBLE

We, the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria — sovereign in right, steadfast in tradition, and ordained by divine Providence — do hereby establish and proclaim this Constitution as the supreme law and charter of our Empire.

Guided by the eternal pillars of freedom, honor, conservatism, and progress, we pledge to forge strength through unity, innovation through discipline, and liberty through law.

In pursuit of our sacred mission to preserve civilization, uplift mankind, and advance the frontiers of knowledge, we consecrate this document to the just governance of our realms, the safeguarding of the rights of our citizens, and the perpetual peace and prosperity of our provinces.

By the will of Heaven and the mandate of the people, let this Constitution stand forever as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Haskarian Empire and the eternal flame of the Phoenix.

ARTICLE I
The Elder Council

Section. 1.
All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in an Elder Council, which shall consist of a House of Assembly, a Senate, and a House of Royals. No Bill shall become a Law unless it shall have passed the House of Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Royals, and been presented to the Emperor for his Assent, as herein provided, save where this Constitution otherwise expressly allows.

Section. 2.
The Elder Council shall assemble at least once in every Year, at such Place as may by Law be directed, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day. A Majority of each House shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties, as each House may provide. Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member. Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any Question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal. Neither House, during the Session of the Elder Council, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the three Houses shall be sitting.

Section. 3.
All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Assembly; but the Senate or the House of Royals may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills. Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Royals, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the Emperor; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections, to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other Houses, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of each House, it shall become a Law. If any Bill shall not be returned by the Emperor within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Elder Council by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law. Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the House of Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Royals may be necessary (except on a Question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the Emperor, and before the same shall take Effect shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of each House, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.

Section 4.
The Elder Council shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the Empire; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the Provinces; to borrow Money on the Credit of the Empire; to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, among the Provinces, and with the Territories; to establish uniform Laws on the subject of Naturalization and of Citizenship, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the Empire; to coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures; to provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the Empire; to establish Post Offices and post Roads; to promote the Progress of Science, the Arts, and Industry, by securing for limited Times to Authors, Inventors, and Founders the exclusive Right to their respective Writings, Inventions, and Works; to constitute Tribunals inferior to the High Imperial Court; to define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations; to declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; to raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; to provide and maintain a Navy; to make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; to provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Empire, suppress Insurrections, and repel Invasions; to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the Empire, reserving to the Provinces respectively the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by the Elder Council; to exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever over such District, not exceeding ten miles square, as may, by Cession of particular Provinces, and the Acceptance of the Elder Council, become the Seat of the Government of the Empire, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the Province in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, Dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings; and to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the Empire, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section 5.
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any Province. No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one Province over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one Province, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another. No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time. No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the Elder Council, except as provided by this Constitution; and no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under the Empire shall, without the Consent of the Elder Council, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. No Province shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

Section 6.

The House of Assembly shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several Provinces, and the Electors in each Province shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the Provincial Legislature. No Person shall be a Member of the House of Assembly who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty-five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the Empire, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that Province in which he shall be chosen. The House of Assembly shall choose their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several Provinces which may be included within this Empire, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding non-citizens not lawfully admitted, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Elder Council, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each Province shall have at least one Representative; and until such Enumeration shall be made, the Province of Auria shall be entitled to choose three, the Province of Velmont two, the Province of Haskor two, and the Province of Dravonne one. When vacancies happen in the Representation from any Province, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies. The House of Assembly shall have the exclusive Power to originate all Bills for raising Revenue; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Section 7.
The Senate of the Empire shall be composed of two Senators from each Province, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any Province, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the Empire, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that Province for which he shall be chosen.

The Lord Chancellor of the Empire shall preside over the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. The Senate shall choose their other Officers, and also a Chancellor pro tempore, in the Absence of the Lord Chancellor, or when he shall exercise the Office of Emperor.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the Emperor is tried, the Lord Justice shall preside; and no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two-thirds of the Members present. Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust, or Profit under the Empire; but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment, and Punishment, according to Law.

Section 8.
The House of Royals shall be composed of the Emperor, the Ministers of the Crown as may be established by Law, and the Nobility of the Empire recognized in rank and title according to the Laws of Nobility.

Each Province of the Empire may be represented in the House of Royals by its sovereign noble of highest recognized title, subject to Imperial recognition, who shall sit for the duration of their tenure in such dignity. Nobles whose titles are of Imperial grant and not bound to a Province shall likewise have a seat and voice in the House.

No Person shall sit in the House of Royals who has not attained the Age of twenty-one Years, and who has not been duly invested with a title of Nobility recognized under the Laws of the Empire.

The House of Royals shall choose their own Officers, except the Emperor, who shall preside when present; and in the Absence of the Emperor, the House shall choose a Lord Regent pro tempore to preside.

The House of Royals shall have the sole Power to confirm or withhold assent to the bestowal, inheritance, or revocation of noble titles, and to advise the Emperor on matters of succession, investiture, and the governance of noble estates.

The House of Royals shall also serve, together with the Senate and House of Assembly, in the passage of Laws, the making of Treaties, and the exercise of such other Powers as are herein granted to the Elder Council.

Section 9.
The Elder Council shall have Power:

To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the Empire; but all Duties, Imposts, and Excises shall be uniform throughout the Empire;

To borrow Money on the credit of the Empire;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several Provinces;

To establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the Empire;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the Empire;

To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the High Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Empire, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the Empire, reserving to the Provinces respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by the Elder Council;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular Provinces, and the Acceptance of the Elder Council, become the Seat of the Government of the Empire, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the Province in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, Dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the Empire, or in any Ministry or Officer thereof.

Section 10.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any Province.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one Province over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one Province, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the Elder Council as a legislative act, nor by any Person or Body thereof, save by the Emperor in accordance with the Laws of Nobility established under this Constitution; and no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under the Empire shall, without the Consent of the Elder Council, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any foreign King, Prince, or State.

The Elder Council shall make no Law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof in matters not contrary to the Laws of God and the Faith of the Empire; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

No Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts shall be passed.

No Province shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but Gold and Silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts; or grant any Title of Nobility.

No Province shall, without the Consent of the Elder Council, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection Laws; and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any Province on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the Empire; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Control of the Elder Council.

No Province shall, without the Consent of the Elder Council, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another Province or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Section 11.
All legislative powers of the Elder Council shall be exercised in such manner as to secure the deliberation of each House upon every measure proposed. The Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Royals shall each possess the power to originate legislation. A bill introduced in the Assembly shall be transmitted to the Senate, thence to the House of Royals, and thereafter to the High Court for constitutional review where such review is required by law. A bill introduced in the Senate shall be transmitted to the Assembly, thence to the House of Royals, and thereafter to the High Court where required. A bill introduced in the House of Royals shall be transmitted to the Senate, thence to the Assembly, and thereafter to the High Court where required.

No bill shall become law unless it shall have been approved by a majority of the members present in each House, except that any measure proposing to alter, amend, or repeal any part of this Constitution shall require the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present in each House and shall thereafter be subject to ratification as provided in Article V.

Every bill which shall have passed the three Houses shall, before it becomes law, be presented to the Emperor. If he approve, he shall sign it; but if he disapprove, he shall return it, with his objections, to the House in which it originated, which shall enter the objections at large upon its journal and proceed to reconsider the bill. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other Houses, which shall likewise reconsider it; and if approved by two-thirds of each, it shall become law. In all such cases the votes of each House shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered upon the journal of each House respectively.

No bill shall remain pending before any House for longer than one year from its introduction without final passage; any bill not so passed shall lapse and may be reintroduced in a subsequent legislative session. All bills appropriating funds, raising revenue, or imposing taxes shall originate in the Assembly, but the Senate and the House of Royals may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills. 

Article II – The Nobility
Section 1 – Sovereign Bloodlines

The Sovereign Nobility of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall consist solely of the direct Imperial Bloodline, from whom the lawful succession to the Throne is derived. The ranks of the Sovereign Nobility shall be, in order of precedence, the Emperor, the King, the Primarch Prince, the Secundus Prince, the Tertius Prince, and the Quartus Prince. The Emperor shall be the supreme sovereign and head of state, and from the Imperial Crown shall all titles, dignities, and honors flow. The King shall be appointed from the Imperial Bloodline to reign over a constituent kingdom of the Empire and shall rule therein under the sovereignty of the Emperor. The Primarch Prince shall be the designated heir to the Imperial Throne, being the eldest eligible child of the Emperor unless otherwise determined by law. The Secundus Princes shall be the remaining children of the Emperor, ranking immediately below the Primarch Prince in precedence. The Tertius Princes shall be the grandchildren of the Emperor, whether by male or female descent, ranking below the Secundus Princes. The Quartus Princes shall be the great-grandchildren of the Emperor, ranking below the Tertius Princes and retaining noble honors without an automatic claim to succession unless the higher lines fail. All members of the Sovereign Nobility shall hold their titles for life, subject to removal only by lawful decree for treason, high crimes, or acts bringing dishonor upon the Imperial Crown. The Emperor may, by decree, alter ceremonial precedence within the Sovereign Nobility for purposes of governance, ceremony, or foreign representation, provided that the order of succession remains inviolate except as modified by law.

Section 2 – Appointed Nobility

The Appointed Nobility of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall consist of those persons elevated to rank and dignity by lawful decree of the Emperor or of such higher nobles as the law may permit to create titles beneath their own. The Appointed Nobility shall hold no place in the direct line of Imperial succession, but shall possess such honors, privileges, and responsibilities as are attendant to their rank. The ranks of Appointed Nobility, in order of precedence beneath the Sovereign Bloodlines, shall be Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron, together with such other lesser dignities as the law may establish.

Each rank shall carry with it the governance of such lands, estates, or offices as may be granted at the time of appointment, together with the duty to preserve the prosperity, security, and dignity of those domains in the name of the Emperor. All titles of Appointed Nobility shall be held for life unless otherwise granted for a fixed term or revoked for cause by lawful authority. Appointed Nobility may be hereditary or non-hereditary according to the conditions of the grant, but no title shall be made hereditary except by explicit decree of the Emperor.

The powers, responsibilities, and privileges of each rank of Appointed Nobility shall be fixed by law, and the scope of their authority shall be exercised in accordance with the laws of the Empire and in loyalty to the Imperial Crown.

Section 3 – Vassals, Knights of the Phoenix, and Imperial Laureates

Vassals of the Empire shall be those persons or houses bound by oath of service and loyalty to a noble lord or lady, holding lands, offices, or commissions in return for protection, patronage, or favor. The rights, duties, and tenure of vassalage shall be determined by law and by the lawful terms of investiture, and no vassal shall be compelled to service in a manner contrary to the Constitution or the decrees of the Emperor.

Knights of the Phoenix shall be appointed in recognition of extraordinary dedication and service to the Empire in military, civil, or humanitarian fields. Such service may include, but shall not be limited to, acts of valor in defense of the realm, distinguished service in public safety, medical excellence, or other acts which bring honor and benefit to the Empire. Knighthood shall not, by itself, constitute noble rank, but shall carry such ceremonial honors and precedence as may be provided by law. Knights of the Phoenix may be bound in service to a noble house or directly to the Imperial Crown, and shall swear an oath to defend the Empire, uphold its laws, and serve with integrity.

Imperial Laureates shall be appointed in recognition of exceptional achievement in the fields of science, literature, art, philosophy, or other domains of intellectual or cultural advancement. Appointment as a Laureate shall be granted to those whose work significantly contributes to the progress, enlightenment, or honor of the Empire. Laureates shall not, by themselves, hold noble rank, but shall enjoy such honors, rights of publication, and archival preservation in the Imperial Archives as may be provided by law.

Section 4 – Privileges and Entitlements of the Nobility

Nobility within the Empire, whether of sovereign bloodline or appointed rank, shall enjoy such privileges and entitlements as are inherent to their station and necessary for the fulfillment of their duties. These privileges shall be held as honors of the Crown, bestowed for the preservation of the realm, the advancement of the common good, and the maintenance of Imperial dignity.

All nobles shall be recorded in the Imperial Genealogical Register, their names and deeds preserved in perpetuity within the archives of the Empire. They shall be entitled to the protection of the Crown in the execution of their lawful duties and shall enjoy precedence in Imperial ceremonies, audiences, and councils, according to rank.

Nobles may be granted estates, stipends, or other forms of maintenance from the Imperial Treasury, as determined by law or by the decree of the Emperor, for the support of their households and the execution of their offices. They shall have the right to display such arms, insignia, and titles as are lawfully granted to them, and to transmit those honors according to the laws of succession and investiture of the Empire.

In recognition of their service and standing, nobles shall be entitled to burial within such memorial grounds, mausolea, or halls of honor as are designated for their rank, and their likeness and record shall be preserved among the monuments of the realm.

These privileges are granted in trust, and their continued enjoyment shall be contingent upon the faithful discharge of duty, loyalty to the Crown, and adherence to the Constitution and laws of the Empire.

Section 5 – Authority, Duties, and Conduct of the Nobility

The nobility of the Empire, whether sovereign by blood or appointed by the Crown, shall be the visible exemplars of righteousness, wisdom, and discipline within the realm. Their lives shall be governed by the precepts of Holy Scripture, especially the wisdom of Proverbs, and by the honorable customs of courtly tradition.

Nobles shall exercise their authority as stewards and shepherds, not as tyrants, knowing that “by justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who exacts gifts ruins it”. They shall rule their domains with equity, protecting the weak, honoring the diligent, and punishing the evildoer without partiality.

In manner and bearing, nobles shall conduct themselves with humility before God and dignity before men, speaking with grace, keeping their word, and refraining from coarse or profane speech. They shall honor their oaths, keep faith with allies, and uphold the honor of their house, knowing that “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches”.

They shall administer their estates in a manner that provides for the welfare of their subjects, the maintenance of public works, and the prosperity of trade and agriculture, guarding against idleness, corruption, and waste. They shall encourage learning, craftsmanship, and piety among their people, ensuring that the moral and spiritual health of their lands is preserved.

Nobles shall show hospitality to guests, courtesy to peers, and loyalty to the Emperor. They shall appear at court in proper attire befitting their station, participate in Imperial ceremonies with due reverence, and maintain the decorum of their office in all public and private affairs.

They are bound to defend the Empire from all enemies, foreign and domestic, to counsel the Emperor with truth and courage, and to represent their lands in assemblies or councils with wisdom and integrity. In all things, they shall remember that their station is not for personal aggrandizement but for the service of God, the Emperor, and the people of Haskaria.

Section 6 – Succession of Nobility

Clause 1 – Sovereign Succession
The succession to the Imperial Throne shall be determined by the lawful and direct descent of the Imperial Bloodline, according to primogeniture, preference being given to the eldest living male child of the reigning Emperor, save where the Emperor shall otherwise lawfully designate an heir. In the absence of a male heir, succession shall proceed to the eldest female child, and thereafter to the nearest legitimate relative of the Imperial House in accordance with the laws of dynastic inheritance established by this Constitution.

Should the heir be a minor, a Regency Council shall govern in the name of the Emperor until such time as the heir attains the age of majority prescribed by law. If the Emperor be incapacitated or unwilling to reign, the Elder Council shall, by two-thirds vote, confirm the next rightful heir according to the established line of succession.

Clause 2 – Royal Bloodlines and Subordinate Sovereigns
Succession to the Kingships of the Imperial Provinces and other royal dignities shall likewise be determined by hereditary right, subject to the approval of the Emperor and consistent with the traditions and statutes of each province. Princes and other members of the Imperial Bloodline shall retain their styles and dignities for life unless lawfully deprived thereof for high crimes, treason, or conduct unworthy of their station.

Clause 3 – Appointed Nobility
All titles of nobility below the rank of Prince, including but not limited to Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts, Barons, Knights of the Phoenix, and Imperial Laureates, shall be granted at the sole pleasure of the Emperor or by such officers as the Emperor shall lawfully empower.

Unless expressly made hereditary by letters patent, appointed titles shall expire upon the death, resignation, or removal of the holder, and may revert to the Crown for reassignment. Hereditary grants of nobility shall pass to the eldest legitimate child of the holder, unless otherwise directed by the patent of creation or revoked for cause.

Clause 4 – Forfeiture of Title
A noble may be deprived of title, rank, and associated privileges for treason, gross dereliction of duty, persistent corruption, or the willful ruin of their lands and people. In such cases, the Emperor may, upon the advice of the Elder Council, declare the title forfeit and reassign it at will. All lands and estates attached to a forfeited title shall revert to the Imperial Domain until lawfully granted anew.

Clause 5 – Continuity of Governance
In the event that a title becomes vacant, whether by death, abdication, removal, or extinction of the line, the administration of the associated lands and responsibilities shall pass temporarily to an Imperial Steward appointed by the Crown, until a lawful successor is installed.

Article III - The Monarch

Section 1. The Imperial Crown
The Monarchic authority of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall be vested in an Emperor, who shall reign as the sovereign head of state and embodiment of the Imperial dignity. The Emperor shall hold office until the time of death, lawful removal, or voluntary abdication, and shall be succeeded in accordance with the lawful order of succession.

In the event of the Emperor’s removal, death, abdication, or incapacity to discharge the powers and duties of the Crown, the same shall devolve upon the Head Advisor, who shall serve as Regent until the accession of a lawful successor. In the event of the simultaneous incapacity of both the Emperor and the Head Advisor, the Elder Council shall, by law, determine a provisional regency and secure the continuity of the Imperial Crown.

The Emperor shall receive at stated intervals a compensation fixed by law, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during any period of four years, and shall receive no other emolument from the Empire during that period.

Upon coronation and the assumption of the Imperial Crown, the Emperor shall take the following Oath or Affirmation before the assembled Elder Council and the people:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully defend the people of the Empire, uphold the rights of every man, woman, and child, and strive unceasingly to advance the cause of liberty, justice, and prosperity. So help me God.”

Section 2. Powers and Appointments
The Emperor shall serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Empire and of the militias of the provinces when called into the service of the Empire. The Emperor may require in writing the opinion of the principal officer of any Ministry upon any subject relating to the duties of such office.

The Emperor shall have the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the Empire, except in cases of impeachment. By and with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate, the Emperor shall have the power to make treaties; appoint ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, judges of the High Court, and all other officers of the Empire whose appointments are not otherwise provided for in this Constitution. The Elder Council may by law vest the appointment of inferior officers in the Emperor alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Ministries.

The Emperor shall have authority to fill vacancies in the House of Royals and other offices during the recess of the Elder Council by granting commissions, which shall expire at the close of the next session.

The Emperor may issue Imperial Decrees, which shall have the full force of law provided they do not contravene this Constitution or duly enacted Acts of the Elder Council. The Elder Council may rescind such decrees by a two-thirds vote of each House.

In times of war, rebellion, natural calamity, or other grave peril to the Empire, the Emperor may declare a State of Emergency and exercise temporary extraordinary authority to ensure the survival and stability of the state. Such authority shall expire ninety days from the date of its proclamation unless extended by a two-thirds vote of the Elder Council.

The Emperor shall exercise Royal Prerogatives, including but not limited to declaring Imperial holidays, granting pardons and clemency, bestowing honors and titles of nobility, summoning or dissolving sessions of the Elder Council in extraordinary circumstances, and overriding legislative delays in urgent imperial matters by Royal Directive, subject to later review by the Elder Council.

The Emperor may issue Edicts of Divine Guidance, being non-binding spiritual proclamations intended to guide the moral conscience of the Empire in accordance with divine principles. Such edicts shall not carry the force of civil law but may inspire national observances, cultural customs, and the moral character of the nation.

No decree, order, prerogative, or edict issued under this section shall abridge or infringe upon the rights of the people as enumerated in this Constitution, nor may such acts permanently supersede the legislative authority of the Elder Council without review by the High Court.

Section 3. Duties and Governance
The Emperor shall, from time to time, provide to the Elder Council information on the state of the Empire and recommend for its consideration such measures as may be deemed necessary and expedient for the prosperity, security, and moral order of the realm.

The Emperor may, on extraordinary occasions, convene either or both Houses of the Elder Council, and in cases of disagreement between them as to the time of adjournment, may adjourn them to such time as shall be deemed proper.

The Emperor shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers, direct the conduct of foreign affairs, and represent the Empire in all matters of diplomacy and international relations.

The Emperor shall ensure that the laws of the Empire are faithfully executed and shall commission all officers of the Empire in accordance with law.

The Emperor shall serve as the Imperial Defender of the Faith, upholding divine guidance and the spiritual foundations of the Empire in harmony with apostolic doctrine. In this capacity, the Emperor may convene a Council of Ecclesiarchs, composed of theologically sound clergy from across the provinces, to advise upon matters of doctrine, morality, national repentance, and spiritual law. The Council of Ecclesiarchs shall serve in an advisory capacity only, and shall possess no authority to compel conversion, impose spiritual sanctions, or alter civil law without the Emperor’s assent.

No act of the Emperor in matters of faith shall compel the conscience of the people beyond the bounds of this Constitution, nor infringe upon the right of the provinces or their inhabitants to worship freely, provided such worship does not contravene public order or the divinely ordained foundations of the Haskarian state.

Section 4. Impeachment and Removal
The Emperor, and all civil officers of the Empire, shall be subject to removal from office upon impeachment and conviction for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and offenses as defined by law.

Impeachment shall be initiated by a majority vote of the Assembly, tried before the Senate, and presided over by the Chief Justice of the High Court. Conviction shall require the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators present.

Upon conviction, the impeached party shall be removed from office, and may, by further judgment of the Senate, be disqualified from holding any office of honor, trust, or profit under the Empire. Conviction shall not preclude the imposition of further penalties under the ordinary course of law.

In the event of the Emperor’s removal, death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, such authority shall devolve upon the Head Advisor until a successor is duly installed in accordance with the established order of succession.

Section 5. Imperial Instruments of Authority
The Emperor shall possess and exercise the Imperial Instruments of Authority as herein provided.

(a) Imperial Decrees. The Emperor may issue Imperial Decrees bearing the full force of law, provided that no such decree shall contravene the provisions of this Constitution or the duly enacted statutes of the Elder Council. Any decree so issued may be repealed or amended by a vote of not less than two-thirds of each House of the Elder Council.

(b) Emergency Powers. In times of war, rebellion, plague, natural calamity, or comparable peril to the survival or stability of the Empire, the Emperor may declare a State of Emergency. During such a state, the Emperor shall be vested with temporary legislative and executive authority to enact measures necessary to preserve the Empire. Such powers shall expire ninety days from the date of declaration unless extended by a two-thirds vote of the Elder Council.

(c) Royal Prerogatives. The Emperor shall retain certain ceremonial and discretionary powers, including but not limited to: declaring Imperial Holidays; granting pardons and acts of clemency; bestowing honors and titles of nobility; summoning or dissolving sessions of the Elder Council under extraordinary circumstances; and issuing Royal Directives to overcome legislative delay in urgent imperial matters, such directives being subject to subsequent review by the Elder Council.

(d) Edicts of Divine Guidance. Upon prayerful consideration and spiritual conviction, the Emperor may issue Edicts of Divine Guidance, which shall serve as non-binding moral declarations intended to guide the conscience of the Empire in accordance with divine principles. Such edicts shall not possess the force of civil law but may shape national customs, observances, and civic identity.

Section 6. The Emperor’s Role in the Elder Council
The Emperor shall, by right of the Crown, preside over the House of Royals and may, at his discretion, address either House or both Houses of the Elder Council assembled. He shall possess the power to summon the Elder Council into extraordinary session and, in cases of disagreement between the Houses as to the time of adjournment, may adjourn them to such time as he deems proper.

In all matters of legislation, the Emperor shall grant or withhold Royal Assent. No bill or resolution shall attain the force of law without such assent, save where the Elder Council, by a vote of not less than two-thirds in each House, shall enact the same notwithstanding the Emperor’s refusal. The Emperor may return any measure, with his objections, to the House in which it originated; such objections shall be entered in full upon the journal thereof.

The Emperor’s participation in legislative deliberation shall be limited to the exercise of the prerogatives herein described, and to such additional functions as are elsewhere in this Constitution assigned to the Monarch in relation to the Elder Council.

Section 7 – Coronation and Accession to the Throne
Upon the death, lawful removal, or voluntary abdication of the reigning Emperor, the heir apparent, or such successor as may be lawfully designated, shall immediately assume the title and authority of Emperor of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria. The assumption of powers shall be provisional until the Coronation and Oath of Accession are completed.

The Coronation shall be conducted in the Imperial Capital at the earliest practicable date, in a manner prescribed by law and tradition, and shall include the public proclamation of the new Emperor’s name and titles. The ceremony shall be presided over by such ecclesiastical and state officers as the Elder Council may determine by law, and shall serve as both the investiture of the Crown and the confirmation of the Monarch’s sacred charge to the Empire.

Prior to the investiture, the Emperor-elect shall take the following Oath or Affirmation before God, the Elder Council, and the people of the Empire:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) before Almighty God that I will faithfully uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the Empire, preserve the rights and liberties of its people, safeguard the unity and honor of the realm, and govern in justice, mercy, and truth, so help me God.”

From the moment of investiture, the Emperor’s reign shall be deemed fully and legally vested, and all powers, dignities, and prerogatives of the Crown shall be exercised in accordance with this Constitution.

ARTICLE IV – THE JUDICIARY

Section 1 – Judicial Power
The judicial power of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall be vested in a unified Imperial Judiciary, composed of the Imperial High Court, the Imperial Central Courts, and the Imperial Provincial Courts. This judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the Empire, and the treaties made under its authority; to all cases affecting ambassadors, public ministers, and provincial officials; to disputes in which the Empire shall be a party; to controversies between provinces, or between citizens of different provinces; and to all other matters as prescribed by law.

The Imperial Judiciary shall serve as the guardian of constitutional order, ensuring that justice is administered faithfully and impartially throughout the Empire. All judicial authority shall be exercised in the name of the Emperor and under the supremacy of this Constitution, and no court or tribunal shall act in defiance of its provisions.

Section 2 – Structure and Jurisdiction
The Imperial Judiciary shall consist of three tiers of courts, each possessing distinct jurisdictional authority while operating in unity under the supremacy of this Constitution. At its head shall stand the Imperial High Court, which shall be the court of last resort for all cases within the Empire. The High Court shall exercise original jurisdiction in matters concerning ambassadors, public ministers, provincial governments, and disputes wherein the Empire is a party, and shall possess appellate jurisdiction over all cases reviewed from the Imperial Central Courts and the Imperial Provincial Courts, in such manner as the laws of the Empire may direct.

Beneath the High Court shall be established the Imperial Central Courts, which shall serve as appellate tribunals for cases originating within their assigned regional jurisdictions, and as courts of first instance in matters of significant Imperial interest that extend beyond the boundaries of a single province. These courts shall possess authority to interpret and apply Imperial law within their regions, subject to review by the High Court.

At the foundational level shall be the Imperial Provincial Courts, which shall serve as the primary courts of trial and original jurisdiction within each province. They shall hear all matters arising under Imperial law, provincial statutes consistent with this Constitution, and the ordinances of subordinate jurisdictions. The decisions of the Provincial Courts shall be subject to appeal before the Central Courts, and ultimately before the High Court.

All courts of the Empire shall conduct their proceedings in accordance with the principles of due process, equal protection under the law, and the impartial administration of justice. No court shall exceed the jurisdiction granted to it by this Constitution or the laws of the Empire.

Section 3 – Appointment of Judges and Procedures
All judges of the Imperial Judiciary, whether of the High Court, the Central Courts, or the Provincial Courts, shall be appointed by the Emperor, acting upon the formal advice of each House of the Elder Council. Such advice shall be recorded and submitted in writing, and while it shall not bind the Emperor, it shall be given due and serious consideration prior to the confirmation of any appointment. The Emperor shall present the name of each nominee to the Assembly of the People, the House of Royals, and the Senate, each House being afforded the opportunity to render its counsel on the nominee’s fitness, integrity, and capacity for impartial service.

Upon appointment, every judge shall swear or affirm an oath of office to administer justice faithfully and impartially, to uphold and defend this Constitution, and to discharge their duties without favor, bias, or corruption. The manner and form of such oath shall be prescribed by law.

The Emperor may, at his discretion, remove a judge upon clear and convincing proof of treason, corruption, gross dereliction of duty, or incapacity to discharge the obligations of office; however, such removal shall be subject to review by the High Court in accordance with procedures established by law, in order to preserve the independence of the judiciary.

The procedures of all Imperial courts shall be regulated by laws enacted by the Elder Council, provided that such laws do not impair the constitutional powers of the judiciary or diminish the due process rights of any party. The courts shall retain inherent authority to issue rules for the conduct of proceedings, the management of cases, and the preservation of order in the administration of justice, consistent with this Constitution and Imperial law.

Section 4 – Judicial Review
The Imperial Judiciary shall possess the authority to interpret and apply this Constitution, and to determine the validity of any law, decree, treaty, regulation, or act of government within the Empire. Whenever a case properly before a court presents a question as to whether such measure is in conflict with the Constitution, the judiciary shall have the power to declare it void and of no legal effect, in whole or in part, to the extent of its inconsistency.

This power shall extend to the review of actions by the Emperor, the Elder Council, the provincial governments, and all other authorities within the Empire, provided that such review is exercised in accordance with established judicial procedure and arises from an actual controversy between parties with standing to be heard.

The High Court shall be the final and ultimate arbiter of constitutional interpretation within the Empire, and its judgments shall be binding upon all other courts and authorities. Decisions of the High Court may not be overturned by any legislative or executive act, except by a lawful amendment to this Constitution.

Section 5 – Tenure and Compensation
The Justices of the High Court and all subordinate judges of the Imperial Judiciary shall hold their offices for a term of twelve years, subject to reappointment for one additional term of equal length. No judge shall serve for more than two full terms, except when appointed to complete the unexpired portion of another judge’s term, in which case such service shall not be counted as a full term.

Judges shall receive at stated intervals a compensation fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office, nor increased except by a general adjustment applicable to all officers of the judiciary. During their term of service, no judge shall hold any other public office or engage in any occupation or enterprise that may compromise the impartial execution of their duties.

Section 6 – Provincial Autonomy and Justice
Each province within the Empire shall retain the authority to establish and maintain its own system of courts for the administration of local and provincial law, provided that such courts operate in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Empire. Provincial courts shall exercise original jurisdiction in matters arising under provincial statutes, ordinances, and customs, subject to appeal to the Imperial Courts as prescribed by law.

No provincial court shall enact or enforce any law or judgment that contravenes the Constitution, Imperial statutes, or valid treaties of the Empire. In all cases where a question arises as to the interpretation of Imperial law, the supremacy of the Imperial Judiciary shall be recognized, and the judgment of the High Court shall be final and binding upon all provinces.

The Emperor may, upon the advice of the Elder Council, appoint special commissions or tribunals to investigate and adjudicate matters of grave importance within a province where the impartiality, stability, or capacity of the provincial judiciary is in doubt. Such intervention shall be limited in scope and duration, and shall cease upon the restoration of lawful and competent judicial authority within the province.

ARTICLE V – PROVINCIAL RELATIONS AND IMPERIAL TERRITORY

Section 1. Provinces of the Empire shall be recognized as semi-autonomous political jurisdictions, governed by duly appointed or hereditary nobles whose authority derives from the Crown in accordance with this Constitution. Such provinces shall possess the right to enact and administer local laws, maintain provincial institutions, and exercise all powers of governance not expressly reserved to the Emperor or prohibited by Imperial law. All acts of provincial government shall be subordinate to the Constitution, the laws of the Empire, and the lawful decrees of the Emperor. No province shall engage in any act of governance or lawmaking that infringes upon the sovereignty, jurisdiction, or lawful operations of another province, nor may it impose its laws upon Imperial Territories or other provinces of the Empire.

Section 2. Imperial Territories shall be defined as lands, holdings, districts, or domains not incorporated as provinces and placed under the direct and immediate authority of the Emperor. Such territories shall be governed through Imperial Governors, Stewards, or other officers of the Crown, appointed at the Emperor’s pleasure, whose duties shall be to preserve, maintain, and administer the territory in the name of the Emperor. Imperial Governors and Stewards shall have no power to enact local laws independent of the Emperor, nor to alter the structure, land use, or governance of the territory except as authorized by Imperial command.

Section 3. The Emperor shall retain supreme authority over all Imperial Territories, and may at His discretion alter their boundaries, designate their administrative divisions, and appoint or remove their governors and stewards. Provinces shall have no claim to jurisdiction or authority over Imperial Territories, and Imperial Territories shall have no authority over the governance or laws of the provinces.

Section 4. No law or decree of a province shall extend beyond the borders of its jurisdiction, nor shall any province enforce its laws upon citizens or officials beyond its lawful authority. Imperial law shall be the supreme law of the Empire, and in all cases where a conflict shall arise between provincial law and Imperial law, the latter shall prevail.

Section 5. Disputes between provinces, or between a province and an Imperial Territory, shall be adjudicated by the Imperial High Court, whose decision shall be binding upon all parties. The Emperor may, in matters requiring immediate resolution or presenting grave danger to the peace of the Empire, issue a provisional decree to resolve such disputes, subject to review by the High Court.

Section 6. The Elder Council shall retain the right to establish by law such further regulations as may be necessary for the governance, administration, and harmonious relations between provinces and Imperial Territories, provided that no such law shall diminish the authority of the Emperor over Imperial Territories nor infringe upon the lawful autonomy of the provinces as established herein.

ARTICLE VI – AMENDMENTS

Section 1. The Constitution of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria may be altered, amended, or supplemented in the manner herein prescribed, provided that no amendment shall contravene the immutable sovereignty of the Empire, the divine foundations upon which it stands, nor the rights of the people as expressly secured herein.

Section 2. Amendments may be proposed in any manner available for the introduction of legislation, whether by the Emperor, by either House of the Elder Council, or by the lawful initiative of a Provincial Assembly acting within its authority. No proposed amendment shall be brought to a vote in the Elder Council until it has undergone the same readings, debates, and committee considerations as are required of other legislative measures, except where otherwise provided herein.

Section 3. The people of the Empire may initiate an amendment by petition. If a petition for amendment bears the verified signatures of not less than such proportion of the population as may be fixed by law, which proportion shall require the assent of two-thirds of the whole Elder Council, it shall become a binding Referendum. The signature threshold shall be calculated in proportion to the most recent census of the Empire, and the verification of such petitions shall be conducted under procedures prescribed by law to prevent fraud and ensure authenticity.

Section 4. A Referendum for amendment shall take precedence over all ordinary business of the Elder Council and the Crown. Upon certification of the petition, the question of amendment shall be immediately scheduled for a vote of the whole people of the Empire within ninety days. If the amendment receives a majority of votes cast by qualified electors in such referendum, it shall be deemed ratified forthwith and shall become part of this Constitution without further action required.

Section 5. All other proposed amendments not arising from a Referendum shall require, after due consideration and passage by a two-thirds vote of each House of the Elder Council, ratification by not less than two-thirds of the Provinces of the Empire through their duly constituted assemblies or equivalent lawful bodies. Upon such ratification, the Emperor shall proclaim the amendment as law, and it shall take effect as provided therein.

Section 6. No amendment altering the equality of representation of the Provinces in the Elder Council shall take effect without the consent of all Provinces concerned. No amendment may be adopted during a declared State of Emergency except by unanimous consent of both Houses of the Elder Council and the Emperor.

ARTICLE VII – SUPREMACY AND CONTINUITY LAW

Section 1. This Constitution, and the laws and treaties of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria made in pursuance thereof, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every Province and Imperial Territory shall be bound thereby, anything in the laws or customs of any Province, Territory, or municipality to the contrary notwithstanding. All acts of governance, whether civil, military, or ecclesiastical, shall derive their lawful authority from and remain subordinate to this Constitution.

Section 2. All statutes, decrees, regulations, and customary laws in force at the time of the adoption of this Constitution shall remain in effect to the extent that they do not conflict with the express provisions herein or with laws subsequently enacted in accordance with this Constitution. Any law, ordinance, or regulation inconsistent with the rights, powers, and limitations set forth herein shall be null and void from the date this Constitution takes effect.

Section 3. All officers, civil and military, presently holding commissions or appointments under the government of the Empire at the time of this Constitution’s adoption shall continue in their respective offices until such time as they are lawfully reappointed, replaced, or removed in accordance with the provisions hereof. The oaths of office taken under prior law shall remain binding, but at the earliest lawful occasion each such officer shall reaffirm their oath or affirmation in the form prescribed by this Constitution.

Section 4. All institutions, courts, ministries, and agencies lawfully established prior to the adoption of this Constitution shall continue to operate unless and until altered or abolished in accordance with the provisions herein. Transitional measures necessary to ensure uninterrupted governance, the administration of justice, and the protection of rights shall be undertaken by the Emperor, in consultation with the Elder Council, until such time as the full machinery of government as prescribed by this Constitution is operational.

Section 5. No gap in governance or justice shall be presumed by reason of the adoption of this Constitution. In all cases where the transition from prior law to the law established herein may cause uncertainty, the Emperor, with the advice of the Elder Council, shall issue such interim directives as are necessary to preserve order, protect the rights of the people, and maintain the continuous operation of the state. Such interim directives shall remain in force only until the competent legislative or judicial body resolves the matter in accordance with this Constitution.

ARTICLE VIII – RATIFICATION

Section 1. This Constitution of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall be deemed duly ratified when it has been approved by a two-thirds vote of the full membership of the Elder Council, sitting in joint session, and thereafter affirmed by a majority of the Provinces through their duly constituted assemblies or councils. No Province shall be bound by this Constitution unless it has so ratified, except as provided in Section 4.

Section 2. Upon ratification by the required number of Provinces, this Constitution shall take full force and effect throughout the Empire on the first day of the month following the final act of ratification, unless a different effectuation date shall be fixed by the instrument of ratification itself. From that date forward, all governmental authority within the Empire shall be exercised in conformity with the provisions herein contained.

Section 3. The instrument of ratification adopted by each Province or body empowered to ratify shall be entered into the Imperial Archives, certified under the Great Seal of the Empire, and proclaimed by the Emperor to the people of the Empire.

Section 4. Provinces not assenting to this Constitution at the time of its initial ratification may, at any subsequent time, ratify it through the same procedure prescribed herein. Upon such ratification, the Constitution shall immediately apply within the territory of that Province, and all rights, duties, and obligations arising under it shall be binding.

Section 5. In order to preserve the unity and integrity of the Empire, the act of ratification shall be deemed irrevocable, save by a lawful amendment to this Constitution adopted in accordance with Article VI.

ARTICLE IX – THE ARTICLE OF RIGHTS

Section 1. Freedom of Conscience and Expression.
The Elder Council shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion, nor abridging the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the right of the people peaceably to assemble, or the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. These rights shall be preserved inviolate, save where their exercise constitutes a direct, imminent, and demonstrable threat to public safety, order, or the foundational principles of the Empire.

Section 2. Right to Bear Arms.
A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free Empire, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. This right shall extend to the ownership and responsible use of weapons appropriate for personal defense, militia service, sport, and technological development. Weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical, and biological arms, shall be reserved exclusively for Imperial or Provincial military forces. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit responsible citizens from owning automatic weapons, explosive ordnance, historical or decommissioned warships, or advanced personal armament, provided such ownership does not constitute an immediate and demonstrable threat to public safety or order. The manufacture, development, and innovation of arms and arms-related technology shall not be subject to arbitrary restriction under the pretext of safety or commercial regulation.

Section 3. Quartering of Troops.
No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war except in a manner prescribed by law consistent with the rights and dignity of the citizenry.

Section 4. Privacy and Security of Persons and Property.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, homes, vehicles, papers, data, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. No warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. The use of animals, mechanical devices, electronic tools, or non-visual sensory instruments to search a person’s belongings, vehicle, or premises shall not be permitted without explicit consent or lawful warrant. The “naked eye” standard shall govern all initial observations, and searches without consent shall be justified only by visible, articulable evidence of criminal activity or by imminent danger.

Section 5. Due Process of Law.
No citizen shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime except upon the presentment or indictment of a Grand Tribunal of Judges, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any property be taken for public use without just compensation.

Section 6. Right to a Speedy and Fair Trial.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial Tribunal of Judges drawn from the courts of proper jurisdiction. Such tribunals shall be composed of judges who have no direct conflict of interest and shall be bound to weigh evidence without prejudice. The accused shall be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, confronted with the witnesses against them, and afforded compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in their favor, as well as the assistance of counsel for their defense.

Section 7. Proportional Punishment and Justice.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed. Capital Punishments may be inflicted only when guilt is established beyond any shadow of a doubt, and only where the crime is of such irredeemable and grievous nature as to warrant such penalty. 

Section 8. Protection of Enumerated and Unenumerated Rights.
The enumeration of certain rights in this Constitution shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Rights arising from natural law, divine authority, or the historical customs of the Empire shall remain inviolate unless expressly relinquished by lawful amendment.

Section 9. Equal Protection of the Laws.
No Province, Territory, or subdivision thereof shall make or enforce any law that shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the Empire, nor shall any deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, consistent with the moral and constitutional order of the Empire.

Section 10. Powers Reserved to the Provinces and the People.
The powers not delegated to the Empire by this Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the Provinces, are reserved to the Provinces respectively, or to the people.

Section 11. Right to Self-Defense and Resistance to Tyranny.
All citizens of the Empire have the inherent right to defend their lives, liberty, property, and community against criminal aggression, invasion, tyranny, usurpation, or unjust authority, by all means consistent with justice and morality. This right shall not be abridged, nor shall any law be enacted that renders the people unable to resist such threats.

Section 12. Rights of Citizens and Non-Citizens.
Citizens of the Empire shall enjoy the full protection of this Article of Rights and all privileges guaranteed by this Constitution. Non-citizens and lawful visitors shall be entitled to the protection of life, liberty, and property in their possession, and to freedom from arbitrary detention, but shall not possess the rights of voting, holding public office, or unrestricted access to Imperial data, arms, or privileged institutions. Non-citizens shall not own property within Imperial territory beyond personal effects brought with them, and may enter only those zones designated for visitation. Any non-citizen found guilty of a crime under Imperial law shall be subject to immediate expulsion from the Empire without the necessity of trial.

Section 13. Protection Against Retroactive and Abusive Prosecution.
No law shall have retroactive effect so as to criminalize conduct that was lawful when committed, nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or liberty. No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against themselves, nor shall any confession, statement, or admission obtained by force, threat, coercion, or undue influence be admissible in any court of the Empire. All trials, investigations, and proceedings shall be conducted in a manner that upholds the dignity of the accused and the integrity of justice, safeguarding against the abuse of prosecutorial or judicial power.

ARTICLE X – THE GREAT PURGE

Section 1. Purpose and Principle.
The Great Purge is hereby established as a permanent constitutional mechanism to uphold the integrity, accountability, and renewal of public office within the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria. It shall serve to prevent the entrenchment of power, curtail systemic corruption, and ensure the periodic turnover of leadership without dependence upon legislative, executive, or judicial initiation.

Section 2. Interval and Triggers.
The Purge shall occur automatically upon the completion of two full terms in any office subject to its provisions. A “term” shall be defined as the constitutionally prescribed length of service for that office. For offices without fixed terms, a period of ten consecutive years shall be considered the equivalent of two terms.
The Purge operates on an individual basis, applying to each officeholder at the conclusion of their maximum permissible tenure, and shall not be delayed, suspended, or reset except as provided herein.

Section 3. Offices Subject to Purge.

The Purge shall apply to all major elected public offices and high-level unelected positions within the Imperial Government, including but not limited to ministers of the Imperial Cabinet, directors and heads of Imperial agencies and commissions, judges of the Imperial High Court and all subordinate Imperial courts, high-ranking military commanders at or above the level established by law, and senior administrators in Imperial or provincial service whose authority spans a province or greater jurisdiction. For the purposes of this Article, any substantially equivalent office—whether renamed, reclassified, or newly created—shall be deemed subject to the Purge if its powers, duties, or rank are materially the same as an office listed above.

Section 4. Nobility.
The hereditary dignity of nobility shall not be extinguished by the Purge. Nobles holding positions subject to the Purge shall be removed from such positions at the expiration of their term limits, but shall retain their noble title, rights, and privileges. Nobility exists to provide continuity within the Imperial structure and shall remain unaffected by the removal of any particular governmental or administrative office.

Section 5. Enforcement and Oversight.
The Elder Council shall maintain an official roster of all offices subject to the Purge, including dates of appointment, term duration, and calculated Purge date for each incumbent. No extension, deferral, or exemption may be granted to any individual subject to the Purge, and any attempt to evade, manipulate, or obstruct its execution shall be deemed an act of treason.

Section 6. Transition of Power.
Successors to Purged offices shall be appointed or elected, as applicable, prior to the effective Purge date to ensure uninterrupted governance. Where no successor is yet in place, the Emperor or Elder Council, as provided by law, shall appoint an interim officeholder to serve until a lawful successor assumes office.

Section 7. Special Provision for the Emperor.
The Imperial Throne shall not be subject to the Great Purge. However, the Emperor shall hold a constitutional duty to uphold the spirit of renewal embodied in this Article and shall refrain from enabling permanent entrenchment in those who serve beneath the Throne.

Article XI — The Council of Ecclesiarchs

The Council of Ecclesiarchs shall exist as the moral and spiritual advisory board of the Empire, entrusted with the sacred duty of offering ethical guidance and divine counsel to the Crown, the Elder Council, and all governing bodies. Its foundation shall be rooted in the Holy Bible and the Apostolic Pentecostal Doctrine, and its members shall be regarded as keepers of truth and righteousness. The Council shall not possess legislative, executive, or judicial authority, and no decree or proclamation of the Council shall carry the force of law; yet its voice shall be held in the highest esteem, as a moral compass for the life of the Empire.

The Council shall be composed of twelve Ecclesiarchs, each being a recognized pastor in good standing within the Apostolic Pentecostal faith. These Ecclesiarchs shall be elected directly by the citizens of the Empire and shall serve terms of six years in duration, with no individual permitted to serve more than two consecutive terms. Terms of office shall be aligned with the cycles of the Great Purge, and elections shall be conducted in accordance with the laws governing national suffrage.

The role of the Council shall be to advise the Emperor, the Elder Council, and the Houses of governance on all matters pertaining to morality, spiritual integrity, and righteousness in public affairs. The Council may issue formal proclamations of ethical concern, and may call the Empire to national prayer, repentance, or divine reflection. In fulfilling these duties, the Council shall remain independent of all governmental ministries, and shall be forbidden from legislating, adjudicating, allocating public funds, enforcing policies, or influencing the outcome of any election. Its proclamations, though non-binding in law, may hold great cultural and spiritual significance to the people of the Empire.

The Council shall meet in solemn assembly at least once annually within the Great Imperial Temple, and its seal shall bear the flame of Pentecost encircled by twelve stars. Any act of bribery, coercion, or corruption against an Ecclesiarch shall be deemed a high crime against the spirit of the Empire and punished accordingly under Imperial law. Vacancies within the Council shall be filled through a national election to be held within ninety days of the vacancy’s occurrence, except in times of emergency, when the Elder Council may appoint an interim Ecclesiarch who shall serve until the election is completed.

Article XII — Imperial Instruments of Authority

The Emperor shall possess the power to issue Imperial Decrees, which shall carry the full weight and effect of law, provided that no such decree shall conflict with the Constitution or with any ratified Act of the Elder Council. Imperial Decrees may be employed to enact immediate policies, administer the governance of the Empire, and execute the lawful will of the Crown throughout all territories and provinces.

In times of crisis, whether arising from war, rebellion, natural calamity, or any other grave threat to the survival, stability, or order of the Empire, the Emperor may invoke emergency powers. Such powers shall confer upon the Emperor temporary legislative and executive authority necessary to preserve the state and protect its people. Emergency powers shall expire after ninety days from the date of invocation unless formally extended by a two-thirds vote of the Elder Council.

The Emperor shall also retain ceremonial and discretionary powers, including the authority to declare Imperial holidays; to grant pardons and clemency; to bestow honors, orders, and titles of nobility; to summon or dissolve sessions of the Elder Council under extraordinary circumstances; and to resolve urgent matters of state through Royal Directives. Any such directive issued under urgency shall be subject to later review by the Elder Council to ensure conformity with the Constitution and the laws of the Empire.

The Emperor may, upon prayerful reflection and in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, issue an Edict of Divine Guidance. Such an edict shall serve as a non-binding spiritual declaration intended to guide the moral conscience of the Empire according to the divine principles of the Apostolic Pentecostal faith. While not enforceable by law, an Edict of Divine Guidance may inspire national observances, civic customs, and elements of the cultural identity of the Empire.

Article XIII — Imperial Ministries

The Executive Administration of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall be organized into no fewer than eleven Imperial Ministries, each serving as a principal instrument of governance, policy execution, and administrative coordination under the authority of the Imperial Crown. These ministries shall collectively form the backbone of the Empire’s executive apparatus, ensuring the efficient and faithful implementation of Imperial law and policy.

The Ministry of Defense shall be charged with the organization, command, and oversight of the Imperial Armed Forces, as well as the management of military infrastructure, strategic planning, and national defense readiness. The Ministry of Health shall oversee all matters of public health policy, medical care systems, sanitation standards, and the prevention and control of epidemics. The Ministry of Innovation shall coordinate and advance scientific research, technological development, patent management, and national development programs. The Ministry of Religion shall safeguard religious liberty, promote faith-based initiatives, and maintain cooperative relations with the Council of Ecclesiarchs in matters of moral and spiritual welfare. The Ministry of the Interior shall manage internal affairs, provincial relations, infrastructure development, civil administration, and the maintenance of public order within the Empire. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall conduct the diplomacy of the Empire, negotiate treaties, uphold international alliances, and represent the Empire before foreign powers and organizations. The Ministry of Labor shall regulate labor laws, enforce worker protections, shape employment policy, and oversee vocational training and workforce development. The Ministry of the Treasury shall direct Imperial revenue collection, taxation, fiscal policy, budgeting, and the administration of the Imperial Bank. The Ministry of Culture shall foster and preserve the arts, education, history, heritage, and the civic identity of the Empire. The Ministry of Intelligence shall safeguard the Empire’s security through the coordination of espionage, counterintelligence, and the identification and neutralization of threats to the state. The Ministry of Guild Affairs, also known as the Office of the Imperial Guildmaster, shall administer all matters relating to the Imperial Guild system, ensuring coordination with the Ministries of Innovation and Labor in the development, regulation, and oversight of guild activity across the Empire.

Each ministry shall be led by a Minister, appointed by the Emperor with the advice of the Senate, who shall serve as the representative of their ministry in the House of Royals. Ministers shall serve terms of eight years and may be reappointed for one additional consecutive term, subject to the limits established by the Article of the Great Purge. Subordinate officers and departmental staff shall be appointed by the Minister with Imperial approval.

Ministers shall be responsible for the faithful execution of all laws, directives, and decrees pertaining to their jurisdiction, for the oversight of policy development within their domain, and for reporting directly to the Emperor and Elder Council. Ministers may issue ministerial orders within the scope of their authority, provided such orders do not conflict with superior laws, the Constitution, or Imperial Decrees.

A Council of Ministries shall convene at least quarterly under the oversight of the Head Advisor to the Emperor, for the purpose of ensuring coordination, policy alignment, and the strategic unity of the Empire’s executive functions. Emergency sessions of the Council of Ministries may be convened at the call of the Emperor or the Head Advisor whenever circumstances require immediate deliberation and action.

Article XIV — The Head Advisor of the Empire

The Head Advisor must be a citizen of the Empire at least thirty years of age and in good moral and legal standing. The Head Advisor shall preside over meetings of the Council of Ministries and ensure unity and collaboration across all Imperial Ministries. The Head Advisor may serve as Acting Emperor in the event of the Emperor’s death, incapacitation, resignation, or removal from office until a new Emperor is properly enthroned or designated.

The Head Advisor shall represent the Crown during periods of absence or delegation as directed by Imperial Decree and coordinate communication and policy implementation between the Elder Council and Ministries. The Head Advisor may serve as the official Keeper of the Seal of the Empire, entrusted with verifying and authenticating state documents.

The Head Advisor may not simultaneously hold any other ministerial or judicial position upon assuming the powers of Acting Emperor. The office of Head Advisor shall be vacated and a successor nominated within thirty days. The Head Advisor shall serve a term of ten years and may serve no more than two consecutive terms, consistent with the provisions of the Great Purge.

The Head Advisor shall be subject to impeachment for high crimes, corruption, treason, or dereliction of duty in accordance with procedures established under Article III of the Constitution of the Fourth Edition and all other applicable provisions of this Constitution.

Article XV — Succession and Regency

In the event of the death, resignation, incapacitation, or unexplained disappearance of the Emperor, all Imperial authority shall temporarily devolve to the Head Advisor, who shall assume the role of Acting Emperor until a permanent successor is chosen in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

If no heir is apparent, or no designated successor has been named by the Emperor, a Regency Council shall be immediately convened to preserve the dignity and continuity of Imperial governance. The Regency Council shall be composed of the Head Advisor, who shall serve as Presiding Officer; the Lord Justice of the High Court; the Minister of the Interior; one Senator elected by majority vote of the Senate; one Royal elected by majority vote of the House of Royals; one Assemblyman elected by majority vote of the House of Assembly; and one Ecclesiarch selected by the Council of Ecclesiarchs.

The Regency Council shall exercise only caretaker powers necessary to maintain the stability and security of the Empire, and shall not possess full Imperial authority. It shall be expressly forbidden from enacting any irreversible changes to the constitutional framework or the fundamental structure of the Imperial Government.

A new Emperor shall be elected within ninety (90) days of the vacancy by a Super Electoral Assembly composed of all current members of the Elder Council, all current Provincial Governors or equivalent leaders, the Presiding Ecclesiarch, and the Lord Justice of the High Court. Each member shall possess one vote, and a two-thirds majority of all votes cast shall be required for confirmation. Should no candidate achieve this threshold within three ballots, the top two vote-getters shall proceed to a final runoff vote, the winner of which shall be confirmed as Emperor.

If the reigning Emperor has officially named an heir or successor by Imperial Decree, living will, or public proclamation, that individual shall be confirmed as Emperor immediately upon the vacancy, bypassing the electoral process unless vetoed by a two-thirds vote of the Elder Council within ten (10) days.

In the case of wartime, internal rebellion, or systemic collapse, the Regency Council may, by unanimous consent, extend its regency powers or delay the election of a new Emperor for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days, subject to review by the High Court.

Article XVI — Imperial Budget and Treasury Law

There shall be established an Imperial Treasury as the central financial authority of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria. The Imperial Treasury shall oversee the lawful collection, allocation, safekeeping, and auditing of all public funds, and shall report directly to the Emperor, the Head Advisor, and the Elder Council. It shall be administered by the Minister of the Treasury.

No legislative chamber within the Elder Council — including the Senate, the House of Royals, the House of Assembly, or any other constitutional body — shall receive disbursement of salaries, stipends, or other financial compensation unless and until an annual balanced budget is duly passed and enacted into law. A balanced budget shall be defined as one in which total expected revenues and income equal or exceed all projected expenditures. Surplus budgets shall be lawful and encouraged.

Deficits, shortfalls, or unfunded mandates are constitutionally prohibited, except when expressly authorized under a formally declared State of Emergency. Such a declaration must be issued by the Emperor and confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Elder Council.

Any financial surplus not immediately allocated shall be deposited into an Imperial Reserve Fund, which may be drawn upon only during a declared State of Emergency confirmed by two-thirds of the Elder Council, or for national investments, public infrastructure, or the payment of lawful public debts as approved by majority vote in all three Houses of the Elder Council.

There shall be created a Sovereign Wealth Fund to hold, invest, and grow Imperial surplus funds, nationalized profits, and other strategic holdings of the Empire. The purpose of this fund shall be to ensure long-term economic stability, intergenerational wealth, and financial independence of both the Crown and the people.

The Imperial Bank of Haskaria shall serve as the secure monetary institution for the management of state assets, the custody of public accounts, the issuance of sovereign currency, and the maintenance of reserve liquidity. The Imperial Bank shall operate independently from day-to-day political influence and shall be governed by a Board of Stewards appointed jointly by the Emperor and the Elder Council.

The Treasury shall publish an Annual Public Fiscal Report detailing all revenues, expenditures, debt obligations, reserve balances, and the complete balance sheet holdings of the Empire. Any deliberate attempt to withhold, falsify, or obscure the contents of this report shall result in immediate expulsion from office and prosecution for treason.

Article XVII — Immigration and Citizenship

All persons born within the recognized territorial provinces of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria to parents who are themselves citizens by birth of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria, or born abroad to at least one parent who is a Haskarian citizen at the time of birth, shall be deemed natural-born citizens of the Empire and shall be entitled to the full rights, protections, and obligations established by this Constitution.

Any non-citizen seeking to become a citizen of the Empire must undergo a formal process of naturalization. The requirements for naturalization shall include: lawful and peaceful residence within the Empire for a period of no fewer than five consecutive years; demonstrated knowledge of Imperial history, civic structure, and moral obligations; proficiency in at least one of the two recognized Imperial languages — English or Haskari, the native tongue of the Empire — with the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in the chosen language; successful completion of at least forty-seven weeks of instruction in Imperial history, law, and civics unless equivalent accredited coursework has been completed abroad; and a public oath of allegiance to the United Phoenix Empire and to the Emperor, administered before a naturalization tribunal appointed by the Elder Council.

Dual citizenship shall be permitted unless expressly prohibited by treaty or by Imperial national security law. In all legal matters within the territorial jurisdiction of the Empire, Imperial citizenship shall take precedence over all other national allegiances.

Revocation of citizenship may occur only through voluntary renunciation; proven acts of treason or high crimes against the Empire; or fraud committed in the naturalization process, as determined through lawful judicial proceedings and confirmed by the High Court. Natural-born citizens may not be denaturalized except in cases of confirmed treason or the willful adoption of a foreign allegiance that directly endangers the Empire.

The Emperor, with the advice of the Elder Council, may bestow honorary citizenship or titles of nobility upon distinguished individuals — whether foreign or domestic — in recognition of exceptional service, alliance, or virtue. Such honors shall not confer voting rights or eligibility for public office unless expressly granted by law.

Article XVIII — Electoral Law and Term Limits

No individual shall hold any single elected office for more than two consecutive terms as prescribed for that office. For elected officials, a term shall be defined by the duration set forth for their specific office under this Constitution or by law. No bureaucratic official shall serve in unelected government leadership roles for more than twenty total years across their lifetime of public service, whether consecutive or non-consecutive. No judicial officer of the High Court or other courts of record shall serve more than two six-year terms. Upon reaching the maximum duration of service, an individual shall enter honorable retirement from public office and shall not return to any political, bureaucratic, or judicial role unless explicitly permitted by national referendum, duly passed by a majority of voters and confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Elder Council.

General elections shall be held every four years for all elected offices unless otherwise provided in this Constitution. Emergency elections may be called by a two-thirds vote of the Elder Council or by Imperial Decree of the Emperor in the event of national crisis, governmental collapse, or vacancy of a critical office. All elections shall be conducted by secret ballot, free from coercion, fraud, or intimidation, and shall be open to all qualified citizens. Electoral oversight shall be vested in the Imperial Electoral Tribunal, an independent body charged with the supervision, certification, and adjudication of all election procedures and disputes.

All national-level popular elections shall utilize a ranked-choice voting system, whereby voters rank candidates in order of preference. Vote counting shall proceed in successive rounds of elimination, with the lowest-ranked candidates removed and their votes redistributed according to subsequent preferences, until one candidate achieves a majority.

The Emperor may appoint individuals to fill interim vacancies within the House of Royals, Ministries, or other essential offices, subject to confirmation by the Elder Council. Such interim appointments shall expire at the conclusion of the next general election cycle unless reaffirmed by a public vote or legislative confirmation in the respective chamber.

No person convicted of high treason or felonious crimes against the Empire shall be eligible for election to, or appointment in, public office unless granted a full pardon by the Emperor and confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Elder Council.

Article XIX — Digital and Data Rights

Every citizen of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall possess the inviolable right to privacy in all digital communications, personal data, and informational property. The Imperial Government shall not monitor, access, collect, or intercept any digital data—whether public or private—without a warrant issued upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and specifically describing the communications, files, or data to be seized.

Access to the Internet shall be recognized as a fundamental right necessary for communication, education, economic participation, and the exercise of civic duties. The Empire shall ensure that all citizens, including those in rural and underserved provinces, have affordable, secure, and reliable Internet access.

Citizens shall maintain full sovereignty over their digital footprint, including but not limited to browser history, purchase records, personal correspondence, biometric identifiers, and social media activity. No such data shall be used, transferred, sold, or otherwise distributed without the explicit, informed, and revocable consent of the individual to whom it belongs.

The use of surveillance technologies—including artificial intelligence, facial recognition, automated data scraping, and behavioral prediction systems—by any state actor shall be heavily restricted and subject to judicial oversight. No governmental body may deploy such technologies without special legislative authorization and annual renewal by both the High Court and the Elder Council.

The freedom of speech guaranteed under this Constitution shall extend fully to digital platforms. No Imperial law shall abridge online expression, publication, or communication except in cases where such speech incites imminent violence, commits treason, or presents a clear and severe danger to public safety.

The Empire shall maintain an Imperial Cyber Defense Corps tasked with preventing, detecting, and combating cybercrime, digital espionage, identity theft, and acts of infrastructural sabotage. Such operations shall be carried out with strict adherence to due process and with safeguards against abuses of power.

Every citizen shall have the right to encrypt their communications and store data using secure technologies. The development, possession, and use of encryption tools shall not be infringed or criminalized except where there is clear and proven criminal intent established in a court of law.

Non-citizen residents and visitors shall be entitled to basic rights of digital privacy and due process within the Empire; however, they shall not possess the same degree of data protection, speech liberties, or encryption guarantees as Imperial citizens.

Article XX — Environmental and Basic Sustenance Rights

Section 1 — Right to Food and Water
All citizens of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall possess the right to adequate nourishment and clean drinking water. This right shall not be infringed except as a lawful criminal punishment, in which case the provision of sustenance may be reduced to the minimum standard of bread and water, but never denied entirely.

Section 2 — Right to Clean Air and Natural Resources
All citizens shall be guaranteed access to clean, breathable air. The Empire shall safeguard the natural environment and air quality of all provinces through proactive legislation, environmental stewardship programs, and industrial regulation designed to prevent degradation of public health or natural resources.

Section 3 — Right to Means of Production
Citizens shall have the right to own, operate, and maintain personal means of producing food, water, and energy for private use, including but not limited to home gardens, wells, small-scale farms, and renewable energy systems. This right shall be subject only to reasonable regulations for public health, safety, and environmental preservation.

Section 4 — Right to Own Livestock and Domestic Animals
The ownership of domestic animals, whether for companionship or agricultural purposes, shall be protected under Imperial law. Provincial authorities may establish regulations to ensure public safety and animal welfare, but shall not prohibit reasonable personal animal husbandry or pet ownership. Dangerous or exotic animals that pose a substantial threat to human life or native ecosystems may be prohibited or restricted.

Section 5 — Environmental Stewardship
Landowners within the Empire are recognized as stewards of their property, holding both rights and obligations to maintain its health, productivity, and safety. The willful poisoning, contamination, or neglect of land, water, or air under one’s care, resulting in substantial harm to the environment, public health, or agricultural production, shall be subject to strict penalties under Imperial law. The Empire shall promote responsible environmental management through public education, incentives for sustainable practices, and the protection of natural ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.

Article XXI — The Imperial Economic Charter

The United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall uphold and protect an economic order founded upon the principles of Guildonomics, a national workforce initiative structured through a federation of autonomous yet interlinked professional guilds, cooperatives, and independent free agents. This framework shall serve as the cornerstone of Imperial economic life, balancing the integrity of a free market with the stability and mutual benefit of organized labor networks.

Guilds within the Empire shall operate as semi-public institutions, chartered to advance the prosperity, skills, and independence of the national workforce. They shall exist to support independent laborers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and artisans while fostering economic cooperation and protecting the dignity of work. Each guild shall function as a resource hub, offering its members access to educational and vocational training, arbitration and dispute resolution, professional licensing and accreditation, workforce coordination and security measures, and legal assistance relevant to their profession.

Membership in any guild shall remain strictly voluntary. Every citizen shall retain the unqualified right to form, work for, join, or operate outside of any guild structure without fear of coercion, penalty, or denial of economic opportunity. No guild, cooperative, or professional body shall exercise monopolistic or coercive authority over non-members, and the right of all citizens to engage freely in lawful enterprise shall remain inviolate under Imperial law.

Guilds may collect dues, fees, or voluntary membership contributions for the purpose of sustaining their operations and delivering member services. Each guild shall establish internal governance structures consistent with Imperial labor law and the terms of its charter, ensuring transparent decision-making and accountability to its membership. All guilds shall be subject to periodic audit and oversight by the Imperial Ministry of Labor and Commerce to ensure compliance with national economic policy and the principles of Guildonomics. The Elder Council shall retain authority to enact laws, delegate powers, and issue charters governing guild conduct, inter-guild cooperation, conflict resolution, and economic regulation, provided that such enactments remain consistent with the free market protections enshrined in this Constitution.

Article XXII — Entitlements and Rewards for Nobility

The Hall of Nobility, housed within the Imperial Cathedral, shall stand as a sacred monument to those whose service, sacrifice, and leadership have shaped the destiny of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria. Within its walls, the names, deeds, and lineages of all persons holding the rank of Baron or higher shall be permanently inscribed, ensuring that their honor is preserved for all generations. This Hall shall serve not merely as a record of titles, but as a living testament to the covenant between the Crown and its nobility, binding them together in service to the Empire.

Knights of the Empire and Imperial Laureates, though not inscribed upon the walls of the Hall of Nobility, shall nonetheless be preserved within the genealogical vaults of the Empire. Such individuals may, upon qualification, be interred in the Memorial Grounds or the Hall of Heroes—ceremonial resting places reserved for those of military, civil, or heroic distinction. All nobles, regardless of rank, shall have their genealogical records preserved in the Imperial Official Archives. They shall be entitled to a formal decoration, uniform, or emblem befitting their station, and shall receive recognition in the annual Imperial Honor Ceremonies.

Entitlements of the nobility may include priority access to national services and ceremonial appointments, the right to state-funded education for their descendants, and the designated use of Imperial transportation and lodging during official state functions. Certain ranks shall receive additional privileges: Barons through Dukes shall be entitled to ceremonial seating at Imperial events, the grant of a private estate within the capital, and a lifetime stipend drawn from the Imperial Treasury. Members of these ranks holding hereditary titles within the peerage shall also enjoy reserved seats in the House of Royals, as prescribed elsewhere in this Constitution.

Imperial Laureates shall be entitled to an annual research and development grant for approved projects deemed of national or cultural significance. Their major works shall be guaranteed publication and archival within the Imperial Archives, ensuring their contributions to science, culture, and the arts remain preserved in perpetuity. All nobles shall be eligible for Imperial Service Medals, lifetime national health coverage, and, where applicable, lifetime housing within the capital city, in recognition of their ongoing service to the Empire.

In the granting of noble rank, the Emperor shall act in accordance with law and custom, bestowing honor not as a reward for privilege, but as the recognition of extraordinary merit, loyalty, and achievement in the service of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria.

Article XXIII — Imperial Holidays, Honors, and National Symbols

The United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria shall establish and preserve a series of sacred holidays commemorating its history, people, and divine mission. These holidays shall serve as national days of rest, reflection, and celebration, and shall be shielded from commercial desecration or dilution. Among these recognized days are the Day of Ascension, marking the founding of the Empire and the Coronation of the First Emperor; the Remembrance of the Phoenix, honoring all who have fallen in battle, service, or sacrifice to the nation; the Founders’ Vigil, commemorating the ratification of the Constitution and the labors of the Constitutional Convention; the Civic Service Day, dedicated to voluntary action, community repair, and honorable deeds; and the Divine Light Festival, celebrating divine providence, national revival, and the moral foundations of the Empire. Additional Imperial Holidays may be created by law of the Elder Council, subject to ceremonial declaration by the Emperor.

The Empire shall maintain an Imperial Honors System to recognize meritorious service, national advancement, valor, scholarship, invention, and moral excellence. Such awards shall be conferred by the Emperor in an official capacity or granted upon nomination by the Elder Council. Distinctions within this system include, but are not limited to, the Medal of the Empire for both civilian and military distinction; the Star of Haskaria for cultural or scientific innovation; the Order of the Phoenix Flame for lifelong national service; and the Imperial Laurel for artistic or literary excellence. Each honor shall be accompanied by a certificate of dignity, ceremonial regalia, and entry into the Registry of the Honored, to be preserved in perpetuity within the Imperial Archives.

The sacred emblems of the Empire shall be protected from desecration in every form. These emblems include the Imperial Flag, the national banner of the United Phoenix Empire; the National Crest, bearing the image of the Phoenix Ascendant as a symbol of rebirth, honor, and divine inspiration; the Imperial Anthem, a hymn of unity and solemnity played at all state events and official gatherings; and the Great Seal of the Empire, affixed to all official treaties, Imperial decrees, and documents of national significance. No person shall forge, deface, or misappropriate the national symbols of Haskaria for unworthy or commercial purposes, and the penalties for such offenses shall be determined by law.

The custodianship of all national symbols and holidays shall rest with the Ministry of Culture in coordination with the Office of the Emperor. This responsibility shall include the preservation and maintenance of design standards; the authorized distribution of official emblems; the hosting of national ceremonies; and the promotion of education among citizens regarding the meaning, history, and proper respect due to these symbols. All institutions, both public and private, shall render due reverence to the symbols of the Empire, and the people of Haskaria shall be instructed in their significance from their earliest years.

Article XXIV — The Holy Feast of the Crowned Christ

The Holy Feast of the Crowned Christ shall be observed each year on the day of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and shall be recognized as the supreme holy solemnity of the United Phoenix Empire of Haskaria. It shall commemorate the eternal Kingship of Jesus Christ and affirm the submission of all temporal authority to His divine rule.

On this day, the Emperor shall, in ceremonial reverence, proceed to the Holy Cross in the City Square and there remove the Imperial Crown, placing it upon the Cross in solemn submission. This act shall stand as a visible and enduring declaration that all earthly sovereignty is subjugated to Christ, the King of kings. In accordance with the example of the Lord Jesus, the Emperor shall also perform the washing of feet for the humble and personally serve the least among the people, demonstrating the divine principle of servant-leadership. No act of honor shall be withheld from the lowly, and no office shall stand so high that it cannot kneel.

A public banquet shall be prepared and held in every province of the Empire, with places of honor reserved for the poor, the orphaned, the widowed, and the stranger. On this day, the royal household and the ministers of state shall serve the people directly, without preference or reserve. The Council of Ecclesiarchs shall lead the Empire in prayer, repentance, and spiritual reflection, and all ministries and public institutions shall join in acts of humility, charity, and reverence, offering their service and worship in unison with the throne.

This observance shall remain as an enduring covenant of the Haskarian state: that no crown shall rise above the Cross, and that the Empire, its throne, and its people belong first to the Lord Jesus Christ, Sovereign and Savior of all.