Legislative Branch
Legislative Branch
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The Legislative Branch of the kingdom is an ancient, time-honored body that predates even the Executive and Judicial. Hailing to the earliest days of Norelvan history, after the founding of the city, it originally consisted of a single house of representatives voted by the people, who would provide their input to the king and present their concerns. The first hints of a bicameral system existed in the somewhat illicit counsel provided by the leaders of the Great Houses in secret to the king. A proper system was developed around 250, codifying the informal system into a true legislative body. As such, Norelva functions on an imperfect bicameralism. The People's Council is the lower house, while the High Chamber is the higher house.
The symbol of the Legislative Branch of the Kingdom's government.
The People's Council
Functioning as a directly elected body of representatives, the People's Council, or the Council for short, is the main legislative body of the nation. The Council proposes new legislation, approves the budget, represents the will of the citizens and debates pressing issues. The latter sees action both in the Council floor and special committees, sometimes including experts in the subject of interest. Since its founding, the Council has remained a staunchly diverse, inclusive body that has, time and time again, refused to budge to external pressures and lobbying. In 548, an example was made of a Council member who had accepted a hefty bribe in exchange for pushing the interests of a rather famous construction company: in a unanimous vote, the entire chamber elected to enact a lifetime ban and a removal from electoral lists. Although they did not technically have the power to do so, a law was swiftly passed and approved to give them this competence.
The Council is voted every five years, albeit a special election can be called by Royal Decree in cases of emergency or crisis. Every citizen above the legally registered age of adulthood (varying race by race) is allowed to vote, and votes are cast typically in schools, auditoriums and other large public life centers. During election days, politicians on the electoral list are not allowed to make public remarks and are essentially asked to remain silent and wait for the public's opinion. Citizens are able to cast their vote for up to two parties and one representative within one of those parties if they so wish, or vote for a single independent candidate. The number of members of the Council is 200.
The High Chamber
The High Chamber of Norelva is made up of 25 members. These members are picked directly by the king due to their involvement in public life, noteworthy achievements, excellency or wisdom or otherwise importance to the nation. Members of the chamber, typically called High Representatives or High Speakers, are often Council politicians, notable public figures (generals, veterans, leaders of associations and unions) and experts. They are picked every five years, coinciding with Council elections*.
Contrary to the Council, the High Chamber cannot initiate the legislative process. Instead, it serves as a filter and an advisory body to the lower house. The Chamber can amend and technically, it can veto or block legislation altogether. Mostly, it provides input, amendments and scrutinizes the work of the Council: the veto power has so far been used once. The High Chamber is generally regarded as the "older brother" of the Council, made up of elders and experts that guide the works of the Council to the best outcome. For citizens, it is considered an honor to be chosen for the High Chamber, and the secretive selection process that begins as soon as the elections conclude dissuades politicians from running specifically for the High Chamber. Instead, every citizen is urged to do their best for the community, so that they may be selected.
* This development is rather new, after complaints that "lifelong duty" is a vastly different concept between races like elves and humans.
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