Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Mar 5, 2010 5:53:35 GMT -6
The purpose and structure of parliament in the Gaelic Nations underwent a significant transformation under the reign of Adam I. Originally its methods were primarily medieval and the monarch still had inarguable dominion over the decisions. According to Adam, ‘there was created a revised machinery of government whose principle was bureaucratic organization in the place of the personal control of the King’s estate. The power of the monarch was considerably lessened, instead becoming the rule of 'King-in-Parliament', a balanced fusion of the two bodies in order to establish a more effective course of reign. This was the basis of the first ever constitutional monarchy.
Adam’s Reformation gave parliament unlimited power over the country, and authority over every matter, be it social, economic, political or even religious; it legalized the Reformation, officially and indisputably. The King had to rule through the council, not over it, and there had to be mutual agreement when creating or passing laws, changing religions or adjusting taxes. The monarch no longer had sole control over the country, though as King, he retained certain powers autonomily.
The effectiveness of parliament considerably increased. It gave the country an unprecedented stability when dealing with dynastic complications, such the lack of a suitable heir. When an acceptable monarch was not available, the changes in government meant that the country could still run efficiently through the parliament, without having to succumb to civil war. Management and organization was also improved and parliamentary procedure was documented, statutes printed. The fact that the monarch was suddenly dependent on another political body meant that decisions were more thoroughly considered and the rash whims of kings were trivialized and reduced. A King could not establish supremacy by proclamation; he needed the parliament to enforce statute, to add felonies and treasons. One of the main liberties of parliament was its freedom of speech; Adam allowed anything to be spoken openly within parliament and the speakers were not allowed to be arrested. Despite this fact however, parliament held very little objection to the desires of the monarch, and under Adam's reign it complied willingly to the majority of the Kings' decisions.
The Griffin form of government is established under a hereditary head of state with executive authority. In the Gaelic Nations, many important governmental actions are done 'on behalf of' the King. These are generally things which remain within the Royal Prerogative. These powers are diverse: for example they include:
(a) appointment of Generals, Admirals, or Marshals of the military
(b) control all the armed forces
(c) declare war
(d) give medals
(e) call and dismiss Parliament
(f) pass (or refuse to pass) Acts of Parliament
(g) carry out all criminal prosecutions
(h) control police forces
(i) appoint judges and
(j) to pardon.
However, such activities are generally done by him directly and the Queen may carry out these functions independent of the King in his stead. In addition, the King or Queen cannot be prosecuted for any criminal offence or be required to give testimony in court.
As some Skye historians described it, 'King and Parliament were not separate entities, but a single body, of which the monarch was the senior partner and the Clerics, Lords, and the Commons the lesser, but still essential, members.'
The Parliament of the Gaelic Nations, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the legislature of the realms of the Gaelic Nations.
The members were collectively referred to as the Three Houses, composed of:
• the House of Prelates (bishops and abbots) with a 25% vote…
• the House of of Lairds (Governors, clan lairds and standing tanists) with a 25% vote…
• the House of Commons (Knights and representatives chosen by the people) with a 50% vote…
NOTE: any issues resulting in a tied vote shall be referred to the King for final decision
From the time of Cináed I, the Scottish kingdom was ruled by chieftains, all offices being filled through selection by an assembly under a system known as tanistry which combined a hereditary element with the consent of those ruled. Usually the candidate was nominated by the current office holder on the approach of death, and his heir-elect was known as the tanist. Under the influence of Norman settlers in Scotland, primogeniture was adopted as the means of succession. These early assemblies cannot be considered 'parliaments' in the later sense of the word, and were entirely separate from the later, Norman-influenced, institution.
Primogeniture is the right, by law or custom, of the first-born to inherit the entire estate, to the exclusion of younger siblings. Historically, the term implied male primogeniture, to the exclusion of females. According to the Aberdeen amended laws, Primogeniture first noted was any legalized document that explained the deceased’s wishes… if none were available, the first-born inherited the entirety of a parent's wealth, estate, title or office and then would be responsible for any further passing of the inheritance to his siblings. In the absence of children, inheritance passed to the collateral relatives, in order of seniority of those collateral lines.
The Gaelic Parliament under the King is prescribed with a political and judicial role. The attendance of knights and freeholders had become important, and consisted of The Three Houses; of clerics, lay tenants-in-chief and representatives chosen by the people sitting in a single chamber. The Gaelic Parliament acquired significant powers over particular issues. Most obviously it was needed for consent for taxation, but it also had a strong influence over justice, foreign policy, war, and all manner of other legislation, whether political, ecclesiastical, social or economic. Parliamentary business is conducted in Blue Castle in Turas Lan. Members of Parliament meet every six months or when convened by the King.
The Parliament's official seat is Turas Lan; but two other locations have been designated as viable secondary locations, one in Stornoway, the Trade Capital, and one on mainland Scotland in Edinburgh, the historic capital. The Parliament of the Gaelic Nations is the only assembly in the world with more than one meeting place.
Parliamentary Actions
• The Chair of Parliament shall be the King’s Representative. The chair should be strictly impartial.
• All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations.
• The majority has the right to decide.
• The minority has rights which must be protected.
• Parliamentary procedure exists to facilitate the transaction of business and to promote cooperation and harmony.
• A quorum must be present for the group to act.
• Full and free discussion of every motion considered is a basic right.
• Only one question at a time can be considered at any given time.
• Members have the right to know at all times what the immediately pending question is, and to have it restated before a vote is taken.
• No member can speak until recognized by the chair.
• No one can speak a second time on the same question as long as another wants to speak a first time.
Handling a Motion
Three steps by which a motion is brought before the group
1. A member makes a motion.
2. Another member seconds the motion.
3. The chair states the question on the motion.
Three steps in the consideration of a motion
1. The members debate the motion (unless no member claims the floor for that purpose).
2. The chair puts the question to a vote.
A. The chair restates the question.
B. The chair takes the vote:
"All in favor of the motion, say aye."
"Those opposed, say nay."
3. The chair announces the result of a vote. A complete announcement should include:
A. Report on the voting itself, stating which side prevailed (and giving the count if a count prevailed).
B. Declaration that the motion is adopted or lost.
C. Statement indicating the effect of the vote or ordering its execution.
D. Where applicable, announcement of the next item of business or stating the question of the next motion that consequently comes up for a vote.
Voting
Basic Methods of Voting
• Voice vote - A vote by voice is the regular method of voting on any question that does not require more than a majority vote for its adoption.
• Rising vote - Used principally when a voice vote has produced an inconclusive result and as the normal method of voting on motions requiring a two-thirds vote, members indicate their vote by standing.
• Show of hands - As an alternative to the voice vote or as a way to verify an inconclusive result, members show their vote by raising their hand. A vote by show of hands should be limited to very small meetings.
Other methods which may be ordered:
• Ballot - Voting by ballot is used when secrecy of the member's votes is desired. Voting by ballot is sometimes required in certain cases by the bylaws of an organization. Any vote relating to charges or proposed charges against a member or an officer should always be by ballot.
• Roll call - A roll call vote has the effect of placing on record how each member votes. It should not be used when members are not responsible to a constituency.
Bases for determining a voting result
• Majority vote - The basic requirement for approval for action, except where a rule provides otherwise, is a majority vote. The term "majority" means "more than half," excluding blanks and abstentions, at a properly called meeting with a quorum.
• Two-thirds vote - Two-thirds vote means at least two-thirds of the votes cast, excluding blanks and abstentions, at a properly called meeting with a quorum.
Modifications
• Majority of members present (or two-thirds of . . .)
• Majority of entire membership (or two-thirds of . . .)
Rules Governing Debate
The term debate applies to the discussion on the merits of a pending question.
1. A member may not speak until recognized by the chair.
2. When no special rule relating to the length of speeches is adopted by the group, a member can speak as long as he can stand. When a special rule is invoked, no speaker can speak longer than one turn of the hour glass.
3. Rights in debate are not transferable. A member cannot yield an unexpired portion of his/her time to another member (the chair controls who speaks) or reserve any portion of time for later.
4. No member may be allowed to speak more than twice to the same question on the same day.
5. Proper decorum in debate must be observed:
• Remarks must be germane to the question before the group.
• Speakers should speak loudly and clearly.
• Speakers should refrain from attacking another member's motives.
• Remarks should be addressed through the chair.
• Speakers should stand when speaking.
• No one is to disturb another in his speech by hissing, coughing, spitting, speaking or whispering to another, etc.
• If any member objects, a speaker has no right to read from or to have the secretary read from any paper or book as part of his/her speech, without permission of the assembly.
Adam’s Reformation gave parliament unlimited power over the country, and authority over every matter, be it social, economic, political or even religious; it legalized the Reformation, officially and indisputably. The King had to rule through the council, not over it, and there had to be mutual agreement when creating or passing laws, changing religions or adjusting taxes. The monarch no longer had sole control over the country, though as King, he retained certain powers autonomily.
The effectiveness of parliament considerably increased. It gave the country an unprecedented stability when dealing with dynastic complications, such the lack of a suitable heir. When an acceptable monarch was not available, the changes in government meant that the country could still run efficiently through the parliament, without having to succumb to civil war. Management and organization was also improved and parliamentary procedure was documented, statutes printed. The fact that the monarch was suddenly dependent on another political body meant that decisions were more thoroughly considered and the rash whims of kings were trivialized and reduced. A King could not establish supremacy by proclamation; he needed the parliament to enforce statute, to add felonies and treasons. One of the main liberties of parliament was its freedom of speech; Adam allowed anything to be spoken openly within parliament and the speakers were not allowed to be arrested. Despite this fact however, parliament held very little objection to the desires of the monarch, and under Adam's reign it complied willingly to the majority of the Kings' decisions.
The Griffin form of government is established under a hereditary head of state with executive authority. In the Gaelic Nations, many important governmental actions are done 'on behalf of' the King. These are generally things which remain within the Royal Prerogative. These powers are diverse: for example they include:
(a) appointment of Generals, Admirals, or Marshals of the military
(b) control all the armed forces
(c) declare war
(d) give medals
(e) call and dismiss Parliament
(f) pass (or refuse to pass) Acts of Parliament
(g) carry out all criminal prosecutions
(h) control police forces
(i) appoint judges and
(j) to pardon.
However, such activities are generally done by him directly and the Queen may carry out these functions independent of the King in his stead. In addition, the King or Queen cannot be prosecuted for any criminal offence or be required to give testimony in court.
As some Skye historians described it, 'King and Parliament were not separate entities, but a single body, of which the monarch was the senior partner and the Clerics, Lords, and the Commons the lesser, but still essential, members.'
The Parliament of the Gaelic Nations, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the legislature of the realms of the Gaelic Nations.
The members were collectively referred to as the Three Houses, composed of:
• the House of Prelates (bishops and abbots) with a 25% vote…
• the House of of Lairds (Governors, clan lairds and standing tanists) with a 25% vote…
• the House of Commons (Knights and representatives chosen by the people) with a 50% vote…
NOTE: any issues resulting in a tied vote shall be referred to the King for final decision
From the time of Cináed I, the Scottish kingdom was ruled by chieftains, all offices being filled through selection by an assembly under a system known as tanistry which combined a hereditary element with the consent of those ruled. Usually the candidate was nominated by the current office holder on the approach of death, and his heir-elect was known as the tanist. Under the influence of Norman settlers in Scotland, primogeniture was adopted as the means of succession. These early assemblies cannot be considered 'parliaments' in the later sense of the word, and were entirely separate from the later, Norman-influenced, institution.
Primogeniture is the right, by law or custom, of the first-born to inherit the entire estate, to the exclusion of younger siblings. Historically, the term implied male primogeniture, to the exclusion of females. According to the Aberdeen amended laws, Primogeniture first noted was any legalized document that explained the deceased’s wishes… if none were available, the first-born inherited the entirety of a parent's wealth, estate, title or office and then would be responsible for any further passing of the inheritance to his siblings. In the absence of children, inheritance passed to the collateral relatives, in order of seniority of those collateral lines.
The Gaelic Parliament under the King is prescribed with a political and judicial role. The attendance of knights and freeholders had become important, and consisted of The Three Houses; of clerics, lay tenants-in-chief and representatives chosen by the people sitting in a single chamber. The Gaelic Parliament acquired significant powers over particular issues. Most obviously it was needed for consent for taxation, but it also had a strong influence over justice, foreign policy, war, and all manner of other legislation, whether political, ecclesiastical, social or economic. Parliamentary business is conducted in Blue Castle in Turas Lan. Members of Parliament meet every six months or when convened by the King.
The Parliament's official seat is Turas Lan; but two other locations have been designated as viable secondary locations, one in Stornoway, the Trade Capital, and one on mainland Scotland in Edinburgh, the historic capital. The Parliament of the Gaelic Nations is the only assembly in the world with more than one meeting place.
Parliamentary Actions
• The Chair of Parliament shall be the King’s Representative. The chair should be strictly impartial.
• All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations.
• The majority has the right to decide.
• The minority has rights which must be protected.
• Parliamentary procedure exists to facilitate the transaction of business and to promote cooperation and harmony.
• A quorum must be present for the group to act.
• Full and free discussion of every motion considered is a basic right.
• Only one question at a time can be considered at any given time.
• Members have the right to know at all times what the immediately pending question is, and to have it restated before a vote is taken.
• No member can speak until recognized by the chair.
• No one can speak a second time on the same question as long as another wants to speak a first time.
Handling a Motion
Three steps by which a motion is brought before the group
1. A member makes a motion.
2. Another member seconds the motion.
3. The chair states the question on the motion.
Three steps in the consideration of a motion
1. The members debate the motion (unless no member claims the floor for that purpose).
2. The chair puts the question to a vote.
A. The chair restates the question.
B. The chair takes the vote:
"All in favor of the motion, say aye."
"Those opposed, say nay."
3. The chair announces the result of a vote. A complete announcement should include:
A. Report on the voting itself, stating which side prevailed (and giving the count if a count prevailed).
B. Declaration that the motion is adopted or lost.
C. Statement indicating the effect of the vote or ordering its execution.
D. Where applicable, announcement of the next item of business or stating the question of the next motion that consequently comes up for a vote.
Voting
Basic Methods of Voting
• Voice vote - A vote by voice is the regular method of voting on any question that does not require more than a majority vote for its adoption.
• Rising vote - Used principally when a voice vote has produced an inconclusive result and as the normal method of voting on motions requiring a two-thirds vote, members indicate their vote by standing.
• Show of hands - As an alternative to the voice vote or as a way to verify an inconclusive result, members show their vote by raising their hand. A vote by show of hands should be limited to very small meetings.
Other methods which may be ordered:
• Ballot - Voting by ballot is used when secrecy of the member's votes is desired. Voting by ballot is sometimes required in certain cases by the bylaws of an organization. Any vote relating to charges or proposed charges against a member or an officer should always be by ballot.
• Roll call - A roll call vote has the effect of placing on record how each member votes. It should not be used when members are not responsible to a constituency.
Bases for determining a voting result
• Majority vote - The basic requirement for approval for action, except where a rule provides otherwise, is a majority vote. The term "majority" means "more than half," excluding blanks and abstentions, at a properly called meeting with a quorum.
• Two-thirds vote - Two-thirds vote means at least two-thirds of the votes cast, excluding blanks and abstentions, at a properly called meeting with a quorum.
Modifications
• Majority of members present (or two-thirds of . . .)
• Majority of entire membership (or two-thirds of . . .)
Rules Governing Debate
The term debate applies to the discussion on the merits of a pending question.
1. A member may not speak until recognized by the chair.
2. When no special rule relating to the length of speeches is adopted by the group, a member can speak as long as he can stand. When a special rule is invoked, no speaker can speak longer than one turn of the hour glass.
3. Rights in debate are not transferable. A member cannot yield an unexpired portion of his/her time to another member (the chair controls who speaks) or reserve any portion of time for later.
4. No member may be allowed to speak more than twice to the same question on the same day.
5. Proper decorum in debate must be observed:
• Remarks must be germane to the question before the group.
• Speakers should speak loudly and clearly.
• Speakers should refrain from attacking another member's motives.
• Remarks should be addressed through the chair.
• Speakers should stand when speaking.
• No one is to disturb another in his speech by hissing, coughing, spitting, speaking or whispering to another, etc.
• If any member objects, a speaker has no right to read from or to have the secretary read from any paper or book as part of his/her speech, without permission of the assembly.
