Wasserbrueck to write new constitution

The canton of Wasserbrueck will hopefully have a completed written constitution in time for the adoption of the new Federal Constitution in the coming months. The constitution will be drafted by means of consensus democracy by the local population.

The four cantons of Francisville are each required to adopt their own constitutional structure. The proposed Federal Constitution demands that this conform to a democratic, secular, republican state. Additionally, the cantons must guarantee membership in the Federation, protection of fundamental human rights, and the availability of direct democracy in a number of specific circumstances.

Wasserbrueck is likely to remain a full direct democracy, with all legislative proposals being drawn up by the executive and submitted to a popular vote. A question has been raised concerning the structure of the executive branch of government. It is possible that this will consist of an administrative cabinet led by the office of the First Minister of Wasserbrueck, but Jamie Sutherland has suggested that the canton could be government by a directorial Executive Council in a similar form to the Federation.

The structure of local government is also undecided. Wasserbrueck has recently been divided, unofficially, into the three burghs of Kiirchbuerg, Ennerau, and Gréngefeld but this level of administration has has no authority so far. As the largest canton in Francisville, Wasserbrueck’s districts could have populations larger than those of other cantons, making this level of government feasible.

Before these issues can be addressed, citizens will be required to register their residency in one of the four cantons. This issue affects Wasserbrueck and New Scireland in particular as they consist of the territory of the former Duchy, yet no decision on population division has yet been reached.

A draft copy of the constitution will be submitted to the citizens of Wasserbrueck by the end of the month. The Federal Constitution is scheduled to be completed in a similar time.