The Grand Assembly
Structure
Noble Chamber
- Noblemen: The Noble Chamber primarily comprises noblemen who inherit their positions within the chamber. This inheritance typically occurs through familial lines, with the incumbent nobleman nominating a successor if necessary. The monarch can appoint a nobleman to represent the respective county without a clear successor.
- County Councils: Noblemen are supported by county councils, consisting of elected local officials who handle local governance matters. County council members do not participate in the Grand Assembly's formal proceedings but play a vital role in representing local interests.
Ecclesiastical Chamber
- Clergy: The Ecclesiastical Chamber is exclusively comprised of members of the Angelism clergy. These individuals are elected to represent the chamber by their fellow clergy members. It's important to note that only male clergy members are eligible for participation in the Ecclesiastical Chamber, aligning with the requirement for males in the clergy.
Monarchy
- Monarch's Role: The monarch is pivotal in the Grand Assembly. While it is customary for the monarchy to approve motions discussed within the assembly, they retain the authority to veto any motion, exercising this power at their discretion. The monarch's approval is often seen as the final step in the legislative process.
- Conflict Resolution: In disagreements or conflicts during assembly sessions, the resolution falls under the purview of the speaker. The speaker is chosen from the Noble or Ecclesiastical Chamber by the monarch and holds significant authority in representing the assembly's interests, particularly when the monarch is absent. The monarch also possesses the authority to resolve conflicts directly, holding ultimate decision-making power.
Culture
Rituals
- The Royal Opening of the Grand Assembly: An elaborate ceremony marking the commencement of a new parliamentary session, featuring the monarch's arrival in a horse-drawn carriage to deliver the King's Speech in the Grand Assembly Hall, accompanied by the Royal Crown and the Sword of Leric.
- Thrice Bars: During the Royal Opening, chamber heads tap their ceremonial sticks together, exchange them, and place them on either side of the central table.
- Speaker's Procession: New speakers, arriving in carriages matching the King's, announce their role and receive homage from clergy and nobility.
- Ceremonial Robes: Members wear ornate robes during formal occasions adorned with office symbols.
- Dissolution: Marks the end of a session, accompanied by removing Leric's sword from the Grand Assembly, suspending parliamentary authority.
- Royal Gallery: Contains portraits of past monarchs and figures, symbolising historical continuity.
Conservatism
- Reverence for Tradition: A culture deeply committed to preserving established customs and practices, cautious about embracing change.
- Limited Political Parties: While liberal and conservative sects exist, official political parties are discouraged, promoting unity over divisive politics.
- Minimal Public Engagement: Public involvement is restricted, with concerns channelled through county councils, favouring governance by experienced authorities.
Angelism Influence
- Religious Influence: Angelism exerts a profound impact, with many Ecclesiastical Chamber members devout followers, shaping moral perspectives and discussions.
- Communal Prayers: Each sitting day begins with prayers, reflecting Angelism's historical role in Favontille governance, compulsory for all.
Respect for Hierarchy
- Hierarchical Protocol: A core pillar of culture, emphasising unwavering respect for hierarchy, with strict protocols in addressing individuals based on their titles and positions.
- Inheritance and Nomination: The Noble Chamber values inheritance, preserving lineage and continuity, with nominations by previous incumbents further reinforcing tradition.
- King's Ultimate Authority: Recognition of the monarch's absolute authority, with the final decision-making power resting with the King, highlighting the central role of a singular authority.
Public Agenda
- Legislation: The assembly's primary responsibility is to enact laws and regulations governing various aspects of Favontille society, emphasising individual financial responsibility. Citizens who cannot sustain themselves may become indentured servants, protected by the government, before being assigned to businesses and homeowners.
- Fiscal Matters: The Grand Assembly significantly influences budget approval and expenditure allocation. They ensure the government's fiscal responsibility while protecting indentured servants and their economic interests.
- Foreign Relations: Favont maintains a stance of strict isolationism and limited foreign influence, particularly concerning media and imports. The assembly discusses foreign policies that preserve this isolationist stance and protect the nation's sovereignty.
- Social Welfare: Favont's philosophy centres on self-sufficiency, and the assembly addresses social welfare issues accordingly. It emphasises personal financial independence, and those unable to achieve it are subject to indentured servitude, safeguarded by the government.
- Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development remains crucial for economic growth and independence. The assembly focuses on projects that enhance national self-sufficiency, including roads, utilities, and public facilities.
- Defence and Security: National security remains paramount, and the assembly reviews military budgets and strategies to safeguard Favont's isolationist position.
- Environmental Policies: The environment is considered a government asset to be controlled. The assembly discusses environmental policies, including renewable energy sources, primarily to leverage these assets rather than out of environmental conservation concerns.
- Trade and Commerce: Economic growth is pursued through trade and commerce policies that maintain self-reliance and economic independence.
- Judiciary: The assembly oversees the judiciary, ensuring its independence and effectiveness, particularly in cases related to indentured servants and financial matters.
- Social and Moral Issues: Moral and social issues are influenced by Angelism and reflect traditional values. The assembly discusses ethics, family values, and religious principles in alignment with Favont's cultural beliefs.
History
The History of the Grand Assembly
In the year 1, following the conquest of Favont by King Leric, the foundations of the Grand Assembly were laid. King Leric recognised the need for a centralised body to govern this newly acquired realm. Thus, he assembled a council of local lords and clergy to advise him on governance matters. This early council marked the inception of the Grand Assembly.
1st Century - Establishing Traditions
During the 1st century, the Grand Assembly established its traditions. It adopted a hierarchical structure, with noblemen and clergy members forming distinct chambers. This division reflected the societal structure of Favont, and these chambers became known as the Noble Chamber and the Ecclesiastical Chamber.
2nd Century - The Sword of Leric
In the 2nd century, the Sword of Leric, a symbol of the Crown's authority, was introduced into the assembly's ceremonies. The sword's presence during sessions underscored the dependence of the assembly on the monarch's authority to convene and pass laws.
3rd Century - The Thrice Bars Ritual
During the 3rd century, the Thrice Bars ritual was established as part of the Royal Opening of the Grand Assembly. Heads of each chamber, nominated by their peers, approached each other with ceremonial sticks, tapping them together. This ritual symbolised the unity of the chambers under the monarchy's authority.
4th Century - The Chamberlain Uprising
In the 4th century, the Grand Assembly faced a significant challenge during the Chamberlain Uprising. Jan Chamberlain, a devout follower of Angelism, initiated a revolution against the King's religious policies. The uprising evolved into a civil war, dividing the nation.
6th Century - Formalisation of Rules
During the 6th century, the assembly formalised its rules and procedures. The hierarchy of titles and inheritance practices became ingrained in the culture, with noblemen inheriting their positions and clergy members selected from their ranks. This period also established the practice of dissolution, marking the formal end of a parliamentary session.
7th Century - Influence of Angelism
The 7th century saw a deepening influence of Angelism within the assembly. Prayers were introduced at the beginning of each session, reflecting the role of religion in governance.
8th Century - The Grand Mace
In the 8th century, the ceremonial Grand Mace became a symbol of authority, carried by the Speaker during formal processions. This addition further emphasised the assembly's cultural and historical significance.
9th Century - Modernisation
In the 9th century, the assembly embraced modernisation, allowing for limited public engagement through county councils. However, the core traditions and culture of the assembly remained deeply conservative.
10th Century - Ongoing Legacy
Today, the Grand Assembly upholds its centuries-old traditions and cultural values. It remains a symbol of Favont's historical continuity and commitment to hierarchical governance while adapting to the evolving needs of its society. The Grand Assembly, with its rich history and influence, stands as a cornerstone of Favontille governance.
