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While not indicating a preference for a particular legislative system, I had a idea if we went the open assembly route. What if people had to contribute so much to the region before they could join the legislature?

This month we rolled out a point system around recruitment, and I'm pretty confident we could grow that to include other activities...it's likely it can also form the basis of the long-delayed currency system. Requiring that they reach and maintain a certain amount of points month to month would require that people invest time and effort into the region before they could have a voice at the table, so to speak...that would seem to be in line with a meritocratic society.

Just a thought.

I've been thinking about the possibility of multiple levels of citizenship for a long time. This sounds somewhat similar. Anyone (excluding NPO sympathizers and PNG's) can join the region and apply for basic citizenship and that gives you a lot of cool stuff to do and experience. But those that go farther and contribute more can be granted extra privileges, like the ability to discuss or debate legislation.  There are other possibilities, like more regional currency, access to other forums or activities, eligibility for government positions...

That would mean that us busy folk with two jobs and prepping to move would fall behind pretty fast and be unable to participate because real life is raping our asses. Hard.

It would take some crafty set-up to make sure that well-intentioned but busy folks remain relevant and included.

Personally, I don't think anyone could doubt your commitment to Wintreath, but I understand this is a microcosm.

It seems difficult to come up with a way for busy folks like Aragonn to remain relevant in such a system, but I must admit my proposal would be just as difficult to live with for people like Aragonn.

Perhaps add a few points for people who have been citizens for a long time, and have served in the government for X sessions too?

Assuming we could get that to work, I actually think I like this proposal more than my own.

My only question is: would those who've advanced far enough be expected to maintain active legislatures, even though there isn't much to do?

I honestly think that within the span of a month most people should be able to find the time to score some points for the benefit of the region. We don't have to set the bar particularly high, because in terms of benefiting the region having a bunch of people doing a little beats a few people doing a lot. We can also include a lot of things, from recruiting, to military ops, to writing articles, to even donating...so everyone can find a niche they can take part in.

As for your question, that's up to the Convention I suppose. I wasn't really trying to tackle that problem...it's just an idea that came to mind.

I must say I'd support this whole-heartedly if the answer to that question is "no way in hell."

Seems like the most pragmatic choice, really. People would still have access to their laws, and I imagine an elite few would rack up enough points to reach the really important laws like Foreign Affairs, court cases, and other urgent matters, thus not impacting productivity.

Would we now simply have different ranks of the Underhusen?

And where would the Overhusen fit in, in all of this?

I don't know...I wasn't trying to answer that question either.

I'm not even indicating I support an open assembly, I'm just saying that if that ends up as a draft to be considered for ratification, maybe it should include something like that. But I do imagine that reaching the threshold would allow people full access to all legislation. Even if they did the work, I'm not sure an elite few should have more access to legislation than others...outside of elected officials like we have now, of course.

I feel like whatever shape the legislature takes, we need a body with veto power to ensure fuckery doesn't get passed as legitimate laws. I'm not saying subversive fuckery like Emoticonius mentioned, but just bad laws. Either keep the OH in its current form, give the Riksråd that power, or let the Monarch just do it himself.

Damn it Moot, you had me, and now you've lost me.

One of the big reasons I currently hate the idea of an open assembly is because of the inefficiency.

Preventing malicious forces from adapting our laws to suit them isn't something I'm concerned about as long as the OH retains veto power. I'm really more concerned about keeping the OH around to prevent truly terrible laws from passing, anyway.

If we could amend the laws to have certain things like Foreign Affairs and so forth only be accessible by the monarchy, Overhusen and Riksråd, I might feel better about it, because of the increased efficiency.

EDIT: And I see Point Breeze beat me to the point about the OH.

It might be safe to say we agree about that

I'm sure that comprehensive proposals and amendment drafts will answer those questions as the Convention presses on, if they haven't already.

The Monarchy already has authority over foreign affairs (besides treaties) as per Article II Section 6.

But the Storting is still needed to accept a court case, at this time.

That was dropped in the Judicial Reform Amendment Act...now judicial panels are formed as soon as cases are filed, without need for acceptance.

Ah, I see that you are correct. My mistake.

Well, then the final thing we could take away from the Storting would be the laws of acceptance of treaties. We do that, and I'd be aboard with this plan. Gameplay can continue unobstructed, while everything else gets decided by the citizenry.