Blackhelm Confederate Senate

The Blackhelm Confederate Senate is the supreme legislature of the Blackhelm Confederacy, made up of the representatives from across the nation. The Senate is the most powerful institution in the country, with the power to create law, declare war, and approve treaties. The Senate also has the power of the purse and the power of impeachment of the Chancellor. Additionally, the Head of Senate, if supported by the majority of Senators (51%) is able to overrule any decisions made by the Chancellor and serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Blackhelm Confederate Senate is the direct predecessor of the previous Imperial Exponential Senate, which was a governing and advisory body within the Empire of Exponent. Following the collapse of the Empire and the subsequent reformation of the Hesperidesian states, the modern Senate exercises significantly more power than the previous Imperial Senate did.

History

Early History

The current Blackhelm Confederate Senate traces its origins directly to the Imperial Senate of Exponent, which largely served as an advisory council and proto-legislative body. Modelled largely on the Roman Senate, the Imperial Senate operated from the birth of the empire under Valerius I in 87AD right up until the collapse of the Empire in 1996.

Recent History

Following the official establishment of the Blackhelm Confederacy in 1997, the Senate became the official legislative body of the new state and drew representatives from each of the new Confederate provinces.

In 2011, a dispute between the Senate and Chancellor Lucius Blackhelm led to open warfare during the Blackhelm Confederate Revolution. The Senate came out victorious in the conflict, forcing the Chancellor to step down and be replaced by then-Head of Senate Octavius Eaglebrand.

Elections

Senators are elected by property owning residents of the province they represent. Once elected, Senators hold the position for life or until retirement.

Procedures

Laws and bills of the Senate are adopted by a majority vote, first passing through smaller committees before being presented to the entire Senate floor for election.

Function

The primary function of the Senate is to pass laws within the Blackhelm Confederacy, but the branch also serves as a powerful check on the Chancellor and prevents the executive branch from gaining too much power.