Sarzonia
02-06-2005, 17:55
[OOC: I posted a poll a while back regarding the possible adoption of a new title for one of my characters. With that poll now closed, this thread will be the announcement of the decision. You may post things like congratulations messages, condemnations of democracy, etc. in this thread, but no attacks are going to be permitted.]
Lloyd Osterbay was busy looking at the totals in Woodstock as the clerk approached his desk. So far, eighteen states ratified a new Article XIX to the Sarzonian Constitution that would change the title of Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs to Lieutenant President and expand the powers of Nicole Lewis, who held the title of Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs.
While the Senior Vice President title gave both Lewis and Senior Vice President for External Affairs Mark Lorber higher authority than any cabinet members, the similarity in titles led to some confusion among Sarzonian allies, while Sarzonian citizens understood full well that Lewis was the so-called "big shit SVP" and Lorber was dubbed the "little shit SVP."
The voting margins in several of the more conservative states such as Bausch were close, almost excruciatingly so, but the organised opposition to the new Article didn't call for a recount, conceding that the measure was going to pass in those tense states. Meanwhile, strong support from northern states like Somerset was giving the pro-Article forces significant comfort.
However, getting 19 states, or 18 states plus Woodstock to agree on anything was as challenging as getting a management position at the Portland Iron Works. Still, 18 states came through with ratifications of the new Article, so Osterbay knew that if one more state came through, the Article was added.
"Endymion's results are in, it's too close to call," the clerk said, breaking Osterbay out of his reverie.
Shit, he thought.
"Evermore rejects the Article," the clerk said.
Oh fuck, Osterbay thought. Even though his was a job that required impartiality, he secretly wanted the Article or some form thereof to go through. Even though handshake deals gave Lewis tremendous authority, she was still constitutionally handcuffed when Sarzo was on his way to Hamptonshire. Finally, the clerk came back to him with a subtle grin on his face.
"We just received the results from Woodstock. They have ratified the Article by a 54-46 margin."
Osterbay dabbed a stamper in the ink well and applied it carefully to a piece of paper the clerk was bringing him. He pushed a button.
"By the power vested in me as the Election Magistrate of Greater Woodstock, I hereby certify the results of the ratification vote for Article XIX. The admendment is hereby ratified as part of our Constitution."
The eventual count would be 23 states in favour, two states against, with Woodstock also voting in support of the new Article. As of eight months from today's date, Nicole Lewis will have the title of Lieutenant President with newly-expanded powers, while Mark Lorber's title becomes Senior Vice President. He retains his duties as Sarzonia's de facto foreign minister, but now the line of succession becomes clear even to the most casual observer.
Article XIX
Section I
Effective at the beginning of the fiscal year following the Ratification of this Article, the office of Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs shall henceforth be known as the office of Lieutenant President.
Section II
The Lieutenant President shall serve as Presiding Officer of the Cabinet during official Absences by the President and during non-urgent Situations, as defined by Parliament in acts approved as a result of the Ratification of this Article. Unless otherwise specified by the President, the Lieutenant President shall have the full Authority to sign Legislation, represent the office of the President, or perform other actions except for declarations of War. The Lieutenant President shall serve as acting Head of State during such times following the Death, Removal From Office, or Resignation of the President.
Section III
This Article shall become Inoperative within seven Years should it not be Ratified by the People by Majority Vote.
Lloyd Osterbay was busy looking at the totals in Woodstock as the clerk approached his desk. So far, eighteen states ratified a new Article XIX to the Sarzonian Constitution that would change the title of Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs to Lieutenant President and expand the powers of Nicole Lewis, who held the title of Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs.
While the Senior Vice President title gave both Lewis and Senior Vice President for External Affairs Mark Lorber higher authority than any cabinet members, the similarity in titles led to some confusion among Sarzonian allies, while Sarzonian citizens understood full well that Lewis was the so-called "big shit SVP" and Lorber was dubbed the "little shit SVP."
The voting margins in several of the more conservative states such as Bausch were close, almost excruciatingly so, but the organised opposition to the new Article didn't call for a recount, conceding that the measure was going to pass in those tense states. Meanwhile, strong support from northern states like Somerset was giving the pro-Article forces significant comfort.
However, getting 19 states, or 18 states plus Woodstock to agree on anything was as challenging as getting a management position at the Portland Iron Works. Still, 18 states came through with ratifications of the new Article, so Osterbay knew that if one more state came through, the Article was added.
"Endymion's results are in, it's too close to call," the clerk said, breaking Osterbay out of his reverie.
Shit, he thought.
"Evermore rejects the Article," the clerk said.
Oh fuck, Osterbay thought. Even though his was a job that required impartiality, he secretly wanted the Article or some form thereof to go through. Even though handshake deals gave Lewis tremendous authority, she was still constitutionally handcuffed when Sarzo was on his way to Hamptonshire. Finally, the clerk came back to him with a subtle grin on his face.
"We just received the results from Woodstock. They have ratified the Article by a 54-46 margin."
Osterbay dabbed a stamper in the ink well and applied it carefully to a piece of paper the clerk was bringing him. He pushed a button.
"By the power vested in me as the Election Magistrate of Greater Woodstock, I hereby certify the results of the ratification vote for Article XIX. The admendment is hereby ratified as part of our Constitution."
The eventual count would be 23 states in favour, two states against, with Woodstock also voting in support of the new Article. As of eight months from today's date, Nicole Lewis will have the title of Lieutenant President with newly-expanded powers, while Mark Lorber's title becomes Senior Vice President. He retains his duties as Sarzonia's de facto foreign minister, but now the line of succession becomes clear even to the most casual observer.
Article XIX
Section I
Effective at the beginning of the fiscal year following the Ratification of this Article, the office of Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs shall henceforth be known as the office of Lieutenant President.
Section II
The Lieutenant President shall serve as Presiding Officer of the Cabinet during official Absences by the President and during non-urgent Situations, as defined by Parliament in acts approved as a result of the Ratification of this Article. Unless otherwise specified by the President, the Lieutenant President shall have the full Authority to sign Legislation, represent the office of the President, or perform other actions except for declarations of War. The Lieutenant President shall serve as acting Head of State during such times following the Death, Removal From Office, or Resignation of the President.
Section III
This Article shall become Inoperative within seven Years should it not be Ratified by the People by Majority Vote.