Draft:Midlands, USA

The Midlands Constitution

Preamble

We, the people of the State of Midlands, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Midlands.

Article I: Declaration of Rights

Right to Equality: All persons are equal before the law and have the right to equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination.

Freedom of Expression: Every individual has the right to freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition, subject to reasonable limitations as prescribed by law for the protection of national security and public order.

Right to Privacy: The privacy of all persons shall be inviolable, including protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Right to Bear Arms: The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, consistent with the need for public safety and regulation.

Article II: The Legislature

Bicameral Structure: The legislative authority of the state shall be vested in a Legislature consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

Election and Terms: Members of the House of Representatives shall be elected for terms of two years, and Senators for terms of four years.

Powers: The Legislature shall have the power to enact laws, levy taxes, and make appropriations for the public good.

Article III: The Executive

Governor: The executive power shall be vested in a Governor, elected by the people for a term of four years.

Powers and Duties: The Governor shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws, shall have the power to veto legislation, and shall be commander-in-chief of the state's military forces.

Article IV: The Judiciary

Judicial Power: The judicial power of the state shall be vested in a Supreme Court, appellate courts, and such other courts as the Legislature may from time to time establish.

Appointment and Terms: Judges shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve for terms of ten years.

Article V: Local Government

Municipal Autonomy: Local governments shall have the power to manage their own affairs, consistent with law and the provisions of this Constitution.

Structure: The structure of local governments shall be determined by law, with the option for local self-governance charters.

Article VI: Amendments

Proposal: Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Legislature or by a petition signed by a percentage of the electorate, as specified by law.

Ratification: Proposed amendments shall be ratified by a majority of voters in a statewide referendum.

Article VII: General Provisions

Supremacy of the Constitution: This Constitution is the supreme law of the State of Midlands and shall prevail over any conflicting laws or ordinances.

Oath of Office: All public officials, before assuming their duties, shall take an oath to support this Constitution and the laws of the state.

Done in Convention

This Constitution is hereby adopted by the unanimous consent of the delegates present, representing the people of the State of Midlands, on this day of June 6th, in the year of our Lord 1842.