Ascendancy Articles

Background

The Ascendancy Articles were passed by Grand Syndic Cong`liddo Nollaig in Year 24 as part of the new Grand Syndic's series of reforms. Under Previous Grand Syndics, the emergency powers of the Nuz Bazan("New Beginnings") Reforms abolished the old Chiss Constitution and the Grand Syndics had governed by decree. The articles ensured that the Grand Syndic would have all the tools needed to manage the Chiss Ascendancy while Rights of Citizens and the important Chiss Institutions such as the CEDF and Chiss Houses would be preserved.

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PREAMBLE

In the boundless expanse of the galaxy, where stars shine as beacons of hope and opportunity, we, the proud citizens of the Chiss Ascendancy, gather to inscribe our collective vision upon the canvas of destiny. United by the enduring principles of unity, courage, and unwavering loyalty to the Chiss people, we embark on a journey toward a brighter future.

Fueled by the flames of ambition and guided by the compass of tradition, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of greatness. In the tapestry of our history, we weave the threads of honour, cooperation, and the preservation of our rich heritage, for these are the pillars upon which we stand.

With each citizen as a beacon of inspiration, we aspire to new heights, recognizing the boundless potential of our society. We acknowledge the intricacies of our existence in an ever-evolving galaxy, where challenges are but stepping stones to our destiny.

These articles are not mere words but a testament to our shared aspirations. They signify our unwavering dedication to the Chiss people and our collective commitment to nurturing a society where every citizen thrives, contributes, and shapes the brilliance of our civilization.

In the symphony of our unity, we rise, bound by duty, tradition, and the vision of a future where the Chiss Ascendancy stands as a shining example to the galaxy.

Article A – Citizenship

Types of Citizenship

1.1 Citizens may be Chiss or Grand Syndic approved non-Chiss.

1.1.1 Non-Chiss cannot make up more than ¼ of the Chiss Ascendancy citizen population.

1.1.1.1 Non-Chiss citizens when this threshold is broken still retain status.

1.1.1.2 No new non-Chiss may be added until that threshold has been restored.

1.1.1.3 Every year Day 1 the Ascendancy will perform a census to gauge the number of citizens.

1.1.1.4 Citizens inactive for over a year will not count towards active citizenship.

1.1.1.4.1 Chiss citizens deemed inactive regain their rights upon return to activity.

1.1.1.4.2 Non-Chiss citizens inactive for a year and replaced by another non-Chiss must wait for the 1.1.1 threshold to restore.

1.1.1.4.2.1 Non-Chiss that serve in the Chiss Ascendancy retain rights of citizenship until 1.1.1 threshold is met.

1.2 Natural-born Chiss inherently possess all the rights and privileges of citizenship unless they are in bad standing or belong to an enemy organization.

1.3 Dual Citizens are those who hold citizenship while maintaining active membership in an organization outside of the Chiss Ascendancy.

1.3.1 The organization must not violate Chiss laws or oppose the Chiss Ascendancy.

1.4 Residents are non-Chiss individuals who have not yet passed the citizenship trials.

1.4.1 There is no limit on non-Chiss residents in the employ of the Ascendancy.

1.4.1.1 Residency applications are approved at the discretion of the Grand Syndic.

1.4.2 Residents in the process of passing the citizenship trials while serving the Chiss Ascendancy will be granted temporary rights of citizenship.

1.4.3 Resident citizen applications are subject to 1.1.1

1.5 Citizenship Trials are designed for non-Chiss residents to obtain citizenship.

1.5.1 Citizenship trials last up to 12 months.

1.5.2 Applicants must spend a minimum of 10 active months out of 12 in direct service to the Ascendancy.

1.5.3 After completion of the Citizenship Trials the application is sent to the office of the Grand Syndic for approval.

1.6 Citizens pledge to not attack, or cause harm to the Ascendancy or fellow citizens, to respect Ascendancy territory, property and acknowledge all sovereign claims to Chiss Space.

Rights of Citizenship

2.1 Ascendancy Articles guarantee the rights and freedoms as outlined, subject only to reasonable limits prescribed by law and justified proportionally.

2.2 Citizens have the right to Freedom of Speech.

2.2.1 Behavior intended to cause harassment or discrimination will be considered a violation of 2.3.

2.3 Citizens have the Freedom of Assembly.

2.3.1 The Chiss Ascendancy will provide reasonable access to Ascendancy communication mediums.

2.3.2 The Chiss Ascendancy will establish reasonable access to Csilla for hunting and cultural events.

2.3.3 Access may be revoked at the discretion of the Grand Syndic.

2.4 Property belonging to a citizen in good standing may not be seized without due process.

2.5 Citizens have the right to freedom of religious choice.

2.5.1 Religious worship may not infringe upon the rights of other citizens.

2.5.2 Religious organizations that any citizen participates in are subject to Article 1.3.1.

2.6 Citizens may join a Chiss House

2.7 Subject to availability, citizens are granted access to hire Chiss from Csilla for employment.

2.7.1 All hired Chiss are to be treated properly, without intent to cause disrespect or harm to the Chiss people or the Chiss Ascendancy.

2.7.2 They cannot be sold to enemies of the Ascendancy.

2.7.3 Access can be revoked at the discretion of the Chiss Ascendancy if there is cause to believe the principles of fair treatment have been violated.

Article B – Chiss Houses

Major Houses

3.1 Chiss Major Houses hold one seat each on the Council of Families.

3.1.1 They are responsible for advising and aiding in the development of community, unity, and culture.

3.1.2 Provides recommendations to the Grand Syndic.

3.1.3 Actively participate in established community frameworks.

3.1.4 Major Houses must maintain at least one active citizen within the Chiss Ascendancy.

3.1.5 Required to be active in organizing community events.

3.2 Each Major House is represented by one Aristocra.

3.2.1 Aristocra must be a Chiss.

3.2.1.1 Citizen in good standing with the Ascendancy.

3.2.1.2 Cannot hold the position of Syndic.

3.2.2 Aristocra serves at the direction of their respective House.

3.2.3 Aristocra must maintain an active presence.

3.2.4 An Aristocra may appoint one Speaker to serve as their aide.

3.2.5.1 Speakers may observe council discussions.

3.2.5.2 In the event that an Aristocra is inactive, the Speaker may serve in their place.

3.2.5.3 The Speaker shall be granted full rights and privileges of an Aristocra until the House formalizes their new Aristocra selection.

3.3 Major Houses may be demoted or have their official status revoked at the discretion of the Grand Syndic for inactivity or conduct detrimental to the Chiss Ascendancy.

3.3.1 House Aristocra will be notified 30 days in advance of losing Major House status.

3.3.2 Houses may file an appeal within 30 days of notification of a status change.

3.4 Houses may structure and operate internal affairs at the discretion of that House.

3.5 Major Houses may have one non-Chiss as a member of their House provided the candidate has passed the citizenship trials.

Minor Houses

4.1 Chiss may petition to form a minor Chiss House.

4.1.1 Minor Houses must first receive unanimous support from the Council of Families.

4.1.2 Culture development, community engagement will be part of the Virtue of Service acceptance process.

4.1.3 Approval may be denied or revoked by the Grand Syndic.

4.2 Major Houses which do not meet the requirements of Major House status are demoted to Minor Houses.

4.3 Minor Houses may only have Chiss as members.

4.3.1 Non-Chiss in Houses which have been demoted from Major House status may retain membership in the minor House.

4.4 Minor Houses must remain active participants in the Chiss community.

4.5 Minor Houses may be promoted to Major Houses at the discretion of the Grand Syndic.

4.5.1 The Council of Families may vote unanimously to promote a Minor House to Major House status, such request will not be unreasonably denied.

4.5.2 Minor Houses must meet the standards of Major Houses to be considered for promotion.

Council of Families

5.1 The Council may provide recommendations to the Grand Syndic

5.1.1 Recommendations must receive unanimous consent from the Council for consideration.

5.1.2 Any recommendations that do not receive consent from the Grand Syndic may be revised and resubmitted for a second reading within 30 days.

5.2 The Council shall aid in coordinating community projects for Chiss citizens.

5.3 The Council may hear petitions from citizens to discuss matters related to community and cultural affairs.

5.3.1 Petitioners have a right of response within 30 days.

5.4 Voting is conducted at the mutual discretion of the Council of Families to resolve affairs

5.4.1 Major House Aristocra cast ballots.

5.4.2 Votes may be conducted by the Council once an official motion is proposed.

5.4.3 Voting records shall be made public knowledge for major affairs, by Council of Families or Grand Syndic decision.

Article C – Grand Syndic

Authority

6.1 The Grand Syndic holds the highest authority within the Chiss Ascendancy

6.1.1 The Grand Syndic must be Chiss.

6.1.2 Serves as the head of state and government.

6.1.3 Makes executive decisions to pursue the interests of the Chiss Ascendancy.

6.1.4 May appoint Syndics to form a council to aid in state affairs.

6.2 Serves indefinitely

6.3 Responsible for promoting Chiss cultural heritage.

6.4 Serves as Chairperson of the Council of Families.