Constitution

[EPW]

I know this has been discussed before, with mixed support. But I think we need some sort of backbone to fall on in case of disagreement. Wise Ass outlined his idea for a constitution consisting of a senate and committies, but we simply do not have enough people to carry something like that out, so I'm proposing a more toned down solution.

I think a Constitution should have the following:

Preamble: Outlines our overall strategy, as well as our mission statement and anything else.

Electing/Impeaching officials: How do we chose our leadership? How do we get rid of them?

Leadership Roles and Powers: Description of each Office, what are they in charge of, what powers do they have, etc.

Judicial: Who solves disputes? This role will probably fall to one member or perhaps resolved by a vote.

New Members: How do we decide who to let in after the game has started?

Specific issues: Anything that doesn't belong in any of the previous sections.

---


I think the easiest way to go about writing this would be to propose
various sections/articles in this thread and we will vote on each individual one.

[Daddy-O]

My ideas:

Mission Statement: to be decided and set by turn 5 or before the game starts. This will be our over-arching strategy, that ALL decisions are based on. This is our Mode of Victory Goal, and the Strategy to get there.

Leadership Roles and Powers:

Team Banana: From now on new members of Team Banana are approved by a 2/3 majority of the House of Cavendish.

Musa Rex: This is the benevolent dictatorship role of Platypus Rex. If team members get out of line in public or private he can ***** slap them, or evict as needed. The Musa Rex can take control of the turn play, and all policies as he sees fit. Musa Rex can run for or be appointed to any of the offices and is a member of the House of Cavendish. Musa Rex can decide all ties in voting. This team was started by him. He gets some perks.

House of Cavendish: This is the representative and legislative body. It is the right of all Team Banana members to be members of the House of Cavendish. The House of Cavendish votes on policy laid out by El Presidente.

Gros Michel: Elected, or assigned by El Presidente, or alloted number of turns per schedule - The Gros Michel is the Turn Player. This person posts the turn thread which includes: current issues, topics of discussion, and turn results. The Gros Michel is bound by the decisions of House of Cavendish, El Presidente, and the Mission Statement.

Mouth of Musa: appointed as needed by El Presidente. Bound to the directives of El Presidente. Is able to negotiate Trades and Treaties with other nations. All deals must be ratified by the House of Cavendish.

El Presidente: Elected by a simple majority of the House of Cavendish, with ties decided by the Musa Rex, to a set number of turns. 5, 10, 15, 20 turns? Do we allow back to back presidencies? El Presidente sets the adgenda, posts polls, appoints and directs the Mouth of Musa.

Removal From Office:
If any officer, other than the Musa Rex while exercising Musa Rex Powers, ignores the will of the House of Cavendish, violates the Constitution, is not living up to his duties, or just goes insane, he can be brought up on impeachment charges. For the impeachment to begin, an impeachment motion must be made, complete with the charge, then seconded. Once this is done a poll thread will be created by the Musa Rex. This will include the leveled charge, and the options of GUILTY, NOT GUILTY, BANANAS. If the officer is found guilty by a 2/3 majority of GUILTY to NOT GUILTY (BANANAS excluded); the officer is removed from office, sentanced by the Musa Rex. The sentance will include a number of turns that the guilty is banned from that office; and a tag line that is to be attached to the guilty's sig related to the offense for the duration of the sentance.

Note: If a House of Cavendish member is removed, he is not removed from Team Banana, and returns to the House of Cavendish in good standing after his sentance is completed.

[Apocalypse Cow]

Sounds excellent! Do we want a tech advisor, or is that something to be covered by the House of Cavendish?

:ana: :ana:

[Daddy-O]

Sure. Tech advisor, Military Advisor, Prophet, etc. These can be created as needed and added to the Constitution. Heck write them in now.

I was just offering suggestions. From what I submitted above, the most important parts are the titles. The parts in italics still need a decision.

[EPW]

Bananamble: Our mission statement, overall strategy, moral guidelines. This will be decided and approved by a 2/3rds by the 5th turn of play. If not approved by that time, "Musa Rex" (Platypus) will decide.



1st Peel - The House of Cavendish

1. Members

Anyone who has been accepted to Team Banana automatically becomes a representative in the House of Cavendish. All members are expected to actively participate in the Cavendish precedings.

2. Member Privileges.

A. All representatives get one vote in any election or vote.
B. Representatives may start new threads and discussions, as long as their contents are relavent.
C. Representatives can propose new legislation(See Limitations)
D. All representatives may run for office.
E. Representatives may call for the impeachment of an official (See # Peel)

3. Member Limitations

A. Representatives must abide by any final decision made by the House, or the decisions by an officer.
B. Representatives may not make statements on behalf of Team Banana without consent from this House, the Public Relations office, or Musa Rex himself.
C. Representatives may not create official polls or votes, Unless they are an officer with the power to do so. These polls include, but are not limited:
i. Laws
ii. Elections
iii. Impeachments
iv. Diplomacy
v. Anything not listed under 1st Peel, Section 2.

4. Cavendish Powers

A. Any official poll or vote that gains more than 50% of the vote becomes law. In the even of a Tie, Musa Rex can decide the outcome, or call for a new vote.
i. At least 50% of the house must vote for the vote to be official.
ii. In the event that a decision has not been made, but the turn must be sent do to time restrictions, the current vote, even if 50% have not voted, will become official. Musa Rex, or another official, may also request an extension.
B. Officials and turn-players must obey any vote past by the Cavendish.
C. The House of Cavendish has the Power to Impeach any official, saving that of the Office of Musa Rex. (See 4th Peel for details)
D. The Power to declare War on another civilization
E. Must ratify any proposed treaty with another civlization
F. Must approve of the location of new cities, and must decide vote on the city name.
G. Must approve build lists.
H. During time of war, has power to decide major strategy decisions.
I. Responsible for the safety and prosperity of Team Banana and its citizens.

5. Cavendish Limitations

A. May not adopt any of the powers assigned to the various officers.
B. Must abide by decisions of officers with specified powers.

[EPW]

2nd Peel - Officers

1. General

A. Officers are elected by members of the house.
B. The House can override any decision made by an officer, unless the officer is specifically granted the right in the constitution.
C. Officers, except that of Musa Rex, cannot exceed their specific Constitutional duties.
D. Officers (except Musa Rex who rules perpetually) have a ??? turn term.
E. Officers can hold no more than two offices simultaneously. Exceptions can occur with approval from house or Musa Rex.

2. Musa Rex

A. The Office of Platypus Rex
B. Has the authority to ban members of Team Banana, without the House's consent.
C. May create official votes or elections on any subject.
D. May temporarily stand in for officers who are absent, or not fullfilling their duties. He may also appoint someone else to temporarily
take over the duties.
E. Can call for new elections at any time if the situation warrents it.
F. Can break ties; but also gets to vote normally.
G. Can run for another office
H. Is the official Head of State
I. Has the authority to accept new members until the first turn is played.

2. El Presidente/Head Banana

A. Member responsible for playing the turns.
B. He must follow orders from the house or officers to the best of his abilities.
C. Unless specifically addressed, he can carry out his orders in any way he deams fit.
D. Responsible for posting updates each turn, which may include screensshots or anything that is appropriate.
E. Can hold this office concurrently with another.
F. Appointed by either Musa Rex or the House.
G. Has a specific term of ??? turns.
H. May post any official polls regarding anything relevant.
I. In the event of an emergency, can be temporarily replaced by the military advisor or Musa Rex.

3. News Editor (Mouth of Musa)

A. Responsible for updating the News Page. Updates need to be approved by the House or Musa Rex.
B. Can post officially on behalf of Team Banana, Musa Rex, Officers, or the House.
C. Can create official polls relating to any of his duties.

4. Military Officer

A. Responsible for the upkeep of the Military.
B. Recommends military build lists, military strategy, military movements, and construciton of defensive structures.
C. He has the authority to decide unit paths, fortifications, and anything else involving military units. If no guidance is required, these duties fall to the El Presidente.
D. During times of war or imminent threat, he can be appointed immediatly to the position of El Presidente by the House or Musa Rex. Once the threat has past, the former El Presidente will be returned to his post for the remainder of his term.
E. Can create official polls relating to any of his duties.

5. Foreign Affairs

A. Official Diplomatic correspondent outside of actual game play.
B. Conducts all official negiotiations with other Teams.
C. In charge of espionage.
D. Can create official polls relating to any of his duties.

6. Cultural/Science

A. To pursue the goals outlined in the Bananamble.
B. To pursue scientific superiority over rivals.
C. To pursue cultural superiority over rivals.
D. Can create official polls relating to any of his duties.

7. City Manager

A. To maximize output from cities and the land
B. Will decide which tiles citizens will work
C. Will specialize cities to specific tasks as ordered by the house
D. In charge of the construction of tile improvements.
E. Can create official polls relating to any of his duties.

[Daddy-O]

looking good. I need a closer read but I see the important parts (my titles) are there. I do really like the Bananamble.

:D

[EPW]

Some of my ideas do differ from yours, espacially concerning El Presidente.

[Addled Platypus]

Bananamble- great title

Need some verbage about members needing to hold more than office, but not be the head member of more than 2

remember we have about 9 team members
John SJ drop all things Civ 4 related

[EPW]

3rd Peel - Bunch of stuff

1. New Member Admission

A. After the first turn is played, potentail members must be approved by 50% of the House.
B. There is a one week discussion period before a new member is accepted.
C. This will be a private vote, send votes to Platypus Rex

2. Impeachment

A. If any officer, other than the Musa Rex while exercising Musa Rex Powers, ignores the will of the House of Cavendish, violates the Constitution, is not living up to his duties, or just goes insane, he can be brought up on impeachment charges. For the impeachment to begin, an impeachment motion must be made, complete with the charge, then seconded. Once this is done a poll thread will be created by the Musa Rex. This will include the leveled charge, and the options of GUILTY, NOT GUILTY, BANANAS. If the officer is found guilty by a 2/3 majority of GUILTY to NOT GUILTY (BANANAS excluded); the officer is removed from office, sentanced by the Musa Rex. The sentance will include a number of turns that the guilty is banned from that office; and a tag line that is to be attached to the guilty's sig related to the offense for the duration of the sentance.
B. Musa Rex may temporarily take over the duties of the impeached, or assign someone to do so. New elections should commence as soon as possible.

3. Expulsion

A. Only Musa Rex has the authority to expell a member of Team Banana.
B. At anytime there is any indicaton of foul play,cheating by any player of any team, Contact Platypus Rex by PM.
C. An investigation will be conducted immediately by the moderators. Their verdict is final (*no ifs-ands-buts)

4. Amendments to the Constitution

A. Proposed amendments of the Constitution must be approved by a 2/3rds majority of the House.
B. Musa Rex has the authority to veto any proposed amendment
C. New amendments will be added to the 4th Peel.

[EPW]

Originally posted by Platypus Rex
Bananamble- great title

Need some verbage about members needing to hold more than office, but not be the head member of more than 2

remember we have about 9 team members
John SJ drop all things Civ 4 related

I'm not quite sure what you mean here.

Are we going to make it a requirement that members hold office.

Members not holding more than two offices, will add that in shortly.

Not sure what you mean by "John SJ drop all things Civ 4 related"?

[Addled Platypus]

>Are we going to make it a requirement that members hold office

with the comfort level of some of the members, it will not be mandatory, ..but if they want to learn about playing this style of gamep-please jump in with both feet and pick

>Not sure what you mean by "John SJ drop all things Civ 4 related"?
He has mentioned his lack of desire to play Civ4

[Addled Platypus]

>New Member Admission- toughts

1. All members have a vote to accept
2. 1 week delay inn accepting any new member. This will any member here time for input
3. All input/Votes to be sent by PM to Platypus Rex
4. A tie in voting or higher results in being accepted

[Addled Platypus]

Expulsion-thoughts

At anytime there is any indicaton of foul play,cheating by any player of any team, Contact Platypus Rex by PM.

*An investigation will be conducted immediately by the moderators. Their verdict is final (*no ifs-ands-buts)

[Addled Platypus]

> Note: If a House of Cavendish member is removed, he is not removed from Team Banana, and returns to the House of Cavendish in good standing after his sentance is completed

Removal from office question

To never be allowed to run for office again -IMO YES

[EPW]

Originally posted by Platypus Rex
>Are we going to make it a requirement that members hold office

with the comfort level of some of the members, it will not be mandatory, ..but if they want to learn about playing this style of gamep-please jump in with both feet and pick

Ok, no requirement then? We nearly have enough offices for everyone to be an officer though.

[Quote}>Not sure what you mean by "John SJ drop all things Civ 4 related"?
He has mentioned his lack of desire to play Civ4 [/QUOTE]

Sorry I misunderstood. Got it now.

[EPW]

Originally posted by Platypus Rex
> Note: If a House of Cavendish member is removed, he is not removed from Team Banana, and returns to the House of Cavendish in good standing after his sentance is completed

Is this refering to expulsion? If the accused is found innocent?

Removal from office question

To never be allowed to run for office again -IMO YES

Should we have a vote on how long they are suspended from running for office?

[Daddy-O]

Re: removal from office
I think it would be a good idea to have a vote on the length of time. I would not support the penalty of never run for office again. We do not have enough members for a rule like that, and it could kill the fun. I was going to suggest a length of time from 5 to 10 turns, but could leave it up to the Musa Rex to assign a punishment that fits the crime.

@EPW
Yes. I do see that your suggestions vary from mine on several points. What I thought looked good was that it was well thought out, and I'm glad that someone else posted ideas.

[EPW]

Things we still need to decide/vote on:

-Length of time banned from office after Impeachment.
-Term length of an office
-Term length of "el Presidente" (turn player)
-Elections for undisputed positions (yes or no)
-Creative name for each office
-Any more suggestions/changes to the constitution.
-Final Vote on the Constitution

[Daddy-O]

I actually prefer "Gros Michel" as the name of the Turn Player and "El Presidente" as the President.

Gros Michel (Big Mike) is of course the name of the most popular banana cultivar prior to its demise by disease. It is replaced currently by the Cavendish as the most popular banana.

El Presidente just has a nice Banana Republic sound to it.

We could also have a Military Dictatorship form of Government where the House of Cavendish is replaced with the First Revolutionary Army of Cavendish. The FRAC would hold polls (revolutions) when ever it wanted. If a leader gained 3/4 majority in a FRAC poll he would become the new El Presidente. El Presidente's word is law, but he must always keep in mind the will of FRAC or risk a coup.

[EPW]

Originally posted by Daddy-O
I actually prefer "Gros Michel" as the name of the Turn Player and "El Presidente" as the President.

Gros Michel (Big Mike) is of course the name of the most popular banana cultivar prior to its demise by disease. It is replaced currently by the Cavendish as the most popular banana.

El Presidente just has a nice Banana Republic sound to it.

I combined the two positions into one. My reasoning was that the turn player would naturally set the agenda by posting turn reports and posting polls on what needs to be done.


We could also have a Military Dictatorship form of Government where the House of Cavendish is replaced with the First Revolutionary Army of Cavendish. The FRAC would hold polls (revolutions) when ever it wanted. If a leader gained 3/4 majority in a FRAC poll he would become the new El Presidente. El Presidente's word is law, but he must always keep in mind the will of FRAC or risk a coup.

I don't think it would be wise to set out a scheme for our government's collapse.

Also, in times of emergency, the Military officer can take over the duties of El Presidente if approved by the House or Musa Rex.

[Daddy-O]

I did not claim it to be a wise choice, just an option.

[EPW]

Originally posted by Daddy-O
I did not claim it to be a wise choice, just an option.

ACtually it would be kind of funny. :ana:

[Daddy-O]

Which I believe is the point of this team. I also think the unscheduled revolutions could actually provide some stability to our small team.

Let's say that the FRAC elects General EPW as our first Presidente. Since there is no term, we don't need to start campaigns for the next election until someone really wants to be El Presidente or EPW really upsets the FRAC. It would also provide for great stories in our public propaganda rag.

Even though we'd have the periodic revolution, we would of course need to stick to our primary strategy.

[Addled Platypus]

adopt the FRAC'n resolution :eager:

[Daddy-O]

Do we go with a 2/3 or 3/4 majority for a successful coup d'état?

Is that a majority of all FRAC members or only the active voting members?

I think there should be a penalty for an unsuccessful coup attempt - say 50 lashings with a banana, and the failed leader should have to change his avatar to something to be determined.

The failed coup attempt should also prevent another coup for a set number of turns - 5 or 10.

A successful coup should also prevent the deposed leader from staging a coup for the same time frame. The deposed leader would also be subject to a banana lashing and wearing the avatar.

Does El Presidente appoint all other positions or is there some semblance of democracy and the First Revolutionary Army of Cavendish elects these positions?

[Addled Platypus]

I'd say a simple majority of voters

Love the change of avatar Idea, but can we make them.

Lets keep it democratic, just like the game

[Daddy-O]

Love the change of avatar Idea, but can we make them.

Well, no. But, it would be part of the constitution. It would be fun - one of your prime directives. People are freely signing up for fun on this team, & will be involved in ratifying the Constitution.

Does anyone else have an opinion on the Revolutionary Dictator concept?

Now I'm off to find an old banana that I can turn into an avatar...

[Daddy-O]

TEAM BANANA

Mission Statement:
To bring some much needed humor into the world of gaming and still play seriously.

Bananamble - Strategy & Goal:
This is to be determined by turn 5 and all decisions are to be considered based on this strategy and goal.

First Peel -
Leadership Roles and Powers:

Team Banana: From now on new members of Team Banana are approved by a simple majority of the voting members of the First Revolutionary Army of Cavendish (FRAC). See new member admission.

Musa Rex: This is the benevolent dictatorship role of Platypus Rex. If team members get out of line in public or private he can slap them, or evict as needed. The Musa Rex can take control of the turn play, and all policies as he sees fit. Musa Rex can run for or be appointed to any of the offices and is a member of the FRAC. Musa Rex can decide all ties in voting. This team was started by him. He gets some perks.

First Revolutionary Army of Cavendish: This is the voting body of military leaders. It is the right of all Team Banana members to be members of the FRAC. The FRAC holds revolutions when needed to install a leader, El Presidente.

Gros Michel: appointed as needed by El Presidente. The Gros Michel is the Turn Player. This person posts the turn thread which includes: current issues, topics of discussion, and turn results. The Gros Michel is bound by the decisions El Presidente, and the Bananamble.

Mouth of Musa: appointed as needed by El Presidente. Bound to the directives of El Presidente. Is able to negotiate Trades and Treaties with other nations. All deals must be ratified by El Presidente.

El Presidente: Elected by a simple majority of the FRAC, with ties decided by the Musa Rex. El Presidente has no set term. He is an installed dictator. El Presidente sets the adgenda, posts polls as he sees fit, appoints and directs all official positions. El Presidente is subject to Musa Rex and the Revolutionary whim of the FRAC.


Second Peel -
New Member Admission:
A. Potential members must be approved by simple majority of FRAC votes.
B. A discussion thread will be posted for one week. During this time, discussion will be public.
C. The vote will be via PM to Platypus Rex.
D. The discussion thread will be blanked out prior to the new member getting access to the Private Forum.

Removal From Office:
ie Coup d'état, & Impeachment
If any officer, other than the Musa Rex while exercising Musa Rex Powers, ignores the will of the FRAC, violates the Constitution, is not living up to his duties, or just goes insane, can be brought up on impeachment charges. For the impeachment to begin, an impeachment motion must be made, complete with the charge, then seconded. Once this is done a poll thread will be created by the Musa Rex. This will include the leveled charge, and the options of GUILTY, NOT GUILTY, BANANAS. A coup d'état attempt does not need to be seconded and the poll will be posted as CURRENT LEADER'S NAME, COUP LEADER'S NAME, BANANAS, by the coup leader. An officer is found guilty by a simple majority of GUILTY to NOT GUILTY (BANANAS excluded); the officer is then removed from office. Similarily, the victor of a coup attempt is determined by simple majority of votes (BANANAS excluded). The impeached, or loser of a coup attempt cannot hold that office, or run for that office for at least 10 turns. That person must also 'wear' the avatar-of-disgrace; and a tag line is to be attached to the that person's sig related to the offense for the same period of time.

A failed coup d'état strengths El Presidente in that another coup cannot be attempted for a least 5 turns.

A successful coup d'état has no such effect except that the recently deposed leader cannot run again for 10 turns.

Note: If a FRAC member is removed, he is not removed from Team Banana, and returns to the FRAC in good standing after his sentence is completed.

Expulsion:
Only Musa Rex has the authority to expell a member of Team Banana.

Cheating:
Cheating will kill the game, and cannot be tolerated.

At anytime there is any indicaton of foul play, cheating by any player of any team, contact Platypus Rex & the game moderator Snoopy369 by PM. An investigation will be conducted immediately by the moderators. Their verdict is final (*no ifs-ands-buts).

[Daddy-O]

The above of course must be discussed. EPW's other offices can be added and discussed as well. I left most of those out because I envision El Presidente setting up his cabinete as he sees fit. He is a military dictator and has some authority in this area.

[Scrapper82]

Very indepth. There certainly is much for me to learn.

[fed1943]

First,I don't know if this post it's fair;if not,please let me know,forgive me and delete it.But I would like to share my preliminary strategic thoughts.I think it's definitive the map will be continents,normal size and we will be Louis XIV,isn't it?I still remember:"know of course thine enemy,but above all...".
French UU is the musketeer,so nothing to care right now.Starting techs agriculture and the wheel;two good peaceful ones,IMO;well,the wheel...do our general and his HQ(aka,warmongers)think in a early rush?
Louis is Creative:a good,very safe,versatile trait,believe me.He is also Industrious:a "closed"trait,IMO;by closed I do not mean weak,but that is only a good path to put this trait at work:buid wonders.So,always thinking about wonders is a must;no scout.
And thinking now a little about our beloved opponents:just one or two early UU(Mansa and Kublai);4 Finantial,but no Organized;3 initial scouts;no mystic.Last,but not least,a mercenary team:I have absolutely no experience with that,but I am not liking it:a mercenary coupled with 4 finantial...these barbs will not work for us;by sure,some of you know how to handle them.
Nobody starts with mysticism;if the capital site is rich,what about an early religion?And some expansion,since space doesn't seem plenty?And early defense?And the WONDERS?
My respects to Rex and all banana people.

[Daddy-O]

Fed,
good comments, wrong thread.

Guys,
do we have a strategy thread?

[EPW]

I think we should probably have a vote on which version of the constitution we want to use.

[fed1943]

I agree.
Have two versions is a bit confusing.