Amendment: [To the Constitution Act, 2024] - Creation of the United Republics of Aquria-Catopolis
Introduced by:
Vote date:
Result:
The Member for the county of Whiskerfield
2025-04-25
Adopted
Votes:
Member for the county of Whiskerfield
Member for the Central Riding of Meowshire
Yes
Yes
RELEVANT TEXT AND NOTES:
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CONSTITUTION ACT, 2025
An act for the unification of the countries of Aquria-Catopolis: Aquria, and Catopolis; and
for purposes connected therewith.
(18 of April, 2025)
Whereas the countries of Aquria and Catopolis have expressed desire to be federally united into
one dominion:
And whereas such a union would conduce to the welfare of the countries and promote the
interests of all citizens of Aquria-Catopolis:
And whereas on the establishment of the union by authority of Parliament it is
expedient, not only that the Constitution of the legislative authority in the dominion be
provided for, but also that the nature of the executive government therein be declared:
And whereas it is expedient that provision be made for the eventual admission into the union of
other countries, regions, or otherwise sovereign territories:
I. Preliminary
Short Title
1 This act may be cited as the Constitution Act, 2025.
II. Union
Declaration of Union
2 It shall be lawful for the Prime Ministers of the countries of Aquria, and of Catopolis, to declare
by proclamation, that on and after the day therein appointed, not being more than 1 month after
the passing of this act, the countries of Aquria-Catopolis: Aquria, and Catopolis shall form and
be one dominion under the name of the United Republics of Aquria-Catopolis; and on and after
that day those two countries shall form and be one dominion under that name accordingly.
Construction of Subsequent Provisions of Act
3 Unless it is otherwise expressed or implied:
a) The name ‘Aquria’ shall refer to the country or national district of the United Districts of
Aquria;
b) The name ‘Aquria-Catopolis’ shall refer to the union or country of the United Republics of
Aquria-Catopolis; and
c) The name ‘Catopolis’ shall refer to the country or national district of Catopolis.
d) The term ‘governments of Aquria-Catopolis’ includes the government of
Aquria-Catopolis, the government of Aquria, and the government of Catopolis.
e) The term ‘Senate’ includes both the Senate of Aquria, and of Catopolis
f) The term ‘House of Commons’ includes both the House of Commons of Aquria, and of
Catopolis.
National Districts of Aquria-Catopolis
4 Aquria-Catopolis shall be divided into 2 national districts, named Catopolis, and Aquria.
Regional Districts of Aquria-Catopolis
5 (1) Catopolis shall be divided into 6 regional districts, to be styled provinces, named Clawford,
Whiskerhaven, Meowton, Purrshire, Felinea, and Pawsland.
(2) Aquria shall be divided into 16 regional districts, to be styled districts, named Til, Erylia,
South Ogreban, Rienreich, Isle of Quartz, Rockstead, Vklia, North Ogreban, South Lavinia,
Froendre, Deutchesrampem, Cuttle, Mjth, North Lavinia, Alamunia, and East Lavinia.
Unification of Agencies, Administrations, Ministries, etc.
6 At the union, the respective agencies, administrations, ministries, etc. of each country of
Aquria and Catopolis, shall be merged with their counterpart in the other country.
Bi-Annual Census
7 In the general census of Aquria-Catopolis, which is required to be taken in the year two
thousand twenty-five, and in every second year thereafter, the respective populations of the 16
districts of Aquria and the 6 provinces of Catopolis shall be distinguished.
III. Executive Power
Declaration of Executive Power in the Elected Prime Ministers
8 The executive government and authority of and over Aquria-Catopolis is hereby declared to
be jointly vested in the two democratically elected prime ministers of Aquria and Catopolis.
Authorities of the Prime Minister in their Respective Region of Aquria or Catopolis
9 The Prime Ministers of each of the national districts of Aquria-Catopolis shall retain authority
over their respective national district of either Aquria or Catopolis, and may request information
on the other of the national districts.
Application of Provisions Referring to Prime Ministers
10 The provisions of this act referring to the Prime Ministers extend and apply to the Prime
Ministers for the time being of Aquria-Catopolis, or other the Chief Executive Officer or
Administrator for the time being carrying on the Government of Aquria-Catopolis, by whatever
title they are designated.
Constitution of Privy Council for Catopolis
11 There shall be a council to aid and advise in the Governments of Aquria and Catopolis, to be
styled the Privy Council; and the persons who are to be members of that council shall be from
time to time chosen and summoned by the Prime Minister or Prime Ministers and sworn in as
Privy Councillors, and members thereof may be from time to time removed by the Prime
Minister or Prime Ministers.
All Powers Under Acts to be Exercised by the Prime Ministers with Advice of Privy
Council, or Alone
12 All powers, authorities, and functions which under any act of the Parliament of
Aquria-Catopolis, or of the legislature of Aquria, and Catopolis, are at the union vested in or
exercisable by the respective Prime Ministers of those countries, with the advice, or with the
advice and consent, of the respective executive councils thereof, or in conjunction with those
councils, or with any number of members thereof, or by those Prime Ministers individually, shall,
as far as the same continue in existence and capable of being exercised after the union in
relation to the Government of Aquria-Catopolis, be vested in and exercisable by the Prime
Ministers, with the advice or with the advice and consent of or in conjunction with the Privy
Council, or any members thereof, or by the Prime Ministers individually, as the case requires,
subject nevertheless to be abolished or altered by the Parliament of Aquria-Catopolis.
Power to Prime Ministers to appoint Deputies
13 It shall be lawful for the Prime Ministers from time to time to appoint any person or any
persons jointly or severally to be his Deputy or Deputies within any part or parts of their
respective national district, and in that capacity to exercise during the pleasure of the respective
Prime Minister such of the powers, authorities, and functions of the respective Prime Minister as
the respective Prime Minister deems it necessary or expedient to assign to him or them, subject
to any limitations or directions expressed or given by the respective Prime Minister; but the
appointment of such a Deputy or Deputies shall not affect the exercise by the Prime Minister
himself of any power, authority, or function.
Command of Armed Forces
14 The Command-in-Chief of the land and naval militia, and of all naval and military
forces, of and in Aquria, and Catopolis, is hereby declared to be vested in the Prime Ministers.
Seat of Government of Catopolis
15 Until the Prime Minister of Catopolis otherwise directs, the seat of Government of Catopolis
shall be Catstontinople.
Seat of Government of Aquria
16 Until the Prime Minister of Aquria otherwise directs, the seat of Government of Aquria shall
be Avønia.
IV. Legislative Power
Constitution of Parliament of Catopolis
17 There shall be one Parliament for Catopolis, consisting of an Upper House styled the
Senate, and the House of Commons.
Constitution of Parliament of Aquria
18 There shall be one Parliament for Aquria, consisting of an Upper House styled the Senate,
and the House of Commons.
First Session of the Parliament of Catopolis and of Aquria
19 The Parliament of Catopolis and of Aquria shall be called together not later than Six Months
after the Union.
The Senate of Catopolis
Number of Catopalian Senators
20 The Senate of Catopolis shall, subject to the provisions of this act, consist of ten members,
who shall be styled senators.
Representation of Provinces in the Senate of Catopolis
21 In relation to the Constitution of the Senate of Catopolis, Catopolis shall be deemed to
consist of five divisions:
1. Clawford;
2. Whiskerhaven;
3. Purrshire;
4. Meowton;
5. The Antarctic Provinces, Felinea, and Pawsland;
which four divisions shall (subject to the provisions of this act) be equally represented in the
senate as follows: Clawford by two senators; Whiskerhaven by two senators; Purrshire by two
senators, one thereof representing Felinea and one thereof representing Pawsland.
Qualifications of a Catopalian Senator
22 The Qualifications of a Catopalian senator shall be as follows:
1. He shall be of the full age of thirteen years;
2. He shall be either a natural-born citizen of Catopolis;
3. He shall be elected by the people of the province for which he is appointed;
4. He shall be resident in the province for which he is appointed.
Election of Senators
23 Every four years there shall be an election in each electoral district which will decide the
senator for that district.
Tenure of Place in the Senate of Catopolis
24 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a Catopalian senator shall, subject to the provisions of
this Act, hold his place in the Senate of Catopolis for life.
Retirement upon attaining age of seventy-five years
(2) A senator who is summoned to the Senate of Catopolis after the coming into force of
this subsection shall, subject to this act, hold his place in the Senate of Catopolis until he
attains the age of seventy-five years.
Resignation of Place in the Senate of Catopolis
25 A senator may by writing under his hand addressed to the Prime Minister of Catopolis resign
his place in the Senate of Catopolis, and thereupon the same shall be vacant.
Disqualification of Catopalian Senators
26 The place of a Catopalian senator shall become vacant in any of the following cases:
1.
If for two consecutive sessions of the Parliament he fails to give his attendance in the
Senate of Catopolis;
2.
If he is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, or applies for the benefit of any law relating to
insolvent debtors, or becomes a public defaulter;
4.
If he is attainted of treason or convicted of felony or of any infamous crime;
5.
If he ceases to be qualified in respect of property or of residence; provided, that a
Catopalian senator shall not be deemed to have ceased to be qualified in respect of
residence by reason only of his residing at the seat of the Government of Catopolis while
holding an office under that government requiring his presence there.
Summons on Vacancy in the Senate of Catopolis
27 When a vacancy happens in the Senate of Catopolis by resignation, death, or otherwise, the
Prime Minister shall summon a fit and qualified person to fill the vacancy.
Questions as to Qualifications and Vacancies in the Senate of Catopolis
28 If any question arises respecting the qualification of a Catopalian senator or a vacancy in the
Senate of Catopolis the same shall be heard and determined by the Senate of Catopolis.
Appointment of Speaker of the Senate of Catopolis
29 The Prime Minister may from time to time, by instrument under the Emblem of Catopolis,
appoint a Catopalian senator to be Speaker of the Senate of Catopolis, and may remove him
and appoint another in his stead.
Quorum of the Senate of Catopolis
30 Until the Parliament of Catopolis otherwise provides, the presence of at least seven
senators, including the Speaker of the Senate of Catopolis, shall be necessary to constitute a
meeting of the Senate of Catopolis for the exercise of its powers.
Voting in the Senate of Catopolis
31 Questions arising in the Senate of Catopolis shall be decided by a majority of voices, and the
Speaker of the Senate of Catopolis shall in all cases have a vote, and when the voices are
equal the decision shall be deemed to be in the negative.
The House of Commons of Catopolis
Constitution of House of Commons in Catopolis
32 The House of Commons of Catopolis shall, subject to the provisions of this act, consist of six
members of whom one shall be elected for Clawford, one for Whiskerhaven, one for Purrshire,
one for Felinea, one for Meowton, and one for Pawsland.
Summoning of House of Commons of Catopolis
33 The Prime Minister shall from time to time, by instrument under the Emblem of Catopolis,
summon and call together the House of Commons of Catopolis.
Electoral districts of the Six Provinces
34 Until the Parliament of Catopolis otherwise provides, Clawford, Whiskerhaven, Purrshire,
Felinea, Meowton, and Pawsland shall, for the purposes of the election of members to serve in
the House of Commons of Catopolis, be divided into electoral districts by the division into the
counties, ridings of counties, cities, parts of cities, and towns enumerated in the first schedule to
this act, each whereof shall be part of a single electoral district, the district being entitled to
return one member.
Continuance of existing Election Laws until Parliament of Catopolis otherwise provides
35 Until the Parliament of Catopolis otherwise provides, all laws in force in the several provinces
at the union relative to the following matters or any of them, namely, — the qualifications and
disqualifications of persons to be elected or to sit or vote as members of the House of Assembly
or Legislative Assembly in the several provinces, the voters at elections of such members, the
oaths to be taken by voters, the returning officers, their powers and duties, the proceedings at
elections, the periods during which elections may be continued, the trial of controverted
elections, and proceedings incident thereto, the vacating of seats of members, and the
execution of new writs in case of seats vacated otherwise than by dissolution, — shall
respectively apply to elections of members to serve in the House of Commons of Catopolis for
the same several provinces.
As to Election of Speaker of House of Commons of Catopolis
36 The House of Commons of Catopolis on its first assembling after a general election shall
proceed with all practicable speed to elect one of its members to be Speaker of the House of
Commons of Catopolis.
As to filling up Vacancy in Office of Speaker
37 In case of a vacancy happening in the office of speaker by death, resignation, or otherwise,
the House of Commons of Catopolis shall with all practicable speed proceed to elect another of
its members to be Speaker of the House of Commons of Catopolis.
Speaker to preside
38 The Speaker of the House of Commons of Catopolis shall preside at all meetings of the
House of Commons.
Provision in case of Absence of Speaker
39 Until the Parliament of Catopolis otherwise provides, in case of the absence for any reason
of the Speaker of the House of Commons of Catopolis from the chair of the House of Commons
of Catopolis for a period of forty-eight consecutive hours, the House of Commons of Catopolis
may elect another of its members to act as Speaker of the House of Commons of Catopolis, and
the member so elected shall during the continuance of such absence of the Speaker of the
House of Commons of Catopolis have and execute all the powers, privileges, and duties of
Speaker of the House of Commons of Catopolis.
Quorum of House of Commons
40 The presence of at least four members of the House of Commons of Catopolis shall be
necessary to constitute a meeting of the House of Commons of Catopolis for the exercise of its
powers, and for that purpose the Speaker of the House of Commons of Catopolis shall be
reckoned as a member.
Voting in House of Commons
41 Questions arising in the House of Commons of Catopolis shall be decided by a majority of
voices other than that of the Speaker of the House of Commons of Catopolis, and when the
voices are equal, but not otherwise, the Speaker of the House of Commons of Catopolis shall
have a vote.
Duration of House of Commons
42 Every House of Commons of Catopolis shall continue for five years from the day of the return
of the writs for choosing the House of Commons of Catopolis (subject to be sooner dissolved by
the Prime Minister of Catopolis), and no longer.
Readjustment of representation in Commons
43 (1) The number of members of the House of Commons and the representation of the
provinces therein shall, on the completion of each decennial census, be readjusted by such
authority, in such manner, and from such time as the Parliament of Catopolis provides from time
to time, subject and according to the following rules:
Rules
1.
There shall be assigned to each of the provinces a number of members equal to the
number obtained by dividing the population of the province by the electoral quotient and
rounding up any fractional remainder to one.
2.
If the number of members assigned to a province by the application of rule 1 and section
46 is less than the total number assigned to that province during the 43rd Parliament,
there shall be added to the number of members so assigned the number of members
that will result in the province having the same number of members as were assigned
during that Parliament of Catopolis.
3.
After the application of rules 1 and 2 and section 46, there shall, in respect of each
province that meets the condition set out in rule 4, be added, if necessary, a number of
members such that, on the completion of the readjustment, the number obtained by
dividing the number of members assigned to that province by the total number of
members assigned to all the provinces is as close as possible to, without being below,
the number obtained by dividing the population of that province by the total population of
all the provinces.
4.
Rule 3 applies to a province if, on the completion of the preceding readjustment, the
number obtained by dividing the number of members assigned to that province by the
total number of members assigned to all the provinces was equal to or greater than the
number obtained by dividing the population of that province by the total population of all
the provinces, the population of each province being its population as at July 1 of the
year of the decennial census that preceded that readjustment according to the estimates
prepared for the purpose of that readjustment.
5.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, in these rules, the population of a province is the
estimate of its population as at July 1 of the year of the most recent decennial census.
6.
In these rules, electoral quotient means
(a)
8, in relation to the readjustment following the completion of the 2025 decennial
census, and
(b)
in relation to the readjustment following the completion of any subsequent
decennial census, the number obtained by multiplying the electoral quotient that
was applied in the preceding readjustment by the number that is the average of
the numbers obtained by dividing the population of each province by the
population of the province as at July 1 of the year of the preceding decennial
census according to the estimates prepared for the purpose of the preceding
readjustment, and rounding up any fractional remainder of that multiplication to
one.
Population estimates
(1.1) For the purpose of the rules in subsection (1), there is required to be prepared an estimate
of the population of Catopolis and of each province as at February 28, 2025 and February 28,
2035 — and, in each year following the 2025 decennial census in which a decennial census is
taken, as at February 28 of that year — by such authority, in such manner, and from such time
as the Parliament of Catopolis provides from time to time.
Constitution of House of Commons of Catopolis
44 Notwithstanding anything in this act a province shall always be entitled to a number of
members in the House of Commons of Catopolisnot less than the number of senators
representing such province.
Increase of Number of House of Commons of Catopolis
45 The number of members of the House of Commons of Catopolis may be from time to time
increased by the Parliament of Catopolis, provided the proportionate representation of the
provinces prescribed by this act is not thereby disturbed.
The Senate of Aquria
Number of Aqurian Senators
46 The Senate of Aquria shall, subject to the provisions of this act, consist of sixteen members,
who shall be styled senators.
Representation of Districts in the Senate of Aquria
47 In relation to the Constitution of the Senate of Aquria, Aquria shall be deemed to consist of
sixteen divisions:
1. Til;
2. Erylia;
3. South Ogreban;
4. Rienreich;
5. Isle of Quartz;
6. Rockstead;
7. Vklia;
8. North Ogreban;
9. South Lavinia;
10. Froendre;
11. Deutchesrampem;
12. Cuttle;
13. Mjth;
14. North Lavinia;
15. Alamunia; and
16. East Lavinia;
which 16 divisions shall (subject to the provisions of this act) be equally represented in the
senate by one senator each.
Qualifications of an Aqurian Senator
48 The Qualifications of an Aqurian senator shall be as follows:
1. He shall be of the full age of thirteen years;
2. He shall be either a natural-born citizen of Aquria;
3. He shall be elected by the people of the district for which he is appointed;
4. He shall be resident in the district for which he is appointed.
Election of Senators
49 Every four years there shall be an election in each electoral district which will decide the
senator for that district.
Tenure of Place in the Senate of Aquria
50 (1) Subject to subsection (2), an Aquarian senator shall, subject to the provisions of
this Act, hold his place in the Senate of Aquria for life.
Retirement upon attaining age of seventy-five years
(2) A senator who is summoned to the Senate of Aquria after the coming into force of
this subsection shall, subject to this act, hold his place in the Senate of Aquria until he
attains the age of seventy-five years.
Resignation of Place in the Senate of Aquria
51 A senator may by writing under his hand addressed to the Prime Minister of Aquria resign his
place in the Senate of Aquria, and thereupon the same shall be vacant.
Disqualification of Aqurian Senators
52 The place of an Aqurian senator shall become vacant in any of the following cases:
1.
If for two consecutive sessions of the Parliament he fails to give his attendance in the
Senate of Aquria;
2.
If he is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, or applies for the benefit of any law relating to
insolvent debtors, or becomes a public defaulter;
4.
If he is attainted of treason or convicted of felony or of any infamous crime;
5.
If he ceases to be qualified in respect of property or of residence; provided, that an
Aqurian senator shall not be deemed to have ceased to be qualified in respect of
residence by reason only of his residing at the seat of the Government of Aquria while
holding an office under that government requiring his presence there.
Summons on Vacancy in the Senate of Aquria
53 When a vacancy happens in the Senate of Aquria by resignation, death, or otherwise, the
Prime Minister shall summon a fit and qualified person to fill the vacancy.
Questions as to Qualifications and Vacancies in the Senate of Aquria
54 If any question arises respecting the qualification of an Aqurian senator or a vacancy in the
Senate of Aquria the same shall be heard and determined by the Senate of Aquria.
Appointment of Speaker of the Senate of Aquria
55 The Prime Minister may from time to time, by instrument under the State Seal of Aquria,
appoint an Aqurian senator to be Speaker of the Senate of Aquria, and may remove him and
appoint another in his stead.
Quorum of the Senate of Aquria
56 Until the Parliament of Aquria otherwise provides, the presence of at least seven senators,
including the Speaker of the Senate of Aquria, shall be necessary to constitute a meeting of the
Senate of Aquria for the exercise of its powers.
Voting in the Senate of Aquria
57 Questions arising in the Senate of Aquria shall be decided by a majority of voices, and the
Speaker of the Senate of Aquria shall in all cases have a vote, and when the voices are equal
the decision shall be deemed to be in the negative.
The House of Commons of Aquria
Constitution of House of Commons in Aquria
58 The House of Commons of Aquria shall, subject to the provisions of this act, consist of
sixteen members of whom one shall be elected for each district.
Summoning of House of Commons of Aquria
59 The Prime Minister shall from time to time, by instrument under the State Seal of Aquria,
summon and call together the House of Commons of Aquria.
Electoral districts of the Sixteen Districts
60 Until the Parliament of Aquria otherwise provides, Til, Erylia, South Ogreban, Rienreich, Isle
of Quartz, Rockstead, Vklia, North Ogreban, South Lavinia, Froendre, Deutchesrampem, Cuttle,
Mjth, North Lavinia, Alamunia, and East Lavinia shall, for the purposes of the election of
members to serve in the House of Commons of Aquria, be divided into electoral districts by the
division into the counties, ridings of counties, cities, parts of cities, and towns enumerated in the
first schedule to this act, each whereof shall be part of a single electoral district, the district
being entitled to return one member.
Continuance of existing Election Laws until Parliament of Aquria, and Catopolis
otherwise provides
61 Until the Parliament of Aquria, and of Catopolis otherwise provides, all laws in force in the
two countries at the union relative to the following matters or any of them, namely, — the
qualifications and disqualifications of persons to be elected or to sit or vote as members of the
House of Assembly or Legislative Assembly in the several districts, the voters at elections of
such members, the oaths to be taken by voters, the returning officers, their powers and duties,
the proceedings at elections, the periods during which elections may be continued, the trial of
controverted elections, and proceedings incident thereto, the vacating of seats of members, and
the execution of new writs in case of seats vacated otherwise than by dissolution, — shall
respectively apply to elections of members to serve in the House of Commons of Aquria for the
same several districts.
As to Election of Speaker of House of Commons of Aquria
62 The House of Commons of Aquria on its first assembling after a general election shall
proceed with all practicable speed to elect one of its members to be Speaker of the House of
Commons of Aquria.
As to filling up Vacancy in Office of Speaker
63 In case of a vacancy happening in the office of speaker by death, resignation, or otherwise,
the House of Commons of Aquria shall with all practicable speed proceed to elect another of its
members to be Speaker of the House of Commons of Aquria.
Speaker to preside
64 The Speaker of the House of Commons of Aquria shall preside at all meetings of the House
of Commons.
Provision in case of Absence of Speaker
65 Until the Parliament of Aquria otherwise provides, in case of the absence for any reason of
the Speaker of the House of Commons of Aquria from the chair of the House of Commons of
Aquria for a period of forty-eight consecutive hours, the House of Commons of Aquria may elect
another of its members to act as Speaker of the House of Commons of Aquria, and the member
so elected shall during the continuance of such absence of the Speaker of the House of
Commons of Aquria have and execute all the powers, privileges, and duties of Speaker of the
House of Commons of Aquria.
Quorum of House of Commons
66 The presence of at least four members of the House of Commons of Aquria shall be
necessary to constitute a meeting of the House of Commons of Aquria for the exercise of its
powers, and for that purpose the Speaker of the House of Commons of Aquria shall be
reckoned as a member.
Voting in House of Commons
67 Questions arising in the House of Commons of Aquria shall be decided by a majority of
voices other than that of the Speaker of the House of Commons of Aquria, and when the voices
are equal, but not otherwise, the Speaker of the House of Commons of Aquria shall have a vote.
Duration of House of Commons
68 Every House of Commons of Aquria shall continue for five years from the day of the return of
the writs for choosing the House of Commons of Aquria (subject to be sooner dissolved by the
Prime Minister of Aquria), and no longer.
Readjustment of representation in Commons
69 (1) The number of members of the House of Commons and the representation of the districts
therein shall, on the completion of each decennial census, be readjusted by such authority, in
such manner, and from such time as the Parliament of Aquria provides from time to time,
subject and according to the following rules:
Rules
1.
There shall be assigned to each of the districts a number of members equal to the
number obtained by dividing the population of the district by the electoral quotient and
rounding up any fractional remainder to one.
2.
If the number of members assigned to a district by the application of rule 1 and section
70 is less than the total number assigned to that district during the 43rd Parliament, there
shall be added to the number of members so assigned the number of members that will
result in the district having the same number of members as were assigned during that
Parliament of Aquria.
3.
After the application of rules 1 and 2 and section 70, there shall, in respect of each
district that meets the condition set out in rule 4, be added, if necessary, a number of
members such that, on the completion of the readjustment, the number obtained by
dividing the number of members assigned to that district by the total number of members
assigned to all the districts is as close as possible to, without being below, the number
obtained by dividing the population of that district by the total population of all the
districts.
4.
Rule 3 applies to a district if, on the completion of the preceding readjustment, the
number obtained by dividing the number of members assigned to that district by the total
number of members assigned to all the districts was equal to or greater than the number
obtained by dividing the population of that district by the total population of all the
districts, the population of each district being its population as at July 1 of the year of the
decennial census that preceded that readjustment according to the estimates prepared
for the purpose of that readjustment.
5.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, in these rules, the population of a district is the
estimate of its population as at July 1 of the year of the most recent decennial census.
6.
In these rules, electoral quotient means
(a)
8, in relation to the readjustment following the completion of the 2025 decennial
census, and
(b)
in relation to the readjustment following the completion of any subsequent
decennial census, the number obtained by multiplying the electoral quotient that
was applied in the preceding readjustment by the number that is the average of
the numbers obtained by dividing the population of each district by the population
of the district as at July 1 of the year of the preceding decennial census
according to the estimates prepared for the purpose of the preceding
readjustment, and rounding up any fractional remainder of that multiplication to
one.
Population estimates
(1.1) For the purpose of the rules in subsection (1), there is required to be prepared an estimate
of the population of Aquria and of each district as at February 28, 2025 and February 28, 2035
— and, in each year following the 2025 decennial census in which a decennial census is taken,
as at February 28 of that year — by such authority, in such manner, and from such time as the
Parliament of Aquria provides from time to time.
Constitution of House of Commons of Aquria
70 Notwithstanding anything in this act a district shall always be entitled to a number of
members in the House of Commons of Aquria not less than the number of senators
representing such district.
Increase of Number of House of Commons of Aquria
71 The number of members of the House of Commons of Aquria may be from time to time
increased by the Parliament of Aquria, provided the proportionate representation of the districts
prescribed by this act is not thereby disturbed.
Money Votes
Appropriation and Tax Bills
72 Bills for appropriating any part of the public revenue, or for imposing any tax or impost, shall
jointly originate in the House of Commons of Aquria and of Catopolis.
Recommendation of Money Votes
73 It shall not be lawful for the House of Commons to adopt or pass any vote, resolution,
address, or bill for the appropriation of any part of the public revenue, or of any tax or impost, to
any purpose that has not been first recommended to that House by Message of the Prime
Minister in the session in which such vote, resolution, address, or bill is proposed.
V. Catopalian Provincial Constitutions
Executive Power
Elections of Premiers of Provinces
74 For each province there shall be an officer, styled the Premier, elected by the people of the
respective province.
Tenure of Office of Premier
75 A Premier shall hold office for five years from his electing.
Salaries of Premiers
77 The Salaries of the Premiers shall be fixed and provided by the Parliament of Catopolis.
Oaths, etc., of Premier
78 Every Premier shall, before assuming the duties of his office, make and subscribe before the
Prime Minister of Catopolis or some person authorized by him oaths of allegiance.
Application of Provisions referring to Premier
79 The Provisions of this act referring to the Premier extend and apply to the Premier for the
time being of each province, or other the Chief Executive Officer or Administrator for the time
being carrying on the government of the province, by whatever Title he is designated.
Appointment of Executive Officers for Clawford and Whiskerhaven
80 The Executive Council of each province shall be composed of such persons as the Premier
from time to time thinks fit, and in the first instance of the following officers, namely, — the
Attorney General, the Secretary and Registrar of the Province, the Treasurer of the Province,
and the Commissioner of Agriculture and Public Works.
Application of Provisions referring to Premier in Council
81 The provisions of this act referring to the Premier in Council shall be construed as referring to
the Premier of the province acting by and with the advice of the Executive Council thereof.
Administration in Absence, etc., of Premier
82 The Prime Minister of Catopolis in Council may from time to time appoint an administrator to
execute the office and functions of Premier during his absence, illness, or other inability.
Seats of Provincial Governments
83 Unless and until the Executive Government of any province otherwise directs with respect to
that province, the seats of government of the provinces shall be as follows, namely, — of
Clawford, the City of Clawhaven; of Whiskerhaven, the City of Whiskerton; of Purrshire, the City
of Purrington; of Felinea, the City of Felinapolis; of Meowton, the City of Felisberg; and of
Pawsland, the City of Purrswasion.
Legislative Power
1. Whiskerhaven
Legislature for Whiskerhaven
84 There shall be a Legislature for Whiskerhaven consisting of the Premier and of one House,
styled the Legislative Assembly of Whiskerton.
Electoral districts
85 The Legislative Assembly of Whiskerhaven shall be composed of one member, to be elected
to represent the one Electoral District set forth in the First Schedule to this act.
Qualification of Legislative Councillors
86 The Qualifications of the Legislative Councillors of Whiskerhaven shall be the same as those
of the senators for Whiskerhaven.
Resignation, Disqualification, etc.
87 The place of a Legislative Councillor of Whiskerhaven shall become vacant in the cases,
mutatis mutandis, in which the place of senator becomes vacant.
Vacancies
88 When a vacancy happens in the Legislative Council of Whiskerhaven by resignation, death,
or otherwise, the Premier, by instrument under the Seal of Whiskerhaven, shall appoint a fit and
qualified person to fill the vacancy.
Questions as to Vacancies, etc.
89 If any question arises respecting the qualification of a Legislative Councillor of
Whiskerhaven, or a vacancy in the Legislative Council of Whiskerhaven, the same shall be
heard and determined by the Legislative Council.
Speaker of Legislative Council
90 The Premier may from Time to Time, by instrument under the Seal of Whiskerhaven, appoint
a member of the Legislative Council of Whiskerhaven to be Speaker thereof, and may remove
him and appoint another in his stead.
Quorum of Legislative Council
91 Until the Legislature of Whiskerhaven otherwise provides, the presence of at least five
members of the Legislative Council, including the Speaker, shall be necessary to constitute a
meeting for the exercise of its powers.
Voting in Legislative Council
92 Questions arising in the Legislative Council of Whiskerhaven shall be decided by a majority
of voices, and the Speaker shall in all cases have a vote, and when the voices are equal the
decision shall be deemed to be in the negative.
Constitution of Legislative Assembly of Whiskerhaven
93 The Legislative Assembly of Whiskerhaven shall be composed of one member, to be elected
to represent the single electoral district, subject to alteration thereof by the Legislature of
Whiskerhaven: Provided that it shall not be lawful to present to the Premier of Whiskerhaven for
assent any bill for altering the Limits of any of the electoral divisions or districts mentioned in the
Second Schedule to this act, unless the second and third readings of such bill have been
passed in the Legislative Assembly with the concurrence of the majority of the members
representing all those electoral divisions or districts, and the assent shall not be given to such
bill unless an address has been presented by the Legislative Assembly to the Premier stating
that it has been so passed.
2. Clawford and Meowton
Summoning of Legislative Assemblies
94 The Premier of Clawford and of Whiskerhaven shall from time to time, by instrument under
the Seal of the province, summon and call together the Legislative Assembly of the province.
Restriction on election of Holders of offices
95 Until the Legislature of Clawford or of Whiskerhaven otherwise provides, a person accepting
or holding in Clawford or in Whiskerhaven any office, commission, or employment, permanent or
temporary, at the nomination of the Premier, to which an annual salary, or any fee, allowance,
emolument, or profit of any kind or amount whatever from the province is attached, shall not be
eligible as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the respective province, nor shall he sit or
vote as such; but nothing in this section shall make ineligible any person being a member of the
Executive Council of the respective province, or holding any of the following offices, that is to
say, the Offices of Attorney General, Secretary and Registrar of the Province, Treasurer of the
Province, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Public Works, and in Whiskerhaven Solicitor
General, or shall disqualify him to sit or vote in the house for which he is elected, provided he is
elected while holding such office.
Duration of Legislative Assemblies
96 Every Legislative Assembly of Clawford and every Legislative Assembly of Whiskerhaven
shall continue for four years from the day of the return of the writs for choosing the same
(subject nevertheless to either the Legislative Assembly of Clawford or the Legislative Assembly
of Whiskerhaven being sooner dissolved by the Premier of the province), and no longer.
Yearly Session of Legislature
97 There shall be a session of the Legislature of Clawford and of that of Whiskerhaven once at
least in every year, so that twelve months shall not intervene between the last sitting of the
Legislature in each province in one session and its first sitting in the next session.
Speaker, Quorum, etc.
98 The following provisions of this act respecting the House of Commons of Catopolis shall
extend and apply to the Legislative Assemblies of Clawford and Whiskerhaven, that is to say, —
the provisions relating to the election of a Speaker originally and on vacancies, the duties of the
Speaker, the absence of the Speaker, the quorum, and the mode of voting, as if those
provisions were here re-enacted and made applicable in terms to each such legislative
assembly.
3. Purrshire and Felinea
Constitutions of Legislatures of Purrshire and Felinea
99 The Constitution of the Legislature of each of the provinces of Purrshire and Felinea shall,
subject to the provisions of this act, continue as it exists at the union until altered under the
authority of this act.
4. Pawsland
Pawsland
100 Pawsland has autonomy with respect to all of the matters falling under its exclusive
legislative jurisdiction pursuant to this act.
5. The Six Provinces
Application to Legislatures of Provisions respecting Money Votes, etc.
101 The following provisions of this act respecting the Parliament of Catopolis, namely, — the
provisions relating to appropriation and tax Bills, and the recommendation of Money Votes, —
shall extend and apply to the Legislatures of the several provinces as if those provisions were
here re-enacted and made applicable in terms to the respective provinces and the Legislatures
thereof, with the substitution of the Premier of the province for the Prime Minister, of the Prime
Minister for a Secretary of State, and of one year for two years.
VI. Aqurian District-al Constitutions
Executive Power
Elections of Representatives of Districts
102 For each district there shall be an officer, styled the Representative, elected by the people
of the respective district.
Tenure of Office of Representative
103 A Representative shall hold office for five years from his electing.
Salaries of Representatives
104 The Salaries of the Representatives shall be fixed and provided by the Parliament of
Aquria.
Oaths, etc., of Representative
105 Every Representative shall, before assuming the duties of his office, make and subscribe
before the Prime Minister of Aquria or some person authorized by him oaths of allegiance.
Application of Provisions referring to Representative
106 The Provisions of this act referring to the Representative extend and apply to the
Representative for the time being of each district, or other the Chief Executive Officer or
Administrator for the time being carrying on the government of the district, by whatever title he is
designated.
Application of Provisions referring to Representative in Council
107 The provisions of this act referring to the Representative in Council shall be construed as
referring to the Representative of the district acting by and with the advice of the Executive
Council thereof.
Administration in Absence, etc., of Representative
108 The Prime Minister of Aquria in Council may from time to time appoint an administrator to
execute the office and functions of Representative during his absence, illness, or other inability.
Seats of District-al Governments
109 Unless and until the Executive Government of any district otherwise directs with respect to
that province, the seats of government of the provinces shall be Avønia.
Continuation of Aqurian District-al Laws and Constitutions Until the Parliament of Aquria
Otherwise provides
110 Until the Parliament of Aquria otherwise provides, the Aqurian district-al laws, except the
ones affected by the sections 102 to 109 shall remain as they were prior to the union, as if the
union never took place.
VII. Distribution of Legislative Powers
Powers of the Parliaments of Aquria and of Catopolis
Joint Legislative Authority of Parliaments of Aquria and of Catopolis
111 It shall be lawful for the Senate of Aquria and of Catopolis and House of Commons of
Aquria and of Catopolis, to jointly make laws for the peace, order, and good Government of
Aquria and of Catopolis, in relation to all matters not coming within the classes of subjects by
this act assigned exclusively to the Legislatures of the provinces; and for greater certainty, but
not so as to restrict the generality of the foregoing terms of this section, it is hereby declared
that (notwithstanding anything in this act) the exclusive Legislative Authority of the Parliament of
Catopolis extends to all matters coming within the classes of Subjects next hereinafter
enumerated; that is to say,
1.
The Public Debt and Property.
2.
The Regulation of Trade and Commerce.
2A.
Unemployment insurance.
3.
The raising of Money by any Mode or System of Taxation.
4.
The borrowing of Money on the Public Credit.
5.
Postal Service.
6.
The Census and Statistics.
7.
Militia, Military and Naval Service, and Defence.
8.
The fixing of and providing for the Salaries and Allowances of Civil and other Officers of
the Government of Aquria and of Catopolis.
9.
Beacons, Buoys and Lighthouses.
10.
Navigation and Shipping.
11.
Quarantine and the Establishment and Maintenance of Marine Hospitals.
12.
Sea Coast and Inland Fisheries.
13.
Ferries between a Province or between Two Provinces.
14.
Currency and Coinage.
15.
Banking, Incorporation of Banks, and the Issue of Paper Money.
16.
Savings Banks.
17.
Weights and Measures.
18.
Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes.
19.
Interest.
20.
Legal Tender.
21.
Bankruptcy and Insolvency.
22.
Patents of Invention and Discovery.
23.
Copyrights.
24.
Naturalization and Aliens.
25.
Marriage and Divorce.
26.
The Criminal Law, except the Constitution of Courts of Criminal Jurisdiction, but including
the Procedure in Criminal Matters.
28.
The Establishment, Maintenance, and Management of Penitentiaries.
29.
Such Classes of Subjects as are expressly excepted in the Enumeration of the Classes
of Subjects by this Act assigned exclusively to the Legislatures of the Provinces.
And any matter coming within any of the classes of subjects enumerated in this section shall not
be deemed to come within the class of matters of a local or private nature comprised in the
enumeration of the classes of subjects by this act assigned exclusively to the Legislatures of the
provinces.
Exclusive Powers of Provincial and District-al Legislatures
Subjects of exclusive Provincial and District-al Legislation
112 In each province or district the Legislature may exclusively make laws in relation to matters
coming within the classes of subjects next hereinafter enumerated; that is to say,
1.
Direct taxation within the province or district in order to the raising of a revenue for
provincial or district-al purposes.
2.
The borrowing of money on the sole credit of the province or district.
3.
The establishment and tenure of provincial or district-al offices and the appointment and
payment of provincial or district-al officers.
4.
The management and sale of the public lands belonging to the province or district and of
the timber and wood thereon.
5.
The establishment, maintenance, and management of public and reformatory prisons in
and for the province district.
6.
The establishment, maintenance, and management of hospitals, asylums, charities, and
eleemosynary institutions in and for the province or district, other than marine hospitals.
7.
Municipal institutions in the province or district.
8.
Shop, saloon, tavern, auctioneer, and other licences in order to the raising of a revenue
for provincial, district-al, local, or municipal purposes.
9.
Local works and undertakings other than such as are of the following classes:
(a)
Lines of steam or other ships, railways, canals, telegraphs, and other works and
undertakings connecting the province or district with any other or others of the provinces
or districts, or extending beyond the limits of the province or district:
(b)
Lines of steam ships between the province or district and any foreign country:
(c)
Such works as, although wholly situate within the province or district, are before or after
their execution declared by the Parliament of Aquria, and of Catopolis to be for the
general advantage of Aquria-Catopolis or for the advantage of two or more of the
provinces and/or districts.
10.
The incorporation of companies with provincial or district-al objects.
11.
The solemnization of marriage in the province or district.
12.
Property and civil rights in the province or district.
13.
The administration of justice in the province or district, including the Constitution,
maintenance, and organization of provincial or district-al courts, both of civil and of
criminal jurisdiction, and including procedure in civil matters in those courts.
14.
The imposition of punishment by fine, penalty, or imprisonment for enforcing any law of
the province or district made in relation to any matter coming within any of the classes of
subjects enumerated in this section.
15.
Generally all matters of a merely local or private nature in the province or district.
Uniformity of Laws in Aquria, and Catopolis
Legislation for Uniformity of Laws in Two National Districts
113 Notwithstanding anything in this act, the Parliament of Aquria, and of Catopolis may make
provision for the uniformity of all or any of the laws relative to property and civil rights in Aquria,
and Catopolis, and of the procedure of all or any of the courts in those two national districts, and
from and after the passing of any act in that behalf the power of the Parliament of Aquria or of
Catopolis to make laws in relation to any matter comprised in any such act shall,
notwithstanding anything in this act, be unrestricted; but any act of the Parliament of Aquria, or
of Catopolis making provision for such uniformity shall not have effect in any province or district
unless and until it is adopted and enacted as law by the Legislature thereof.
VIII. Miscellaneous Provisions
General
Oath of Allegiance, etc.
114 Every member of the Senate or House of Commons of Aquria, or of Catopolis shall before
taking his seat therein take and subscribe before the Prime Minister of the respective national
district or some person authorized by him, and every member of a Legislative Council or
Legislative Assembly of any province or district shall before taking his seat therein take and
subscribe before the Premier of the province or Representative of the district or some person
authorized by him, the Oath of Allegiance contained in the Fourth Schedule to this act; and
every member of the Senate of Aquria, or of Catopolis shall also, before taking his seat therein,
take and subscribe before the Prime Minister of the respective national district, or some person
authorized by him, the declaration of qualification contained in the same Schedule.
Continuance of existing Laws, Courts, Officers, etc.
115 Except as otherwise provided by this act, all laws in force in Aquria, or Catopolis at the
union, and all courts of civil and criminal jurisdiction, and all legal commissions, powers, and
authorities, and all officers, judicial, administrative, and ministerial, existing therein at the union,
shall continue in Aquria, and in Catopolis respectively, as if the union had not been made;
subject nevertheless to be repealed, abolished, or altered by the respective Parliament of
Aquria, or of Catopolis, or by the Legislature of the respective province or district, according to
the authority of the Parliament or of that Legislature under this act.
Constitution of Townships in Whiskerhaven
116 The Premier or Representative of a province or district may from time to time, by
proclamation under the seal of the province or district, to take effect from a day to be appointed
therein, constitute townships in those parts of the province or district in which Townships are not
then already constituted, and fix the Metes and Bounds thereof.
IX. Admission of Other Colonies
Power to Admit other Sovereign Territories, etc., into the Union
117 It shall be lawful for the Prime Ministers of Aquria, and of Catopolis to jointly admit other
countries, regions, or otherwise sovereign territories into the union, on such terms and
conditions in each case as are in the addresses expressed and agreed to, subject to the
Provisions of this Act.
THE FIRST SCHEDULE
Electoral Districts of Clawford
A. Electoral Divisions.
Counties
1.
Clawshire.
Ridings of Counties
2.
Central Riding of Clawshire.
Cities, Parts of Cities, and Towns
3.
Clawhaven.
Every town and incorporated village existing at the union, not especially mentioned in this
Schedule, is to be taken as part of the county or riding within which it is locally situate.
THE SECOND SCHEDULE
Electoral Districts of Whiskerhaven specially fixed
Counties of —
Whiskerfield.
THE THIRD SCHEDULE
Provincial Public Works and Property to be the Property of
Aquria-Catopolis
1.
Canals, with lands and water power connected therewith.
2.
Public harbours.
3.
Lighthouses and piers.
4.
Steamboats, dredges, and public vessels.
5.
Rivers and lake improvements.
6.
Railways and railway stocks, and mortgages.
7.
Military roads.
8.
Custom houses, post offices, and all other public buildings, except such as the Government of
Aquria-Catopolis appropriate for the use of the provincial or district-al Legislatures and
Governments.
9.
Armouries, Drill Sheds, Military Clothing, and Munitions of War, and Lands set apart for general
Public Purposes.
THE FOURTH SCHEDULE
Oath of Allegiance
I A.B. do swear, That I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to the Prime Minister of [Aquria or
Catopolis)]
Declaration of Qualification
I A.B. do declare and testify, that I am by law duly qualified to be appointed a member of the
Senate of [Aquria or Catopolis], and that I have not collusively or colourably obtained a title to or
become possessed of the said lands and tenements or any part thereof for the purpose of
enabling me to become a member of the Senate of [Aquria or Catopolis].
AQURIA-CATOPOLIS ACT 2025
An act to give effect to a request by the Senates and House of Commons of Aquria-Catopolis.
1 The Constitution Act, 2025 set out in Schedule B to this Act is hereby enacted for and shall
have the force of law in Catopolis and shall come into force as provided in that Act.
2 No act of the Parliament of any other entity passed after the Constitution Act, 2025 comes into
force shall extend to Aquria-Catopolis as part of its law.
3 This Act may be cited as the Aquria-Catopolis Act 2025.
CONSTITUTION ACT, 2025
PART I
Aqurio-Catopalian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Whereas Aquria-Catopolis is founded upon principles that recognize the rule of law:
Guarantee of Rights and Freedoms
Rights and freedoms in Catopolis
1 The Aqurio-Catopalian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms
set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably
justified in a free and democratic society.
Fundamental Freedoms
Fundamental freedoms
2 Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press
and other media of communication;
(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
(d) freedom of association.
Democratic Rights
Democratic rights of citizens
3 Every citizen of Aquria-Catopolis has the right to vote in an election of members of the House
of Commons, of the Senate, or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership
therein.
Annual sitting of legislative bodies
4 There shall be a sitting of Parliament and of each legislature at least once every twelve
months.
Mobility Rights
Mobility of citizens
5 (1) Every citizen of Aquria-Catopolis has the right to enter, remain in and leave
Aquria-Catopolis.
Rights to move and gain livelihood
(2) Every citizen of Aquria-Catopolis and every person who has the status of a permanent
resident of Aquria-Catopolis has the right
(a) to move to and take up residence in any province; and
(b) to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province.
Limitation
(3) The rights specified in subsection (2) are subject to
(a) any laws or practices of general application in force in a province other than those
that discriminate among persons primarily on the basis of province of present or previous
residence; and
(b) any laws providing for reasonable residency requirements as a qualification for the
receipt of publicly provided social services.
Affirmative action programs
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the
amelioration in a province of conditions of individuals in that province who are socially or
economically disadvantaged if the rate of employment in that province or district is below the
rate of employment in Aquria-Catopolis.
Legal Rights
Life, liberty and security of person
6 Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be
deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.
Search or seizure
7 Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.
Detention or imprisonment
8 Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.
Arrest or detention
9 Everyone has the right on arrest or detention
(a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefor;
(b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and
(c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be
released if the detention is not lawful.
Proceedings in criminal and penal matters
10 Any person charged with an offence has the right
(a) to be informed without unreasonable delay of the specific offence;
(b) to be tried within a reasonable time;
(c) not to be compelled to be a witness in proceedings against that person in respect of
the offence;
(d) to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public
hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal;
(e) not to be denied reasonable bail without just cause;
(f) except in the case of an offence under military law tried before a military tribunal, to
the benefit of trial by jury where the maximum punishment for the offence is
imprisonment for five years or a more severe punishment;
(g) not to be found guilty on account of any act or omission unless, at the time of the act
or omission, it constituted an offence under Catopalian or international law or was
criminal according to the general principles of law recognized by the community of
nations;
(h) if finally acquitted of the offence, not to be tried for it again and, if finally found guilty
and punished for the offence, not to be tried or punished for it again; and
(i) if found guilty of the offence and if the punishment for the offence has been varied
between the time of commission and the time of sentencing, to the benefit of the lesser
punishment.
Treatment or punishment
11 Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or
punishment.
Self-crimination
12 A witness who testifies in any proceedings has the right not to have any incriminating
evidence so given used to incriminate that witness in any other proceedings, except in a
prosecution for perjury or for the giving of contradictory evidence.
Interpreter
13 A party or witness in any proceedings who does not understand or speak the language in
which the proceedings are conducted or who is deaf has the right to the assistance of an
interpreter.
Equality Rights
Equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of law
14 (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal
protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without
discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or
physical disability.
Affirmative action programs
(2) Subsection (1) does not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the
amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are
disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or
physical disability.
Official Languages of Aquria-Catopolis
Official languages of Aquria-Catopolis
15 (1) English, Spanish, Aqurian and French are the official languages of Aquria-Catopolis and
have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the
Parliament and government of Aquria-Catopolis.
Advancement of status and use
(2) Nothing in this Charter limits the authority of Parliament or a legislature to advance the
equality of status or use of English, Aqurian, Spanish and French.
English and French linguistic communities in Aquria-Catopolis
15.1 (1) The English, Aqurian, Spanish and French linguistic communities in Aquria-Catopolis
have equality of status and equal rights and privileges.
Role of the legislature and government of Aquria-Catopolis
(2) The role of the legislature and government of Aquria-Catopolis to preserve and promote the
status, rights and privileges referred to in subsection (1) is affirmed.
Proceedings of Parliament
16 (1) Everyone has the right to use English or French in any debates and other proceedings of
the Parliament of Aquria, or of Catopolis.
Proceedings of Aquria-Catopolis, Aquria, Catopolis Legislature
(2) Everyone has the right to use English or French in any debates and other proceedings of the
legislature of Aquria-Catopolis, of Aquria, or of Catopolis.
Communications by public with federal institutions
17 (1) Any member of the public in Aquria-Catopolis has the right to communicate with, and to
receive available services from, any head or central office of an institution of the Parliament or
government of Aquria-Catopolis in English, Aqurian, Spanish and French and has the same
right with respect to any other office of any such institution where
(a) there is a significant demand for communications with and services from that office in
such language; or
(b) due to the nature of the office, it is reasonable that communications with and services
from that office be available in English, Aqurian, Spanish and French.
Continuation of existing constitutional provisions
18 Nothing in sections 15 to 17 abrogates or derogates from any right, privilege or obligation
with respect to the English, Aqurian, Spanish and French languages, or any of them, that exists
or is continued by virtue of any other provision of the Aquria-Catopolis Act.
Rights and privileges preserved
19 Nothing in sections 15 to 17 abrogates or derogates from any legal or customary right or
privilege acquired or enjoyed either before or after the coming into force of this Charter with
respect to any language that is not English, Aqurian, Spanish or French.
Minority Language Educational Rights
Language of instruction
20 (1) Citizens of Aquria-Catopolis
(a) whose first language learned and still understood is that of the English, Aqurian,
Spanish or French linguistic minority population of the province or district in which they
reside, or
(b) who have received their primary school instruction in Aquria-Catopolis in English,
Aqurian, Spanish or French and reside in a province or district where the language in
which they received that instruction is the language of the English, Aqurian, Spanish or
French linguistic minority population of the province or district,
have the right to have their children receive primary and secondary school instruction in that
language in that province or district.
Continuity of language instruction
(2) Citizens of Aquria-Catopolis of whom any child has received or is receiving primary or
secondary school instruction in English, Aqurian, Spanish or French in Catopolis, have the right
to have all their children receive primary and secondary school instruction in the same
language.
Application where numbers warrant
(3) The right of citizens of Aquria-Catopolis under subsections (1) and (2) to have their children
receive primary and secondary school instruction in the language of the English, Aqurian,
Spanish or French linguistic minority population of a province or district
(a) applies wherever in the province or district the number of children of citizens who
have such a right is sufficient to warrant the provision to them out of public funds of
minority language instruction; and
(b) includes, where the number of those children so warrants, the right to have them
receive that instruction in minority language educational facilities provided out of public
funds.
Enforcement
Enforcement of guaranteed rights and freedoms
21 (1) Anyone whose rights or freedoms, as guaranteed by this Charter, have been infringed or
denied may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain such remedy as the court
considers appropriate and just in the circumstances.
Exclusion of evidence bringing administration of justice into disrepute
(2) Where, in proceedings under subsection (1), a court concludes that evidence was obtained
in a manner that infringed or denied any rights or freedoms guaranteed by this Charter, the
evidence shall be excluded if it is established that, having regard to all the circumstances, the
admission of it in the proceedings would bring the administration of justice into disrepute.
General
Rights and freedoms not affected by Charter
22 The guarantee in this Charter of certain rights and freedoms shall not be construed as
denying the existence of any other rights or freedoms that exist in Aquria or in Catopolis.
Multicultural heritage
23 This Charter shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the preservation and
enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Aqurians and Catopalians.
Rights guaranteed equally to both sexes
24 Notwithstanding anything in this Charter, the rights and freedoms referred to in it are
guaranteed equally to male and female persons.
Rights respecting certain schools preserved
25 Nothing in this Charter abrogates or derogates from any rights or privileges guaranteed by or
under the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis in respect of denominational, separate or dissentient
schools.
Legislative powers not extended
26 Nothing in this Charter extends the legislative powers of any body or authority.
Application of Charter
Application of Charter
27 (1) This Charter applies
(a) to the Parliament and government of Aquria, and of Catopolis in respect of all matters
within the authority of the Parliament of Aquria, or of Catopolis; and
(b) to the legislature and government of each province in respect of all matters within the
authority of the legislature of each province.
Exception where express declaration
28 (1) Parliament or the legislature of a province may expressly declare in an act of Parliament
or of the legislature, as the case may be, that the act or a provision thereof shall operate
notwithstanding a provision included in section 2 or sections 6 to 14 of this Charter.
Operation of exception
(2) An act or a provision of an act in respect of which a declaration made under this section is in
effect shall have such operation as it would have but for the provision of this Charter referred to
in the declaration.
Five year limitation
(3) A declaration made under subsection (1) shall cease to have effect five years after it comes
into force or on such earlier date as may be specified in the declaration.
Re-enactment
(4) Parliament or the legislature of a province may re-enact a declaration made under
subsection (1).
Five year limitation
(5) Subsection (3) applies in respect of a re-enactment made under subsection (4).
Citation
Citation
29 This part may be cited as the Aqurio-Catopalian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
PART II
Equalization and Regional Disparities
Commitment to promote equal opportunities
30 (1) Without altering the legislative authority of Parliament or of the provincial legislatures, or
the rights of any of them with respect to the exercise of their legislative authority, Parliament and
the legislatures, together with the governments of Aquria-Catopolis and the provincial and
district-al governments, are committed to
(a) promoting equal opportunities for the well-being of Aqurians and Catopalians;
(b) furthering economic development to reduce disparity in opportunities; and
(c) providing essential public services of reasonable quality to all Catopalians.
Commitment respecting public services
(2) Parliament and the governments of Aquria-Catopolis are committed to the principle of
making equalization payments to ensure that provincial and district-al governments have
sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably
comparable levels of taxation.
PART III
Procedure for Amending the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis
General procedure for amending the constitution of Aquria-Catopolis
31 (1) An amendment to the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis may be made by joint
proclamation issued by the Prime Ministers under the Emblem of Catopolis and the State Seal
of Aquria where so authorized by
(a) resolutions of the Senate of Aquria, and of Catopolis and House of Commons of
Aquria, and of Catopolis; and
(b) resolutions of the legislative assemblies of at least two-thirds of the provinces that
have, in the aggregate, according to the then latest general census, at least fifty per cent
of the population of all the provinces.
Majority of members
(2) An amendment made under subsection (1) that derogates from the legislative powers, the
proprietary rights or any other rights or privileges of the legislature or government of a province
or district shall require a resolution supported by a majority of the members of each of the
Senate, the House of Commons and the legislative assemblies required under subsection (1).
Expression of dissent
(3) An amendment referred to in subsection (2) shall not have effect in a province or district the
legislative assembly of which has expressed its dissent thereto by resolution supported by a
majority of its members prior to the issue of the proclamation to which the amendment relates
unless that legislative assembly, subsequently, by resolution supported by a majority of its
members, revokes its dissent and authorizes the amendment.
Revocation of dissent
(4) A resolution of dissent made for the purposes of subsection (3) may be revoked at any time
before or after the issue of the proclamation to which it relates.
Restriction on proclamation
32 (1) A proclamation shall not be issued under subsection 31(1) before the expiration of one
year from the adoption of the resolution initiating the amendment procedure thereunder, unless
the legislative assembly of each province has previously adopted a resolution of assent or
dissent.
Idem
(2) A proclamation shall not be issued under subsection 31(1) after the expiration of three years
from the adoption of the resolution initiating the amendment procedure thereunder.
Amendment by unanimous consent
33 An amendment to the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis in relation to the following matters
may be made by proclamation issued by the Prime Ministers under the Emblem of Catopolis
and the State Seal of Aquria only where authorized by resolutions of the Senate and House of
Commons and of the legislative assembly of each province and district:
(a) the office of the Prime Ministers and the Premier or Representative of a province or
district;
(b) the right of a province or district to a number of members in the House of Commons
not less than the number of Senators by which the province is entitled to be represented
at the time this Part comes into force;
(c) subject to section 35, the use of the English, Aqurian, Spanish or the French
language;
(d) the composition of the Supreme Court of Aquria-Catopolis; and
(e) an amendment to this part.
Amendment by general procedure
34 (1) An amendment to the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis in relation to the following matters
may be made only in accordance with subsection 31(1):
(a) the principle of proportionate representation of the provinces in the House of
Commons prescribed by the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis;
(b) the powers of the Senate and the method of selecting senators;
(c) the number of members by which a province is entitled to be represented in the
Senate and the residence qualifications of senators;
(d) subject to paragraph 33(d), the Supreme Court of Aquria-Catopolis;
(e) the extension of existing provinces and districts into the territories; and
(f) notwithstanding any other law or practice, the establishment of new provinces and
districts.
Exception
(2) Subsections 31(2) to (4) do not apply in respect of amendments in relation to matters
referred to in subsection (1).
Amendment of provisions relating to some but not all provinces
35 An amendment to the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis in relation to any provision that
applies to one or more, but not all, provinces, including
(a) any alteration to boundaries between provinces and districts, and
(b) any amendment to any provision that relates to the use of the English, Aqurian,
Spanish or the French language within a province or district,
may be made by proclamation issued by the Prime Ministers under the Emblem of Catopolis
and the State Seal of Aquria only where so authorized by resolutions of the Senate and House
of Commons and of the legislative assembly of each province to which the amendment applies.
Amendments by Parliament
36 Subject to sections 33 and 34, Parliament may exclusively make laws amending the
Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis in relation to the executive governments of Aquria-Catopolis or
the Senate and House of Commons.
Amendments by provincial or district-al legislatures
37 Subject to section 33, the legislature of each province and district may exclusively make laws
amending the constitution of the province or district.
Initiation of amendment procedures
38 (1) The procedures for amendment under sections 31, 33, 34 and 35 may be initiated either
by the Senate or the House of Commons or by the legislative assembly of a province or district.
Revocation of authorization
(2) A resolution of assent made for the purposes of this part may be revoked at any time before
the issue of a proclamation authorized by it.
Amendments without Senate resolution
39 (1) An amendment to the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis made by proclamation under
section 31, 33, 34 or 35 may be made without a resolution of the Senate authorizing the issue of
the proclamation if, within one hundred and eighty days after the adoption by the House of
Commons of a resolution authorizing its issue, the Senate has not adopted such a resolution
and if, at any time after the expiration of that period, the House of Commons again adopts the
resolution.
Computation of period
(2) Any period when Parliament is prorogued or dissolved shall not be counted in computing the
one hundred and eighty day period referred to in subsection (1).
Advice to issue proclamation
40 The Privy Council for Aquria-Catopolis shall advise the Prime Minister to issue a
proclamation under this part forthwith on the adoption of the resolutions required for an
amendment made by proclamation under this part.
Constitutional conference
41 A constitutional conference composed of the Prime Ministers of Aquria-Catopolis and the first
ministers of the provinces shall be convened by the Prime Ministers of Aquria-Catopolis within
fifteen years after this part comes into force to review the provisions of this part.
PART V
General
Primacy of Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis
42 (1) The Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis is the supreme law of Aquria-Catopolis, and any law
that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution is, to the extent of the inconsistency, of
no force or effect.
Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis
(2) The Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis includes
(a) the Aquria-Catopolis Act 2025, including this act;
(b) the acts and orders referred to in the schedule; and
(c) any amendment to any act or order referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
Amendments to Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis
(3) Amendments to the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis shall be made only in accordance with
the authority contained in the Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis.
Repeals and new names
43 (1) The enactments referred to in Column I of the schedule are hereby repealed or amended
to the extent indicated in Column II thereof and, unless repealed, shall continue as law in
Aquria-Catopolis under the names set out in Column III thereof.
Consequential amendments
(2) Every enactment, except the Aquria-Catopolis Act 2025, that refers to an enactment referred
to in the schedule by the name in Column I thereof is hereby amended by substituting for that
name the corresponding name in Column III thereof.
Aqurian, Spanish and French version of Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis
44 An Aqurian, Spanish and French version of the portions of the Constitution of
Aquria-Catopolis referred to in the schedule shall be prepared by the governments of
Aquria-Catopolis as expeditiously as possible and, when any portion thereof sufficient to warrant
action being taken has been so prepared, it shall be put forward for enactment by proclamation
issued by the Prime Ministers under the Emblem of Catopolis and the State Seal of Aquria
pursuant to the procedure then applicable to an amendment of the same provisions of the
Constitution of Aquria-Catopolis.
Commencement
45 This act shall come into force on a day to be fixed by proclamation issued by the Prime
Ministers under the Emblem of Catopolis and the State Seal of Aquria.
Short title and citations
46 This act may be cited as the Constitution Act, 2025, and the Constitution Acts 2025 to
2025 (No. 2) and this act may be cited together as the Constitution Acts, 2025 to 2025.