Freeport Constitution

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

Article I - Membership

Section 1. Membership Eligibility

Membership in Freeport is open to all households who voluntarily agree to uphold the core values, principles, and laws of our society. A household is defined as a group of individuals residing together in a single dwelling unit, whether related by blood, marriage, or choice. Each household shall designate one adult representative to exercise the rights and responsibilities of membership on behalf of the household.

Section 2. Application for Membership

Households seeking to join Freeport shall submit a written application to the Administration, providing all information required to verify eligibility and commitment to our social values. The Administration shall review and approve or deny applications based on objective criteria established by law.

Section 3. Equality and Non-Discrimination

All members are equal under the law and shall be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their composition, or personal characteristics. Discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender, age, disability, or any other protected status is strictly prohibited.

Section 4. Voluntary Withdrawal of Membership

Members may voluntarily withdraw from Freeport at any time by submitting written notice to the Administration. Withdrawal becomes effective 60 days after receipt of notice to allow for the orderly transition of responsibilities. Withdrawing households remain liable for any outstanding financial obligations to Freeport.

Section 5. Expulsion of Members

The Administration may expel a member household for good cause, including severe or repeated violations of Freeport laws, policies, or principles, or for conduct that poses a clear and present danger to the safety and well-being of the public. Expulsion requires written notice, an opportunity to be heard. Expelled households may appeal to the Prime Minister for reconsideration.

Article II - Rights and Privileges of Member Households

Section 1. Access to Community Resources and Services

Members have the right to access and utilize the resources, facilities, services, and benefits provided by Freeport to support their well-being and participation in community life. Such resources may include parks, community centers, libraries, educational programs, health services, transportation, and utilities.

Section 2. Freedom of Expression

Freeport values diversity of thought and belief. Members have the right to express their views, and live according to their values. However, this freedom does not extend to incitement of violence, or other unlawful conduct that undermines social cohesion.

Section 3. Privacy and Personal Autonomy

Members have the right to privacy in their personal affairs and autonomy in their individual life choices, so long as their actions do not harm others or violate Freeport laws.

Section 4. Property Rights

Members have the right to own, use, and enjoy personal and real property within Freeport, subject to reasonable regulations to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Article III - Responsibilities of Members

Section 1. Compliance with Laws and Policies

Members shall know and comply with all duly enacted laws, regulations, and policies of Freeport. Ignorance of the law is not a defense to violation. The Administration shall make all laws and policies readily accessible to members and provide education on legal rights and responsibilities.

Section 2. Financial Contributions

To fund the operations and services of Freeport, each member household shall pay such membership fees established. The Administration shall provide a transparent budget and regular financial reports to the public.

Section 3. Respect for Community Resources and Property

Members shall serve as responsible stewards of public resources and property. Households shall use community facilities safely, conserve shared resources, properly maintain any assigned property, report observed hazards or damage, and reimburse the cost to repair damage caused by household negligence or misconduct.

Section 4. Cooperation with Administration

Members shall cooperate fully and honestly with Administration officials acting in the lawful performance of their duties, including complying with reasonable requests for information, adhering to health and safety directives, and respecting the authority of the Administration.

Section 5. Mutual Assistance and Respect for Neighbors

Freeport is founded on principles of mutual care and concern for fellow members. Members shall strive to assist neighbors in need, look out for each other's welfare, settle disputes amicably, respect each other's privacy and property, and foster a spirit of cooperation, tolerance and understanding.

Article IV - Dispute Resolution

Section 1. Informal Mediation

Members are encouraged to resolve disagreements through direct communication and informal mediation whenever possible. The Administration shall provide resources and training to support effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills and make neutral mediators available upon request to facilitate dialogue between disputing parties.

Section 2. Formal Grievance Process

When informal efforts fail, any member household may file a formal grievance with the court against another household or Freeport official for alleged violations of law, policy or personal rights. Grievances must be submitted in writing to the court, which shall provide the respondent notice and an opportunity to reply before conducting an impartial investigation and issuing a decision.

Section 3. Disciplinary Procedures for Member Misconduct

In cases of alleged member misconduct, the Administration may file disciplinary charges with the court. The accused household shall receive written notice of the charges, access to evidence, and an opportunity to respond at a hearing. The court shall determine if a violation occurred and impose any penalties pursuant to law. Decisions may be appealed to the Prime Minister.

Article V - Governance and Leadership

Section 1. Authority of Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is the head of state of Freeport, vested with supreme executive and ceremonial power. The Prime Minister shall uphold and defend this Constitution, execute the laws and court rulings, provide leadership to the Administration, and represent Freeport in external relations. The Prime Minister is not subject to any political or legal restrictions other than this Constitution and the judgment of the society.

Section 2. Selection of Prime Minister

The Prime Minister shall be chosen by at least 80% of the Administration to serve an indefinite term. If the office becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or incapacity, the Administration shall select a successor. The qualifications for Prime Minister are knowledge and experience of international law, diplomatic experience, member of the church, demonstration of commitment to this Constitution.

Section 3. Powers and Duties of the Administration

The Administration shall consist of officials appointed by the Prime Minister to oversee and manage the operations, services, finances, and affairs of the public consistent with this Constitution and the directives of the Prime Minister. The Administration shall enforce laws, maintain infrastructure, provide for the general welfare, and address the needs and concerns of members.

Section 4. Rule of Law

All Administration officials shall be subject to and bound by duly enacted laws and this Constitution, as interpreted by the court. Officials shall take an oath to uphold the rule of law and carry out their duties ethically and responsibly. Any official who violates the law or abuses their power may be removed by the Prime Minister.

Section 5. Transparency and Accountability

The Administration shall conduct its business openly and transparently, with official records available for member inspection. Officials shall avoid conflicts of interest, disclose finances, and be accountable for misconduct or dereliction of duty. The Prime Minister shall appoint an independent Auditor to review finances and operations and report any irregularities.

Article VI - Judiciary

Section 1. Court Structure and Appointment

Judicial power shall be vested in a Court appointed by the Prime Minister and confirmed by the Administration. The Court shall consist of a Chief Judge and such associate judges as necessary to handle the caseload. Judges shall be chosen based on their legal knowledge, moral integrity, and commitment to fairness. Judges serve at the pleasure of the Prime Minister.

Section 2. Court Jurisdiction and Powers

The Court shall have jurisdiction to enforce this Constitution, review Administration actions for legality, adjudicate member grievances and appeals, and issue binding rulings in all cases arising under the law. The Court may invalidate any unconstitutional law, overturn any unlawful administrative action, and impose any legal penalty. Court decisions may only be reversed by the Prime Minister.

Section 3. Judicial Independence and Rule of Law

Judges shall be independent and impartial in the exercise of their duties, free from interference by the Administration or outside influences. Judges shall faithfully apply the law without fear or favor and decide cases based on the facts and relevant legal principles. The Administration shall provide the Court with sufficient resources and enforce its rulings.

Section 4. Due Process and Procedural Fairness

The Court shall conduct its proceedings in accordance with due process and procedural fairness. All parties shall have the right to proper notice, to present evidence and argument, to confront accusers and cross-examine witnesses, to a speedy and public trial, and to a reasoned explanation of the Court's decision. The Court shall treat all parties equally without discrimination.

Article VII - Amendment and Interpretation

Section 1. Amendment by Administration and Prime Minister

The Administration may propose amendments to this Constitution by a three-fourths vote of all current officials. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Prime Minister for consideration. If approved by the Prime Minister, the amendment is adopted. If rejected, the Administration may revise and resubmit. Amendments take effect immediately upon adoption unless otherwise specified.

Section 2. Interpretation by Court with Prime Minister Oversight

This Constitution shall be interpreted according to its plain meaning, original intent, and underlying principles by the Court. Interpretations of the Court are binding on all members and officials unless overturned by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister may issue official interpretations of the Constitution that supersede any contrary ruling by the Court. Such interpretations are final and not subject to judicial review.

Section 3. Severability and Judicial Review

If any provision of this Constitution is held invalid by the Court, the remaining provisions shall continue in force to the fullest extent possible consistent with the overall purposes of this Constitution. The Court may sever invalid provisions and propose revisions to the Administration to preserve constitutionality. However, the Prime Minister may overrule any interpretation by the Court.

Signatories:

Taz Riot

Rob Teague