Sacara Factbook

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The Federal Government of Sacara is a national government that is made up of twelve individual states, multiple territories, and one district, comprising the nation's capital. There are three separate branches: the legislative, executive, and the judicial, each of which have powers vested the Constitution. Each branch is looked upon as equal, and checks and balances are in place to ensure no branch has more power than another. The executive and judicial are divided into departments, while the legislative branch consists of a bicameral legislature.

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History

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The outline of the Government of Sacara is found in the Constitution. The Constitution was ratified on May 30th, 1903, and officially went into effect May 31st, 1903.

The Government of Sacara is a federal republic that is limited by the Constitution. The federal government shares power with each of the states, but the federal government retains supremacy in all circumstances. The Constitution, however, is above both the federal and state governments.

In 1910, multiple states attempted to challenge federal laws by legalizing alcohol, which was federally banned at the time. This caused many problems and sparked a period known as the "Rebellious Time". During this period, most states starting passing legislation that conflicted with federal laws. This went unchallenged by the federal government until 1916, in which newly elected President Jeremiah Hill deployed the federal militia to ensure accountability. Since the end of the Rebellious Time, there have been no issues on federal supremacy.

The Constitution contains clauses that deal with Federal Supremacy, declaring that "any and all issues not addressed in the Constitution, and not addressed through federal law, shall be delegated to the individual states". It is generally acknowledged that the Federal Government would not create legislation that restricts the state's abilities to govern, but this is unwritten.

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Executive Branch

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The President of Sacara is the leader of the Executive Branch. The President is elected, alongside with a Vice President, every fourth year. The President has a group of advisors called the Cabinet, each of which leads a certain department. All cabinet members report to only the President. The President has the power to dismiss any Cabinet member at his discretion, but Congress must approve all nominees for the Cabinet. No President may serve more than three terms, whether or not consecutive in nature.

The President of the nation's commander-in-chief, and the nation's lead diplomat. The President and his Cabinet control the nation's military. The President may declare war on enemy nations with only his signature, but Congress must approve the raising of armed forces. The President may also declare a conscription of able-bodied men ranging from the ages 18-40, but only during times of war. The President is the sole factor needed to enter into a treaty, however, Congress must ratify the provisions of the treaty for it to go into effect, with the exception of a peace treaty.

All legislation passed by Congress needs the Presidential Signature. The President may also choose to veto the legislation at his discretion. If the President chooses to do nothing within fifteen days of the passing of Congress, the legislation goes not go into effect, and Congress must revote on it.

The President has the power to pardon or commute criminal sentences, with the exception if the crime is murder or rape. The President may enact Executive Orders, which relate to policy directives in how the Executive Branch is run. The President may also appoint justices to the Supreme Court and federal courts, with Senate confirmation.

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Judicial Branch

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The Judicial Branch explains and applies the Constitution and all laws. The Judicial Branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Sacara. The Supreme Court resides in the Capital City. The Supreme Court is made up of nine Justices, all of which are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Supreme Court has the ability to interpret the Constitution and can nullify legislation that goes against the Constitution. The Supreme Court also hears cases that arise from the states and issues that arise between multiple states.

There are also lesser courts, including Federal Courts, State Courts, Repealing Courts, and Area Courts. Federal Courts deal with Federal crimes in each certain districts. If appealed, then the case goes to the Supreme Court from there. State Courts are courts where issues with state legislation are held. Each state also has their own Supreme Court, which is the final place where state issues are heard. Repealing Courts are courts in which a citizen can ask for an interpretation of a certain law to ensure it is legal under the Constitution. Area Courts are a step behind Federal Courts.

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Legislative Branch

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The Legislative Branch, also known as Congress, is the branch that deliberates and passes legislation. Congress is divided into two entities: the Senate and the Representatives.

The Senate is comprised of 36 members. Each state elects three senators, in staggered years. Each term for a Senator is four years. One-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. The Senate has the power to confirm or deny Presidential Nominees for the Supreme Court, to ratify international treaties, and to confirm or deny Presidential Nominees.

The Representatives is comprised of 97 members. Each state has a minimum of four Representatives, and then plus the number of how much population they have divided by 30,000. The Representatives also have the sole power of proposing legislation for raising taxes.

Congress has the power to impeach Federal officials. The Representatives are then tasked with investigating whether or not the official has done enough to require impeachment, and if they believe so, draft articles of impeachment, which are then sent to the Senate for voting. There has only been one President to be impeached, but resigned before officially charged and convicted. There have been multiple Federal officials, however. Each house of Congress also has the power to expel members of their own House if there is known wrongdoing.

The people of each state have the power to recall members of the Senate. To do so, the petitioners must gather twenty-five percent of the voting number in the previous election, and then a recall election will be called. The Senator must gather greater than fifty percent of the vote to remain in office, otherwise, he is removed. The State Director may then appoint a person of his wishes to replace the Senator for the remainder of the term.