This Constitution is the main organizational document of Byzantium Novum, secondary only to the Foundational Laws set at the founding of our Nation:
Constitutione Byzantium
(Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου)
Byzantium Novum is a worldwide micronation dedicated to the rebirth of Byzantine civilization and culture. It exists as a successor state to the Byzantine Empire, holding the ultimate goal of establishing a symbolic administrative world capital site as a physical home for this still living religious and cultural tradition.
This document is the governing ordinance of Byzantium Novum, and shall determine the structure, well-being, and authority of its existence.
I. Imperium (Η χορήγηση αυτοκρατορική)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section I is the law concerning the executive branch of Byzantium Novum.
A. Basileus (βασιλεύς):
1. Byzantium Novum reserves the right to elect a symbolic Head of State, to hold the office of Byzantine Emperor or Empress. The Head of State will be limited to ceremonial and public relations roles only, and will not hold administrative or legal powers, except as granted in this Constitution. The Head of State will be subject to the Foundational Laws, the Constitution, and the decisions of the Byzantine Senate.
2. The Senate may establish a position of Emperor/Empress no earlier than achievement of 1000 active citizens (subtracting out those with whom we have no direct contact). Upon reaching 1000 citizens in contact, the Senate will poll on whether or not to begin the electoral process.
3. Election of the Emperor/Empress will take place annually in June, under the direction of the Grand Chancellor and must be done transparently. Election will be by simple majority vote.
a. Self-nominations for Emperor to be submitted to the Grand Chancellor by 1 May
b. Conduct the elections in June (all month), to allow time to prepare for assuming office
c. Polling of senators, imperial ministers and governors. Senators, imperial ministers and governors get one vote each (note that this means an individual may get more than one vote).
d. Announce the Kaisar (καῖσαρ) (heir) on 1 July
e. Assume office on 1 September annually.
4. Upon acceptance of the appointment as Basileus (βασιλεύς) of Byzantium Novum, such individual must renounce any all other offices and positions with Byzantium Novum for the term of office. Such offices and positions shall be automatically restored to such individual upon the termination of the term of office, except that the Senate may, with reason, revoke any or all of any such titles or positions to which such individual was previously entitled.
5. The Basileus (βασιλεύς) shall have the following rights, privileges, and duties:
a. Make awards and special recognition as allowed by this Constitution, the Administrative Handbook and tradition.
b. Place items of business before the Senate.
c. Serve as a Non-voting member of the Senate (voting rights suspended, if already a senator)
d. Ceremonially appoint the Kaisar (καῖσαρ), including announcement to the Empire, following the election. This privilege may be delegated to the Mesazōn or the Grand Chancellor.
e. Ceremonially appoint imperial ministers and governors including announcement to the Empire, after Senate polling. This privilege may be delegated to the Mesazōn or the Grand Chancellor.
f. Appoint Ambassadors & Emissaries for their tenure. These appointments shall be reported to the Foreign Minister and Grand Chancellor before they are effective.
g. Appoint personal staff as they see fit
6. Candidates for the office of Basileus (βασιλεύς) must meet the following minimum qualifications as a condition of nomination to the office:
a. Must have been a citizenship in Byzantium Novum for not less than four (4) years (waiverable to two [2] years by with the concurrence of the incumbent emperor/empress [if there is one, otherwise the Head of Government], and a simple majority vote of the Senate, with transparent polling to be conducted by the Grand Chancellor)
b. Must presently hold or formerly been a senator for at least one (1) year, formerly or currently have been a regional or local governor for at least one (1) year, or currently or formerly headed an imperial ministry for at least one (1) year
c. Must presently be active in Byzantium Novum
d. Cannot succeed him or herself
7. Completion of tenure:
a. The tenure of office for emperors/empresses is one year, from 1 September to 31 August
b. Upon successful completion of the first tenure of office, receive the lifetime title of Pansebastos or Pansebastē
c. Upon successful completion of the second tenure of office, receive the lifetime title of Panhypersebastos or Panhypersebastē
d. If unable to complete a full tenure, there will be no post-term recognition. All appointments and actions are valid, until & unless revoked by the Senate with approval of the incoming Emperor/Empress
e. If ruler cannot complete his/her term, imperial responsibilities fall to the Kaisar (καῖσαρ), if one has been elected, or back to the President of the Senate, who governs as Autocrat (αὐτοκράτωρ) until the next election, whereupon the Kaisar (καῖσαρ) becomes emperor/empress immediately. The Autocrat (αὐτοκράτωρ) governs with full imperial authority, but retains senate voting rights except he/she is not required to appoint a replacement Head of Government.
B. Ministerium State (Υπουργείο Επικρατείας):
1. There shall be a Mesazōn (μεσάζων) for Byzantium Novum. In the absence of an Imperator (Αυτοκράτορας), the Mesazōn shall be the Head of State.
2. The Mesazōn shall be the chief executive officer of Byzantium Novum, pursuant thereto shall be the Head of Government.
3. The Mesazōn shall be elected by the Senate for such term as the Senate deems appropriate. In no event shall such appointment be for life and the Senate has the power and authority to remove an individual from the position, with or without cause, upon a majority vote of the Senate and governors.
4. Upon election as Mesazōn, the individual so elected shall automatically become a Senator, if not already holding such office.
5. The Mesazōn shall have the authority to nominate citizens of Byzantium Novum for titles, offices, honors, and special recognitions, which shall be bestowed upon a majority vote of the Senate, in accordance with the Administrative Handbook in effect at the time of the award.
6. The President of the Senate upon adoption of this Constitutione
Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall hereafter be the Mesazōn, and
shall retain such office, rights, privileges, and duties heretofore accruing
as President of the Senate and as additionally herein set forth.
II Imperium Institutionum (αυτοκρατορική υπηρεσίες)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section II is the law concerning the imperial ministries of Byzantium Novum.
A. Imperial Ministers.
1. Imperial Ministers shall be nominated for office by a Senator (sans the nominee), and the office may be bestowed upon such nominee, if deemed worthy thereof by the Senate, upon a majority vote of the Senate, for such term as the Senate deems appropriate, but not to exceed two years, including an initial six month probationary period.
2. Imperial ministers may appoint such deputies, assistants, adjutants, lieutenants and clerks as they see fit. Such officers shall have such duties, responsibilities, and authority as granted and assigned by the minister and/or the Senate. Appointments of deputies and assistants must be sent to the Grand Chancellor before they are effective.
3. Those imperial ministers holding office prior to the adoption of this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall retain such office, rights, privileges, and duties heretofore accruing thereto and as additionally herein set forth.
4. No appointment as a minister shall be for life, and the Senate has the right and authority to remove an individual from any such office, with or without cause, with a majority vote.
5. No offices or citizenship status under Byzantium Novum shall be based upon race, color, religion, nationality, sex or sexual preference, or prohibited for those reasons.
B. Militarium: This imperial ministry shall be the department of military studies, activities, and reenactment.
There shall be a Grand Master of the Camp who shall have the duty and responsibility to preside over the Militarium, and shall have such rights, duties, and responsibilities as provided in this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and as otherwise instructed by the Senate.
C. Foreign Ministry: This imperial ministry shall be the department of foreign affairs.
There shall be a Foreign Minister who shall have the duty and responsibility to preside over the Foreign Ministry, and shall have such rights, duties, and responsibilities as provided in this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and as otherwise instructed by the Senate.
D. Chancellery: This imperial ministry shall be the department of imperial administration.
1. There shall be a Grand Chancellor who shall have the duty and responsibility to preside over the Chancellery, and shall have such rights, duties, and responsibilities as provided in this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and as otherwise instructed by the Senate.
2. The Grand Chancellor shall be the senior administrative official within the Imperium Institutionum (αυτοκρατορική υπηρεσίες), and pursuant thereto shall coordinate all imperial ministries. Further, the Grand Chancellor shall be the Clerk of the Senate.
E. Orthodox Church of Byzantium Novum: This imperial ministry shall be the department of Orthodox religious studies and affairs.
There shall be a Grand Prelate who shall have the duty and responsibility to preside over the Imperial Orthodox Church, and shall have such rights, duties, and responsibilities as provided in this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and as otherwise instructed by the Senate.
F. Classical Church of Byzantium Novum: This imperial ministry shall be the department of Classical religious studies and affairs.
There shall be a Pontifex Maximus who shall have the duty and responsibility to preside over the Imperial Classical Church, and shall have such rights, duties, and responsibilities as provided in this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and as otherwise instructed by the Senate.
G. Chamberlaincy: This imperial ministry shall be the department of the study of Byzantine arts and sciences.
There shall be a Grand Chamberlain who shall have the duty and responsibility to preside over the Chamberlaincy, and shall have such rights, duties, and responsibilities as provided in this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and as otherwise instructed by the Senate.
H. Treasury: This imperial ministry shall be the department of financial affairs.
1. There shall be a Grand Treasurer who shall have the duty and responsibility to preside over the Treasury, and shall have such rights, duties, and responsibilities as provided in this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and as otherwise instructed by the Senate.
2. The Treasury shall be responsible for establishing procedures for keeping, spending and safeguarding the money and property of the Empire in a transparent manner and shall establish procedures to ensure transparency.
H. Chartulary: This imperial ministry shall be the department of membership recruiting and retention, and outreach.
There shall be a Grand Chartulary who shall have the duty and responsibility to preside over the Chartulary, and shall have such rights, duties, and responsibilities as provided in this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and as otherwise instructed by the Senate.
III Senate (Γερουσία)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section III is the law concerning the legislative branch of Byzantium Novum.
A. Senate (Γερουσία):
1. The Senate (Γερουσία) is the legislative body of Byzantium Novum.
2. A majority of Senators present for a vote and voting in the affirmative shall be sufficient to pass or approve any matter submitted to the Senate for a vote, except as otherwise specifically required under this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου)
3. The Senate shall adopt rules of order and its officers, including its presiding officer. The presiding officer shall be the Mesazōn (μεσάζων), who shall be assisted by the Clerk of the Senate. The Clerk of the Senate shall be the Grand Chancellor.
4. The Senate may refer a question of law, constitutional issue, or other matters determined appropriate to the Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος) for an opinion.
5. The individual who heretofore held the office of President of the Senate, is hereby awarded the rank and office of Mesazōn (πρωθυπουργός), with attendant duties, privileges, and responsibilities.
6. The Senate may constitute a Inquisitiones (δοκιμές), upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote, and refer thereto for trial any charges brought against a citizen of Byzantium Novum for violation of the Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου), the laws or regulations of Byzantium Novum, or for conduct which is to the detriment of good order and discipline in or otherwise harmful to Byzantium Novum. Such referral shall mandate the possible punishment. Punishments may include reprimands, banishment from activities in Byzantium Novum for a period not to exceed six (6) months, vacation of any or all offices and/or honors, removal from any or all official offices, or the excommunication from citizenship in Byzantium Novum. The referral resolution shall appoint Iudex (δικαστής) – that is judge – who shall preside over the Inquisitiones (δοκιμές) or trial, and who have the sole right and duty to establish the time and date of the trial, as well as procedures and rules for the Inquisitiones (δοκιμές). The Inquisitiones (δοκιμές) shall be held as soon after the referral as is reasonably possible, allowing adequate time for the accused to prepare for trial. The Iudex (δικαστής) shall have the sole right and duty to determine the facts, shall find the accused guilty or innocent, and shall impose the sentence, if any. The Iudex (δικαστής) shall have the sole right and duty to determine what evidence is admissible in the Inquisitiones (δοκιμές). The Iudex (δικαστής) shall promptly file a written report containing the result of the Iudex (δικαστής) in the Senate.
B. Senators (Γερουσιαστές):
1. Those individuals who held the office of Senator (Γερουσιαστής) prior to the adoption of this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall retain such office, rights, privileges, and duties heretofore accruing thereto and as additionally herein set forth.
2. The office of Senator (Γερουσιαστής) shall not be hereditary.
3. The office of Senator (Γερουσιαστής) may be bestowed upon any individual, if deemed worthy thereof by the Senate, upon a majority vote of the Senate.
4. A Senator (Γερουσιαστής) shall retain such office, rights, privileges, and duties attendant thereto for life, unless such office be resigned.
5. Senators (Γερουσιαστές) shall have the right, duty, and privilege of participating in the deliberations of the Senate (Γερουσία), and voting or abstaining upon all matters submitted to the Senate (Γερουσία) for a vote. Each Senator may exercise one vote or abstain on each matter submitted to the Senate for a vote.
IV. Iudiciaria (Δικαστήρια)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section IV is the law concerning the judicial branch of Byzantium Novum.
A. Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος):
1. The Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος) is the chief legal advisor to the Grand Chancellor, the Mesazōn (πρωθυπουργός), and the Senate, and shall promptly respond to all requests for advice from the Grand Chancellor, the Mesazōn (πρωθυπουργός), or the Senate.
2. The Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος) shall be responsible for enforcement of the laws, statutes, and traditions of Byzantium Novum, and shall take such action in pursuance thereof as imposed by the Grand Chancellor and/or the Senate (Γερουσία). The Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος) may submit legislative proposals to the Senate, and may prefer sumptus (ταρίφα) – that is charges – against a citizen of Byzantium Novum with a recommendation for an Inquisitiones (δοκιμές), which charges shall be submitted to the Senate in writing.
3. The Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος) shall act as imperial counsel in any and all inquisitiones (δοκιμές) called for by the Senate.
4. In the event the position of Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος) is unfilled, the Grand Chancellor may appoint a citizen of Byzantium Novum to such position, and the office may be bestowed upon such nominee, subject to review by the President of the Senate.
5. The Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος) is authorized to appoint such adjutants, lieutenants and clerks as he or she sees fit, but must notify the Grand Chancellor of such appointments before they are effective.
6. The individuals who held the office of Imperial Quaesitor (Νομικός Σύμβουλος) prior to the adoption of this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall retain such office, rights, privileges, and duties heretofore accruing thereto and as additionally herein set forth.
B. Inquisitiones (δοκιμές):
1. Inquisitiones (δοκιμές)- that is trials – may be called by a majority vote of the Senate to investigate and prosecute such matters as deemed appropriate by Senate resolution, as provided in § III, para. B, item 7 supra. The Iudex (δικαστής) shall make such determinations, conclusions, and decisions as allowed by such resolution.
2. Inquisitiones (δοκιμές) shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions set forth in § III, para. B, item 8 supra.
3. Any citizen against whom charges have been brought by the Senate, and who is thereby a defendant in an Inquisitiones (δοκιμές) shall have the right to be defended by counsel. Such counsel must be a citizen of Byzantium Novum. In the alternative to submission to a trial in an Inquisitiones (δοκιμές), such citizen against whom charges have been brought by the Senate, shall have the right to renounce his/her citizenship. If the latter course is chosen by such citizen, he or she shall not be permitted to apply for citizenship in Byzantium Novum for a period of not less than twelve (12) months from the date of such renunciation of citizenship.
V Civium (πολίτες)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section V is the law concerning citizenship in Byzantium Novum.
A. Any individual may apply for conversatio (ιθαγένεια) – that is citizenship – in Byzantium Novum.
1. Conversatio (ιθαγένεια) in Byzantium Novum shall not be based upon race, color, religion, nationality, sex or sexual preference, nor shall such matters be considered in the bestowal of honors, offices, and/or offices in Byzantium Novum.
2. An individual who desires conversatio (ιθαγένεια) in Byzantium Novum must submit an application to the Grand Chancellor, or such officer as he may designate, under such rules and regulations as the Grand Chancellor or the Senate proscribe. Conversatio (ιθαγένεια) in Byzantium Novum may be bestowed upon any individual deemed worthy thereof by the Senate, upon a majority vote of the Senate.
3. An individual who submits an application for and accepts citizenship in Byzantine Novum agrees to be bound by its Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου), its promulgated laws, rules, and regulations, and its traditions.
VI Imperial Regionibus (αυτοκρατορική περιοχές)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section VI is the law concerning imperial regional and local groups, as well as villages, in Byzantium Novum.
A. Governing authorities.
1. Establishing new groups. Regional and local groups may be established by contacting the Grand Chancellor who will (1) review the paperwork for completeness, accuracy and conflicting claims, (2) determine the suitability of the name of the proposed group, and (3) forward the proposal to the Senate for approval.
2. Placing groups in imperial estates. The Grand Chancellor may place any regional or local group in the imperial estates if a governor resigns without replacement, if a governor cannot be contacted, or by the will of the Senate. While in this status, the Grand Chancellor has authority over the group.
3. Tenure of office for governors. All governors will have a two year tenure, including a six month probationary period.
B. Regional Groups.
1. Regional groups are ducates and exarchates, both of which are contiguous large regions established by majority vote in the Senate. Ducates and themes are equal in precedence.
2. Ducates are governed by dukes, have sufficient officers to cover all areas of responsibility (administration, military, arts and sciences and treasury), have a distinctive name and heraldic device approved by the Chancellery, a record of activity and sixteen or more citizens. They must also contain one or more themes. All dukes are appointed by the Senate.
3. Exarchates are governed by exarchs, have sufficient officers to cover all areas of responsibility (administration, military, arts and sciences and treasury), have a distinctive name and heraldic device approved by the Chancellery, a record of activity and 25 or more citizens. They may also contain one or more themes. Exarchates will only be created by the Senate in areas in which knowledge of English is sparse. Exarchs will be granted non-voting membership in the Senate immediately upon appointment if they are not already senators. Exarchs must display a knowledge of Basic English. All exarchs are appointed by the Senate.
4. Dukes and exarchs receive and may grant honors and dignities as described in the issue of the Administrative Handbook current at the time the honor or dignity is given.
5. Dukes and exarchs supervise any subordinate themes and/or villages that may exist within their sphere of governance.
6. Dukes and exarchs have the authority to appoint and remove officers within their sphere of governance. They are obligated to report appointments are removals from office to the Grand Chancellor immediately.
7. Dukes and exarchs may appoint praitors, principal chancellors, principal treasurers, principal tribunes, principal chamberlains, principal chaplains, principal chartularies, mayors and counts of the first or second class, as well as such adjutants, lieutenants and clerks as they see fit.
C. Themes.
1. Local groups are major and minor themes, both of which are contiguous regions established by a majority vote in the Senate.
2. Major themes are governed by a strategos and must have sufficient officers to cover all areas of responsibility (administration, military, arts and sciences and treasury), have a distinctive name and a heraldic device approved by the Chancellery, a record of activity and sixteen or more citizens.
3. Minor themes are governed by a strategos, have two or more officers (strategos and one other) have a distinctive name, and five or more citizens. They may have a heraldic device and a distinctive name approved by the Chancellery and are encouraged to hold activities.
4. Major or minor themes may fall under a regional group or directly under imperial governance.
5. Strategos receive and may grant honors and dignities as described in the issue of the Administrative Handbook current at the time the honor or dignity is given.
6. Strategos shall be appointed by the Senate and have the authority to appoint and remove officers within their sphere of governance. They are obligated to report appointments are removals from office to the Grand Chancellor immediately.
7. Strategos may appoint chancellors, treasurers, tribunes, chamberlains, chaplains, chartularies and mayors, as well as such adjutants, lieutenants and clerks as they see fit.
8. The Grand Chancellor, in council with the other ministers, may advance or demote themes when conditions change within the themes. Decisions may be appealed to the Mesazōn (μεσάζων). Any changes will be posted in the Basilica.
D. Regional and local officers:
1. Governor: any duke, exarch or strategos. Responsible for presiding over the group. Must be an adult in the area covered by the group. Appointed by the Senate. Appoints subordinate officers and notifies the Senate, through the Grand Chancellor, of all appointments. May appoint a personal adjutant and such deputies as are required.
2. Praitor. Chief of staff at the regional group level. Assists the governor and supervises the staff. Represents the duke or exarch in his/her absence and may be assigned or delegated duties by the duke or exarch.
3. Chancellor. Responsible for administration within the group. Styled “principal chancellor” at the regional level. Maintain contact with higher and lower chancellors. May appoint such deputies as are required.
4. Chamberlain. Responsible for arts and sciences within the group. Styled “principal chamberlain” at the regional level. Maintain contact with higher and lower chamberlains. May appoint such deputies as are required.
5. Tribune. Responsible for military studies and reenactment within the group. Styled “principal tribune” at the regional level. Maintain contact with higher and lower tribunes. May appoint such deputies as are required.
6. Treasurer. Responsible for financial affairs within the group. Styled “principal treasurer” at the regional level. Maintain contact with higher and lower treasurers and safeguard all funds and property within the group. May appoint such deputies as are required.
7. Chaplain. Responsible for spiritual affairs within the group. Styled “principal chaplain” at the regional level. Maintain contact with higher and lower chaplains. Does not count as a second officer for minor themes. May appoint such deputies as are required.
8. Chartulary. Responsible for recruiting and outreach within the group. Styled “principal chartulary” at the regional level. Maintain contact with higher and lower chartularies and counts. May appoint such deputies as are required.
9. Counts. Responsible for recruiting within their area of responsibility. New counts will be counts third class, and may be advanced by the Senate, duke or exarch to count second class after one year of satisfactory, then to count first class by the Senate after no less than two years of satisfactory service.
E. Villages.
1. Villages may be formed as official local bodies by any governor having authority over the area, who must also notify the Grand Chancellor of the appointment before it is official. Where no such governor has authority, the Senate may establish a village by simple majority vote.
2. Villages are headed by mayors, who may appoint assistants when needed.
F. Existing regional groups, local groups and villages:
Regional groups, local groups and villages established prior to the adoption of this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall continue, although they will transition to the new structure.
G. Continuation of offices and ranks:
Those individuals who held the offices, duties, privileges and responsibilities of minister, duke, exarch, president, magistrate, count, mayor or another office prior to the adoption of this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου), shall retain such offices, duties, privileges and responsibilities heretofore accruing thereto and as additionally herein set forth.
VII. Potius legis et lingua
(Προτεραιότητα του δικαίου και της γλώσσας)
Preface: Section VII establishes the precedence of law and language within Byzantium Novum.
The Empire of Byzantium Novum recognizes the Foundational Law of Byzantium Novum as the basic principle of law throughout the Empire.
A. This Constitution.
B. Handbooks published by ministries of the Empire, when approved the Senate.
C. Edicts from the Emperor (when there is one), Mesazōn and governors, where applicable.
D. Directions from imperial minsters, regional and local officers and mayors within their spheres of authority.
E. English is the principal language of Byzantium Novum outside Exarchates. Where possible, other languages may be used. Latin and/or Greek may be used but should be accompanied with an English translation. Where translations and English versions differ, the English version will take precedence.
F. Use of male pronouns and male forms of titles in this document is meant to include both sexes.
VIII. Affirmatio Prior Legibus
(επιβεβαίωση της προηγούμενης Νόμων)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section VIII is the law concerning prior debts, autonomy as a micronation, and oaths of office of Byzantium Novum.
A. All debts contracted and engagements entered into by Byzantium Novum prior to the adoption of this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall be continue to be valid against Byzantium Novum.
B. All laws and directives enacted by the Senate, and all rules, directives, and regulations promulgated by the Grand Chancellor, prior to the adoption of this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall remain in full force and effect, except to the extent such laws, directives, rules, and regulations conflict with this document. In the latter instance, such laws, directives, rules, and regulations be and are hereby vacated, set aside, and declared null and void.
C. This Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) and the laws of the Byzantium Novum enacted by the Senate shall be made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of Byzantium Novum, shall be the supreme law of the Byzantium Novum.
D. The Mesazōn (πρωθυπουργός), Senators, Grand Chancellor, imperial ministers and other officers, office holders at all levels, and all executive and judicial officers shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου); but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under Byzantium Novum. The Grand Chancellor shall determine the contents of such Oath or Affirmation.
IX. Aliquot Libertatum Eiusdem Populi (Ελευθερίες του λαού)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section IX is the law concerning the freedoms of the citizens of Byzantium Novum.
A. Neither the Senate nor any imperial, regional or local officer, shall promulgate any law, decree, rule or regulation, or instruction abridging freedom of speech, or the right of citizens of Byzantium Novum to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
B. The Byzantine world was founded with an edict of religious tolerance and equality by Constantine. In keeping with that early intent, freedom of religion and religious tolerance are two of the foundations of Byzantium Novum, and such principle shall be adhered to in all matters within Byzantium Novum.
X. Emendatione (τροπολογία)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section X is the law concerning amendments to this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου).
A. One or more Senators, may, when deemed necessary and appropriate, propose Amendments to this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου), by written motion filed with the Grand Chancellor acting in the capacity as Clerk to the Senate.
B. Such motion shall be submitted to the Senate and may thereafter may be ratified, adopted, and effective upon majority vote by the senate, ministers and governors of the Empire with the polling to be conducted openly by the Grand Chancellor or such officer as he or she directs.
XI. Ratificatione (επικύρωση)
Preface (Πρόλογος): Section XI is the requirements for ratification of this Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου.
A. This Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall be presented to the Senate, governors, and ministers for ratificatione (επικύρωση) by the Grand Chancellor.
B. This Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) shall be ratified by a majority vote of the Senate, ministers and governors of Byzantium Novum with the polling to be conducted openly by the Grand Chancellor or such officer as he or she directs.
C. This Constitutione Byzantium (Το Σύνταγμα του Βυζαντίου) must be ratified within six (6) months of the date of its submission to the Senate by the Grand Chancellor, otherwise the Grand Chancellor shall declare it not ratified.
D. The Grand Chancellor shall publish the Constitution to all the Empire upon approval and ensure it is available to all citizens of the Empire thereafter.
Ratified by the Byzantium Novum Senate, 2018