The Fire Empire Constitution (Open)

A young women dressed in elegant colors and flaring red. Stepped onto a balcony, before her swayed a crowd of almost endless amounts of people. They had came from around the world, her recent economic policy of military build up had begun. The people were all employed and many were happy around the country. The Mixed Economy was doing wonders for the broken fire nation economy. She was happy to see such happiness in the nation. However now she was preparing to change the world forever. She was known as the Fire Lord for a while and she was angry with the name and had now taken it upon herself to change the name.  This was that annunciation and creation of separate powers. She stood before them and waited for the cheers of the crowd to calm. After 10 mins of unbridled amounts of applause and cheers it quieted. She began her speech,

"For the recent history of our nation we have been incapable of pacing our-self against the other nations. We have fallen behind in many ways and I seek to regain our-self as the most powerful nation that ever existed. In order to achieve that goal I today announce the creation of the T.O.S. or Tactical Operation Squad. These will be the finest of our ranks and be the leaders into the future of our nation. They will be given the greatest and the strongest possible tech we can muster. I today will also announce the creation of Department of Advanced Research Projects. This will be on the cutting edge of techonology and will bring scientist from around the world to pursue. Nuclear Power, Maned Flight, Radar, Sonar, Mechanical Computers and Tanks. These projects will be the future of our nation and all nations." she spoke allowed. Almost everyone had no idea what any of the things on the list she read was, many whispers and snaps flowed across the crowd.

"I know these things may be strange to you but trust in men, I will lead you to glory. For the next thing I would like to announce...our great nation is no longer a kingdom. I am reforming it into a Constitutional Empire. This will be a nation for you and to protect you. This great charter will bring forth a new era of Lazzie Faire and freedoms. Any forms of serfdom left will come crashing down. We are on the tip top of change and I will not let you down." she said. As the words fall out of her mouth the entire crowd erupted and began chanting "LONG LIVE THE EMPRESS" after 10 mins of extreme yelling and screaming. They once again calmed down.

"Last but most importantly our nation will be gaining and splitting into 3 different branches. The Legislative, Executive and Judaical systems. I will lead the Executive and I shall rule tell my death, however after my passing a Presidential System will be enacted and his rights as leader dropped and giving a truly balanced system.(Pause for a moment as cheer uproars, The rich seem to be unhappy with the new system. Some know that the system says Lazie Fair, however it follows the government dictates not the invisible hand.) The legislative will deal with the basics of creating and making laws, the Judaical will be registered with the court system. My branch will be dealing with the enforcing and military sides. I will be the ultimate commander and chief of our armed forces." as she finished she swiftly turned away and returned to her room. She listened to the endless cheers outside. Her bottom sat on the red velvet chair insider the room. She waved her hand signalling the passing out of the Bill of Rights, Constitution and the Basic Mechanics of government.

Fire Benders Bill of Rights:
Amendment I
Every man has the right to own and buy slaves. The slaves lose all rights and become nothing more then property, however the slave may not be killed, maimed or tortured. These rights ensure his protection. A Bender cannot under any circumstance become a slave. Upon the age of 70 they are freed and cannot be sold into slavery again. A freed slave can however be resold into slavery

Amendment II
A benders vote is worth double what a civilians vote is and may get advantages when going to polls and various other occasions. They have a right of better movement and double of civilians in most respects, except pay and taxes.

Amendment III
The benders after competing 15 years of service in the military can purchase free of charge 10 Civilians, they must all fall into the Poor Class. They also receive the right to take 50 acres of land from any Civilians. Or take money from the poor or middle class. The amount depends on there service. Officers benefits are doubled.

Amendment IV
Any crime a bender commits against a civilian will be punished with a charge of either a cost of gold or a 2 years in jail. Killing civilians is death, Torturing Civilians is death, Raping Civilians is death, so if a bender does any of these against a civilian death will be given. Any crime a Civilian comments against a bender can be met with a swift chopping of a leg or 15 years of time...or death.

Amendment V
A right of property is give the benders, they have reserved the right to buy anything from you at market value. They also are given the right to first use of any publicly provide options. If it be healthcare or food, they are given first rights over civilians.

Amendment VI
Benders cannot reproduce with civilians and nor can civilians reproduce with benders. This is strictly forbidden and will cause death to civilians if found out.

Amendment VII
The benders gain the first 10 Amendment rights by the Civilian Bill of Rights and including all the listed ones above.

Civilian Bill of Rights:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the Fire Nation, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the Fire Nation by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Amendment XI
The Civilian is not entitled to any of the bender positive rights given and can become a slave upon selling themselves, selling daughters, sons, or to pay off debt. Debt can be bartered for time.

Amendment XII
Civilians cannot be elected as President, nor can they be elected to the Supreme Court. They however can be elected to the Senate.



Powers of National Government:

* Print money
* Regulate interstate (between states) and international trade
* Make treaties and conduct foreign policy
* Declare war
* Provide an army and navy
* Establish post offices
* Make laws necessary and proper to carry out the these powers
Collect taxes
Build roads
Borrow money
Establish courts
Make and enforce laws
Charter banks and corporations
Spend money for the general welfare
Take private property for public purposes, with just compensation

State Government:
* Issue licenses
* Regulate intrastate (within the state) businesses
* Conduct elections
* Establish local governments
* Ratify amendments to the Constitution
* Take measures for public health and safety
* May exert powers the Constitution does not delegate to the national government or prohibit the states from using
Collect taxes
Build roads
Borrow money
Establish courts
Make and enforce laws
Charter banks and corporations
Spend money for the general welfare
Take private property for public purposes, with just compensation


The Power of the Branches

Judaical Branch:
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the only part of the judicial branch that is explicitly called for by the Constitution. It is the highest court in the country, and most of the cases it hears are appeals cases. The Supreme Court deals solely with constitutional matters; while the Constitution specifies certain rights and responsibilities, the Supreme Court is in charge of deciding how these rights and responsibilities apply to specific situations.

Jurisdiction
The judicial branch's jurisdiction is decided upon by Congress. This means it can also be changed by Congress, except for when the Constitution grants original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court, which cannot be reversed. The judicial branch does not function as a completely separate entity, but rather depends on Congress to determine what it can and cannot prosecute.

Cases
The executive and legislative branches pass laws, but the judicial branch only deals with these laws once they are in action. The executive and legislative branches deals with big-picture, wide-ranging laws, while the judicial branch deals with how these laws affect individuals.

Court Members
Supreme Court members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. They are not popularly elected, nor do they have term limits. This isolates them from the voting public and keeps them politically neutral. What's more, the combined nature of the selection process means that the president cannot pack the court with people who support him, which would skew the balance of power in his favor.

Executive Branch:
Head of government
The president of the Fire Nation is responsible for overseeing the bureaucracy of the government, as well as the execution and enforcement of the laws created by the legislative branch, or Congress. The president's appointed cabinet members oversee the day-to-day operations of separate departments, such as the Department of State or the Department of Agriculture. The executive also has the power to sign legislation into law and veto bills by Congress, which Congress can override with a two-thirds majority vote. This all similarly applies to state and local governments.

Head of state
The president also serves as the figurative head of state, w At the state or local levels, this role may not be as pronounced as it is on the national level.

Chief diplomat
The president acts as a diplomatic figure on behalf of the nation and can engage in diplomatic endeavors like negotiating and signing treaties. However, these acts are subject to the approval of the Senate and must be ratified by two-thirds of the legislative body. This executive duty does not necessarily translate to state and local systems.

Granting pardons
The president can also issue pardons, or clemencies, and has an unlimited power to do so except in the case of impeachment.

Commander in chief
As the commander in chief, the president commands the nation's armed forces and determines military policy.

Vice president
The vice president is also a part of the executive branch and serves as the president of the senate. The vice president also must be ready to assume the presidency in the event that the executive is unable to fulfill presidential duties.

Empress
She reserves total and complete control of the branches, she can expresses any power she feels fit. This cannot be overruled or changed. However this will die out with Nikki Zaagman and may never be thrown up again. She is the only and last Empress of the Fire Nation. Upon the ending of her reign the nation will no longer be called the Fire Empire. But the United States of Fire. Or the U.S.F.

Legislative Branch:
Creation of Law
The legislative branch is responsible for the creation of bills and the subsequent passing of them into national law, making it the only branch of the government capable of making new laws and changing existing ones. Bills originate in congress and proceed to the President upon passage. In the event that the President vetoes a bill, congress can still enact the bill to law with a two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives and Senate.

Federal Spending
The legislative branch is responsible for the control of federal finances. Congress creates a federal budget each fiscal year, outlining the allocation of funds and the management of government spending. Taxation and tariffs are regulated by congress as well as the authority to borrow funding when necessary. Congress also holds the power to designate funds for specific legislatively-directed projects outside of government agencies, a practice known as "earmarking."

Military Maintenance
The legislative branch of the Federal Government is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a military for the Fire Nation. Whereas the President holds the position as commander-in-chief of the military, congress retains the sole power to declare war. This power over the military aids in the checks and balances system of the Fire Nations government, preventing one branch from holding too much military control.

Federal Investigation
The legislative branch's power of investigation allows congress to hold hearings and committee investigations when deemed necessary in order to determine the necessity of new laws or raise awareness on certain issues. These hearings and committees are headed by members of congress and have the power to compel testimony and evidence however deemed necessary.

Oversight of Executive Branch
The legislative branch plays an important role in maintaining a balance in the Federal Government. A primary function of congress is the oversight of the President's powers in the executive branch of government. Through the use of congressional hearings and the Government Accountability Office, the legislative branch makes determinations as to when government operations need to be reformed, determines whether executive power is being enacted properly, and monitors federal spending.

Mei Ling walked down the halls of the palace that belonged to the Fire Empress, Zaag. She had no actually idea why she was allowed the honors of standing in the presence of the Empress, but she wasn't going to complain about it. Her thoughts turned to what she should do and say once she was in front of the Empress. Should she introduce herself as Mei Ling, the Fire Avatar? Or simply as Mei Ling? Mei Ling didn't know which option was more respectful, having found something wrong with both options of greeting.

The first option would sound disrespectful to the Empress since it sounded like adding the 'Fire Avatar' part would be like saying the Empress didn't know who the young girl was. And using the second option would be rude, simply because the title wasn't added into the entire thing. Also her last name was dropped if she was to introduce herself as Mei Ling. But she guessed the decision would be made once she was in the Fire Empress presence. Yet that didn't stop Mei Ling from worrying.

Mei Ling's stopped walking, having arrived in front of a pair of large doors. The Fire Empress must be behind those doors, and she could feel herself grow nervous. She wondered if she was about to have an anxiety attack, but being nervous should be expected. She was about to enter the same room as the strongest Fire Bender in the country, and the current ruler of the nation. Her hand rose to knock on the door, though she could see that she was a bit shaky. But Mei Ling took in a deep breath, swallowing down any sort of nervous feeling she had, before knocking on the door.

Mei Ling waited to be acknowledge, already knowing what else she needed to do upon entering the room. But she would wait for now, until she was told to come inside by the Fire Empress.

The Empress heard a soft knock at the door, 'Who might that be, I wonder.' she thought. She hadn't expected anyone to come here. At least not yet, the rules seemed to give more rights and ability to the people. She thought this initial would be able to sustain and make everyone happy. She was quite harsh on the citizen, but that was a cost of themselves. She viewed them as a drag on any resources and a pick on them. She stared at the tabble which held up the draft of the new constitution and gave a great smile. "Come in" she yelled. A young women walked in, she recognized her quickly, it was the avatar. "What might you want from me, young avatar?" she said with a hiss. She stepped forward towards her and with the table nearby she grabbed the papers of the bill of rights and handed it to her and gave her a joyful smile. The great Empress would be glad to see her, she'd hope the T.O.S. would stop avatars from sneaking past guards...or perhaps they'd have more thought then to send a avatar to her in the first place.

Mei Ling had entered the room, though she got a hostile greeting. But the Empress had quickly changed personalities, having smiled after handing her a couple of papers. Mei Ling stood silently, her eyes never leaving the Empress, but she wasn't impressed by the woman's appearance. All nervousness that she had suffer before coming into the room was gone. Before Mei Ling could say anything, someone else walked into the room. She was uncertain if the woman belonged inside of the room, but she was going to stay silent and observe. She would later decipher the situation once everything was settled between the two women, but not until then.

They had much oddness in each other and questioned what was going on. Everything seemed to be at a stand still. They looked around at each other. The oddly dressed lady had seemed to think she was ready for a fight of some kind. Zaag wasn't sure herself, she didn't prepare for a fight it was unlikely. The young girl who was a avatar was being quite and boring. She didn't move or stress, she was waiting to see what would come of this. The Fire Empress waited for a second and stared at the new found person who had intruded upon there talk.

"Who might you be, young-ling? Where you looking for me or something?" she said calmly. Her hands clinched up, her eyes drifted towards the sword on her table. She only needed to grab it. However the mysterious lady was well within reach of it before she could react. It was her sword, the one passed down from Fire Lord to Fire Lord. She knew what to do the second the lady grabbed it if she did. She waited patiently and hoped to see the response of the women.

Mei Ling had listened as the woman spoke, though her words held no meaning to the Avatar. But the words the woman had spoken held signs of disrespect. She frowned slightly, having found the woman's arrogance to be overwhelming. The woman was in the realm controlled by the Fire Empress, and anyone with an ounce of common sense would know not to speak ill of the Empress within her presence. Lest they wanted to sign their own death certificate. Mei Ling looked between the two women, wondering if an arguments or fight would ensue. If one was to break out, she wanted to be outside of the room. But maybe she could redirect the hostility that she could feel in the air towards something different.

"Who are you?" Mei Ling asked the woman, her voice soft and sweet. Maybe the situation would turn to that very important question, thus defusing the fight. If only for a little amount of time, or until she could leave. Mei Ling may be the Fire Avatar, but she was young and inexperienced. The two worst combination to have if caught in a middle of a fight. But Mei Ling had also asked the question since she felt some sort of connection with the woman, and wondered if she possibly knew her from somewhere. Maybe once the two left the presence of the Empress, they could talk.

The women seemed to be from the outside and was a bit misjudged by her, as the words would pour onto her. " Youn-ling eh? I don't think so. But to answer your question I was not looking for you, but for the restroom. A guard led me here. If that is the kind of guards I have to worry about in the Fire Nation then I guess there is nothing to be afraid of.  That was a pretty decent speech out there. Flawed but well put together. No nothing is perfect I understand that fully but that is no excuse to not shoot for perfection. How long do you think the people who cannot bend the elements will be happy about slavery? How long will it take for a resistance to rise against you? Of course I'm sure you can take care of all those resistances against you. But who's to say someone, somewhere won't stop this kind of treatment? Because it seems here in your nation they are second rate citizens. That is unacceptable." . The girl had a lot to say to her and had misunderstood her meaning. "I mean more about your maturity level. A guard getting drunk on the day of this nations founding. I can let that slide, Its a joyous occasion...just maybe I was the one who got them the booze." she said with a wink. By now the young girl began to speak, Nikkis hand reached out and patted her on the head. She bent over looking at the young girl in the eyes "It will be alright, I don't plan on fighting someone for insulting me. Criticizem is good." she said with a bright smile. She turned back towads the women across from her "A Revolt, huh" she said puzzled. Walking outside towards the balcony and as the reaming crowd that was still there saw her, it began to erupt into cheers. The very building seemed to shake itself. She seemed to forget the point she just made and Nikki quickly moved on with another slur of words. "Slaves, I see nothing wrong with selling yourself or giving rewards to soldiers. Yes they will have to put up with bullying. But when revolutionizing a society...you must keep the power base in your favor. This was a good compromise I came up with. Now slave is a harsh word, I think it more of indentured servant, slave only applies when the poor are picked up. However when they are the life style they are given is much better then what they would normally give. If you don't believe me, here is the Slave Rights Law." Nikkis hand grabbed a piece of paper from a drawer that was behind her. She held it towards the Young Women.

Slave Contract Laws and Property Rights:
A slave or person who wants to free a slave, may buy the rest of the contract of the slave for double the price of the remaining contract. Slaves that enter in the Benders Amendments have a 5 year contract with the Bender. The price per annual is 10 gold for each year.

A slave cannot be rebought or bought out. Once they are free, they must willingly go back into the contract.  

A slave is given basic workers contracts. They cannot be physically punished or harmed. They are there to do the work and leave. They also have limited freedom of speech and can still vote.

The major changes that are caused is the force of movement and they are required to stay within a certain distance of there working area. Defined by contract, they must also never be late. If so fines can be added.

Slaves can enter a coitus contract, if done they cannot refuse anything asked of the master as long as its outlined in the contract.

The master of the slaves must provide full fooding and clothing and a independent room for them.

Prisoners who are purchased as slaves have no rights at all. However any prisoners who are bought as slaves must agree to this. However if on the death or life imprisonment. They can be bought without consent.

If the master breaks the rules of the contract or any basic outlines given, the slave is freed and the debt is forgiven.

Any Land taken by benders for their military service will be payed in full to the owners by the Government of the Fire Empire.

Mei Ling watched the woman skim over the document, say something, and leave. That made the young Avatar a bit disappointed since she would be unable to speak to the woman again, but she was a bit suspicious of the lady. Her eyes glanced at the Fire Empress, looking for a sign that the ruler knew that something was off about the Megumi lady. But Mei Ling didn't say anything of the matter.

"I think I've wasted enough of your time," Mei Ling said, giving the Empress a small smile. "It was nice meeting you though," she stated, bowing before exiting the room. She would make her way out of the palace, but would stay within the generally area lest she was ever needed by the Fire Empress. Mei Ling doubted that she would be call upon, but there was no harm in being sure. Until than, she needed to do some planning on how she would get teachers to teach her the other three elements.

She was a bit surprised by the response of the Strange women and she quickly made her exit. Soon the cocktail of tension disappeared and the young girl was placed across from her. The young avatar looked up at her and said about her wasting the time. The empress smilled a bit, "I always have time for my citizens." she said. She sat down and began to write further onto papers. "Go to the nearby D.A.R.P.A. building and apply there. They'll send you instructions and directions to Camp Zaag, which you'll spend a couple months in training. Even for you, you'll need a couple of months." The empress said. She wouldn't responded anymore and would give her a shooing signal if she turned towards her.