Federal Assembly
The Federal Assembly, also referred to as the Federal Congress, the Congress of the Federation, or the Federal Senate, is the unicameral legislative governing body of the United Federation of Nations (UFN). As the primary lawmaking institution, the Federal Assembly holds vast authority over the legal, economic, and diplomatic operations of the Federation, ensuring stability and unity among its vast and diverse member sectors. It consists of hundreds of senators, each representing a Sector, world, or polity, and is led by the Prime Speaker, a democratically elected official from among the senators. The Assembly is a unicameral legislature with elected representatives and headed by the Prime Speaker. Seats in the Assembly are apportioned to Sectors based on population, determined every five years during a census. Each member of the Assembly represents their Sector, and elections are held every five years for the entire legislature, with no term limits.
Voting is conducted through a ranked-choice voting system, overseen by the Federal Electoral Commission, an independent agency that operates on behalf of the federal government. All citizens that are of the age of majority of their species are required by law to vote, facing fines if they do not comply. Voter registration is handled automatically by government records, and individuals verify their identity via biometric scan when voting. Voting is held across the UFN on a single day, which is a public holiday, though provisions exist for remote and early voting. Traditionally, volunteers set up stalls to provide food and beverages to voters, a custom that originated in Oceania on Earth. A well-known example of this tradition is the democracy slice, commonly found at polling stations in the BosWash Metropolitan Axis.
Once all seats have been assigned in the Assembly, the position of Prime Speaker is selected via a majority vote. They serve until the end of their term or until they lose a vote of no confidence.
The Assembly’s core responsibilities include creating laws, mediating disputes, drafting treaties, regulating commerce, and overseeing federal governance. It has the authority to levy taxes, declare war, establish Free Trade Zones, and legislate on nearly all matters critical to the stability and prosperity of the Federation. However, it does not handle judicial prosecutions, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, nor does it conduct peacekeeping operations, which remain the duty of the Ministry of Justice.
As detailed in the Federation Constitution, the Federal Assembly sits in the Grand Federal Assembly Hall in New Liberty, located on Eternity, the Federation’s political capital. It is the central platform for democratic deliberation and legislative decision-making within the UFN.
Legislative Authority and Responsibilities
The Federal Assembly holds extensive authority over numerous aspects of governance, ensuring that the UFN functions as a stable and lawful interstellar federation.
1. Lawmaking and Regulation
Drafts and passes federal laws applicable across all member sectors.
Establishes legal frameworks for governance, security, and diplomacy.
Defines economic policies, trade regulations, and tax laws.
2. Interstellar Diplomacy and Treaty Negotiation
Oversees diplomatic relations and negotiates interstellar treaties.
Establishes alliances and trade agreements with foreign polities.
Declares Free Trade Zones to encourage commerce and economic growth.
3. Military and Security Oversight
Has the power to declare war and authorize military actions.
Establishes federal security measures and crisis response strategies.
Regulates and funds the UFN Defense Forces and peacekeeping efforts.
4. Economic and Commerce Regulation
Sets tariffs, taxes, and trade policies to regulate economic activity.
Allocates federal funding for infrastructure, research, and economic growth initiatives.
Balances private enterprise and state-led development to ensure prosperity.
5. Judicial and Bureaucratic Oversight
Oversees the federal judiciary system and ensures compliance with UFN laws.
Monitors the efficiency and transparency of federal agencies.
Reviews and enforces sanctions and legislative compliance measures.
Structure
Structure and Membership
The Federal Assembly is composed of hundreds of senators who serve as representatives of the various sectors, worlds, and polities within the Federation. To ensure adequate representation for minority populations, Junior Representatives are also permitted to voice the opinions of smaller political parties or unrepresented populations within a sector.
Political Parties
The Federal Assembly is primarily composed of representatives from the major political parties of the United Federation of Nations. These parties shape legislative debates, form coalitions, and dictate the direction of governance. The most influential parties within the Assembly include:
Libertarian Party – Advocates for decentralized governance, individual freedoms, and minimal government intervention.
Unity Party – Supports centralized authority, hierarchical governance, and strict order.
Vanguard Party – Emphasizes industrial and military expansion, ensuring the Federation’s dominance over rival powers.
Peace Party – Prioritizes diplomacy, internal stability, and conflict resolution.
Terra Invicta Party – Advocates for human supremacy and policies that benefit humanity over other species.
United Species Party – Champions xeno-integration, multiculturalism, and equal rights for all sentient beings.
Prosperity Party – Promotes free-market capitalism, economic growth, and unrestricted trade.
Socialist Party – Advocates for wealth redistribution, workers’ rights, and government control over key industries.
Egalitarian Party – Supports equity, political representation, and democratic governance.
Progressive Party – Pushes for technological and scientific advancement, opposing restrictions on research.
Conservative Party – Emphasizes traditional values, moral austerity, and caution regarding societal and technological changes.
Industrialist Party – Focuses on large-scale industrialization, economic centralization, and resource exploitation.
Green Party – Advocates for sustainability, environmental protection, and responsible resource management.
These parties form voting blocs, coalitions, and political alliances, shaping legislation through debate and negotiation. Some parties favor federal intervention, while others push for regional autonomy and deregulation.
Leadership
Prime Speaker – The democratically elected leader of the Federal Assembly, responsible for presiding over sessions, setting legislative agendas, and calling for special sessions. The Prime Speaker holds considerable influence but can be removed through a Vote of No Confidence.
Vice Speaker – Assists the Prime Speaker in setting the legislative agenda, ensuring order during deliberations, and overseeing procedural matters.
Senators – The primary voting members of the Assembly, representing worlds, sectors, and polities. Each senator is responsible for advancing the interests of their constituents while contributing to the broader governance of the Federation.
Junior Representatives – Non-voting members who provide input on behalf of minority political parties, underrepresented worlds, or special interest groups.
Legislative Process
The Federal Assembly is responsible for the passage of legislation, including laws, regulations, and budgets. There is a minimum quorum of one-tenth of the members required for the Assembly to meet, but in practice, this rule is often ignored unless a representative specifically calls a quorum.
The Federal Assembly operates on a structured cycle of recess and session, ensuring that legislative processes are deliberative and inclusive.
Bill Passage and Readings
Recess Phase – During this phase, no resolutions are voted on. However, senators propose new resolutions, and votes are cast to determine which resolutions have the most support.
First Reading – The introducing representative reads the name and general provisions of the bill. The bill is adjourned for at least one week for review.
Second Reading – Senators debate the bill, discuss amendments, and vote on its general principles. A majority vote allows it to proceed.
Session Phase – When recess ends, the most popular resolution is debated and voted upon by all senators.
Voting Process – A resolution is passed if it receives a majority vote of at least 51% from the Assembly.
Third Reading – The final vote. If passed, the bill is sent to the Supreme Chancellor for approval or veto.
Veto Override – If vetoed, the Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds supermajority vote.
Emergency Measures – Once every five years, the Supreme Chancellor may declare a resolution an emergency measure, immediately ending the recess phase and forcing an instant vote on the resolution.
The Prime Speaker has the authority to call for special sessions when urgent matters arise, ensuring the Assembly remains responsive to crises and critical decisions.
Committees and Subcommittees
To manage its vast responsibilities, the Federal Assembly is divided into specialized committees and subcommittees, each focusing on key areas of governance. Committees are semi-permanent bodies that oversee various operations of government. They include:
Standing Committees – Long-term oversight bodies established by legislation.
Select/Special Committees – Temporary committees created until a final report is published.
Some notable committees include:
Administration Committee – Handles the organization and efficiency of federal operations.
Antislavery Committee – Ensures the abolition of slavery and enforces labor rights.
Crisis Declaration Committee – Reviews and approves emergency declarations.
Culture and Demographics Committee – Oversees cultural preservation and demographic policies.
Denouncements Act Committee – Sanctions hostile entities and condemns unlawful actions.
Environmental Committee – Regulates ecological policies and sustainability efforts.
Industrial Committee – Oversees manufacturing, mining, and industrial regulations.
Military Oversight Committee – Supervises UFN defense operations and military policies.
Sanctions Committee – Enforces economic and diplomatic sanctions on foreign entities.
Science and Technology Committee – Manages research funding and scientific regulations.
Trade and Commerce Committee – Oversees interstellar trade laws and commercial policies.
Transportation Committee – Regulates space and planetary transport networks.
Intergalactic Directives Committee – Manages relations with external empires and polities.
Bureaucratic Oversight Committee – Ensures efficiency and transparency in federal governance.
Space and Terrestrial Fauna Committee – Regulates policies regarding non-sentient lifeforms and biodiversity.
Pre-Space Flight Committee – Manages interactions with pre-spaceflight civilizations.
Cosmic Storm and Weather Committee – Oversees policies related to interstellar weather events and cosmic phenomena.
These committees ensure that the Assembly operates efficiently, allowing senators to focus on specialized areas of governance and legislation.
Public Agenda
Legislative Process
The Federal Assembly is responsible for the passage of legislation, including laws, regulations, and budgets. There is a minimum quorum of one-tenth of the members required for the Assembly to meet, but in practice, this rule is often ignored unless a representative specifically calls a quorum.
Bill Passage and Readings
First Reading – The introducing representative reads the name and general provisions of the bill. The bill is adjourned for at least one week for review.
Second Reading – Senators debate the bill, discuss amendments, and vote on its general principles. A majority vote allows it to proceed.
Committee Review and Amendment – The bill is referred to committees for detailed analysis and potential amendments.
Third Reading – The final vote. If passed, the bill is sent to the Supreme Chancellor for approval or veto.
Veto Override – If vetoed, the Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds supermajority vote.
"United we stand, divided we fall"
Type
Governmental, Senate/Parliament
Alternative Names
Federal Senate- Federal Congress
Demonym
Senator
Leader Title
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
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