Charter of Elda

The Charter of Elda is the supreme constitutional instrument of the Kingdom of Eldid. Ratified on 12 June 1728, it established the constitutional foundations of the kingdom following nearly twenty-four years of settlement on the island of Eldoria by refugees from the fallen Kingdom of Valedorn and the indigenous Vaelori people.

Unlike many constitutional documents of its era, the Charter did not seek to regulate every function of government. Instead, it established the enduring principles upon which the Kingdom would be governed: the supremacy of law, the limitation of executive authority, representative government, judicial independence, protection of individual liberties, and the balance between the Crown and the People.

The Charter has remained continuously in force since its ratification. Although amended on only three occasions (the Act of Succession (1802), the Parliamentary Reform Act (1890), and the Charter Amendment of 1952) its original provisions remain the constitutional foundation of the Kingdom.

The document is regarded not merely as a legal instrument but as the symbolic covenant between the Crown, the People, and the Nation.

Original Manuscript

Be it known unto all present and future generations, that upon the Twelfth Day of June, in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty-Eight, the representatives of the settlements of Eldoria, assembled freely in the City of Elda together with the Elders of the Vaelori Clans, having sought concord between the ancient inhabitants of this island and those who found refuge upon its shores, did solemnly agree upon this Charter, whereby the Kingdom should thereafter be conducted. May this Charter endure for so long as Justice is preferred above Power and Truth above Ambition.

PREAMBLE

We, the People of Eldoria,

having escaped tyranny, famine, war, and the ruin of our former homeland;

having found upon this island both refuge and friendship among the Vaelori, whose wisdom preserved these lands through countless generations;

being resolved that no ruler shall stand above the Law, no citizen beneath its protection, and no government beyond its restraint;

desiring to establish a Kingdom founded not upon conquest but upon consent, not upon fear but upon justice, and not upon privilege but upon duty;

do hereby ordain and establish this Charter for ourselves and for those generations yet unborn;

that Justice shall prevail over Power,

Liberty over Fear,

Education over Ignorance,

Unity over Division,

and the Defence of Life over Destruction;

and thereby constitute the Kingdom of Eldid.

ARTICLE I: The Kingdom

Section 1 — Establishment

The Kingdom of Eldid is hereby established as one free, sovereign, and indivisible Realm.

Its authority shall derive from this Charter alone and from the consent of its People exercised according to Law.

Section 2 — Territory

The lands lawfully settled upon the Island of Eldoria, together with such waters as naturally belong thereto, shall constitute the Kingdom.

No territory shall be surrendered except by lawful authority exercised in accordance with this Charter.

Section 3 — Sovereignty

The sovereignty of the Kingdom shall neither be bought, inherited by foreign claim, nor surrendered through force.

No foreign prince, empire, or authority shall exercise dominion within the Realm.

Section 4 — The Capital

The City of Elda shall remain the Seat of the Crown and of the Government.

The institutions established therein shall serve the whole Kingdom equally.

Section 5 — The Rule of Law

The Law shall govern all persons equally.

Neither the Crown, nor the Assembly, nor any magistrate shall possess authority contrary to this Charter.

ARTICLE II: The Crown

Section 1 — The Sovereign

The Crown shall personify the unity, continuity, and independence of the Kingdom.

The Sovereign reigns by virtue of this Charter and shall govern only according to its provisions.

Section 2 — Oath

Before assuming the Crown, every Sovereign shall publicly swear:

I shall faithfully preserve the Charter of Elda; administer Justice without favour; defend the liberties of the People; safeguard the independence of the Kingdom; and discharge the duties entrusted unto the Crown with honour, wisdom, and humility.

No Sovereign shall exercise royal authority before taking this Oath.

Section 3 — Constitutional Duty

The first duty of the Crown shall be the preservation of this Charter.

Should any authority seek to violate its provisions, the Sovereign shall employ every constitutional means to restore lawful government.

Section 4 — Royal Assent

No Act passed by Parliament shall acquire the force of Law until Royal Assent has been granted.

Where the Sovereign believes an Act contrary to this Charter, Royal Assent may be withheld.

The reasons for such refusal shall be publicly declared.

Section 5 — Appointment of Government

Following each lawful election of the National Assembly, the Sovereign shall appoint as Prime Minister the person elected by that Assembly according to this Charter.

Section 6 — Dissolution of Parliament

The Sovereign may dissolve Parliament only under those circumstances expressly authorized by this Charter or by constitutional law enacted pursuant thereto.

Immediately following such dissolution, new elections shall be held within the period prescribed by Law.

Section 7 — Commander-in-Chief

The Sovereign shall serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Military authority shall at all times remain subject to constitutional government and shall never be exercised contrary to the liberties secured by this Charter.

ARTICLE III: The National Assembly

Section 1 — Legislative Authority

The legislative authority of the Kingdom shall reside primarily in a National Assembly elected by the People.

The Assembly shall deliberate freely and enact laws for the peace, prosperity, and security of the Realm.

Section 2 — Representation

Every citizen entitled by Law to vote shall possess equal voice in the election of Members of the Assembly.

Representation shall be founded upon fairness and the common welfare of the Kingdom.

Section 3 — Election of the Prime Minister

Following each general election, the National Assembly shall elect one of its Members to serve as Prime Minister.

Election shall require an absolute majority of all Members.

The Sovereign shall thereafter appoint the person so elected.

Section 4 — Powers

The National Assembly shall possess authority to:

• enact laws;
• levy taxes;
• approve public expenditure;
• oversee the Government;
• approve treaties;
• declare war;
• preserve the liberties guaranteed by this Charter.

Section 5 — Public Debate

The proceedings of the Assembly shall ordinarily be public.

No Member shall suffer prosecution for opinions lawfully expressed in parliamentary debate.

Section 6 — Responsibility

The Assembly shall exercise its powers with prudence, moderation, and constant regard for the welfare of future generations.

No temporary majority shall possess authority to destroy the constitutional order established by this Charter.

ARTICLE IV: The Senate

Inserted by the Parliamentary Reform Act of 1890