Chapter 404: Constitutional Convention Part II (1/2)
Having established the three branches of government within the Austrian Constitution, Berengar had now moved onto the individual rights and liberties that the people in his society would maintain. Naturally, as a Semi-Constitutional Monarchy, the people would not be given the extent of freedoms that they had during Berengar's past life.
”Amendment I of the Austrian Bill of Rights is as follows:
Unless in the event that such freedoms have been deemed a threat to National Security, Parliament shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II of the Austrian Bill of Rights is as follows:
Unless in the event that such action is deemed necessary for National Security, 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 III of the Austrian Bill of Rights is as follows:
Unless in the event that such freedoms have been deemed a threat to National Security, 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 IV of the Austrian Bill of Rights is as follows:
Unless in the event that such freedoms have been deemed a threat to National Security, 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 V of the Austrian Bill of Rights is as follows:
Unless in the event that such freedoms have been deemed a threat to National Security, 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 VI of the Austrian Bill of Rights is as follows:
Unless in the event that such freedoms have been deemed a threat to National Security, Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”
Berengar had once again simply copied several aspects from the United States Constitution that he deemed to be necessary. However, for the purpose of future stability of his Empire and to combat the potential threat of dangerous ideologies, Berengar had ensured that there was an exemption to these individual rights under the guise of National Security.
With these Amendments spoken, Berengar searched around to see if any member of the Constitutional Convention disagreed with any of the terms presented. However, such things had already been thoroughly debated over the past few days, and thus not a single person rejected these notions.
Having established the three branches of government and the people's individual rights. There was one final article of the Constitution that Berengar wanted to establish. Thus, he spoke in an authoritative tone as he addressed the convention.
”There is one final addition that I wanted to add to our Constitution, and thus I will present it now where it will be open to the floor to decide whether it is contained within or not.
All men, who are between eighteen and thirty years of age, must serve a minimum of four years in active duty to the Armed Forces of Austria and another four in the Reserves. Exemptions shall be issued under the condition that one may be deemed unfit for service; however, if one is in fact deemed unfit for service without a proper disability, they will be forced to pay an additional 3% of income tax until the age of thirty-seven for a maximum of eleven years.”
After saying this, Berengar gazed around at the gathered people expecting some form of fierce debate to erupt, thus causing this constitutional convention to continue for another few days. However, only silence remained. That is until one man, in particular, stood up; this man was well respected within the Kingdom of Austria as its most outstanding General; as Eckhard stood up, he threw a Roman salute towards his Monarch while shouting a patriotic slogan.
”For King and Fatherland!”
Upon seeing the fervent response from the man responsible for many of their Kingdom's victories, everyone else in the room stood up and followed in his footsteps.
”For King and Fatherland!”
Berengar gazed upon the men gathering before him with a sense of pride as he returned their salute with one of his own and with it the phrase he commonly used in response.
”Hail Victory!”