House of Representatives (Levinia)

Imperial Senate
Government of Levinia
Type
Type	Upper House of the Levinian Parliament
Term limits	At His Majesty's pleasure
History
Founded	6 November 2022
Leadership
President	Emperor Benjamin, Monarchist 6 November 2022
House Speaker	Vacant
Deputy House Speaker	Vacant
Leader of the House	Vacant, Monarchist Party
Meeting place
Official Discord Server
Constitution
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OKs5YiK-l3ZgFPV8AW_sHbXW62-ArLzNHk00cun6RXw/edit?usp=sharing

The House of Representatives serves as the lower chamber of the Levinian Parliament, complementing the upper house, the Imperial Senate. Just as the Imperial Senate convenes in the official Discord server, so does the House of Representatives. However, it distinguishes itself from the Senate through its method of composition, where Representatives are elected by the people rather than appointed.

History

The House of Representatives came into existence on November 6, 2022, marking a significant milestone in the nation's governance structure. However, it is noteworthy that as of yet, it has not undertaken substantial legislative initiatives or actions of significant consequence.

Role

While the House of Representatives doesn't officially appoint the Prime Minister, maintaining support within the House is of paramount importance. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Prime Minister, it is the task of the monarch to appoint an individual who can command the confidence of the House, or someone most likely to do so, often the leader of the largest party in the House. The leader of the second largest party in the House automatically assumes the role of Leader of the Opposition.

Crucially, when a government loses the confidence of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister is compelled to either tender their resignation, allowing another Member of Parliament to seek the confidence of the House, or to request the Monarch to dissolve Parliament, thereby triggering a general election. Each term in the House of Representatives spans two years, though the possibility of an early general election exists when certain conditions are met.

The House of Representatives holds the authority to engage in debates and create Acts of Parliament. Once these Acts are meticulously crafted, they are then submitted to the Imperial Senate for consideration. Following approval by the Imperial Senate, the Act(s) are presented to the Monarch for imperial approval, marking the final step in the legislative process of the Levinian Empire.

Officers

With the exception of the President, who is held by the Emperor, the House of Reps retains the prerogative to elect its own officials and officers. These appointed individuals play a vital role in preserving the decorum and civility of the House, efficiently managing and scheduling legislative and executive proceedings, and offering expert guidance on interpreting the Senate's rules, practices, and precedents.

The House's roster of distinguished officers includes:

President: The highest-ranking official, the Emperor, who presides over House sessions and ensures that debates and proceedings adhere to established protocols.

Speaker of the House: This key figure assumes a pivotal role in maintaining order and facilitating discussions within the House, fostering a productive legislative environment.

Deputy Speaker: A crucial officer who assists the Speaker of the House in their duties and ensures the smooth operation of House proceedings, particularly in the Speaker's absence.