Directory
| Directory | |
| |
| Directory flag | |
| Motto | "The Good, Though But A Few" |
| Responsibility | Passing legislation, appointing the cabinet |
| Form | Umbrella organization |
| Estate | Legislature |
| Subordinate to | n/a |
| Established | January 25, 0/2018 |
| Status | Deactivated |
| Abbreviation | Dir |
The Directory is the tricameral legislature of the Pillow Fortress, forming the Principality's second estate. It consists of three co-equal advisory councils which pass laws in the form of 'advice' given to the reigning Princess, as well as choosing the secretaries of the various Throne departments. The councils are more or less independent in their duties, with each having legally defined areas of responsibility. This means only the majority of that particular council is required to pass laws for which it is deemed to be responsible, rather than requiring a majority in all three, although there are times when the agreement of more than one council is necessary, for example, amending the Constitution. The advisory councils are:
With the exception of the Council of Labor, all members of the Directory (Directors, or Dir) are elected by universal suffrage of Pillowans age eighteen or older. However, the only political party capable of running candidates in elections is the Libertine Party, and all Directors must be members of the party, again with the pseudo-exception of the Council of Labor.
Advisory Councils
Council of Labor
The Council of Labor advises on economic matters, including but not limited to labor relations, the government budget, and the coordination of industry. Members of the Council are entire sectors of the economy, represented by twenty-six craft guilds. Membership in the guilds is voluntary, but if a citizen chooses not to join the one that they are eligible to, they forfeit any say in the economy, as policy positions are determined within each guild before negotiations in the council.
Council of State
The Council of State advises on all matters not within the areas of responsibility of either the Council of Labor or the Council of Territory. This includes but is not limited to culture, defense, education, health, justice, public services, and science. Directors of State (DS) serve three year terms. There are one hundred twenty seats in the council, with forty up for election in any given year.
Council of Territory
The Council of Territory advises on territorial matters, including but not limited to the form and function of administrative divisions, environmental policy, and transportation. Directors of Territory (DT) represent first level administrative divisions, with each getting an equal number, currently three, and who must be residents of that administrative division they represent. The Pillow Fortress only has one first level administrative division, the Pillowans Abroad Province and thus the council has a total of three seats.
Joint Committees
While most work the advisory councils do is independent of one another, they can and do form joint committees on topics which cross over into all their areas of responsibilities. Like any Directory committee these can be either temporary or permanent, with the following permanent committees established:
- Joint Committee on the Directory
- Joint Committee on Outer Space Policy
- Joint Committee on Foreign Relations
- Joint Committee on the Throne
- Joint Committee on the Xeer
Independent Agencies
Directory Independent Research Agency
The Directory Independent Research Agency carries out unbiased and apolitical research at the request of the advisory councils. This is to ensure the councils are operating with timely, accurate, and the specific information required to legislate effectively.
Pillow Fortress Election Commission
The Pillow Fortress Election Commission certifies and maintains the integrity of the various elections which take place throughout the Principality, such as the election of representatives to the Council of State or the election of municipal mayors.
Services
The Directory operates numerous services staffed by non-member civil servants which aid in its day-to-day operation:
Directory Administrative and Personnel Service
The Directory Administrative and Personnel Service is responsible for hiring the different staff which work at all levels of the Directory.
Directory Archival Service
The Directory Archival Service produces the official minutes of Directory proceedings, as well as maintaining and providing access to archives of the same.
Directory Bulletin Printing Service
The Directory Bulletin Printing Service is the in-house printer of the Directory. It produces and distributes official physical and digital copies of laws, minutes, reports, and other works as directed by the advisory councils.
Directory Grounds Keeping Service
The Directory Grounds Keeping Service maintains the physical space wherein the Directory conducts business. In practice this means outsourcing much of the work to the state owned state operated custodial corporation Custodiax.
Directory Medical Service
The Directory Medical Service provides Directors and their staff with on-site medical care should the need arise. It also develops small scale contingency planning for low intensity emergencies in order to protect and maintain the safety and wellbeing of the Directory.
Directory Public Relations Service
The Directory Public Relations Service works to inform, educate, and engage with the general public about the Directory, its history, its functions, and its importance.
Directory Security Service
The Directory Security Service maintains the security of Directors and their staff, working closely with the Directory Medical Service, local Peacekeepers, and the state owned, state operated personal security corporation Securalonix.