National Constitution of Cascadia (Aurora)
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The National Constitution of Cascadia is the supreme law of the Republic of Cascadia. It superseded the Provisional Constitution of Cascadia, the nation's first constitution, on New Years' Day, 2023. Originally comprising six articles, it delineates the national frame and constraints of government. The Constitution's first two articles outline the rights guaranteed to citizens as well as outlines the ideals of governance of the nation. The Constitution's last three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, whereby the national government is divided into three branches: the legislative, consisting of the unicameral Legislature (Article III); the executive, consisting of the president and subordinate officers (Article IV); and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court (Article V), and the establishment for a public advocate. Articles I and II outline fundamental rights and guiding principles behind the Cascadian state, and Article VI establishes the procedure on how constitutional amendments are ratified.
The National Constitution was drafted by House Speaker Sayerleft, who proposed the Constitution in the 5th Legislature on December 30, 2022. The bill passed unanimously and went to a referendum on January 1, 2023. The new Constitution was ratified that same day, with 88.0% of voters voting in favor, superseding the outgoing Constitution. Since the Constitution was ratified in 2023, it has been amended 9 times.
Constitution's provisions
The Constitution includes four sections: an introductory paragraph titled Preamble, a list of six Articles that define the government's framework, an untitled closing endorsement with the signatures of 18 framers, and 5 amendments that have been adopted under Article V (see below).
Preamble
The Preamble, the Constitution's introductory paragraph, lays out the purposes of the government:
Throughout the existence of this server, nations have risen, fallen, and risen from the ashes once more. However, the burning torch of freedom and democracy was never once extinguished. As our nation has grown since our creation, we have become the holder of that torch of democracy and freedom, becoming a nation dedicated to social equality, justice, democratic values, and solidarity in the face of oppression and autocracy. To ensure these liberties and to fortify our processes in order to ensure our liberty and to further justice and equality under the law, the united people of these lands hereby ordain this National Constitution for our Cascadia.
Articles
The Constitution's main provisions include six articles that define the basic framework of the federal government.
Article I — Guarantee of Rights & Freedoms
Article I describes the rights granted to all citizens of the nation. Section 1 reads, "The Legislature shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of their expression, except in cases where the public safety may require it; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and of their mobility, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
