Second+Galactic+Constitution

=Second Galactic Constitution History=

The Second Galactic Constitution was the founding document and highest set of laws in the [|Galactic Union]. The new order's Constitution was written in [|138 ABY] at the [|Coruscant Convention]. It established the framework for the organization of the Union's government as well as for the relationship between the central government and the planetary governments, and citizens. It also laid out the [|Jedi Order's] relationship with the Union.

Overview
The Second Galactic Constitution established three branches to the Union's government; legislative, executive, and judicial, as well as a checks-and-balances system to effectively keep the government's power limited. The [|Supreme Chancellor] (the executive branch) was the Commander-in-Chief of the Union's army and navy, and had the power to pardon any crime against the Union, except in the case of impeachments. He could also appoint members to his advisory board to advise him on various situations, and the power to veto legislation from [|Congress] that he didn't agree with. The legislature was split into two houses, unlike that of the Old Republic; the [|Second Galactic Senate] and the [|Galactic House of Representatives]. To them was the power to collect taxes, duties, imports and excises, to provide the common defense and general welfare of the Union. Judicial powers were invested in the [|Galactic Court]. In addition to serving as a "court of last resort" and as a determiner of constitutional legality, the Galactic Court also tried cases involving the highest politicians and most noteworthy people in the Union. However, at least some cases (including the trial of senators for treason) were handled by the Senate.

The Constitution also set the relationship between the Union and the [|Jedi]. The Jedi were allowed free reign in the Union, provided they stay out of government affairs and abide by the Constitution. This was put in place to prevent a defector of the Jedi from rising to power and becoming a dictator. It included a bill of rights, allowing citizens freedom of speech, religion, press, the right to own weapons, protection from quartering of troops, protection from unreasonable search and seizure, trial by jury, rights of the accused, a ban on double jeopardy, prohibition of excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishment, protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution, and lastly, powers of planetary governments and people.

One thing it did outright ban, was the ability of a [|Sith] to become a politician. While controversial to some galactic citizens, it was decided at the Coruscant Convention, that, due to the nature of past Sith leaders ([|Palpatine] and [|Darth Krayt]), Sith were simply untrustworthy and banned from the government.

Behind the scenes
Just like other elements of the [|Galactic Union], the Second Galactic Constitution is heavily based off of certain aspects of the United States; in this case, the [|Constitution of the United States]. It does have some differences though, such as the regulation on Jedi and the ban on Sith leadership.

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