Minecraft Colony Charter Act

Minecraft Colony Charter Act

Passed by the Senate and signed by the President on 19 May 2025.

Proposed by: Deloulou

Preamble

Whereas

the Minecraft Colony seeks transparent governance, democratic participation, and accountable leadership;

Whereas

it is necessary to define a foundational legal framework for server governance consistent with the overarching structure of SimDemocracy;

Whereas

the unique nature of digital governance in Minecraft requires both clarity and adaptability;

Therefore,

it is enacted that this Minecraft Colony Charter shall serve as the supreme constitutional framework for the governance of the Minecraft Colony within SimDemocracy, and be the enduring foundation for self-rule, community identity, and equitable participation among its residents.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Charter:

• Resident: An individual recognized as an active player under the Minecraft Legislative Establishment Act (MLEA), who consistently contributes to public affairs, follows community norms, and maintains good standing within the colony. Residents may regain status through reactivation and validation if inactive.
• Assembly: The unicameral legislative body composed of elected residents responsible for lawmaking, oversight, and public representation.
• Governor: The chief executive officer of the Minecraft Colony, entrusted with implementing laws and managing executive affairs.
• Executive Order: A legally binding directive issued by the Governor, subordinate to the Charter and legislation.
• Referendum: A direct vote of residents on legislative or constitutional matters, whose result is binding unless ruled unconstitutional.

Article I – Establishment and Scope

§1. Legal Foundation

§1.1 This Act establishes the foundational legal and administrative structure for the Minecraft Colony.

§1.2 The Minecraft Colony is recognized as an autonomous subdivision of SimDemocracy, bound by this Charter and subject to all applicable constitutional and statutory provisions.

§1.3 The colony shall enjoy the right to manage its internal affairs, provided its actions remain in compliance with the overarching Constitution of SimDemocracy.

§1.4 Continued legitimacy is contingent upon active engagement, legislative functionality, and accountability to the broader community.

Article II – Fundamental Rights of Residents

§1. All residents of the Minecraft Colony are guaranteed the rights outlined in the SimDemocracy Bill of Rights, including:

§1.1 Equal protection under the law, without discrimination based on identity, beliefs, or in-game behavior.

§1.2 Freedom of expression, including public discourse and in-game communication.

§1.3 Freedom of peaceful assembly, including formation of groups or communities.

§1.4 The right to privacy in communication and personal data, unless waived by law.

§1.5 Due process in any disciplinary or judicial procedure.

§1.6 Protection against arbitrary actions including unwarranted bans or restrictions.

§1.7 Participation in democratic procedures such as elections and referenda.

§1.8 Access to timely and relevant governance information.

§1.9 The right to petition institutions and protest peacefully within established norms.

§1.10 Whistleblower protections for the disclosure of illegal or unethical conduct.

§2. These rights shall be respected by all branches of government.

§3. Infringement of these rights shall be subject to judicial remedy.

§4. The Assembly may expand and refine rights protection through statutory law.

Article III – Residency and Citizenship Registry

§1. Registry of Residents

§1.1 The Assembly shall maintain a transparent, periodically updated registry of active residents.

§1.2 Only registered residents may vote, stand for office, or initiate referenda.

§1.3 Criteria for inclusion and mechanisms for appeal shall be clearly defined by statute.

§1.4 The registry shall be updated at least once monthly and publicly accessible.

§1.5 Individuals removed from the registry must be notified and provided appeal rights.

§1.6 The registry shall be the authoritative basis for electoral quorum calculations.

Article IV – Structure of Government

§1. The Minecraft Colony shall operate through three distinct and coequal branches:

§1.1 Legislative – the Assembly.

§1.2 Executive – the Governor.

§1.3 Judicial – the Judicial Officer and SimDemocracy appellate bodies.

§2. No branch shall infringe on powers assigned to another, except where legally authorized.

§3. Each branch shall maintain records, conduct its business transparently, and remain accountable to the public.

Article V – Legislative Authority

§1. The Minecraft Assembly

§1.1 The Assembly is the central lawmaking institution of the Minecraft Colony.

§1.2. Members are elected according to procedures defined in law.

§1.3. Powers include:

§1.3.1 Drafting and enacting legislation.

§1.3.2 Approving budgets and public spending.

§1.3.3 Initiating referenda and holding inquiries.

§1.3.4 Exercising oversight of executive activity.

§1.4. A simple majority suffices for passing standard legislation.

§1.5. All sessions must be minuted and their outcomes published.

Article VI – Executive Authority

§1. The Governor

§1.1. The Governor is the highest executive official of the Minecraft Colony.

§1.2. The Governor shall:

§1.2.1 Implement and enforce all legislation.

§1.2.2 Coordinate administration and external representation.

§1.2.3 Issue executive orders consistent with this Charter.

§1.2.4 Nominate advisors and appoint officers, subject to oversight.

§1.3. The Assembly may override vetoes with a two-thirds vote.

§1.4. Regular executive reports must be presented to the Assembly.

Article VII – Judicial Authority

§1. Judiciary Structure

§1.1. Judicial authority shall reside in:

§1.1.1 The Minecraft Judicial Officer.

§1.1.1 Higher courts established by SimDemocracy.

§1.2. The judiciary shall ensure:

§1.2.1 Constitutional compliance by laws and policies.

§1.2.2 Resolution of disputes.

§1.2.3 Protection of civil rights.

§1.3. Judicial interpretations of this Charter are binding.

Article VIII – Ethical Governance

§1. Integrity and Disclosure

§1.1. All public officials must disclose positions held in external simulations

§1.2. The Assembly shall maintain a Code of Ethics.

§1.3. Breaches of ethics may result in removal following judicial process.

Article IX – Emergency Powers

§1. Crisis Authority

§1..1 The Governor may declare a temporary state of emergency in the event of serious server disruption or external threat.

§1.2. Emergency declarations shall not exceed seven days unless extended by Assembly majority.

§1.3. Emergency actions must remain proportional, time-limited, and rights-respecting.

§1.4. All emergency measures are subject to judicial review within 48 hours.

§1.5. The Assembly may terminate an emergency state by simple majority vote.

§2. In the Governor's absence, the Speaker of the Assembly shall assume temporary executive duties.

Article X – Direct Democracy

§1. Referenda and Petitions

§1.1. The Assembly may initiate referenda with a two-thirds majority.

§1.2. Residents may propose referenda by petition with 20% support.

§1.3. Results of referenda are binding unless unconstitutional.

§1.4. Neutral public explanations of referendum content must be published in advance.

Article XI – Amendments

§1. Charter Revisions

§1.1. Amendments require:

§1.1.1. Proposal by the Governor, an Assembly member, or a petition signed by ten residents.

§1.1.2. Two-thirds approval in the Assembly.

§1.1.3. Ratification by the Governor.

§1.2. Amendments must comply with the Constitution of SimDemocracy.

§1.3. Rationales must accompany proposed amendments.

Article XII – Supremacy of the Charter

§1. Legal Hierarchy

§1.1. This Charter is the highest authority for internal governance within the Minecraft Colony.

§1.2. All local laws must conform to this Charter and to SimDemocracy’s constitutional order.

§1.3. In cases of ambiguity, the Charter shall be interpreted to favor democracy, legality, and fairness.

Article XIII – Ratification

§1. Enactment

§1.1. This Charter shall come into force upon:

§1.1.1 Approval by a majority in a colony-wide referendum.

§1.1.2 Ratification by SimDemocracy’s Central Authority.

§1.2. All preexisting governing documents shall be brought into conformity within 7 days.