The Constitution of The Consensus

The Constitution of The Consensus

“Striking the Balance”

A : Name

1. The political party described in this Constitution is named The Consensus and it is this that will be referred to whenever the capitalised version of the word appears. The name of the party has been chosen to indicate that it is an agreement, or contract. Despite being an English word it is the Latin form that is used. It is designed to be, as far as possible, a pan-European word.

2. The three logos submitted consist of the major one, an eight pointed star, followed by secondary designs of three interlocking circles with the letters 'CEP', and a double helix topped with the letter 'C'.

3. The Consensus is not merely a political party but embodies a new ideology and worldview with a global scope.

B : The Consensus Essentia

1. Spiritual:
1.1 The Consensus primarily exists to explore, permit and facilitate all methods leading to transcendent Humanities, whether in space, time, spirit, genome or through any other category or instrumentality as yet unforeseen. It exists to unify, permit and encourage all explorations of the nature of reality, from that of science and consensus reality to the subjective and transpersonal. The goal is that of Humanity taking its evolution and destiny fully into its own hands. In this it can be said to be an advocate of a Transhumanist philosophy.

1.2 Pursuant to the above the boundaries of Humanity must eventually be expanded beyond Earth.

2. Temporal:
2.1 The Consensus affirms that Nature and Humanity are complementary, neither having the right to dominate the other. Such 'rights' of other life on Earth, animal 'rights' and so forth are mandated as Human Responsibilities and/or Duties.

2.2 We affirm that all life on Earth not directly inimical to Humanity has a right to survive our predation and that the death of a species due to Humanity's carelessness, negligence or greed is a crime on a cosmic scale. In time the Earth is to be fully healed and restored, as far as possible, to its original bio-diversity and fecundity.

2.3 The Earth is held sacred.

C : The Consensus Principia

1. Consensus Economic Separatism Principles:
1.1 Government must be separated from the influences of wealth, both personal and corporate. In this it reflects a continuation of the historical trend of seperating government and religion, and government and the military.

1.2 The members of the government must take a legally binding 'vow of poverty', never to possess significantly more wealth than the majority of the population of the nation. Their income is to be set relative to the national median income for life and they will not be permitted to take other jobs subsequent to their public service for a set period.

1.3 Those who are elected by the community to represent its interests must not belong to exclusive or secretive organisations.

1.4 Political parties are to be funded solely by the state and/or individual membership fees.

1.5 While global free trade is deemed desirable multinational companies are to be considered entities on a par with foreign states.

1.6 An interest free banking system is to be established for the benefit of certain sections of the economy and also as part of a new Third World aid structure.

2. Consensus Freedom Principles:
2.1 An absolute freedom of speech must be upheld, with three provisos.
2.2 First, information deemed secret by the government on behalf of the people must not be revealed. This only applies to information that will provably damage the wellbeing of the people as a whole.
2.3 Second, where a criminal act has been committed in order to produce or acquire material, knowingly distributing such material is deemed to make the distributor an accessory to the crime.
2.4 Third, anything deemed to be socially harmful, such as 'pornography' (however defined), advertising for drugs and so forth to be 'de-financed'. That is, the endeavour must be free from moneymaking influences. Any money deemed to have been made through such work will be confiscated within the boundaries of our jurisdiction and no copyright will be recognised.
Genuine 'free' speech is to be severed from the notion of financial gain. Libel laws must be limited to equal prominence 'right of reply'.

2.5 Freedom of information must be one of the cornerstones of Consensus state policy subject to the restrictions above. All the workings of public servants must be available for scrutiny by any citizen, subject to standard commercial and temporary confidentiality agreements. This is especially important at the lower levels of government where it interfaces directly with the public.

2.6 Citizens must be treated as individuals - not as part of an internalised 'culture'. No form of discrimination beyond that of individual merit or ability must be tolerated when the issue arises of the individual concerned being an involuntary member of a class. For example, at present, one cannot change ones age, skin colour, sex, or sexual orientation; this must make such discrimination illegal. Discrimination that involves beliefs, for example religion, culture, politics etc, should not be illegal because this represents a chosen path that can be changed.

2.7 We assert that laws restricting the rights of an individual to do what they will with their own mind, body or spirit are immoral and unenforceable and are to be rescinded where they currently exist. Furthermore all non-fatal acts between consenting adults are to be permitted unconditionally, and fatal ones only after official state sanction.

3. Consensus Judicial Principles:
3.1 The (elected) law making Legislative branch of government, the Executive (Civil Service), the Judiciary responsible for interpreting the law and administering it, and the police/military enforcement arm are to be seperated in their powers and their administration from each other.

3.2 There are no Rights without corresponding Duties, both of which must be legally enforceable to the same extent. Where a corresponding Duty cannot be defined in law no Right will exist.

3.3 Individual justice shall always take precedence over 'social justice'.

3.4 Promises made by a political party in order to get elected are to be legally binding.

3.5 No government has the power to permanently restrict its successors by relinquishing its law making powers to a supra-national body.

3.6 Prison in its present form to be abolished. Punishment, rehabilitation, social exclusion and deterrence must be separated. The death penalty is not to be a standard feature of the criminal justice system.

3.7 Law enforcement is to be of 'zero tolerance' unless special and temporary exemption is provided by the state to the relevent enforcement arm under exceptional circumstances.

4. Consensus Global Principles:
4.1 The Consensus works towards a world where peoples live together in viable geographically and culturally delineated societies under their own laws and in peace.

4.2 Such nations will come together in co-operative supranational organisations to ensure that international relations are governed by multilateral consensual Law and Justice. There will be no single 'world government' modelled on the nation state.

4.3 The economy of a true Consensus World will be sustainable without depending on the use of non-renewable resources and will work in harmony with Nature and not to its disadvantage. In time the conditions of the natural world will be reinstated and ecological damage repaired.

5. Consensus Social Principles:
5.1 The aim is to build a Consensus Society in which every citizen shall possess liberty, property, physical security and access to equal opportunity for self development. Its chief care is for the rights, corresponding duties and opportunities of the individual and in all spheres it sets individual freedom first.

5.2 A Consensus Society is one in which, under the protection of law, all citizens shall have the right to think freely, to speak freely, to write freely and to vote freely; power through a just electoral system to shape the laws which they are called upon to obey; autonomous institutions ensuring genuine self-government at the lowest practical level; an effective voice in deciding the conditions in which they live and work; liberty to buy, sell and produce in circumstances which secure for the consumer real freedom of choice; guarantees against the abuse of monopoly, whether private or public; good education and facilities for the full cultivation of the Citizen at all ages.

5.3 Wherever possible decisions will be made by one named individual, supported (if necessary) by an advisory committee, who will bear sole responsibility for such decisions. As far as possible the anonymity of 'collective responsibility' is to be abolished.

5.4 The Consensus aims to fairly distribute power and to ensure that every citizen has access to adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, information resources, health care and above all the protection of the law. Where the state is providing the finance to an individual it has the right to demand corresponding recompense from that individual..

5.5 No minority may enjoy Rights or Privileges not available to the majority, nor will any minority be denied such Rights and Priveleges enjoyed by the majority. Culturally divisive education is not to be supported.

5.6 All efforts will be made to create an integrated harmonius society with general agreements as to laws and expected social conduct and behaviour. Such a society is to be viewed as a family with a place for all citizens and none excluded.

5.7 Support will be provided for experimentation in alternative social structures.

5.8 A Consensus Society conducts its foreign policy in a manner consistent with its principles and morality and has no place for the hypocrisies of expediency and 'realpolitik' in its dealings.

6. Consensus Life Principles:
6.1 Self sufficiency at the lowest possible level will at all times be the acknowledged optimum organising principle for all segments of society from the individual scale to the national and international.

6.2 We affirm that the genetic debasement of any creature with a nervous system more complex than a mouse is a criminal act. This includes all selective breeding and genetic engineering that renders a creature less likely to survive in its natural habitat.

6.3 All avoidable cruelty to animals with a nervous system more complex than a mouse is to be outlawed - from vivisection to factory farming and beyond. Economic necessity will not constitute a sufficient reason for 'unavoidable'.

6.4 Pursuant to the aims of the Consensus Essentia we will survey, map and save the genomes of all species threatened with extinction that they may be recreated at a future date if our near-term efforts fail. Such information will be publicly and freely available without restrictions. DNA existing in the natural world is deemed property common to Humanity.

7. Consensus Government Principles
7.1 We assert that the major legitimate functions of government are:

a) To protect the citizens from external physical threats.
b) To protect the citizens from the adverse effects of the profit motive.
c) To ensure the security of the citizenry by performing collectively functions that individuals or corporations cannot or will not undertake - especially those of a longterm nature.
d) To implement the Consensus Essentia and Principia.

C : Consensus Objectives
1. The Consensus seeks to advance its aims at every level of decision making. It works outside as well as inside existing political structures and encourages people and communities to take and use power.

2. The Consensus strives to translate its beliefs and aims into policies and programmes which are kept under review to ensure that they meet changing circumstances. To this end it fosters debate and discussion, both inside and outside the Party.

3. All members will endeavour to both inform others of, and elicit support for, the Consensus Essentia and the Principia.

4. In order to put its policies into effect the Consensus seeks to identify suitable candidates from among its membership to stand for public office. It will support these candidates with briefings and training and by improving political campaigning methods as its resources allow.

5. From time to time the Consensus campaigns on specific issues, and in doing so it may make common cause with other groups and organisations whose aims are compatible.

D : The National Advisory Committee (NAC)
1. The National Advisory Committee (NAC) shall consist of the Party Leader plus twelve other members. Six are to be appointed by the Party Leader and the remaining six elected annually at the Assembly (the Annual General Meeting or AGM). In all cases the tenure of all members of the NAC expires on the day of the AGM and all are subject to re-election or re-appointment.

2. Any casual vacancy amongst members of the NAC shall remain unfilled.

3. The NAC shall appoint a Nominating Officer and shall elect annually the Chair and the Treasurer of the Consensus and such other officers as it decides are necessary.

4. The NAC may elect or appoint such committees as it decides are necessary, and shall specify the extent to which its powers are delegated to each committee.

5. The NAC directs the work of the Consensus, and is responsible for acting as an advisory body to the Party Leader in implementing the objectives of the Consensus. In particular, the NAC shall, under the direction of the Party Leader:

a) Be responsible for the organisation and finances of the Consensus.
b) Determine the Consensus priorities and approve the annual budget for Consensus income and expenditure.
c) Initiate and progress campaigns and political action.
d) Develop the Consensus political strategy.
e) Receive regular reports on Consensus finances from the Treasurer.
f) Ensure that Consensus policy is regularly reviewed.
g) Liaise with Consensus Associations.
h) Propose membership subscriptions and affiliation fees to the Assembly.

6. The NAC is responsible for deciding Standing Orders for its meetings.

E : Basis of Membership
1. Membership of the Consensus is open to all people of sixteen years of age or older who support the Consensus Essentia and the Principia listed above.

2. Membership of the Consensus is by two acts:

a) Payment of a subscription to the Consensus itself. Subscription rates shall be decided by the NAC, subject to approval by Assembly.

b) The formal swearing of an Oath to uphold the Consensus Essentia.

3. The members of the Consensus have the right to disagree with any aspect of Consensus policy, with the exception of the Consensus Essentia. However, those who stand for public office have a special responsibility to think through their opposition and in their campaigning to make clear the difference between the Consensus’ policy and their own view.

F : Rights of Members
1. All members of the Consensus have the following Rights which are to be respected and upheld by other members and by all the bodies functioning under this Constitution:

a) To be offered equal opportunities to participate in the activities of the Consensus, and not to be excluded by the deliberate withholding of information or by other unfair means.
b) To attend and observe any Consensus meeting (subject to the payment of the registration fee in meetings where such a fee is payable) unless that meeting specifically resolves that it is a closed meeting and states the reason why its business is confidential.
c) To have such details about themselves as may be held by the Consensus kept confidential and not disclosed to any other person without their permission.
d) To be sent promptly any information about the the Consensus and its activities which is available, subject to payment of the reasonable costs of providing that information, but excluding membership lists and any other information which the NAC declares to be confidential.

G : Refusal or Revocation of Membership and Disputes among Members
1. Membership of the Consensus may be refused or revoked by the enrolling body, or by the NAC, or by the Officers on the NAC’s behalf, on any of the following grounds:

a) Active support for a person standing against a Consensus Party candidate.
b) Membership of a rival political party or any organisation opposed to the Consensus Essentia or the Principia listed above.
c) Disagreement with Consensus policy expressed in a way and to an extent, or personal conduct, that seriously throws doubt on the person’s support for the Consensus Essentia or the bulk of the Principia.

2. Anyone whose membership is refused or revoked may appeal in writing to the Party Leader who shall take reasonable steps to ascertain the full facts of the case and whose decision shall be final. A person whose membership has been refused or revoked may not apply for membership again until one year has passed.

3. In any dispute between members or groups of members efforts must first be made to resolve the matter at the most local practical level. If this has proved impossible the dispute may be referred to the NAC for decision.

H : Consensus Associations
1. Members of the Consensus are encouraged to join together to form Consensus Associations, which are formally constituted organisations affiliated to the Consensus.

2. Consensus Associations cover one or more Parliamentary constituencies. Consensus Associations based on areas other than Parliamentary constituencies may be formed with the agreement of the NAC.

3. The minimum membership of an Affiliated Association is five.

4. Each Affiliated Association will receive a monetary grant from the Consensus proportional to its membership and/or its expenses, approved in advance by the NAC.

5. Each Affiliated Association must have a constitution containing the following minimum requirements:

a) The objectives of the Affiliated Association shall include:-

i) To affiliate to the Consensus.
ii) To recruit new members to the Consensus.
iii) To raise funds to support local and national activities.
iv) To promote, and increase understanding of, the Consensus Essentia and Principia.
v) To select and support candidates in local elections.
vi) To select and support a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for each constituency covered by the Association.

b) A copy of the Association’s constitution must be sent to the Party Leader of the Consensus, who must be informed whenever the constitution is amended.
c) An Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be held each year to which all the Association’s members are invited. The AGM must elect at least three officers, including a Chair and a Treasurer.
d) If the Association is set up as a separate accounting unit a bank or building society account must be maintained for Association funds, an annual financial statement presented to the AGM, and a copy of the annual financial statement sent to the Treasurer of the Consensus.

6. The Party Leader of the Consensus is responsible for ensuring that each Affiliated Association’s constitution complies with the Constitution of the Consensus.

7. The NAC may refuse or revoke the status of any Affiliated Association which, in its opinion, does not support the Consensus Essentia or Principia, or which has not abided by the terms of this Constitution. This decision is taken by the Party Leader under the advisement of the NAC. Before the decision comes into effect the NAC shall explain the grounds to the Association and give the Association two months in which to satisfy the NAC that the grounds no longer exist.

8. Failure by any association or its officers at any time to provide information on time to the Consensus which is required to comply with Government legislation may result in that Association’s immediate disaffiliation.

9. Consensus members may form informal groups to promote the Consensus Essentia and Principia in localities not covered by formal affiliated Consensus Associations or to pursue a particular interest, or to develop policy. These groups have no formal status within the Consensus. Informal groups may subsequently apply for Affiliated Association status provided they satisfy the requirements under this section of the Constitution.

I : Regional Federations
1. Any group of Associations and members may decide to form a Regional or National Federation although participation in such a Regional or National Federation is voluntary the boundaries of Regional or National Federations are subject to the agreement of the Party Leader under the advisement of the NAC, but the Party Leader may not refuse to agree without good reason.

2. The Party Leader, under advisement of the NAC, may dissolve any Regional or National Federation which, in its opinion, is acting against the best interests of the Consensus or in a manner likely to bring the Consensus into disrepute. Any funds held by a Regional or National Federation that has been set up as a separate accounting unit will on its dissolution be passed to the next higher body.

J : The Assembly - The Annual General Meeting (AGM)
1. All members of the Consensus are entitled to attend the Assembly, subject to payment of a registration fee to cover administration and venue costs.

2. There shall be at least one meeting of the Assembly in each calendar year. Special meetings may be summoned by the NAC. At a Special Assembly no business can be taken unless it has been specified in the calling notice for the meeting.

3. Assembly is the other decision making body of the Consensus. The functions of Assembly are:

a) To consider policy motions.
b) To receive a report from the NAC on its work.
c) To receive audited accounts and a report from the Treasurer.
d) To decide on the membership subscriptions and affiliation fees proposed by the NAC.

4. Motions to Assembly which involve expenditure by the Consensus must be framed as recommendations to the NAC.

5. The NAC may convene other national meetings of members of the Consensus between Assemblies and shall have power to charge a registration fee for such meetings.

6. The Consensus policy shall consist only of resolutions passed at meetings of the Assembly. Such other election manifestos and policy statements as may be produced by the Consensus from time to time shall not contradict Consensus policy but may discuss, explain, promote or amplify it.

K : The Finances of the Consensus
1. The finances of the Consensus are the responsibility of the NAC who, at their first meeting after the the Consensus’ Annual Assembly, will elect a Treasurer who must keep a proper set of books and who has overall responsibility for the drawing and paying of monies and for all monetary transactions.

2. The Treasurer has a place as of right on any committee appointed to oversee the finances of the Consensus, and has a right to address any meeting of that committee, or the NAC, on the financial implications of a proposal before the vote on that proposal is taken.

3. At the end of each financial year the Consensus’ accounts are to be audited by a qualified accountant appointed by the NAC, unless income or reserves are less than the minimum stipulated by government legislation for the preceding year. In the latter case the Treasurer will prepare the accounts.

4. The accounts are to be available to all Consensus members.

5. This Constitution specifically prohibits the Consensus or Affiliated Associations from borrowing money, secured or unsecured, by way of overdraft or loan.

6. No employee of the party shall be paid more than the national average wage for a minimum thirty five hour week, and pro-rata for fewer hours worked.

7. No employee or member on party business shall use premium services for travel or accommodation unless there is no alternative.

8. No more than half the party income may be spent on wages.

L : The Party Leader
1. The Party Leader is the guardian of the Consensus Constitution and primary decision maker. While the Party Leader may overrule the advice from the NAC in coming to decisions, if this occurs in practice it shall be noted in the minutes that the Party Leader acted against their advice and takes sole responsibility.

2. The Party Leader shall be elected using the single transferable vote by postal/electronic ballot of the membership. The term of office is three years.

3. In the event of the post of Party Leader becoming vacant an election will be held to immediately after the next available Annual Assembly, such election to be for a full term of three years.

4. The Party Leader shall be entitled to receive the minutes, agenda and reports of all national committees and working groups of the the Consensus, and shall be entitled to attend and speak at any meeting of the Consensus or formally affiliated body.

5. All positions within the party, including the leadership, are independent of any public position to which the member is elected or appointed.

M : Candidates
1. The NAC is responsible for the system of candidate approval for elections to the National and European Parliaments.

2. In the case of local elections approval and selection of candidates is a matter for the Affiliated Association concerned, subject to the veto of the Party Leader acting under advisement of the NAC.

3. All Consensus candidates at any election must be paid up members of the Consensus.

4. No Consensus candidate at any election can be a member of a rival political party nor any other organisation deemed inimical to the aims of the Consensus Essentia or Principia. The decision of what is considered an inimical organisation shall be decided by the NAC subject to ratification by the Assembly.

5. The NAC shall maintain a list of approved candidates for Parliamentary elections. The NAC shall also establish, and periodically review, the rules for approving Parliamentary candidates.

6. All members of the Consensus may apply to become approved Parliamentary candidates, but no member can become an approved candidate until they have been properly approved under the rules established by the NAC. No member may describe themselves as a Parliamentary candidate, or prospective candidate, unless they have been properly approved.

7. The selection of a candidate for a particular UK Parliamentary seat is the responsibility of the Affiliated Association whose area covers the seat. Where there is a contest for the selection all members of the Association shall be given the opportunity to vote. Where there is no Affiliated Association the NAC is responsible for selecting the candidate, although it may devolve that power as it sees fit.

8. For European elections the NAC shall ensure that where there is a contest for the selection all members resident in the seat concerned have the opportunity to vote.

9. Because of their public status, Consensus candidates in all elections have a special duty not to do or say anything that may bring the Consensus into disrepute, a duty which, if they be elected, continues throughout their time in office.

10. Local Councillors who are members of the party are granted full autonomy of decision making on behalf of their constituents. They are to use their best judgment concerning decisions affecting their local community. There will be doctrinaire party interference i.e. they will be effectively 'independents' under the Consensus 'umbrella'.

N : Dissolution of the Consensus Party
1. The Consensus may only be dissolved if a proposal to that effect is passed by both:

a) A three-quarters majority at a properly convened Special Assembly; and subsequently
b) A four-fifths majority in a postal/electronic ballot of the membership, provided that at least half of the entire membership vote in favour of the dissolution.

2. The postal/electronic ballot provided must be completed within three months of the success of a dissolution motion at a Special Assembly.

3. Any proposal to dissolve the Consensus must incorporate proposals for the disposal of the assets and records of the the Consensus.

4. Section N of the Constitution may only be amended by a three-quarters majority at an Assembly, followed by a four-fifths majority in a postal/electronic ballot of the membership, provided that at least half of the entire membership vote in favour of the amendment.

O : Amendments and Interpretation
1. This Constitution may only be amended by a two-thirds majority of members. Constitutional Amendments may be proposed by the Party Leader, NAC, or any Affiliated Association. The same Constitutional Amendment may not be raised twice within one year. The decision as to whether a new motion is sufficiently similar to a previous one within this period is to be decided by the Party Leader.

2. The cost of polling the membership will normally be borne by the Consensus but may, at the discretion of the Party Leader, fall upon the Affiliated Association if such has made the proposal for amendment.

3. No Amendment may be proposed that seeks to negate the Consensus Essentia as this is deemed to be the core element that defines the Consensus as a political and philosophical body.

4. If there is any question of interpretation of this Constitution, or if a matter arises where the Constitution is silent, the Party Leader shall give a ruling.

P : Commencement of Party
1. The first AGM/Assembly is to be held within one year of the registration of the Party.

2. Initially all finances will be controlled centrally. However, separate accounting units may subsquently be established by the NAC.

3. The first election for the position of Party Leader will occur one full term (three years) after the first Assembly provided alternative candidates present themselves for election. If there are no alternative candidates the current Party Leader will continue in the post for a further three years.