About the Presidency

The Presidency is the Head of State of the Federal Republic of Newport, established under Title III, Chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Newport.

Role and Powers

The President serves as Head of State and exercises a range of constitutional duties, including:

• Signing legislation: Bills passed by the National Assembly must be signed by the President to become law. If the President believes a bill is unconstitutional, they may refer it to the Supreme Court for review. Assent is assumed if no action is taken within 7 days of notification.
• Judicial nominations: The President nominates Justices, the Chief Justice, and Judges to the Supreme and Federal Courts, who serve 8-month terms once confirmed by a supermajority of the Assembly.
• Foreign affairs: As chief diplomat, the President signs treaties with other sovereign nations, which must then be ratified by the Assembly before taking effect.
• National symbols: The President determines the flag, institutional seals, the national anthem, and public holidays.
• Additional powers: Further powers may be granted by the Constitution or federal law, provided they do not infringe on powers granted to other institutions except where delegation is specifically prescribed.

Election and Term

• The President is directly elected by the people for a 180-day term using a ranked-choice voting system.
• No person may serve more than two consecutive terms as President.
• Elections proceed on a schedule set by the National Assembly, with a declaration period of no less than 72 hours, followed by a voting period of no less than 72 hours (beginning no earlier than 72 hours after declarations close).
• Anyone holding a public office designated as incompatible with the Presidency is ineligible to run unless they resign or otherwise comply with federal law beforehand.

Vacancy and Absence

If the Presidency becomes vacant, the Speaker of the National Assembly ascends to the office, relinquishing their prior post. A sitting President may also voluntarily declare a temporary absence to the Speaker, handing powers and duties to the Chancellor until they formally declare their return.

The Chancellor and Cabinet

While the President serves as Head of State, day-to-day governance is led by the Chancellor, head of the Cabinet and the federal government:

• The Chancellor sets Cabinet policy guidelines, and the Cabinet bears sole authority for the faithful execution of federal laws.
• The Chancellor is elected by the Assembly, without debate, on the President’s proposal, requiring a majority of Members. If that nominee fails, the Assembly may elect a Chancellor from a proposal backed by at least one-fourth of its Members. If no Chancellor is elected within 7 days of a failed presidential proposal, the President may dissolve the Assembly.
• The Assembly may remove the Chancellor via a constructive vote of no confidence — electing a successor by majority vote and requesting the President dismiss the incumbent, which the President must carry out.
• A Deputy Chancellor, appointed by the Chancellor from within the Cabinet, may deputize in the Chancellor’s absence.
• Cabinet Ministers lead their respective Ministries, are appointed and dismissed by the President on the Chancellor’s advice, and set policy within their portfolios consistent with the Chancellor’s guidelines.

Commander-in-Chief

The Cabinet Minister entrusted with defence serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces in peacetime. In times of war — as declared by the National Assembly — command passes to the Chancellor. Armed forces may not be used except as permitted by federal law or a declaration of war.