Teiko Royal Council

The Teiko Royal Council is the unicameral legislature of the Federal Kingdom of Teiko. Colloquially referred to as Central-46, it is the highest legislative body of the Federal Government of Teiko. The council consists of 200 district representatives and another 50 party list representatives spanning different sectors such as indigenous people, women, youth, business and others. Among the 200 district representatives, 100 are voted from from 10 multi-member constituencies by a party-list system of proportional representation while 100 are elected from single-member constituencies. 126 seats are required for majority. Each member is elected to a three year terms while elections occur every three years ensuring the quorum in the council. The council is headed by Sangdaedeung Kensuke Fukui and acts as head of the legislative sessions comparable to speaker of the house in other countries. Unlike other parliamentary systems, the council is not responsible for electing the Premier of Teiko but rather the premier is elected through direct vote from the people.

History
The Teiko Royal Council traces its root to the Iwamoto Congress in 1872 as 46 representatives from different noble families in Teiko was gathered to discuss legislation and resolutions to be passed.

Powers
The main functions of the Central-46 are law making, controlling the nation’s finances (which include ministry budgets and government official salaries) and ensuring ministerial accountability. The Central-46 convenes when it is in session. The first session of the Central-46 convenes on the first Monday of February after the inauguration of the Teiko Premier or on the first Monday of February preceding the year of the elections.

A session ends when the Central-46 is temporarily suspended or dissolved. The maximum term for each congress is three years, after which the parliament dissolves and an election must occur within the following month. The dissolution of the council must be done by the Prince of Teiko with the advice of the premier. The premier can also call for a snap elections anytime as an executive prerogative. A snap election will force the dissolution of the council.

The Central-46 is divided into several committees delegated specific legislative tasks. Committees are also established to deal with matters such as studying the details of the bill. Committees can also examine the policies, programs and proposed legislation of government ministries and may file a writ of opposition regarding a certain ministerial policy. There are currently 18 major committees in the 18th congress.

Qualifications
The qualifications for being elected at the council are: They are not otherwise disqualified from being a member of the Central-46 under the Section 6, Article 14 of the Teiko Constitution of 1986. Article 14 provides that persons are not qualified to be members of the Central-46 if:
 * At least 21 years of age
 * A registered voter, married or single
 * Able to read and write
 * A Teikonian Citizen by birth
 * A resident of Teiko for at least five years prior to submission of candidacy and
 * They have been found or declared to be of unsound mind
 * They are undischarged of bankrupts
 * They have voluntarily acquired the citizenship of, or exercised rights of citizenship in, a foreign country or has made a declaration of allegiance to a foreign country

In case of dissatisfaction among fellow representatives, the members of the Central-36 may be impeached via a vote of no confidence from fellow representatives. Each representative is elected for 3 years in office with a maximum of 4 consecutive terms.

Composition
The 18th Congress of the Teiko Royal Council has started its new session February 4, 2013 and is expected to be in session until November 26, 2015. The government block is composed of 130 Teiko National Party (TNP) representatives and 35 sectoral party list representatives headed by incumbent Premier Seijuro Akashi while the opposition block is composed of 85 representatives spanning from seven political parties, three independents and ten sectoral party lists.

Current Committees
The following is the list of current committees that are part of the 18th Congress of the Teiko Royal Council.