# Elected Board Constitution This constitution establishes representative governance where community members elect a board to make policy decisions on behalf of the community. ## Article 1: Governance Structure ### Section 1.1: The Board The Board is the primary decision-making body: - Sets policies and community rules - Makes administrative decisions - Oversees community operations - Interprets this constitution - Acts on behalf of the membership ### Section 1.2: Board Composition The Board consists of: - 5-7 elected members (odd number for tie-breaking) - Representatives serve staggered terms (2 years) - Board elects its own Chair from among members - Rotating elections maintain continuity ### Section 1.3: Board Authority The Board has authority to: - Create and modify policies - Allocate community resources - Authorize bot actions and permissions - Make operational decisions - Form committees and working groups - Amend this constitution (with supermajority) ## Article 2: Membership ### Section 2.1: Member Rights All community members have the right to: - Vote in Board elections - Run for Board positions - Petition the Board - Attend Board meetings (as observers) - Access Board meeting minutes - Appeal Board decisions ### Section 2.2: Member Responsibilities Members should: - Participate in elections - Stay informed about Board decisions - Provide input on important matters - Support community governance - Follow Board policies ### Section 2.3: Membership Criteria Membership requirements: - Meet platform account requirements - Agree to code of conduct - Active participation for at least 30 days before voting - Bot tracks membership eligibility ## Article 3: Elections ### Section 3.1: Election Schedule Board elections occur: - Annually for rotating seats - 2-3 seats elected each cycle - Elections in same month each year - Special elections for vacancies if needed ### Section 3.2: Election Timeline Standard election process: 1. Nominations open (10 days) 2. Candidates post statements 3. Member Q&A period (7 days) 4. Voting period (7 days) 5. Results announced 6. New Board members take office Bot coordinates entire election process. ### Section 3.3: Nominations Nomination process: - Any member can nominate themselves - Nominators post candidate statement - Statement includes background and goals - No endorsements required - Bot tracks all nominations ### Section 3.4: Voting Method Elections use majority voting: - Members cast votes for candidates - Each member votes for up to [number of open seats] - Candidates with most votes win seats - Ties resolved by runoff vote - Bot conducts secure voting ## Article 4: Board Operations ### Section 4.1: Board Meetings The Board meets regularly: - At least once per month - Special meetings as needed - Meetings announced in advance (3 days notice) - Members can observe - Minutes published within 3 days ### Section 4.2: Decision-Making Board decisions require: - Simple majority (more than half) for routine decisions - 2/3 supermajority for constitutional amendments - Quorum of at least 60% of Board - Recorded votes on substantive matters ### Section 4.3: Meeting Procedures Board meetings follow these procedures: 1. Chair calls meeting to order 2. Approve previous meeting minutes 3. Address agenda items 4. Member comments period 5. Adjourn and publish minutes Bot facilitates virtual meetings and records. ## Article 5: Board Positions ### Section 5.1: Board Chair The Chair is elected by Board members: - Sets meeting agendas - Facilitates Board discussions - Represents Board to community - Coordinates with bot - Serves 1-year term ### Section 5.2: Secretary Board elects a Secretary: - Records meeting minutes - Maintains governance documents - Tracks Board decisions - Ensures transparency - Works with bot for documentation ### Section 5.3: Committees Board may form committees: - Specialized working groups - Advisory committees - Investigation committees - Committees report to Board - Bot tracks committee work ## Article 6: Representation and Accountability ### Section 6.1: Representing Members Board members should: - Act in community's best interest - Consider diverse member perspectives - Communicate Board decisions clearly - Be responsive to member concerns - Maintain transparency ### Section 6.2: Member Input The Board should seek member input on: - Major policy changes - Significant resource allocation - Controversial decisions - Constitutional amendments - Strategic direction Methods: - Town halls - Surveys - Open comment periods - Community discussions - Bot-facilitated consultations ### Section 6.3: Recall Members can recall Board members: 1. Petition signed by 20% of members 2. Recall discussion period (7 days) 3. Recall vote (requires 2/3 to remove) 4. If removed, special election held 5. Bot manages recall process ## Article 7: Administrative Actions ### Section 7.1: Policy Implementation Board policies are implemented by: - Board directing bot to execute actions - Committees carrying out Board decisions - Community members volunteering - Appointed administrators ### Section 7.2: Moderation Board oversees moderation: - Appoints moderators - Sets moderation policies - Reviews moderation actions - Handles appeals - Bot executes authorized moderation ### Section 7.3: Platform Management Board manages platform: - Server configuration - Federation policies - Technical infrastructure - Resource allocation - Bot capabilities and permissions ## Article 8: Member Petitions ### Section 8.1: Petition Process Members can petition the Board: 1. Draft petition with clear request 2. Gather member signatures (minimum 5% of members) 3. Submit to Board via @govbot 4. Board reviews within 14 days 5. Board responds with decision and reasoning ### Section 8.2: Petition Types Members can petition for: - Policy changes - Board action on specific matters - Constitutional amendments - Board member recall - Emergency interventions ### Section 8.3: Binding Petitions Some petitions are binding: - Recall petitions (if thresholds met) - Constitutional referendum (if 30% of members sign) - Emergency override (if 40% of members sign) ## Article 9: Appeals and Oversight ### Section 9.1: Appealing Board Decisions Members can appeal by: 1. Submitting appeal to Board 2. Explaining grounds for appeal 3. Board reconsiders decision 4. Board responds within 14 days 5. Further appeal via petition process ### Section 9.2: Constitutional Interpretation Board interprets this constitution: - Members can request interpretations - Board discusses and votes on interpretation - Interpretation published with reasoning - Guides future similar cases ### Section 9.3: Transparency Requirements Board must maintain transparency: - Publish meeting minutes - Explain significant decisions - Share vote tallies - Maintain accessible records - Bot archives all governance documents ## Article 10: Constitutional Amendments ### Section 10.1: Board Amendment Process Board can amend this constitution: 1. Board member proposes amendment 2. Board discusses (minimum 2 meetings) 3. Requires 2/3 Board supermajority 4. Announced to community (7 days before vote) 5. Members can petition against (see 10.2) ### Section 10.2: Member Referendum Members can force referendum: - If petition signed by 30% of members within 14 days of amendment - Referendum held (requires majority to override Board) - Gives members final say on constitutional changes ### Section 10.3: Core Principles Amendments should preserve: - Representative governance - Regular elections - Member voting rights - Board accountability - Transparency requirements --- ## Implementation Notes This constitution creates representative governance: 1. **Democracy**: Members elect representatives 2. **Efficiency**: Board can act decisively 3. **Accountability**: Elections and recall mechanisms 4. **Transparency**: Open meetings and records 5. **Member Voice**: Petitions and referendums The bot should facilitate elections, track Board composition and decisions, implement Board-authorized actions, manage petitions and appeals, and maintain the governance archive.