Sovereignty
Local Representatives

Local Representatives (LRs) play crucial roles within the Sovereignty model. They vote on legislation at the reading stage as well as at the final vote. They also play a key role in scrutinising legislation. 

Role in Legislative Scrutiny:

Sub-Committees: Sub-Committees formed by LRs will allow LRs to delve deeply into specific legislation or policy areas. Sub-Committees can conduct inquiries, gather evidence, and suggest modifications or highlight issues that might have been overlooked.

Impact Assessments: LRs can be tasked with or empowered to demand local impact assessments of proposed legislation, ensuring that any new laws will not disproportionately affect or neglect certain areas or communities. Through ammendments, laws can be more adaptable to different regions' needs, recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach might not always be effective.

Amendment Proposals: All LRs will have the power to propose amendments to the legislation whilst it is being considered by the Sub-Committee.

Compulsory Consideration: Amendments or critiques from LR Sub-Committee would need to be formally considered by the RMs putting forward the legislation. 

Local Representatives: Champions of their Constituents 

1. Policy Development Participation:

   • Engagement in Online Platforms: The primary role of LRs is to represent their constituents. As such LRs would actively participate in the online policy development platforms to shape the initial stages of legislation or policy proposals. By participating in these discussions, where the relevant RM will also be expected to participate, they can ensure local perspectives are considered early in the process, potentially influencing the RM's initial proposals.

2. Public Opinion and Direct Votes:

   • Mobilising Constituents: Since direct votes constitute 25% of the legislative weight, LRs play a key role in facilitating local discussion and decisions which can significantly influence outcomes by rallying their constituents to vote on legislative proposals. This can be done through campaigns, public meetings, or using the online deliberative spaces provided by the Sovereignty system. Their role is not to sway the opinion of their local constituants, but to understand and to represent the opinion of their local constituents, and to help educate them about implications of new legislation if these are not clear. 

3. Media and Public Engagement:

   • Leveraging Media: LRs can use media platforms to highlight the implications of legislation on their constituencies, raising awareness, and garnering public support or opposition. This can pressure RMs to adjust their legislative proposals or reconsider their stance.

4. Building Alliances with RMs:

   • Lobbying and Negotiation: LRs can work to build coalitions or alliances with RMs. By aligning with the interests of one or more RMs, they can exert influence, especially if the RM's vote is pivotal. This strategy involves persuading RMs to consider local issues or amend legislation to reflect the needs of their constituencies.

5. Educational and Informational Roles:

   • Sovereignty Academy: Participation in or organising through initiatives like the Sovereignty Academy can help educate and inform constituents about how to engage in the new political system, thereby indirectly influencing legislative outcomes by enhancing voter competence and participation.

6. Recall and Accountability Mechanisms:

   • Petitions and Referenda: If an RM's policy or performance is detrimental to local interests, LRs can facilitate or support recall petitions. This accountability mechanism can influence RMs to be more mindful of local needs since their position is not guaranteed.

7. Special Adjudication Influence:

   • Legal and Procedural Advice: LRs can engage with or influence the special adjudication body that decides if legislation can be proposed by a single RM or requires collaboration. By providing input or legal arguments, they might affect how legislation is structured or presented.

Other roles played by Local Representatives 

Community Liaison and Facilitation:

Local Policy Advocates: LRs could act as primary liaisons between their constituencies and RMs, ensuring local issues are communicated effectively. They could organise local forums or town halls where constituents can discuss RM policies and provide feedback. 

Project Oversight and Coordination:

Local Implementation: LRs could oversee the implementation of national policies at the local level, ensuring that the execution aligns with local needs and conditions. This might involve coordinating local services, infrastructure projects, or community programs.

Resource Allocation:

Discretionary Funds: Grant LRs control over a small discretionary budget for local projects or emergencies. This would empower them to address immediate community needs or fund local initiatives that align with broader RM policies but have local significance.

Legislative Scrutiny:

Committee Participation: Establish local or regional committees where LRs can scrutinize legislation or policies from a local impact perspective before they are implemented. This could include pre-legislative scrutiny where LRs provide insights or amendments.

Advocacy and Representation in National Debates:

Spokespersons for Local Interests: LRs could be appointed or elected to represent regional or local coalitions in national discussions, ensuring that regional diversity is considered in policy-making.

Educational and Civic Engagement:

Civic Education: LRs could lead or support educational initiatives to explain the new political system, electoral processes, and how constituents can participate in direct democracy. This could extend to teaching about civic rights, responsibilities, and engagement strategies.

Mediation and Conflict Resolution:

Local Dispute Resolution: LRs could serve as mediators or facilitators in local disputes over policy implementation, helping to resolve conflicts that might arise between community groups, local businesses, or individuals affected by new laws or regulations.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Performance Review: LRs could be responsible for regularly assessing how RM policies are performing at the local level, providing feedback to RMs or even to the public during direct voting days, influencing future policy adjustments or RM recalls.

Cultural and Heritage Preservation:

Cultural Advocates: Given their deep understanding of local culture, LRs could advocate for policies that respect and preserve local heritage, traditions, or languages, ensuring national policies do not overlook cultural nuances.

Environmental Stewardship:

Local Environmental Watchdogs: LRs could play a role in ensuring that environmental policies are adhered to at the local level, advocating for sustainable practices or local environmental initiatives that align with national goals but are tailored to local ecosystems.

Emergency Response Coordination:

Crisis Management Liaison: During local or regional crises, LRs could coordinate with RMs and local emergency services to ensure a cohesive response that respects local knowledge and needs.

Policy Innovation and Pilots:

Testbed for New Policies: LRs could propose or oversee pilot programs for new policies at the local level, providing data and insights on how these might work before scaling up nationally.