Constitutionality of Laws
Indeed, placing strong emphasis on the oversight of the constitutionality of laws is a natural matter for any group in general, and for our underdeveloped society in particular. This is because, as we have demonstrated in our discussion of law and the constitution, sound legislation can only be crafted by those who possess a deep understanding of the characteristics of human nature and the nature of crime, ensuring that the laws serve as just remedies for the ailments of the soul.
By granting the parliament the natural right to legislate, regardless of the educational level of its members, we are adhering to our fundamental principle: that people cannot be properly educated unless they are given ample opportunity to experiment and learn from their mistakes. Constitutional oversight of laws serves as a means to alert the legislative body to errors and assist it in correcting them. The constitution will ensure that a proper procedure is established for this purpose.
The Parliament's commitment to ensuring that its legislation must harmonize the needs of the individual with those of the community, which necessitates that its legislation be socialist in nature. Resources of wealth should belong collectively to the people, not to individuals or the state. Individual ownership should be limited to assets that do not involve exploiting others.
When legislative proposals are presented to Parliament, it is prudent to seek the opinions of the citizens who will be directly impacted by them, as well as the perspectives of the executive branch, which may be affected during the implementation of its functions, before these proposals are enacted into law. Legislative proposals may be submitted by individuals, groups, or state legislative councils to parliament, which may also seek the opinion of these councils on legislation it considers relevant to their constituents. Committees of specialists within parliament will address specific aspects of public services.
Parliament retains the right to object to any legislation or actions taken by the states that are unconstitutional or contrary to the interests of the central government. Once parliament passes a law, it is sent to the president for approval. If the president signs it, the law takes effect. If the president returns it to parliament with reasons for rejecting it, the law does not take effect unless parliament passes it again with a two-thirds majority. If the president neither signs nor returns the law within one month, it automatically becomes law.
While the central parliament operates as the unified legislative authority for the entire country, state legislative councils may legislate for their respective regions based on local conditions, capabilities, and needs. However, they must ensure that their laws always comply with the constitution and aim to develop the state toward legislative unity across the nation, even in personal matters.
In addition to its legislative authority, parliament is responsible for issues affecting the union as a whole. Domestically, it coordinates state activities to foster development, cohesion, and voluntary unity among the states. Internationally, it declares war when necessary for defense, ratifies treaties, oversees foreign trade, and regulates the importation of foreign capital to states in a manner that benefits the nation.
Parliament also approves the central government’s budget and the budgets of individual states. It supervises the national economy, conducting investigations and proposing development strategies to the president. Parliament may object to the appointment of senior officials and has the right to accuse any civil servant of misconduct, referring allegations to the State Council for investigation.
The parliament has the right to elect its own president, appoint its staff, and form specialized committees along with their rapporteurs. It holds investigative powers to study specific situations that necessitate new legislation and to monitor the performance of both the executive and judicial branches, which may lead to the introduction of new benefits for the people. The parliament also has the right to propose reforms it deems necessary and to investigate the conduct of its members, for instance, by requesting information about them from distinguished citizens or by any other appropriate means.
The parliament has the right to oversee the legislation enacted by all legislative bodies in the states, districts, cities, and villages to ensure their compatibility with the constitution and the central government's objectives, particularly in safeguarding the rights of all citizens. This oversight ensures that individuals have the right to move freely between all states without restrictions and to settle in any state of their choice, enjoying the rights to life, liberty, and property within the boundaries of the law. Furthermore, it guarantees their right to seek justice and protection through the courts whenever they feel wronged or their rights have been infringed upon.
