Chapter 10: Monarchy
If the premiers didn't understand Arthur's intentions before, they certainly did now.
In their original plan, the premiers had hoped to coax Arthur into agreeing to form a federal government composed of autonomous states. That way, they could retain a great deal of power.
Even if they couldn't become part of the national government, they could still keep their positions as governors and perhaps even attempt to sideline Arthur altogether.
But according to Arthur's proposal, both the upper and lower houses would be firmly in his grasp, and any cabinet elected by the lower house would naturally fall under his control.
The states—evolved from the former colonies—would have no additional authority. Their governors would merely serve their terms and either seek reelection or step down.
The premiers said nothing, quietly turning their attention to Premier Evan.
Evan let out a bitter smile but dared not speak. He understood full well what the others were thinking, but in truth, they were all originally colonial premiers sent from the British Empire.
While they had gained considerable power in Australia, that power had always been divided: they held administrative authority, while command of the military remained in the hands of a few generals.
Now that Arthur had arrived in Australia, it was inevitable that control of the military would be transferred to him.
And with Queen Victoria still present, who would dare oppose Arthur openly?
Her Majesty's true destination was Whakaari Island in New Zealand, and her stops at the Suez Canal and India had been brief.
But here in Australia, she had already stayed for three days with no signs of leaving. That, in itself, was a clear show of support for Arthur.
"Very well. Since no one has any objections, we'll begin preparations to convert the colonies into states and establish the upper and lower houses.
It's already the end of April, and I want nationwide elections for the lower house to begin by mid-May," Arthur said with a smile, seeing no dissent.
It seemed everyone knew how to read the room. There weren't any fools among them brave enough to speak out against him.
After all, the entire Australian military only numbered a little over six thousand troops—and they were spread across the six colonies.
Meanwhile, the combined forces of Queen Victoria's and Arthur's personal guard numbered four thousand. Even if someone tried to stir rebellion, it could be swiftly crushed.
"Yes, Your Grace," the six men replied, helplessly but obediently.
"Until the national government is formally established, Premier Evan will serve as interim Prime Minister.
The other premiers will act as interim cabinet members. The construction of Australia depends on everyone's efforts.
Let's aim to completely restructure and finalize the government by the end of May," Arthur said with a smile.
Arthur understood the principle of giving a carrot after wielding the stick.
After stripping the premiers of their hoped-for state autonomy, he rewarded them with interim positions in the new government.
This was to motivate them to help speed up the government-building process.
If they truly proved capable, Arthur didn't mind giving them a real push once the government was formed—even elevating them to permanent cabinet posts, or even the Prime Minister's seat.
"Yes, Your Grace!"
As expected, the moment Arthur made this arrangement, the premiers seemed to gain newfound motivation and responded enthusiastically.
"At the same time, the formation of a national government requires a guiding charter.
It's time we issued our own constitution. Let's call it the Constitution of Australia.
The content should be based on the constitutions of European monarchies, but revised to suit our national circumstances.
Has the Federal Council made any prior proposals for a constitution?" Arthur asked.
A constitution defines the structure of state institutions and clarifies the rights and responsibilities of all classes.
Whether for ordinary Australians or for Arthur himself, a detailed and clear constitution was needed to establish legitimate authority.
"There were considerations to draft a constitution, but clearly it no longer fits our current national circumstances," Premier Evan replied.
The former Federal Council had leaned more toward a federal republic model, which was now completely out of place in the newly established Duchy of Australia.
Premier Evan, sensing the political atmosphere, wisely avoided bringing up those earlier plans—any mention of them might have cost him his position as interim Prime Minister.
"Then let's have a brief discussion now.
Does anyone have good suggestions for our constitution?" Arthur asked with a meaningful smile.
When it came to constitutions, Britain was a rather special case.
Unlike countries with formal written constitutions, Britain had none.
Its system was composed of statutes, common law, and convention.
As a result, the British monarch, at least on paper, held extensive powers: the appointment and dismissal of officials, colonial governors, bishops, and high-ranking clergy, the summoning, dissolving, and proroguing of Parliament, ratification of laws, declarations of war and peace, and more.
In practice, much of this power had been transferred to the Cabinet, and the monarch's role was heavily constrained.
But it could not be denied that a monarch with sufficient authority and influence could still exercise these powers with ease.
Take Queen Victoria, for instance: if she wanted to appoint or dismiss any official in the Empire, Parliament would hardly oppose her.
But once Crown Prince Edward took the throne, whether he could do the same would depend on how deeply Parliament intended to challenge him.
"Your Grace, I believe our first constitution must clearly define the powers and responsibilities of each department, as well as the structure of our government.
Out of respect for Your Grace, your powers should also be specifically outlined," Premier Evan said with a respectful smile.
Though Evan framed it as respect, everyone knew the truth: once a monarch's powers are clearly written into a constitution, it also means they're being limited.
After all, if a power isn't listed in the constitution, it becomes technically illegal.
"I believe Germany's constitutional monarchy is a very suitable model.
Australia should become a dual monarchy," Arthur said with a smile.
"The lower house will be responsible for legislation and elections. The upper house will supervise officials, dismiss them if necessary, and review laws and election results passed by the lower house.
The lower house will answer to the voters. The upper house will answer to me.
At the same time, the ruler of Australia—that is, myself—will possess all powers of both houses and hold the right to dissolve the cabinet, the lower house, and the upper house at any time."
(End of Chapter)
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