Imperial Senate of Directionland
The Imperial Senate is the upper house of Directionland’s bicameral legislature. It represents the provinces and delivers the final vote on legislation passed by the Imperial Parliament. Approved bills are then presented to the Imperial Crown for royal assent. The Senate may also bring matters to the Supreme Court for constitutional review (the Court acts only when a member of Parliament or the Senate brings a case).
| Senate of Directionland | |
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 Seal of the Imperial Senate of Directionland
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| Full title | The Imperial Senate of the Empire of Directionland |
| Type | Government branch (Legislative) |
| Headquarters | St. Stylinson |
History and seat
The Senate was created at the Great Unification (c. 450 cycles ago) alongside the lower house. Because St. Stylinson’s old parliament building had a single chamber, the two houses initially took turns using it. After the capital moved to Ironwood (c. 350 cycles ago), the chambers were physically separated: Parliament established its chamber in Ironwood, while the Senate remained in St. Stylinson, a separation intended to reduce inter-house interference.
Role and powers
- Provincial representation: The Senate speaks for Directionland’s provinces in national lawmaking.
- Legislative gate: When a bill passes Parliament, it proceeds to the Senate for debate and a final vote.
- Constitutional safeguard: Senators may refer bills or cases to the Supreme Court for review; enacted laws require royal assent by the Crown.
Composition
Senators serve ex officio by virtue of provincial office:
- Province Premiers and their Vice Premiers sit as Senators in the Senate, representing their regions’ interests.
- Premiers are elected by their Province Councils; Vice Premiers serve alongside them.
- Titles and styles used in the chamber include Senator, Lord/Lady Premier, and Lord/Lady Vice Premier.
Relationship to the lower house and government
The Government (Executive) is formed from the Imperial Parliament and introduces most legislation there. The Senate does not form the executive; its function is to scrutinize and confirm legislation on behalf of the provinces before it goes to the Crown.