This protocol governs how the Network Nations Alliance Constitution is amended — ensuring changes receive adequate consideration while remaining adaptable to evolving needs.
Instantiation
Trigger Type: Action-based
Trigger Condition:
- A Member submits a formal amendment proposal
Authority & Oversight
| Role | Authority | Accountability |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance Assembly | Approves or rejects amendments | The Constitution |
| Steward Council | Manages amendment process | Alliance Assembly |
| Proposal Author | Develops and presents amendment | Alliance Assembly |
Amendment Types
| Type | Description | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | Clarifications, typo fixes, formatting | Lazy consensus (14 days) |
| Standard | New protocols, role changes, structural adjustments | Supermajority (2/3) |
| Fundamental | Changes to Identity, purpose, core values | Supermajority (2/3) + 30-day delay |
Rights & Responsibilities
Any Member
Rights:
- Propose amendments to the Constitution
- Comment on proposed amendments
- Vote on amendments at Alliance Assembly
Responsibilities:
- Propose amendments in good faith
- Consider impact on Alliance purpose and function
- Engage constructively in discussion
Steward Council
Rights:
- Classify amendment type
- Set timeline for consideration
- Recommend approval or rejection
Responsibilities:
- Ensure proposal is properly formatted
- Facilitate adequate discussion period
- Maintain amendment records
- Implement approved amendments
Process Sequence
| Step | Action | Actor | Duration | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Draft proposal | Member | — | Amendment text |
| 2 | Submit proposal | Member | — | Proposal logged |
| 3 | Classification | Steward Council | 48 hours | Type determined |
| 4 | Discussion period | All Members | 14-30 days | Feedback collected |
| 5 | Revision (optional) | Author | As needed | Revised proposal |
| 6 | Vote | Alliance Assembly | At gathering | Decision made |
| 7 | Implementation | Steward Council | Within 7 days | Constitution updated |
Step 1-2: Proposal Submission
Amendment proposals must include:
- Specific text to be added, removed, or changed
- Rationale for the change
- Impact assessment (what this affects)
- Proposed amendment type
Step 3: Classification
Steward Council reviews the proposal and confirms or adjusts the amendment type based on scope and impact.
Step 4: Discussion Period
- Minor amendments: 14-day comment period via async channels
- Standard amendments: 14-day discussion + Alliance Assembly deliberation
- Fundamental amendments: 30-day discussion + Alliance Assembly deliberation
Step 5: Revision
Author may revise proposal based on feedback. Significant revisions restart the discussion period.
Step 6: Vote
- Minor: Lazy consensus — passes if no objections in 14 days
- Standard/Fundamental: Supermajority vote at Alliance Assembly gathering (2/3 of participating Members)
Step 7: Implementation
Approved amendments are incorporated into the Constitution within 7 days. Version number and date updated.
Completion & Outputs
Protocol completes when:
- Amendment is approved and implemented
- Amendment is rejected
- Author withdraws proposal
Outputs:
- Updated Constitution (if approved)
- Amendment record with rationale and vote
- Notification to all Members
Exceptions & Edge Cases
- Emergency amendments: In rare cases requiring immediate action, Steward Council may implement provisional changes pending ratification at next Assembly (requires unanimous Steward consent)
- Conflicting proposals: If multiple proposals address same section, they are considered in order received; subsequent proposals may need revision
- Ratification of provisional changes: If provisional changes are not ratified, they are reversed
Related Protocols
- Decision-Making Protocol — Voting procedures
- Alliance Assembly Protocol — Where votes occur