The 3 Branches of Government

Chapters & Article Relating to the Chief Judge

Chapter II – His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

• Article 5(4) – The Sultan takes his oath of office before the Chief Judge of the Empire.

Chapter III – The Prime Minister of the Government

• Article 6(8) – The Prime Minister takes his oath of office by the Chief Judge of the Empire.

Chapter V – House Members of the Legislative Branch

• Article 27(6) – The Speaker of the House takes her oath of office by the Chief Judge of the Empire.

Chapter X – The High Court of the House

• Article 81(2) – The High Court is presided over by the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court when ruling on the removal of the Sultan from office.

Summary of Constitutional Role

From these provisions, the Chief Judge has four constitutionally defined functions:

1. Administers the oath of office to the Sultan, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the House.

2. Presides over the High Court in impeachment or removal proceedings against the Sultan.

3. Acts as the highest judicial authority in ceremonial and constitutional matters requiring formal swearing‑in.

4. Serves as a symbol of judicial independence in the balance of powers between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.

Chief Judge practical duties and procedures guide

Empire of Morocco Constitution

Chapter II — His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

Article 5(4) — Oath of office of the Sultan

Role/Function: Administer the Sultan’s oath, ensuring constitutional legitimacy, proper recordkeeping, and public confidence.

Step-by-step operational tasks:

1. Coordinate scheduling: Confirm date, venue, and format with the Royal Protocol Office; secure attendance of required dignitaries.

2. Prepare oath text: Verify the official oath language; print sealed copies for the Chief Judge, Sultan, and archives.

3. Verify eligibility: Review Constitutional Council confirmations, election or succession documentation, and any required declarations.

4. Arrange ceremony protocol: Approve ceremonial order, security, press access, seating, and accessibility accommodations.

5. Administer the oath: Read the oath verbatim; witness the Sultan’s affirmation and signature; sign as administering authority.

6. Record proceedings: Ensure full transcript, video, and photographic records; authenticate minutes with judicial seal.

7. Certify and publish: Issue a certificate of swearing‑in; transmit notice to the Official Journal; publish a summary order.

8. Archive materials: Lodge originals and certified copies with national archives and the Supreme Court registry; retain a judicial copy.

Chapter III — The Prime Minister of the Government

Article 6(8) — Oath of office of the Prime Minister

Role/Function: Administer the Prime Minister’s oath, validating the assumption of executive authority.

Step-by-step operational tasks:

1. Confirm appointment: Verify the Sultan’s appointment instrument, term conditions, and absence of disqualifying factors.

2. Schedule ceremony: Coordinate logistics with the Prime Minister’s office and state protocol; confirm attendees and security.

3. Finalize oath text: Prepare and seal the official oath; provide copies to participants and recorders.

4. Conduct administration: Administer the oath; ensure signatures by the Prime Minister and Chief Judge; affix judicial seal.

5. Document proceedings: Record transcript and media; prepare a certified minute of proceedings.

6. Issue certification: Deliver a formal certificate of swearing‑in to the Prime Minister’s office and Government Secretariat.

7. Notify organs: Inform the Sultan’s office, Speaker of the House, Constitutional Council, and relevant registries.

8. Archive and publish: File with national archives and the Supreme Court registry; send a notice for publication in the Official Journal.

Chapter V — House Members of the Legislative Branch

Article 27(6) — Oath of office of the Speaker of the House

Role/Function: Administer the Speaker’s oath, confirming legislative leadership and procedural continuity.

Step-by-step operational tasks:

1. Validate election: Obtain the House’s official election report; verify compliance with eligibility and voting rules.

2. Coordinate logistics: Schedule with the House Secretariat; arrange venue in the House chamber or court ceremonial hall.

3. Prepare oath materials: Seal the oath text; prepare signature pages for the Speaker, Chief Judge, and House Bureau.

4. Administer oath: Conduct the swearing‑in; witness signatures; apply the judicial seal.

5. Record and certify: Produce a certified transcript; issue a certificate of office to the Speaker and House Bureau.

6. Update registers: Enter details in the judicial and parliamentary leadership registers; notify the Constitutional Council.

7. Publish notice: Transmit a notice to the Official Journal; file all originals with national archives and the House records office.

Chapter X — The High Court of the House

Article 81(2) — Presiding over High Court in Sultan’s removal

Role/Function: Preside over constitutional removal proceedings, ensuring due process, impartiality, and lawful adjudication.

Step-by-step operational tasks:

1. Convene the High Court: Verify the House resolution to sit as High Court; issue judicial orders constituting the court and schedule.

2. Set procedural rules: Adopt standing orders for the proceeding (filings, evidence, motions, timelines); notify parties and counsel.

3. Manage prehearing: Rule on jurisdiction, admissibility, discovery, and protective orders; set hearing calendars and brief schedules.

4. Ensure neutrality: Vet conflicts for all participating judges and officials; assign ethics officer; issue recusal directives if required.

5. Conduct hearings: Preside over opening statements, witness testimony, evidentiary rulings, and objections; ensure equal time and fairness.

6. Direct deliberations: Instruct on standards of proof and voting thresholds; oversee drafting of findings and legal conclusions.

7. Coordinate with bodies: Where appropriate, request advisory input from the Constitutional Council on constitutional questions.

8. Render decision: Announce the judgment; supervise the issuance of the court’s opinion, orders, and any concurring/dissenting views.

9. Certify and publish: Certify the final decision; order publication in the Official Journal; notify the Sultan’s office, House, and Government.

10. Secure the record: Seal and archive the complete case file, evidence inventories, and transcripts; set retention and access controls.

Cross-cutting judicial administration for the Chief Judge

Ethics and independence

• Standards enforcement: Maintain and publish a code of judicial conduct; manage disclosures and recusals.

• Training: Provide periodic training on constitutional procedures and ceremonial administration.

Records and archiving

• Unified registry: Maintain a centralized registry for oaths, certifications, and High Court proceedings.

• Redundancy: Create certified duplicates for secure offsite storage; implement digital preservation standards.

Communications and transparency

• Public notices: Standardize formats and timelines for Official Journal publications.

• Briefings: Provide nonpartisan briefings to constitutional actors on procedural requirements before ceremonies or trials.

Security and protocol

• Risk assessments: Coordinate with security services for all ceremonies and High Court sittings.

• Continuity planning: Maintain contingency venues, backup officiants, and remote administration protocols when necessary.

Quick checklists

Oath ceremony (any office)

• Eligibility verified

• Oath text sealed

• Venue/protocol confirmed

• Administration completed

• Certification issued

• Official Journal notice sent

• Archiving completed

High Court sitting

• House resolution verified

• Court constituted

• Procedural orders issued

• Prehearing motions resolved

• Hearings conducted

• Decision rendered

• Publication and archiving completed

Chief Judge Constitutional Mandate

(Empire of Morocco Constitution – Consolidated Provisions)

Chapter II – His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

Article 5(4) – Oath of Office of the Sultan

• Phrased Summary: The Sultan takes his oath of office before the Chief Judge of the Empire.

• Role/Function: The Chief Judge administers the formal swearing‑in of the Sultan, ensuring the ceremony follows constitutional requirements and is recorded as a legitimate transfer or renewal of authority.

Chapter III – The Prime Minister of the Government

Article 6(8) – Oath of Office of the Prime Minister

• Phrased Summary: The Prime Minister takes his oath of office before the Chief Judge of the Empire.

• Role/Function: The Chief Judge validates the Prime Minister’s assumption of executive authority by administering the oath and confirming compliance with constitutional procedures.

Chapter V – House Members of the Legislative Branch

Article 27(6) – Oath of Office of the Speaker of the House

• Phrased Summary: The Speaker of the House takes her oath of office before the Chief Judge of the Empire.

• Role/Function: The Chief Judge confirms the Speaker’s legitimacy as presiding officer of the House by administering the oath and ensuring it is properly recorded.

Chapter X – The High Court of the House

Article 81(2) – Presiding Over High Court in Sultan’s Removal

• Phrased Summary: The High Court is presided over by the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court when ruling on the removal of the Sultan from office.

• Role/Function: The Chief Judge serves as the presiding judicial authority in constitutional removal proceedings, ensuring due process, impartiality, and adherence to legal standards.

Core Constitutional Functions of the Chief Judge

1. Ceremonial Authority:

• Administers oaths of office to the Sultan, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the House.

• Ensures these ceremonies are constitutionally valid and properly documented.

Judicial Oversight in High‑Level Proceedings:

• Presides over the High Court in cases involving the removal of the Sultan.

• Guarantees impartiality and due process in proceedings of the highest constitutional importance.

Guardian of Constitutional Legitimacy:

• Acts as a neutral arbiter in the formal assumption of powers by top state officials.

• Upholds the integrity of the constitutional order through ceremonial and judicial functions.

FYI:

The Chief Judge’s role is symbolically powerful and procedurally critical — they are the constitutional gatekeeper for the lawful assumption of the highest offices and the impartial referee in the gravest constitutional trials.

Relevant Chapters & Articles

Chapter I – Preamble

• Mentions “competent Consular Court judges” as part of the Moorish Government’s administration and justice system.

  • Implication: The Consul General would be a senior diplomatic/consular officer representing the Empire abroad and interfacing with the Consular Court system.

Chapter II – His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

• Article 16: The Sultan accredits ambassadors and envoys extraordinary to foreign powers; foreign ambassadors are accredited to him.

  • Implication: Consuls General operate under this diplomatic accreditation framework, representing the Empire in foreign jurisdictions.

Chapter VII – Application and Observation of Treaties and International Agreements

• Article 63(1): Recognizes the jurisdiction and rulings of the competent Consular Court.

  • Implication: The Consul General would liaise with the Consular Court in matters involving nationals abroad, treaty enforcement, and dispute resolution.

Chapter XVII – Diversity of Jurisdiction Disputes

• Article 103(2–5): The judicial power of the Supreme Court or competent Consular Court extends to cases involving foreign states, nationals, and disputes under treaties.

  • Implication: The Consul General may be the first point of contact for such cases, ensuring proper referral to the Consular Court.

Consul General – Constitutional Mandate

(Derived from relevant provisions)

Mandate Summary: The Consul General is the Empire’s senior consular representative in a foreign jurisdiction, operating under the Sultan’s diplomatic authority, safeguarding nationals’ rights, facilitating treaty obligations, and coordinating with the competent Consular Court.

Core Constitutional Functions

1. Diplomatic & Consular Representation

   • Act as the accredited representative of the Empire in a consular district abroad.

   • Maintain official relations with host country authorities under the Sultan’s accreditation powers (Art. 16).

2. Protection of Nationals Abroad

   • Safeguard the rights and interests of Moroccan nationals, subjects, and protégés in the host country.

   • Provide assistance in legal, civil, and emergency matters, including liaison with the competent Consular Court (Art. 63, Art. 103).

3. Treaty & Legal Compliance

   • Monitor and report on host country compliance with treaties involving the Empire.

   • Facilitate the execution of international agreements within the consular district (Arts. 60–65).

4. Judicial Liaison

   • Refer disputes involving nationals, property, or treaty rights to the competent Consular Court.

   • Support the court’s jurisdiction by gathering evidence, facilitating witness testimony, and ensuring procedural compliance (Art. 103).

Practical Duties & Procedures Guide – Consul General

1. Accreditation & Establishment

• Receive formal commission from the Sultan’s office.

• Notify host country’s foreign ministry and request exequatur (official recognition).

• Establish the consulate premises and secure necessary privileges and immunities.

2. Citizen Services

• Maintain a registry of nationals in the consular district.

• Issue passports, visas, and civil status documents.

• Provide notarial services and certify documents for use in the Empire.

3. Legal & Judicial Support

• Assist nationals facing legal proceedings abroad.

• Coordinate with the competent Consular Court on cases under its jurisdiction.

• Monitor detention conditions and ensure due process for nationals.

4. Treaty Implementation

• Disseminate treaty provisions to relevant local stakeholders.

• Report violations or compliance issues to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Facilitate local execution of bilateral or multilateral agreements.

5. Crisis & Emergency Response

• Develop contingency plans for evacuation or protection of nationals.

• Act as the lead coordinator during natural disasters, political unrest, or armed conflict affecting nationals.

6. Reporting & Communication

• Submit regular political, economic, and legal reports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Maintain secure channels for transmitting sensitive information.

7. Public Diplomacy & Cultural Exchange

• Promote Moroccan culture, trade, and tourism in the host country.

• Organize events, exhibitions, and educational exchanges.

FYI:

While the Constitution doesn’t spell out the Consul General’s job in a single article, the role is constitutionally anchored in the Sultan’s diplomatic powers, the recognition of the competent Consular Court, and the Empire’s treaty obligations. The Consul General is both a protector of nationals and a frontline executor of foreign policy.

THE FRANCO-MOROCCAN AGREEMENTS OF MARCH 2, 1956

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The Office of the Prime Minister (Moroccan Only)

Chapter III – The Prime Minister of the Government

• Article 6 – Defines the Prime Minister as head of the Executive Branch (Makhzen), chair of the Wazir Council, guarantor of constitutional compliance, national independence, territorial integrity, and treaty obligations.

• Article 7 – Term of office (7 years, renewable once consecutively), first in line of succession to the Sultan, removal only by the Sultan.

• Article 8 – Appointment process, handling of vacancies, and succession in case of incapacity.

• Article 9 – Resignation procedures and authority over senior appointments.

• Article 15 – Signing of ordinances and acts before Sultan’s countersignature.

• Article 22 – Countersignature of the Sultan’s instruments, with exceptions.

Chapter IV – Administration of the Government

• Article 23 – Directs government policy, controls civil service and armed forces, accountable to the House.

• Article 24 – Implements legislation, issues regulations, makes appointments, delegates powers, chairs councils when delegated by the Sultan.

• Article 25 – Ensures Wazirs countersign instruments they are responsible for.

Chapter VI – Relations Between Government and the House

• Article 55 – Prime Minister may make government program or policy an issue of confidence before the House.

• Article 56 – Procedures for no‑confidence motions and consequences for the Government.

Chapter VIII – Constitutional Council

• Article 66 – Prime Minister appoints seven members to the Constitutional Council.

Other Cross‑Referenced Provisions

While not in the “Prime Minister” chapters, several other articles in the Constitution reference the Prime Minister’s role in:

• National Defense (shared with the Sultan – see Article 17).

•  

• Treaty Oversight (Articles 60–65, where the Prime Minister may be delegated negotiation or implementation duties).

•  

• Crisis/Emergency Powers (Article 18, joint decision‑making with the Sultan and Speaker of the House).

Prime Minister Constitutional Mandate

(Empire of Morocco Constitution – Consolidated Provisions)

Chapter III – The Prime Minister of the Government

Article 6 – Head of the Executive Branch

• Phrased Summary: The Prime Minister leads the Executive Branch (Makhzen), chairs the Wazir Council, ensures respect for the External Constitution and internal State Constitutions, and guarantees national independence, territorial integrity, and treaty compliance.

• Role/Function: Oversees government operations, coordinates with internal States, and ensures constitutional and treaty compliance.

Article 7 – Appointment & Term

• Phrased Summary: Serves a 7‑year term (renewable once consecutively), is first in line of succession to the Sultan, and can only be removed by the Sultan.

• Role/Function: Maintains succession readiness and term compliance.

Article 8 – Appointment Process & Vacancy

• Phrased Summary: Appointed by the Sultan; in case of vacancy or incapacity, duties transfer to the Vice Minister.

• Role/Function: Ensures continuity of governance and succession planning.

Article 9 – Resignation & Senior Appointments

• Phrased Summary: May resign and is responsible for appointing senior officials, subject to House approval.

• Role/Function: Manages leadership transitions and senior staffing.

Article 15 – Signing of Ordinances and Acts

• Phrased Summary: Signs government ordinances and acts before the Sultan’s countersignature.

• Role/Function: Validates and forwards legislation for final approval.

Article 22 – Countersignature of Sultan’s Instruments

• Phrased Summary: Countersigns the Sultan’s instruments except in specified cases.

• Role/Function: Ensures procedural compliance and shared responsibility.

Chapter IV – Administration of the Government

Article 23 – Policy Direction

• Phrased Summary: Directs government policy, controls civil service and armed forces, and is accountable to the House.

• Role/Function: Sets policy priorities and oversees administration.

Article 24 – Implementation of Legislation

• Phrased Summary: Implements laws, issues regulations, makes appointments, delegates powers, and chairs councils when delegated.

• Role/Function: Executes legislation and manages government operations.

Article 25 – Countersignature of Prime Minister’s Instruments

• Phrased Summary: Wazirs must countersign instruments they are responsible for.

• Role/Function: Ensures ministerial accountability and procedural integrity.

Chapter VI – Relations Between Government and the House

Article 55 – Confidence & Accountability

• Phrased Summary: May make government programs or policies an issue of confidence before the House.

• Role/Function: Engages the House to secure support for key initiatives.

Article 56 – No‑Confidence Motions

• Phrased Summary: The House may pass a no‑confidence motion, requiring the Government to resign.

• Role/Function: Responds to legislative oversight and maintains legitimacy.

Chapter VIII – Constitutional Council

Article 66 – Appointments to the Constitutional Council

• Phrased Summary: Appoints seven members to the Constitutional Council.

• Role/Function: Shapes constitutional review through appointments.

Other Cross‑Referenced Provisions

Article 17 – National Defense

• Phrased Summary: Shares responsibility for national defense with the Sultan.

• Role/Function: Coordinates defense policy and military oversight.

Article 18 – Crisis/Emergency Powers

• Phrased Summary: Participates in emergency decision‑making with the Sultan and Speaker of the House.

• Role/Function: Ensures rapid response and continuity during crises.

Articles 60–65 – Treaty Oversight

• Phrased Summary: May be delegated roles in treaty negotiation, ratification, and implementation.

• Role/Function: Supports foreign policy execution and legal compliance.

TL;DR – Core Mandate

The Prime Minister is the chief executive authority under the Sultan, responsible for directing government policy, ensuring constitutional compliance, managing the civil service and armed forces, engaging with the House on confidence and accountability, and playing a central role in national defense, crisis management, and treaty execution.

Prime Minister of the Government – Practical Duties & Procedures Guide

(Based on the Empire of Morocco Constitution)

Chapter 3 – The Prime Minister of the Government

Article 6 – Head of the Executive Branch

Role/Function: Lead the Executive Branch (Makhzen), chair the Wazir Council, ensure respect for the External Constitution and internal State Constitutions, guarantee national independence, territorial integrity, and treaty compliance. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Convene and chair Wazir Council meetings to set government policy direction.

2. Oversee coordination between internal State Governments and the External State.

3. Monitor compliance with constitutional provisions at both external and internal levels.

4. Review and approve intergovernmental agreements before submission to the Sultan.

5. Act as chief arbitrator in disputes between public authorities to maintain continuity of State functions.

Article 7 – Appointment & Term

Role/Function: Serve a 7‑year term (max two consecutive), first in line of succession to the Sultan, removable only by the Sultan. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Accept formal appointment from the Sultan.

2. Maintain readiness to assume Sultan’s duties if required.

3. Keep succession protocols updated and confidential.

4. Ensure compliance with Institutional Act provisions on term limits and eligibility.

Article 8 – Appointment Process & Vacancy

Role/Function: Ensure smooth transition in case of vacancy or incapacity. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Coordinate with the Sultan and Speaker of the House on appointment timelines.

2. If incapacitated, transfer duties to the Vice Minister per constitutional limits.

3. Oversee interim governance until a new Prime Minister is appointed.

4. Maintain updated contingency plans for government continuity.

Article 9 – Resignation & Senior Appointments

Role/Function: Manage resignation process and appointment of senior officials. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Submit resignation to the Sultan when required.

2. Select candidates for senior government positions and submit to the House for approval.

3. Maintain performance oversight of senior officials.

4. Exercise termination powers per the Institutional Act.

Article 15 – Signing of Ordinances and Acts

Role/Function: Sign government ordinances and acts before Sultan’s countersignature. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Review all acts for legal and policy compliance.

2. Sign and forward to the Sultan for final approval.

3. Maintain a secure archive of signed acts.

4. Coordinate with relevant Wazirs for implementation.

Article 22 – Countersignature of Sultan’s Instruments

Role/Function: Countersign Sultan’s instruments except in specified cases. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Review Sultan’s instruments for procedural compliance.

2. Countersign where constitutionally required.

3. Ensure relevant Wazirs also countersign when necessary.

Chapter 4 – Administration of the Government

Article 23 – Policy Direction

Role/Function: Direct government policy, control civil service and armed forces, accountable to the House. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Set annual and multi‑year policy priorities.

2. Oversee civil service appointments and performance.

3. Direct armed forces policy in coordination with the Sultan.

4. Prepare accountability reports for the House.

Article 24 – Implementation of Legislation

Role/Function: Implement laws, issue regulations, make appointments, delegate powers. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Draft and issue implementing regulations.

2. Appoint civil and military officials under Prime Minister’s authority.

3. Delegate powers to Ministers where appropriate.

4. Chair councils and committees in the Sultan’s absence when delegated.

Article 25 – Countersignature of Prime Minister’s Instruments

Role/Function: Ensure Wazirs countersign instruments they are responsible for. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Identify responsible Wazirs for each instrument.

2. Obtain required countersignatures before enactment.

3. Maintain countersignature records.

Chapter 6 – Relations Between Government and the House

Articles 55–56 – Confidence & Accountability

Role/Function: Engage with the House on confidence votes, policy statements, and no‑confidence motions. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Decide when to make government program or policy an issue of confidence.

2. Prepare and deliver policy statements to the House.

3. Manage responses to no‑confidence motions.

4. Tender government resignation to the Sultan if confidence is lost.

Chapter 8 – Constitutional Council Appointments

Article 66 – Appointments to the Constitutional Council

Role/Function: Appoint seven members to the Constitutional Council. Step‑by‑Step Tasks:

1. Identify qualified candidates per constitutional criteria.

2. Vet candidates for conflicts of interest.

3. Submit appointments formally and maintain appointment records.

Cross‑Cutting Duties

• National Defense: Direct defense policy (Art. 24), coordinate with Sultan (Art. 17).

• Treaty Oversight: Ensure compliance with treaties and conventions (Art. 6(11), Art. 60–65).

• Succession Readiness: Maintain readiness to assume Sultan’s role if needed (Art. 7(2)).

• Crisis Management: Participate in emergency decision‑making with Sultan and Speaker (Art. 18).

Don’t Forget

The Prime Minister’s office is the central operational hub of the Empire’s governance — it must balance loyalty to the Sultan, accountability to the House, and effective administration of both domestic and foreign policy

Primary Chapter on the Sultan

Chapter II – His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

• Article 5 – Status as Head of State; eligibility; oath before the Chief Judge; term length; election rules; veto power; candidate eligibility; Constitutional Council’s role in elections; succession rules; vacancy procedures.

• Article 10 – Sultan as absolute sovereign authority over political, legal, judicial, education, economic, social, and military affairs.

• Article 11 – Promulgation of legislative acts; power to request reopening of House debates.

• Article 12 – Power to call referendums on certain government bills (organization of public authorities, reforms, treaties).

• Article 13 – Power to call referendums on broader reforms; process for Private Member’s Bill referendums; limits on repeat referendums.

• Article 14 – Power to dissolve governmental committees and set timelines for re‑formation.

• Article 15 – Joint signing of ordinances and acts; appointment powers for civil and military posts; delegation rules; committee consultation requirements.

• Article 16 – Accreditation of ambassadors and envoys; reception of foreign ambassadors.

• Article 17 – Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces; presides over national defense councils.

• Article 18 – Emergency powers in times of serious threat; consultation requirements; Constitutional Council review; limits on dissolving committees during emergencies.

• Article 19 – Right of nationals to bear arms (sport and limited war arms).

• Article 20 – Power to grant pardons or clemency.

• Article 21 – Communication with the House; ability to address the Government in session.

• Article 22 – Countersignature requirements for Sultan’s instruments.

Other Chapters with Sultan’s Powers or Role

Chapter VI – Relations Between the Government and the House

• Article 60 – Sultan (and assigns) negotiates treaties.

• Article 61 – Sultan’s role in ratifying certain major treaties (peace, trade, territory changes).

• Article 64 – Sultan may refer international agreements to the Constitutional Council for constitutional review.

Chapter VIII – The Constitutional Council

• Article 66 – Sultan appoints 7 of 27 members of the Constitutional Council; appoints its President.

• Article 68 – Constitutional Council ensures proper conduct of Sultan’s election.

• Article 71(2) – Sultan may refer Acts of the House to the Constitutional Council before promulgation.

Chapter IX – The Judicial Authority

• Article 75 – Sultan is guarantor of judicial independence; assisted by the High Council of the Judiciary.

• Article 76 – Sultan appoints and presides over the High Council of the Judiciary.

Chapter X – The High Court of the House

• Article 80 – Immunities and protections for the Sultan during his term; liability only for certain grave crimes after term.

• Article 81 – Process for removal from office (treason, bribery, high crimes); High Court procedures; voting thresholds.

Chapter XIV – Territorial Communities or Trust Territories

• Article 89(3) – Territorial communities under the protection of His Majesty the Sultan.

• Article 92(3–4) – Peremptory right of Moorish people to come under the Sultan’s protection; prohibition on forced naturalization by foreign powers.

• Article 93(2) – Sultan may decide to consult voters in overseas territorial communities on certain questions.

• Article 94(1) – Statutes and regulations automatically apply under the protections of the Sultan.

Chapter XV – Transitional Provisions for Trust Territories

• Article 98(5–6) – Sultan may recognize a trust territory as under the Empire’s protection; no territory recognized as a Moorish State until Sultan issues a decree with the Prime Minister and Speaker as witnesses.

Chapter XX – Amendments to the Constitution

• Article 106(1) – Sultan has the right to initiate constitutional amendments.

FYI:

The Sultan’s constitutional footprint spans Chapter II (his core powers and duties) and extends into treaty‑making, judicial appointments, constitutional oversight, military command, emergency powers, territorial recognition, and constitutional amendment rights.

Sultan’s Constitutional Mandate

(Empire of Morocco Constitution – Consolidated Provisions)

Chapter II – His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

Article 5 – Status, Oath, Term, and Succession

• Plain Summary: The Sultan is Head of State and Supreme Authority. Must meet eligibility rules, take an oath before the Chief Judge, serve the set term, and follow constitutional succession rules if the throne becomes vacant.

• Practical Meaning: The Sultan is the ultimate symbol and leader of the Empire, formally sworn in to uphold the Constitution, with clear rules for how the role passes on if needed.

Article 10 – Scope of Authority

• Plain Summary: Holds supreme authority over political, legal, judicial, educational, economic, social, and military matters.

• Practical Meaning: The Sultan is the central decision‑maker in all major areas of governance.

Article 11 – Promulgation of Laws

• Plain Summary: Signs laws passed by the House and can send them back for further debate.

• Practical Meaning: Acts as the final check before laws take effect, ensuring they align with national priorities.

Article 12 – Referendums on Certain Bills

• Plain Summary: Can call a public vote on bills about public authority organization, reforms, or treaties.

• Practical Meaning: Gives the people a direct say on major national changes.

Article 13 – Broader Referendum Powers

• Plain Summary: Can call referendums on other reforms, including citizen‑initiated proposals, with limits on repeats.

• Practical Meaning: Allows the Sultan to put big questions directly to the people.

Article 14 – Dissolution of Committees

• Plain Summary: Can dissolve government committees and set deadlines for re‑formation.

• Practical Meaning: Ensures committees remain effective and accountable.

Article 15 – Signing and Appointments

• Plain Summary: Jointly signs ordinances and acts; appoints civil and military officials; can delegate powers.

• Practical Meaning: Oversees top appointments and shares responsibility for official acts.

Article 16 – Diplomatic Accreditation

• Plain Summary: Accredits ambassadors and receives foreign envoys.

• Practical Meaning: Represents Morocco in the international diplomatic community.

Article 17 – Commander‑in‑Chief

• Plain Summary: Leads the Armed Forces and chairs national defense councils.

• Practical Meaning: Directs military policy and defense strategy.

Article 18 – Emergency Powers

• Plain Summary: Can take special measures in times of grave threat, but must consult key leaders and follow time limits.

• Practical Meaning: Balances swift action in crises with constitutional safeguards.

Article 19 – Right to Bear Arms

• Plain Summary: Recognizes the right of nationals to own certain arms for sport or limited defense.

• Practical Meaning: Sets the framework for lawful arms ownership.

Article 20 – Pardons and Clemency

• Plain Summary: Can grant pardons or reduce sentences.

• Practical Meaning: Acts as the final mercy authority in the justice system.

Article 21 – Communication with the House

• Plain Summary: Can address the House or Government directly.

• Practical Meaning: Keeps open a direct line between the monarchy and legislative/executive branches.

Article 22 – Countersignature Rules

• Plain Summary: Most Sultan’s acts require the Prime Minister’s countersignature, with exceptions.

• Practical Meaning: Ensures shared responsibility for major decisions.

Other Chapters with Sultan’s Role

Chapter VI – Articles 60, 61, 64 – Treaty Powers

• Plain Summary: Negotiates and ratifies treaties; can refer them to the Constitutional Council for review.

• Practical Meaning: Shapes Morocco’s international agreements and ensures they fit the Constitution.

Chapter VIII – Articles 66, 68, 71(2) – Constitutional Council

• Plain Summary: Appoints members and President of the Council; Council oversees Sultan’s election; can refer laws for review.

• Practical Meaning: Influences the body that safeguards constitutional compliance.

Chapter IX – Articles 75, 76 – Judicial Authority

• Plain Summary: Guarantees judicial independence; presides over the High Council of the Judiciary.

• Practical Meaning: Protects the courts from political interference and guides top judicial appointments.

Chapter X – Articles 80, 81 – Immunity and Removal

• Plain Summary: Immune from prosecution during term; can only be removed for grave crimes via High Court process.

• Practical Meaning: Protects the office while allowing accountability for serious misconduct.

Chapter XIV – Articles 89, 92, 93, 94 – Territorial Protection

• Plain Summary: Protects territorial communities; can consult voters in overseas territories; ensures statutes apply under his protection.

• Practical Meaning: Acts as guardian of Morocco’s territorial integrity and governance.

Chapter XV – Article 98 – Recognition of States

• Plain Summary: Can recognize a trust territory as a Moorish State, with Prime Minister and Speaker as witnesses.

• Practical Meaning: Holds the power to expand the Empire’s recognized states.

Chapter XX – Article 106 – Constitutional Amendments

• Plain Summary: Can propose changes to the Constitution.

• Practical Meaning: Plays a direct role in shaping the nation’s foundational law.

Core Mandate

The Sultan is Morocco’s Head of State, Commander‑in‑Chief, chief diplomat, and constitutional guardian. His powers span lawmaking, defense, diplomacy, justice, territorial protection, and constitutional change — always balanced by procedural checks like countersignatures, Council reviews, and public referendums.

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About International Treaties

Treaty of Verona April 1916