Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns all of HP content, I am just playing in it!
A/N - this legislative branch closely resembles the House of Lords/Commons in its own way but I have always enjoyed the idea of hereditary nobles within the British Magical Communities so have added them to my vision. in my head, their hereditary seats are Magically binding to the descendants of the original wizard's council that first formed.
Chapter 2: The British Wizengamot Council (Legislative)
2.1 Overview
The British Wizengamot Council serves as the legislative branch of the British Ministry of Magic and holds supreme power within the Ministry. It is an ancient organization that predates the Ministry itself. The Wizengamot is composed of three categories of members: Hereditary Members, Government Members, and Common Members. The Council convenes once a month during the term of a Minister for Magic and plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of magical law and governance in the British Isles.
2.2 Officers of the Council
2.2.1 Chief Warlock/Witch of the Wizengamot Council: The Chief Warlock/Witch is the presiding officer, chair, and highest authority of the Wizengamot Council. They are elected by the members of the council and are expected to be politically neutral. The Chief Warlock/Witch chairs and oversees each sitting of a Wizengamot Session.
2.2.2 Chief Clerk of the Wizengamot Council: The Chief Clerk of the Wizengamot Council serves as a trusted advisor to the Chief Warlock/Witch and all council members regarding matters of council procedure. They oversee the secretarial functions, maintain records of proceedings and decisions, and administer the Wizengamot oaths. The Chief Clerk also supervises other council staff, such as the Clerks of the Council and Clerks of the Committees, and plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Wizengamot Council.
2.2.3 Elders of the Council: The Elders of the Wizengamot Council are esteemed council members appointed to perform the duties and exercise the authority of the Chief Warlock/Witch in their absence or incapacitation. They ensure the smooth functioning of the Council, preside over meetings, make decisions on behalf of the Council, and fulfill any necessary duties. Elders are selected from among the oldest and most experienced members of the Wizengamot Council and play a critical role in maintaining its integrity and effectiveness.
2.3 Political Parties
The Wizengamot Council's political landscape is characterized by different political movements and parties, including progressive activists, traditionalists, and neutralists. These parties shape the direction of the Council and the Ministry of Magic. To become the Minister for Magic, a candidate must enjoy the confidence of the majority of the Wizengamot Council, regardless of their political affiliation. The diversity of views and opinions within the Council enriches debates and ensures that the best interests of the magical community are prioritized.
2.4 Benches of the Council
2.4.1 Hereditary Benches: The Hereditary Benches consist of 47 members who represent the ancient bloodlines of the original wizards and witches who formed the Wizengamot. These members can trace their ancestry back to one of the original 50 signatories who made a blood oath to uphold and enforce the laws of the Wizengamot. Attempts to amend the charter granting the families a right to sit on the council have been deemed impractical due to powerful magic tied to the original document.
2.4.2 Government Benches: The Government Benches include 32 members, led by the Minister for Magic and comprising senior government officials and legislative representatives. These members serve during the term of a sitting Minister and are appointed by each administration. The inclusion of Government Benches enhances the Wizengamot's representation and decision-making process.
2.4.3 Common Benches: The Common Benches consist of recipients of the Order of Merlin First Class, who are granted a seat on the Wizengamot as lifetime members. However, only the first 37 appointees to the Order of Merlin First Class are eligible. Additionally, elected representatives from magical counties and wards, based on population, hold seats in the Common Benches. This democratization of the Wizengamot ensures greater representation and inclusivity.
2.5 Wizengamot Committees
The Wizengamot established special committees in 1999 to scrutinize Ministry conduct, amend laws, and solicit public input on major legislative decisions. Each committee consists of 7x to 12x members, including a chairperson, with representation from across the Wizengamot. Government Members holding senior ministry posts are prohibited from being appointed to these committees to maintain impartiality. The committees cover various areas, such as Council Business & Procedure, Magical Law & Order, Treasury & Expenditure, Ministerial Services, Magical Creatures Regulation & Enforcement, Magical Transportation, International Cooperation & Foreign Affairs, Muggle Affairs & Relations, Magical Innovation, Research & Growth, and Magical Education & Learning.
The establishment of these committees has enhanced the Wizengamot's ability to serve the magical communities by facilitating public participation, oversight, transparency, accountability, and integrity in the legislative process.