The_Revised_Constitution_of_The_Empire_of_Ethiopia-Chapter

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I

The Revised Constitution of The Empire of Ethiopia - 1955 Constitution

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Chapter IV

THE MINISTERS OF THE EMPIRE

ARTICAL 66

The Emperor has the right to select, appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and
all other Ministers and give Ministers, each of whom shall, before entering upon
his functions, take before the Emperor, the following oath of fidelity to the
Emperor and to the Constitution:

"In the name of the Almighty, I hereby swear allegiance and fidelity to my
Sovereign, His Imperial Majesty Haile Sellassie I and that, as member of the
Council of Ministers, I will faithfully place above all else the interest and welfare of
Ethiopia and of its Sovereign; that I will, at all times, faithfully respect the
Constitution and laws of the Empire, and that I will disclose no secret or
confidential infomation revealed to me in connection with my official duties and
position. So help me God."

The appointment, promotion, transfer, suspension, retirement, dismissal and
discipline of all Government officials and employeees shall be governed by
regulations made by the Council of Ministers and approved and proclaimed by
the Emperor.

ARTICAL 67

Princes eligible for the Crown shall not be appointed Ministers in the Council of
Ministers. No one whose parents were not Ethiopian subjects at the time of his
birth shall be appointed a Minister.

ARTICAL 68

Each Minister shall be individually responsible to the Emperor and to the State
for the discharge of the duties of his respective Ministry, including the execution
of the laws and decrees concerning that Ministry.

ARTICAL 69

The Ministers shall form collectively the Council of Ministers and shall be
responsible to the Emperor for all advice and recommendations given to Him in
Council. The rules of procedure of the Council shall be drawn up by the Ministers
in Council and submitted to the Emperor for approval.

ARTICAL 70

The Emperor may, in such instances as He deems appropriate, convene the
Crown Council, which shall consist of the Archbishop, such Princes, Ministers,
and Dignitaries as may be designated by Him, and the President of the Senate.
The Crown Council shall be presided over by the Emperor or by a member
disgnated by Him.

ARTICAL 71

The Ministers shall discuss in Council and, through the Prime Minister, submit to
the Emperor all matters of policy therein discussed. In all cases in which
legislation is deemed to be necessary or appropriate, the dicisions made in
Council and approved by the Emperor shall be communicated by the Prime
Minister to Parliament in the form of proposals for legislation.

ARTICAL 72

The Prime Minister shall present to Parliament proposals of legislation made by
the Council of Ministers and approved by the Emperor. He shall also present to
The Emperor the proposals of legislation approved by the Parliament and the
dcrees proposed by the Council of Ministers. He shall have the right to attend any
meeting of either Chamber of Parliament, or any joint meeting of the Chambers,
or any meeting of any committee of either Chamber, and to speak at such
meetings on any question under discussion. He shall be obliged to attend
personally, or by his deputy, either Chamber, when his presence is requested by
a majority vote of the members thereof and to answer, verbally or in writing,
questions concerning his office.

ARTICAL 73

The Ministers shall have the right to attend any meeting of either Chamber of
Parliament, or any joint meeting of the Chambers, or any meeting of any
committee of either Chamber, and to speak at such meetings on any question
concerning conduct of their Ministries; and they shall be obliged, in person, or by
their deputies, to answer, verbally or in writing questions concerning the
legislation to be entered.

ARTICAL 74

No Minister, nor any person in a position with or in the service of the Government
may:

(a) for remuneration, compensation or benefit of financial value engage in any
activity or accept a position in or with any enterprise or organization in which
there is no governmental participation;

(b) enter into or be party to any contract or other arrangement with any
governmental organization in the Empire awarding, permitting or recognizing any
concession or monopolistic or other exclusive privilege in the nature of a
concession or monopoly.

(c) However, such Minister or person shall be free to manage and develop his
properties so long as their management or development is not prejudicial to or
inconsistent with the performance of his duties.

ARTICAL 75

The Ministers, including the Prime Minister, may be tried only before the
Supreme Imperial Court upon charges of offences as determined by the law,
committed in connection with their official functions. Such prosecution may be
initiated either by order of the Emperor or by a majority vote of both Houses of
Parliament. A special prosecution shall be appointed to that end, conformably to
the order of the Emperor.

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The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc.

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I