The_Revised_Constitution_of_The_Empire_of_Ethiopia-Chapter

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I

The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc.

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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Chapter V

The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc.

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I