Senators, I wish now to submit to you some legislation that I have been working on for some time. In consultation with some close colleagues of mine, we have drawn up some articles which will better protect the state from crises. I humbly submit them to you for debate.
1.) The powers of the magistracies shall not be augmented, altered or changed in anyway during a sitting of the Senate. Any changes to the office shall be voted on at the same time as the Senatorial elections. Any changes to be passed must win 2/3 non-abstaining vote.
2.) One Consul shall always be present at Rome. If both Consuls are absent, the senior Praetor introduces laws to the vote.
3.) Tribunes must be drawn from the Plebains. The Pontifex Maximus is reserved for the Patricians.
4.) A Senator cannot hold the office of Consul for two consecutive terms.
5.) Debates on new legislation must be held for a certain period (OoC: 2 days) before being put to the vote. The time allowed for a Senator to vote on an issue will be of equal length.
6.) A General granted an Imperium will have complete military freedom to operate in the designated geographic area. The Senate may not interfere, but may question him when his Imperium has expired.
I recognise that the first part of article 3 is already enshrined in our constitution. I wanted to include it, so as the Senate sees that both ranks of Senators have their priveleged offices. There is also precedent in our history which shows the Senate passing a law, already enacted, that has become a dead letter. It is there merely for emphasis.
After sitting down, Marcellus writes a small note and beckons one of the Senatorial slaves over. The slave is seen giving the message to Senator Caesar. It reads:
Senator,
I would be most privileged if you could join me at my humble Domus for a small meal tonight. It is a small dinner, for friends, and not a feast, but I wish you could still attend.
Yours,
M. Clodius Marcellus