Charter of the Next Ward

Adopted by the Levee, November 1, 2026. As amended. Printable version

Article I. Name, Territory and Seat

1.1The State shall be known as the Next Ward, and informally as Ward N+1, where N is the number of the highest-numbered ward of the City of Chicago as the City stands from time to time.

1.2The territory of the Next Ward is the Seat and its apron.

1.3Long-form name. Reserved pending public hearing. See Public Notice 2026-007.

1.4The Next Ward claims no territory of the City of Chicago, Cook County or the State of Illinois, and asserts no authority over them.

Article II. The Levee

2.1All authority of the Next Ward is vested in the Levee.

2.2The Levee is in session whenever the light is on at the Seat. A quorum consists of those present.

2.3The Levee acts by proclamation, by ordinance, or by acclamation. Acclamation is final.

Article III. Officers

3.1The officers of the Ward are the Alderman, the Treasurer of the Levee and the Ward Clerk.

3.2The duties of a vacant office shall be performed by the Treasurer.

3.3Officers serve until the next remap of the City's wards, and may serve again.

Article IV. Residents and Citizens

4.1Every person present at the Seat while the Levee is in session is a resident for the duration of their presence.

4.2The Levee may confer citizenship by acclamation. Citizenship carries no obligation except attendance at the Ball, which is encouraged.

Article V. Currency

5.1The currency of the Next Ward is the Clout. The Treasury of the Levee is its sole issuing authority.

5.2The Clout is not money and is not legal tender in the Next Ward or anywhere else. It shall not be bought, sold or exchanged for the currency of any other state.

5.3The Treasury does not make change.

Article VI. Weights and Measures

6.1The standard measure of the Ward is the Standard Schooner, held in the custody of the Bureau of Weights and Measures.

6.2Pours are inspected as time allows.

Article VII. The First Ward Ball

7.1The Levee shall hold a First Ward Ball each year, on a date it sets.

7.2Admission is one clout.

Article VIII. Amendment

8.1The Levee may amend this Charter by acclamation. Amendments take effect when the light is next turned on.