Government of Kythira
Introduction
The Kythiran Empire has had two separate forms of government. During the Third and Fourth Era, just like during the time of the Kingdom of Kythira during the Second Era, the Empire was ruled as an autocratic absolute monarchy. After the Reforma Carta the Empire has been ruled as a Constitutional Monarchy.
The Empire and its Kingdoms
The Empire, since its very inception, has been separated in six separate regions. Before the Reforma Carta these were known as the Six Provinces, but after the Carta these have been reformed into the Six Kingdoms. The government gives these kingdoms considerate internal autonomy and freedoms. Each kingdom is ruled by a High-Lord, who in theory is selected by the Emperor, but in all the provinces the title and role has been hereditary since the Third Era.
The White-Gold Tower, known also as The Crown, forms the governing body of the whole Empire. It consists of the Emperor, the Grand Chancellor, the Imperial Field Marshal, the Grand Admiral, the Six Secretaries, the Kythiran Senate and the Imperial Council.
The entirety of The Crown is housed around the Arcadia district of Helmira.
The Emperor
The Emperor, whose full title is His Imperial Highness, Emperor of Kythira, King of the Six Provinces, Grand-Duke of Helmira and Supreme Commander of all of Kythira's armies, claims full ownership of all Kythiran land. He has de jure full political and legal control over the entirety of the Empire, but in practice to prevent political intrigue and rebellion much of Kythira's governance is a joint effort of the entirety of the Crown.
The Chancellor
The Chancellor of the Kythiran Empire, who during their time in office take the title of His Excellency, serves as the head of the Kythiran Senate, and handles communications between the Kythiran Senate and the Emperor. They also serve as the deputy of the Emperor, whenever the latter cannot physically be present. The Chancellor is picked by the Emperor, usually from a selection of candidates presented by the members of the Kythiran Senate.
The Grand Marshal
The Grand Marshal serves as the head of the Council of War and commands the General of the Kythiran Imperial Legion and the Commodore of the Kythiran Imperial Navy.
The Five Secretaries
The Five Secretaries each lead (several) Kythiran ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Together they report to the Emperor and ensure that the bureaucracy of the Kythiran state runs smoothly.
The Kythiran Senate
The Kythiran Senate is an advisory body of the government of the Kythiran Empire and considered the Kythiran House of Representatives. It resides in the Senate Hall within the White-Gold Tower. The Kythiran Senate's purpose is to both discuss and vote on proposed legislation, be representative of the six provinces, advise the Emperor and issue motions urging the Emperor to take or refrain from taking certain actions. Certain members of the Kythiran Senate, at the Emperor's discretion, are allowed to partake in the Kythiran War Council. There are 16 Grand Seats, meant for leaders of the six provinces and industry leaders from within the Empire. Each Grand Seat is worth two votes. Furthermore, there are 16 Petite Seats, which are meant for representatives of Kythira's citizens. All the citizens of each province can vote for a total of two representatives in the Kythiran Senate, totaling 12 seats. The remaining four Petite Seats are reserved for people invited by the Emperor. Each Petite Seat is worth one vote.
The Provincial Council
The Provincial Council is the Upper House of the Empire. It consists of the leaders of all six provinces, as well as the Emperor.
The Crown Prince
The Crown Prince is de jure the second most powerful man in the Empire. De facto however the Chancellor is the second most powerful man in the Empire. Whilst the Crown Prince does hold one of the most prestigious offices, as well as the prospect of one day ruling the Empire for themselves, they are nonetheless restricted to mostly to ceremonial roles, such as receiving important guests, hosting celebrations in Helmira, inspecting the Empire's military and acting as an ambassador of sorts of the Emperor.
Other Nobility (in order of importance)
High-Lord
The Kythiran High-Lords rule Golden Provinces on a semi-autonomous basis within the Kythiran Empire. Their counterparts are the Kythiran Viceroys. High-Lords are named by the Emperor, and rule for life, unless the Emperor wishes for them to be replaced earlier.
Viceroy
The Kythiran Viceroys rule Crown Provinces on behalf of the Emperor. They serve as the representative for the provinces, but they do not have the same general autonomy that the High-Lords enjoy.
Prince
The Kythiran Princes are nobles who rule multiple cities and who have a family connection with either the Emperor's family or the Crown-Prince's family. There are some exceptions to this, for instance the ancient title of Prince of Redstonia still exists within the Empire, but holds no legal benefits.
Duke
The Kythiran Duke rule Duchies on behalf of their respective High-Lords, forming a small province inside of a province. They are chosen by their High-Lord. They have at least one large city in their holding, as well as plenty of land. Must have a decent number of soldiers
Count
The Kythiran Counts rule from either a castle or a mansion, with a nearby village, town or minor city. They also, similar to the Dukes, must hold a significant amount of land.
Baron
The Kythiran Barons rule from a castle with some farmland, whilst holding a moderate amount of land.
Knight
Lives in a castle owned by either a count or a higher rank. Referred to as Sir.