Government of Kythira
Introduction
Within the Kythiran Empire is a vast system of greater and lesser nobility that together helps govern the realm. Although not an official title, 'Lord' or 'Lady' is often used to refer to members of the Kythiran aristocracy, but is also used as a title of respect, irregardless of birth or lands.
The Crown
The Crown forms the governing body of the whole of the Kythiran Empire. It consists of the Emperor, his Chancellor, the Grand Marshal, the Five Secretaries, the Kythiran Senate, the Provincial Council, and the Crown-Prince, the latter serving primarily as an advisory body.
The Emperor
The Emperor, whose full title is His Imperial Highness, Emperor of Kythira, King of the Six Provinces, 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 Crown.
High-Lords
High-Lords are, after the Emperor
Emperor / Empress: Ruler of the Empire
Crown-Prince / Princess: Successor of the Throne
Prince / Princess: backups of the Crown Prince (as a Von Roterstein, technically Corspin be a Kythiran Prince and Duke, rather than just a Duke, unless you decide to strip him from that title)
High-Lords: Rule Golden Provinces of the Empire
Dukes: Rules Duchies in the larger provinces (large cities + surrounding land.)
Counts: Rule a castle / mansion + village or town + farms and significant land
Barons: Rule a castle with a farm + some land
Knight: Lives in a castle owned by a count or baron, referred as Sir
Archbishop: Controls all the churches / cathedrals in one province