High Council

The High Council consists of ten members, one from each of the four Ascendency colonies, the Military Council, the Council of Acquisitions, the Council of Internal Affairs, and the newly appointed Council of Exploration. In addition, the Governor of the Terran Ascendency and the Grand Admiral also sit on the council. The council deliberates and decides on the best course of action for the Terran Ascendency as a whole. In the event of a tie between the councillors, the Governor provides an additional tie breaking vote. Lastly, the Council is broken up into three separate types: the Colonial Councillors (consisting of the Ascendency colonies representatives), the Government Councillors (the Military Council, the Council of Acquisitions, the Council of Internal Affairs, and the Council of Exploration), and the Administrative Councillors (Governor and Grand Admiral).
The will of the council is final; however, in the event of an emergency, the Governor can act with sole authority. In the 400 years since the founding of the Ascendency, this has only occurred once - during the Truth Seeker rebellion, which ended within three days of the rebellions forming. Upon the completion of the Governor's action, the Council upheld the decision when called back to council, siting the grievous injuries that Grand Admiral Roderick Simmons sustained while in negotiations with the leaders of the Truth Seekers.
Links to current council members to follow.

Appointment

Colonial Councillors

Colonial Councillors are chosen by an election that occurs at their specific colony (i.e. Earth, Luna, Mars, and Europa). If the former Colonial Councillor had retired, there is a transition that occurs where the incoming Councillor is trained and advised of current and future situations before the outgoing Councillor is released. Otherwise, depending on the circumstance, the assistant staff of the former Councillor is made available to assist the new Councillor.

Government Councillors

The Government Councillors are nominated by the Administrative Councillors who oversee their specific activities (the Military and Exploration Council members are under the purview of the Grand Admiral, whereas the Council of Acquisitions and Internal Affairs falls under the purview of the Governor). Upon receiving the nomination, the members of the High Council then vote to approve the appointment.

Administrative Councillors

Governor of the Terran Ascendency

Upon a vacancy of the Governor Councillor, a vote takes place across the entire Terran Ascendency. Upon completion of the election, the High Council reviews the results and ratifies the new Governor.

Grand Admiral

Upon the vacancy of the Grand Admiral Councillor, the Military Councillor takes up the position until a suitable replacement has been found and the Military Councillor's senior aide takes the Military Councillor position, although most likely the temporary promotions become a more permanent position for both. In the intervening time frame, the Admiralty convenes and a list of suitable replacements is drafted and sent to the High Council. The High Council votes on their preferred choice and this is sent back to the Admiralty for their approval. In the event there is not a consensus, this process repeats until there is.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Colonial Councillors

Members of the Colonial Councillors can be removed if the local government/people feel that they are not serving the interests of the colony. In addition, members of the Administrative Councillors can also request that a Colonial Councillor is removed, and this decision would have to be agreed to by the rest of the High Council. Upon agreement, a recommendation is sent to the colonial governor and a request for a new Councillor is provided. If neither of these occur, Colonial Councillors are only removed upon death or retirement.

Government Councillors

Members of the Government Councillors can be removed by members of the Administrative Councillors (the Military and Exploration Council members are under the purview of the Grand Admiral, whereas the Council of Acquisitions and Internal Affairs falls under the purview of the Governor). These decisions must still be upheld by the rest of the High Council. Otherwise, these individuals are only replaced upon death or retirement.

Administrative Councillors

Members of the Administrative Councillors can only be removed by unanimous support of the rest of the High Council, including the other member of the Administrative Councillors. As with all other High Council positions, the only other method of replacement is through death or retirement.

Type

Civic, Political

Alternative Naming

Council

Source of Authority

Terran Ascendency Charter

Length of Term

No maximum length of term

Reports directly to

Governor of the Terran Ascendency

Related Locations

• Earth
• New Stockholm

Related Organizations

• Terran Ascendency