Hereditary Alpha

The alpha of the pack is considered the leader and the roles and responsibilities of the alpha appear to be different from pack to pack. In hereditary packs, this leader is usually the most senior member of the central family of the hereditary or kin pack. This changes in times of difficulty when there is a coup that changes the leadership from one individual to another, or when another is adopted to be the new alpha and there is no blood relation. Generally the title passes from father to son.

Requirements

In the case of hereditary packs, the new alpha is chosen by the current, usually a male blood relative. In some cases, if the alpha does not have a son or their son is of an unsuitable moon sign or even just temperament for leadership, he will choose another relative. It is common for alphas who do not have suitable heirs to lay claim to sons of suitable sign and take them to be raised as their own to be groomed for leadership appropriately.

Appointment

The current alpha will appoint an heir, who may or may not be related depending on the qualities of his children, and groom this heir to take his place when he is ready to step down or dies.
Sometimes, political coups do happen and a new group takes over leadership of a pack, at which time a new alpha will be appointed, which changes which family is considered to be central to the pack.

Duties

Style of rule varies from individual to individual, but the alpha is beholden to the pack to provide physical shelter, adequate food, safety, and spiritual guidance. In many cases, the alpha has these duties allocated to others he trusts, such as financial managers or other more business-minded wolves. The only duty they cannot assign out is that of religious leader.

Benefits

The alpha has his choice of available mates to take as a partner and freedom to discard them, as in most hereditary packs marriages are not nullified unless by the alpha's permission or the original marital agreement (signed by the alpha at time of marriage) is fulfilled or nullified based on the contract.
Alphas can make changes to the business practices of the work associated with the entire pack, negotiate with other alphas about pack territory disputes, and has the power to banish members of the pack.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

An alpha may choose to step down from his role as werewolves have a lifespan of indeterminate length and may choose to promote his heir at that time.
Power can be seized in hereditary packs if enough members of the pack make a move to call for a vote of no confidence and at least 50% of the registered pack members agree, at which time a dominance battle will take place between the alpha and the proposed new alpha. If the current alpha is killed, the winner assumes his role and takes power. This does not happen very often as it requires witnesses from other packs to be there and a failed vote of no confidence often means banishment for all who voted for it.

Type

Religious, Political

Alternative Naming

Pack Father, Pack Leader

Length of Term

Life or Voluntary Abdication