Leader
Magistrate
Qarlon Jaqen
Parties of Lorath
Origins
The current incarnation of the Lorathi government came from the bloodless coup led by Kanem the Elder. Overthrowing the Three Princes and their senate puppet masters. Kanem found himself faced with a difficult decision. He could allow elections for three new princes ending the corrupt farce of his colleagues. However it was clear that the Three Princes were vulnerable, the Senate only had to corrupt one to compromise the entire government. A radical but effective solution would be to remove the Senate entirely from the system. To effectively do so would require violence, violence his own senatorial family would likely face in such a scenario.
Kanem would end up deciding on establishing the new Magister system. An attempt at a moderate reform preserving the aristocracy but removing their absolute hold on power. Combining the offices of the Three Princes into one powerful elected position. Using this new authority he stripped the Senate of power and oversaw trials punishing the worst offenders. This compromise has for better or worse governed Lorath still to this day.
Magister
The office of Magister holds near absolute power over the Republic. As the Magister is said to represent the will of the Lorathi Citizens. Being the only elected office it is only natural that they hold the most power. There is no official term limit, and a Magister can rule for life. The Senate artificially limits this by nominating older men as party leaders. Magister terms are often split into 3 categories:
- Absolute
- Sometimes referred to as Tyranny, this occurs when a Magister rules without input from the Senate. It typically results from a one party dominance though Magisters have tried unsuccessfully to do this with contested senates.
- True
- Most common and successful form of Magisters terms. The Magister continues to serve his role as the executive but works closely with the Senate. Seeking their advice and holding votes on key issues.
- Senatorial
- Often seen as the worst form of Magister term. Senatorial terms usually are from failed or crisis government's. They are derived from a divided senate ruling through a temporary or puppet Magister.
Acting/Vice Magister
The Acting Magister is empowered by the Magister or in crisis the Senate to temporarily wield the office's power. Acting Magisters are common in Republic history. Often appointed during times of war or occasionally for important diplomatic missions.
Vice Magister is a new position created to turn the temporary post into a constitutional office. Making it harder for Senators to challenge an Acting Magisters authority. Effectively enabling parties to continue governing in absence of the elected Magister.
Senate
Representing the city's aristocracy as a in theory powerless body. The only official power they possess is the ability to remove the Magister with majority vote. Still with their vast wealth, even Absolute Magisters must work with them to some degree. In exchange for supporting the Magisters agenda, party aligned senators can expect lucrative government contracts.
In order to become a senator, one must pay an office fee. With the rate being set by the sitting Magister. These fees have become a dependable source of income for the state.
Party Senators
These Senators are those that lack the funds necessary to hold their office. Thus they seek patronage from one of the party leaders. Serving as yes men and getting a small cut of government contracts in return. Seldomly men of considerable talent will be recruited by parties hoping to mold them into future leaders.
Captain of the Chamber Guard
The Chamber guard is a quasi-military and ceremonial order. Men of the guard are the only ones permitted to carry weapons in the government buildings. In more recent years, their role has been expanded to policing the wealthier districts of the city.
The role of the Chamber Guard Captain does go beyond his military duties.The Magister or a representative of the Magister oversees the judicial courts of Lorath. The Chamber Guard Captain is to oversee trials involving the Magister or Senators guilty of crimes. The Captain is rarely called upon in this role, which usually sees the removal of the Magister or Senator on trial.
Citizenship and Voting
Voting
While technically reserved for citizens, the lack of proper documentation makes this simply impossible to enforce. This has resulted in the state defaulting to its more reliable tax system. Enabling any permanent residents to vote whether they are citizens or not. Second issue of the Lorathi voting process is that voters on the Mainland are largely kept out of the election process. Voting must take place in person at Citizens Square. Requiring Mainlanders to travel to cast their vote, an option only available to the wealthy. Before the Mainland revival this wasn't an issue as the isolated and decrepit towns had little interest in who was in charge. Their economic revival and the many city dwellers moving in has generated a large push for voting reform. It's an extremely flawed system, however the mutual distrust between the Senate and Citizen classes has made reform quite difficult.
Citizenship
Citizenship has become a heavily guarded privilege in the Republic of Lorath, especially since only citizens can hold military and political offices. Most direct path is to at least have one parent that is already a citizen of Lorath. Even those born outside of Loraths borders are generally given citizenship should they be able to prove their parentage. For most others the only path is service in Loraths Military. Completing their time in the armed forces will grant them and their direct family citizenship.. A Magister may grant someone citizenship, this is usually reserved for wealthy families hoping to relocate to the Republic. Lorath will also generally grant citizenship to escaped slaves, indentured servants, and bondsmen if they somehow can reach Republic territory. By doing so they become protected by Lorathi law and cannot be returned to captivity.
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