Difference between revisions of "Alcona and Hubris"

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language=[[English]], Manx, [[German]] |
 
language=[[English]], Manx, [[German]] |
 
capital=[[Thunderbay]] |
 
capital=[[Thunderbay]] |
population=Approaching 3 billion (Oct 2004)|
+
population=Approaching 7 billion (June 2006)|
 
currency=Klatchian Krondor = 4 Alconian Griffins |
 
currency=Klatchian Krondor = 4 Alconian Griffins |
 
leader=[[Alexander III]], Grand Duke of Alcona |
 
leader=[[Alexander III]], Grand Duke of Alcona |
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==The United Duchies ==
 
==The United Duchies ==
The United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris' is a post-modern developed [[Wikipedia:constitutional |constitutional monarchy]] and a Federal State of [[the Federated Klatchian Coast]]
+
The United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris' is a post-modern developed [[Wikipedia:Constitutional monarchy |constitutional monarchy]] and a Federal State of [[the Federated Klatchian Coast]]
  
 
== The Duchies ==
 
== The Duchies ==
 
The United Duchies spreads across several distinct areas:  
 
The United Duchies spreads across several distinct areas:  
  
===The Duchy of Alcona===
+
===The Grand Duchy of Alcona===
 
This primarily consists of the Alcona Archipelago, A group of tropical islands in the southern [[Dark Sea]] just north of the [[Squall Straits]].  The Islands have been well known for growing of tea, sheep, and fruit.  More modern industries include a major investment banking sector, heavy metal mining, and high end consumer goods production.
 
This primarily consists of the Alcona Archipelago, A group of tropical islands in the southern [[Dark Sea]] just north of the [[Squall Straits]].  The Islands have been well known for growing of tea, sheep, and fruit.  More modern industries include a major investment banking sector, heavy metal mining, and high end consumer goods production.
  
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== Government ==
 
== Government ==
 
The Government of the United Duchies is based on the 1651 Royal Charter and the 1725 Constitution and the most recent Unification Amendments.  The government can be divided into three branches, the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary.   
 
The Government of the United Duchies is based on the 1651 Royal Charter and the 1725 Constitution and the most recent Unification Amendments.  The government can be divided into three branches, the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary.   
 +
 +
===Executive Branch===
 +
====The Chancellor====
 +
The Chancellor is defined as the Guardian of the State Seal, Representative of the People, Chairman of the Cabinet, and Senior Official of His Graces Government  The Chancellor of The United Duchies is the head of government and of the executive branch
 +
=====Election=====
 +
The Chancellor is elected for each new Parliamentary Session of the Grand Chamber.  This election is independent of the election of the Keys, and is based on a proportional representation system.  Each Duchy is assigned a number of points based on its population as a percentage of the total population with a minimum of four points.  Candidates for the Office of Chancellor win these points based on the number of votes cast in each Duchy.  The winner must have the majority of the points to win the office.  If no candidate wins an outright majority, the Grand Chamber chooses between the two top contestants.
 +
 +
=====In Action=====
 +
The Chancellor’s powers include:
 +
*The ability to select their cabinet (excluding the Naval Marshall, the State Secretary, and the Royal Steward) with approval of the Monarch
 +
*Make treaties, with two thirds consent of the Grand Chamber and the Monarch
 +
*Appoint state ambassadors, Tribunes, and any other officials created by the Grand Chamber
 +
*Must answer State Questions of the Grand Chamber at least once a year
 +
*Recommend legislation to The Grand Chamber
 +
*Convene The Grand Chamber
 +
*Adjourn The Grand Chamber, in cases of a disagreement about adjournment
 +
*"Take care that the laws be faithfully executed"
 +
*Fill in administrative vacancies during Parliamentary recess
 +
Although legally independent of the Grand Chamber, the Chancellor usually must govern with a majority coalition in the Grand Chamber headed by the Chief Minister.  This is because the Grand Chamber can, after six months, vote to ask the Grand Duke to dissolve the Grand Chamber and hold new elections.  As such, the Chancellor must maintain a working majority to support him in the Grand Chamber.  Usually, the Chancellor and Chief Minister maintain their coalition by appointing influential individuals, including Keys and Rectors to Cabinet posts.
 +
 +
====The Cabinet====
 +
The Cabinet of The United Duchies is made up of the heads of the executive ministries of the government.  The members of the Cabinet are either independent or dependent.  Independent Ministers are those individuals selected who are not members of the Grand Chamber, while Dependent Ministers are members of the Grand Chamber.  The Royal Ministers, The Marshals, the State Secretary, and the Royal Steward are always independent. 
 +
The present Cabinet Consists of:
 +
*The Chief Minister - Speaker of the Grand Chamber, primarily spends his/her time to maintain the coalition, schedule votes for new bills, and assign committees. 
 +
*The Outer Minister - Head of the Outer Ministry, or the foreign ministry of the United Duchies chief diplomat of the nation and Privy Council Member
 +
*The Inner Minister - Head of the Inner Ministry, in charge of commerce.
 +
*The Minister of Trade-Head of the Department of Trade
 +
*Humant Secretary - Head of human services including welfare employment, and health care
 +
*The Great Lord - Primarily the head of all joint services bureaucracy in the military forces
 +
*The Naval Marshal - Head of all Naval and Marine Forces of the United Duchies
 +
*The Militia Marshal - Head of all Militia Forces of the United Duchies
 +
*Service Lord- Head of both the International Intelligence Services and the Internal Security Section
 +
*The State Secretary - Heads up the Office of Justice
 +
*The State Steward - Head of the Treasury
 +
*The Royal Steward- Head of the Royal Treasury
 +
 +
====The Privy Council====
 +
The Privy Council acts as the security council of the United Duchies.  It is tasked with advising the Monarch on matters of national and international security.
 +
The membership of the Privy Council is:
 +
*The Monarch,
 +
*The Outer Minister,
 +
*The Naval Marshal,
 +
*The Militia Marshal,
 +
*The Service Lord,
 +
*The State Secretary,
 +
*The Chancellor
 +
*The Dean of the College of Peers
 +
 +
In general the Privy Council powers include:
 +
*Appoint Royal Ambassadors, and the State Secretary with advice and consent of the Grand Chamber
 +
*Approve appointments of The Royal Envoy, the Naval Marshal and the Royal Steward
 +
 +
===The Judiciary===
 +
====The Monarch and the Star Chamber====
 +
The head of the Judicial Branch of the United Duchies is the Monarch. The Monarch is Chief Tribune of the Star Chamber. The Grand Duke (or Duchess) is also Head of State.  His (or her) formal tiles are
 +
:Grand Duke of Alcona, Hubris, and Cawahaba, Duke of Zithril, Protector of the Outer Islands and the Marches, Grand Puma of the Oompa 
 +
 +
The highest court in the United Duchies is the Star Chamber.  The Star Chamber is both the last court of appeal but also advises the Grand Duke on use of the Royal Veto for constitutional matters and laws.  The members of the Star Chamber consist of Tribunes selected for life and The Monarch.  There are two types of Tribunes, those seated and those standing.  The six seated Tribunes are those who actually have a seat in the court and are members of the decision making body.  The six seated Tribunes are selected by the Monarch to sit in judgment with them.  The standing members are those Tribunes who have been appointed by the Chancellor but not selected by the Monarch.  Traditionally there have been only eight Tribunes at any given time.  Although in 1845 Chancellor Varmac appointed almost twenty Tribunes.  The standing Tribunes tend to be selected for running special courts and other duties
 +
 +
====The Lower Courts====
 +
The lower Offices of the Judiciary are also appointed by the Chancellor.  However, if the vacancies within the courts are not filled within six months of their vacancy, the Monarch has the right to fill the position with an individual of his choice.  Further this seat becomes known as a Royal Prerogative and must have royal approval of any individual to fill a future vacancy.  Presently there are only five Royal Prerogatives in existence.
 +
  
 
===The Legislative Branch ===
 
===The Legislative Branch ===
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The Legislative body of the United Duchies is the unicameral ''Grand Chamber''.  The body is made up of two tiers of representatives.  At the general teir are the Keys, either General or Parish.  Each parish, county, barony, or landsrade elects a Parish Key for a parliamentary session that may last as long as seven years.  General Keys are geographically proportioned to each Duchy based on a population census made every twenty years.  The General Keys are directly elected for each Duchy.  The second teir are the Rectors who represent the [[Klatchian Encyclopedia |Peer]] of the realm in the College of Peers.  They are elected for six year terms.  The break-up of the body is 2/3 Keys, 1/3 Rectors.
 
The Legislative body of the United Duchies is the unicameral ''Grand Chamber''.  The body is made up of two tiers of representatives.  At the general teir are the Keys, either General or Parish.  Each parish, county, barony, or landsrade elects a Parish Key for a parliamentary session that may last as long as seven years.  General Keys are geographically proportioned to each Duchy based on a population census made every twenty years.  The General Keys are directly elected for each Duchy.  The second teir are the Rectors who represent the [[Klatchian Encyclopedia |Peer]] of the realm in the College of Peers.  They are elected for six year terms.  The break-up of the body is 2/3 Keys, 1/3 Rectors.
  
 +
The head of the Grand Chamber is the Cheif Minister who schedules votes, appoints Keys and Rectors to committee's, and answers questions of the Grand Chamber on Government Policy.
 +
 +
The ''Grand Chamber'' is elected every seven years or sooner upon disbanding of the previous ''Grand Chamber''.
 +
 +
''Disbanding of the Chamber'' occurs upon either upon the arrival of the Parliamentary Session's seventh anniversery, or:
 +
*After being adjourned for six months by the Chancellor, His Grace may disband the Chamber and call for new Keys to be selected.
 +
*A vote of Confidence fails in the Cheif Minister, In general this leads to the Keys requesting that the Monarch disband the Chamber
 +
*The Chief Minister requests the ''Disbanding of the Chamber''
 +
 +
It should be noted that the ''Disbanding of the Chamber'' is the perogative of the Monarch.  It has been known that the Monarch may refuse a request or place it under consideration. 
 +
 +
The last refusal was made soon after the September Plot, when the Government, fresh from crushing the attempt of the Socialist Hubris Government to overthrow the Monarchy asked to call elections.  The Monarch, Grand Duke Otto II refused.  Approximatly six weeks later the story was broken that several key members of the Government in the Chambers had used false testimony from the September Plotters to start a smear campgain against powerful members of the Opposition.  The Government collapsed in what was known as the October Scandal.
  
 
==== The College of Peers ====
 
==== The College of Peers ====
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The ''Sheriffs'' are primarily tasked with being arbiters of honor between the Peers, Adel, and Freeman.
 
The ''Sheriffs'' are primarily tasked with being arbiters of honor between the Peers, Adel, and Freeman.
 
  
 
==Major Political parties  ==
 
==Major Political parties  ==
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'''The Communists'''
 
'''The Communists'''
The Klatchian Communist Party (KCP) Communists, front for the Checka in The United Duchies  
+
The Klatchian Communist Party (KCP) Communists, front for the [[Cheka]] in The United Duchies  
  
 
'''The Nationalists'''
 
'''The Nationalists'''
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=== Freemen ===
 
=== Freemen ===
The largest portion of the population.  These are ordinary citizens however, the mandatory presence in the milita for those age 18-52 makes them a very large armed mob.  The group is subdivided based on economics into three sub groups: Commoner, Gentry, Knights
+
The largest portion of the population.  These are ordinary citizens however, the mandatory presence in the militia for those age 18-52 makes them a very large armed mob.  The group is subdivided based on economics into three sub groups: Commoner, Gentry, Knights
  
  
'''Political Power''': The citizens represent themselves by electing the Keys to the Great Chamber, and the High Minister.  All have to pay the general flat tax rate and serve in the militia or a comparable endeavors.  Many serve within the armed forces, military, government and in high elected postions.     
+
'''Political Power''': The citizens represent themselves by electing the Keys to the Great Chamber, and the Chancellor.  All have to pay the general flat tax rate and serve in the militia or a comparable endeavors.  Many serve within the armed forces, military, government and in high elected positions.     
  
  
'''Socio-Ecconomic''':<br>
+
'''Socio-Economic''':<br>
''Commoner'' The genral term for those who live and work and are full citizens
+
''Commoner'' The general term for those who live and work and are full citizens
 
 
 
''Gentry'' The term for the landed upper class who hold their land directly from the Royal Family but are not knighted or Peers.
 
''Gentry'' The term for the landed upper class who hold their land directly from the Royal Family but are not knighted or Peers.
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'''Baronets''': The lowest of the nobles, they represent hereditary knighthoods and are awarded to families of distiction that haven’t quite made the list to be elevated to a peer.  In many ways three knighthoods in five generations is usually seen as the rule of thumb to be elevated to a baronet.
 
'''Baronets''': The lowest of the nobles, they represent hereditary knighthoods and are awarded to families of distiction that haven’t quite made the list to be elevated to a peer.  In many ways three knighthoods in five generations is usually seen as the rule of thumb to be elevated to a baronet.
  
'''The Adel''': The ‘Titled’ families of the Relm who do not have any real political power.  Although typically they hold some lands ‘freehold’ which makes them an anoyance to the royal family as they can not be punished in some ways such as the Most are holdovers from the conqured Outer Islands or Cawahabian Nobility.  
+
====The Adel====
 +
The ‘Titled’ families of the Relm who do not have any real political power beyond that of commonersTypically they hold some of their lands in freehold. As such these lands can not be attainted by Royal Displeasure. Most Adel can trace their titles to the pre-conquest Outer Islands rulers or to being pre-Unification nobility of Cawahaba
 +
   
 +
Common Adel titles include
 +
*Lord
 +
*Count
 +
*Laithe
 +
*Prince(This title is usually used by Adel in revolt and is seen as an affront to the Grand Duke)
  
'''The Peers''': The titled men and women who help to rule the contryAll the peers belong to the College of Peers which elects the Rectors.  Any member of the College of Peers may address the Grand Chamber during debates as is their right.  Some are also acting heads of their Parish.
+
====The Peers====
 +
The titled men and women who have been selected to serve the nation by being members of the College of PeersUsually this is because said individual has gained enough clout that the government feels they should be more duty bound to their fellow citizens.  As such Peers are only allowed to vote within The College of Peers for the offices of Rectors, the Dean of the College, and the Sheriffs.  Any member of the College of Peers may address the Grand Chamber during debates as is their right.  Some are also acting heads of their Parish.
 +
In General the titles held by the Peerage include:
 +
*Baron - Baroness
 +
*Vicount - Lady
 +
*Thane - Lady
 +
*Earl - Countess
 +
*Landgrave/Stradtgrave - Landgravine/Stradtgravine
  
 
  The Wormal-The titles which refer to people given lifetime appointments to positions
 
  The Wormal-The titles which refer to people given lifetime appointments to positions
 +
 +
== Important Reference Texts==
 +
*[[Alconian Honor, Morals, and Duels]] by Rene Dupree
  
 
== International Organisations ==
 
== International Organisations ==
 
* [[Knootian International Stabilisation Treaty]]
 
* [[Knootian International Stabilisation Treaty]]
 +
 +
== Famous Individuals ==
 +
* [[Anne Winton]],Baroness Winton--Royal Envoy of the United Duchies
 +
* [[Victoria Wittelbach Crawford]],Langravine of Hubris
 +
* [[Alexander Vaughn Crawford]], Alexander the III, Grand Duke of the United Duchies
 +
* [[Elizabeth Wittelbach Crawford]],Markgravine of Both
  
  

Latest revision as of 12:26, 19 August 2007

Alcona and Hubris
alcona_and_hubris.jpg
Flag of Alcona and Hubris
Motto: "Let Duty Find Your Place"
No Map Available Yet
Region the Federated Klatchian Coast
Capital Thunderbay
Official Language(s) English, Manx, German
Leader Alexander III, Grand Duke of Alcona
Population Approaching 7 billion (June 2006)
Currency Klatchian Krondor = 4 Alconian Griffins 
NS Sunset XML

The United Duchies

The United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris' is a post-modern developed constitutional monarchy and a Federal State of the Federated Klatchian Coast

The Duchies

The United Duchies spreads across several distinct areas:

The Grand Duchy of Alcona

This primarily consists of the Alcona Archipelago, A group of tropical islands in the southern Dark Sea just north of the Squall Straits. The Islands have been well known for growing of tea, sheep, and fruit. More modern industries include a major investment banking sector, heavy metal mining, and high end consumer goods production.

  • Parishes
    • West Neubayern,
    • North Neubayern,
    • South Neubayern,
    • Ubo,
    • Jaffit,
    • Igsi,
    • Dros,
    • North Quip,
    • South Quip,
    • Fria, **Ulanda,
    • Stilton,
    • Veirn,
    • Bekti,
    • Odania,
    • Brini,
    • Kududa,
    • Wittlebach,
  • Major Cities
    • Thunderbay
    • Wittlebach Harbor,
    • Copperharbor,
    • Zeeland

The Duchy of Hubris

The Isle of Hubris is the industrial 'heartland' of the Dual Duchies.

  • Parishes
    • Gate Island,
    • Dark Isle,
    • Noname Isle,
    • Poppins,
    • Patowski,
    • Torrriver,
    • Southwest Haven,
    • Northwest Haven,
    • Bonker,
    • Mar,
    • Lake Mead,
    • Torrhall.
  • Major Cities
    • Torrhall,
    • Torrhallport (renamed Torrhaven),
    • Passmar,
    • South York,
    • Gatecalf,
    • Lazarus City,
    • Hastville

The Organized Territories of the Outer Islands

The Outer Islands are rich in a history soaked in blood. Usually, between the nations of Alcona and Hubris vying for control of these rich islands.

  • Parishes
    • Sunway
    • Hife,
    • Orbita,
    • Caddary
    • Quemm,
    • Zholand,
    • Dwia+Oriana,
    • Idsu,
    • Dratia+Glornor,
    • North Sean,
    • South Sean.
  • Major Cities
    • Blood Harbor
    • Barray

The Duchy of Cawhaba

A large Island in the Manx Sea, this was formally a seperate nation until the House of Crawford inherited the Crown.

The Logoth Marches

A large Peninsula on the smaller continent/large island of the Klatch. Primarily known for cattle, mining, timber, and light manufacturing.

The Duchies of Zithal

Zithal is a continent purchased by the Alconians for 1.5 Trillion Krondors from the nation of Xanthal. It was a major purchase the resulted in a huge expansion and the creation of another five Duchies

  • The Duchy of Redwall
  • The Duchy of Norzithal
  • The Duchy of Locatal
  • The Duchy of the Isles
  • The Territory of the Inner Zithal-Primarily desert, and primarily used by the military although some settlement exists along the rivers.

Dependencies

The Protectorate of China Wrighty

A refugee camp come industrial district, Oddly this area is not considered part of the Federated Klatchian Coast under the "Outer Territory Clause of the Federation Constitution.

  • Major City
    • Vauxville

The Eastern Marches

Invaded and subjegated territory on the western edge of the continental Klatch. This area was invaded by Alconian Forces to stem the tide of piracy that was being launched from this area. Beyond the ill defined eastern borders of this state lie the jungles of the Oompa Loompa.

  • Marches
    • Bothe
    • Parser
  • Major Cities
    • Cross Harbor,
    • Harrisville

Government

The Government of the United Duchies is based on the 1651 Royal Charter and the 1725 Constitution and the most recent Unification Amendments. The government can be divided into three branches, the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary.

Executive Branch

The Chancellor

The Chancellor is defined as the Guardian of the State Seal, Representative of the People, Chairman of the Cabinet, and Senior Official of His Graces Government The Chancellor of The United Duchies is the head of government and of the executive branch

Election

The Chancellor is elected for each new Parliamentary Session of the Grand Chamber. This election is independent of the election of the Keys, and is based on a proportional representation system. Each Duchy is assigned a number of points based on its population as a percentage of the total population with a minimum of four points. Candidates for the Office of Chancellor win these points based on the number of votes cast in each Duchy. The winner must have the majority of the points to win the office. If no candidate wins an outright majority, the Grand Chamber chooses between the two top contestants.

In Action

The Chancellor’s powers include:

  • The ability to select their cabinet (excluding the Naval Marshall, the State Secretary, and the Royal Steward) with approval of the Monarch
  • Make treaties, with two thirds consent of the Grand Chamber and the Monarch
  • Appoint state ambassadors, Tribunes, and any other officials created by the Grand Chamber
  • Must answer State Questions of the Grand Chamber at least once a year
  • Recommend legislation to The Grand Chamber
  • Convene The Grand Chamber
  • Adjourn The Grand Chamber, in cases of a disagreement about adjournment
  • "Take care that the laws be faithfully executed"
  • Fill in administrative vacancies during Parliamentary recess

Although legally independent of the Grand Chamber, the Chancellor usually must govern with a majority coalition in the Grand Chamber headed by the Chief Minister. This is because the Grand Chamber can, after six months, vote to ask the Grand Duke to dissolve the Grand Chamber and hold new elections. As such, the Chancellor must maintain a working majority to support him in the Grand Chamber. Usually, the Chancellor and Chief Minister maintain their coalition by appointing influential individuals, including Keys and Rectors to Cabinet posts.

The Cabinet

The Cabinet of The United Duchies is made up of the heads of the executive ministries of the government. The members of the Cabinet are either independent or dependent. Independent Ministers are those individuals selected who are not members of the Grand Chamber, while Dependent Ministers are members of the Grand Chamber. The Royal Ministers, The Marshals, the State Secretary, and the Royal Steward are always independent. The present Cabinet Consists of:

  • The Chief Minister - Speaker of the Grand Chamber, primarily spends his/her time to maintain the coalition, schedule votes for new bills, and assign committees.
  • The Outer Minister - Head of the Outer Ministry, or the foreign ministry of the United Duchies chief diplomat of the nation and Privy Council Member
  • The Inner Minister - Head of the Inner Ministry, in charge of commerce.
  • The Minister of Trade-Head of the Department of Trade
  • Humant Secretary - Head of human services including welfare employment, and health care
  • The Great Lord - Primarily the head of all joint services bureaucracy in the military forces
  • The Naval Marshal - Head of all Naval and Marine Forces of the United Duchies
  • The Militia Marshal - Head of all Militia Forces of the United Duchies
  • Service Lord- Head of both the International Intelligence Services and the Internal Security Section
  • The State Secretary - Heads up the Office of Justice
  • The State Steward - Head of the Treasury
  • The Royal Steward- Head of the Royal Treasury

The Privy Council

The Privy Council acts as the security council of the United Duchies. It is tasked with advising the Monarch on matters of national and international security. The membership of the Privy Council is:

  • The Monarch,
  • The Outer Minister,
  • The Naval Marshal,
  • The Militia Marshal,
  • The Service Lord,
  • The State Secretary,
  • The Chancellor
  • The Dean of the College of Peers

In general the Privy Council powers include:

  • Appoint Royal Ambassadors, and the State Secretary with advice and consent of the Grand Chamber
  • Approve appointments of The Royal Envoy, the Naval Marshal and the Royal Steward

The Judiciary

The Monarch and the Star Chamber

The head of the Judicial Branch of the United Duchies is the Monarch. The Monarch is Chief Tribune of the Star Chamber. The Grand Duke (or Duchess) is also Head of State. His (or her) formal tiles are

Grand Duke of Alcona, Hubris, and Cawahaba, Duke of Zithril, Protector of the Outer Islands and the Marches, Grand Puma of the Oompa

The highest court in the United Duchies is the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber is both the last court of appeal but also advises the Grand Duke on use of the Royal Veto for constitutional matters and laws. The members of the Star Chamber consist of Tribunes selected for life and The Monarch. There are two types of Tribunes, those seated and those standing. The six seated Tribunes are those who actually have a seat in the court and are members of the decision making body. The six seated Tribunes are selected by the Monarch to sit in judgment with them. The standing members are those Tribunes who have been appointed by the Chancellor but not selected by the Monarch. Traditionally there have been only eight Tribunes at any given time. Although in 1845 Chancellor Varmac appointed almost twenty Tribunes. The standing Tribunes tend to be selected for running special courts and other duties

The Lower Courts

The lower Offices of the Judiciary are also appointed by the Chancellor. However, if the vacancies within the courts are not filled within six months of their vacancy, the Monarch has the right to fill the position with an individual of his choice. Further this seat becomes known as a Royal Prerogative and must have royal approval of any individual to fill a future vacancy. Presently there are only five Royal Prerogatives in existence.


The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch consists of a Unicameral legislature body, The Grand Chamber and a constitutional assembly, the College of Peers.

The Grand Chamber

The Legislative body of the United Duchies is the unicameral Grand Chamber. The body is made up of two tiers of representatives. At the general teir are the Keys, either General or Parish. Each parish, county, barony, or landsrade elects a Parish Key for a parliamentary session that may last as long as seven years. General Keys are geographically proportioned to each Duchy based on a population census made every twenty years. The General Keys are directly elected for each Duchy. The second teir are the Rectors who represent the Peer of the realm in the College of Peers. They are elected for six year terms. The break-up of the body is 2/3 Keys, 1/3 Rectors.

The head of the Grand Chamber is the Cheif Minister who schedules votes, appoints Keys and Rectors to committee's, and answers questions of the Grand Chamber on Government Policy.

The Grand Chamber is elected every seven years or sooner upon disbanding of the previous Grand Chamber.

Disbanding of the Chamber occurs upon either upon the arrival of the Parliamentary Session's seventh anniversery, or:

  • After being adjourned for six months by the Chancellor, His Grace may disband the Chamber and call for new Keys to be selected.
  • A vote of Confidence fails in the Cheif Minister, In general this leads to the Keys requesting that the Monarch disband the Chamber
  • The Chief Minister requests the Disbanding of the Chamber

It should be noted that the Disbanding of the Chamber is the perogative of the Monarch. It has been known that the Monarch may refuse a request or place it under consideration.

The last refusal was made soon after the September Plot, when the Government, fresh from crushing the attempt of the Socialist Hubris Government to overthrow the Monarchy asked to call elections. The Monarch, Grand Duke Otto II refused. Approximatly six weeks later the story was broken that several key members of the Government in the Chambers had used false testimony from the September Plotters to start a smear campgain against powerful members of the Opposition. The Government collapsed in what was known as the October Scandal.

The College of Peers

The College of Peers consists of those individuals who are of ‘Rank such that they shall be considered of the Grace’s stature and have been invited by him to sit and elect the Dean of the College’. In practice, this is all living members of the Peerage. The College is led by the Dean, who is also tasked with maintaining family records, hereditary symbols of the Peers, supervising the Sheriffs, and arbitrating all points of honor. The College of Peers elects 1/3 of the Rectors every two years and elects Sheriffs and the Dean every four years. The College considers and votes on any constitutional amendments presented to them after being voted on by the populace. The body also elects one Klatchian Key every three years. It also advises and consents to the Duke’s choice for Klatchian Elector.

The Sheriffs are primarily tasked with being arbiters of honor between the Peers, Adel, and Freeman.

Major Political parties

Independence Party The Party of National Independence (PNI)- Conservative

Grand Duchy Party The Grand Alliance Party (GAP) -Moderate/Conservative

Union Party The Klatchian Union Party (KUP) - Centrist

Democratic Party The Party of Alconian Democracy (PAD) - Moderate/Liberal

Progressives The Progressive Party (PP)- Liberal (very anti-military)

Republicans The Party for a New Republic (PNR) -Libertarian/Republican

The Alliance The Alconian Alliance of Independents (AAI) -Less a political party than a service orginization helping independent canidates

The Socialists The Hubarian Socialist Party (HSP) -Socialsits, primarily die hards of Hubris

The Communists The Klatchian Communist Party (KCP) Communists, front for the Cheka in The United Duchies

The Nationalists The Party of Chawabian Nationalists (PCN) -Ultra Conservative

Political/Economic/Social Classes

There are three basic levels in the class structure of Alconaian Society. After the Union of 1984 this also began to form within Hubarian Society.

Vaux

The Lowest Level, in most respects considered almost a resident worker. Limited rights the Vaux are the remnant of a peasent class. Many are from the nearby nation of Teran Sphere

Political Power: Allowed to vote in local and County elections. They are not allowed to vote for either members of the Great Chamber or any other national office.

Socio-Ecomomic Role: Usually the people in the lowest paying jobs with little education. Most are either first or second generation immigrant families. It should be noted that they are actually given a reduction in the flat tax rate.

Freemen

The largest portion of the population. These are ordinary citizens however, the mandatory presence in the militia for those age 18-52 makes them a very large armed mob. The group is subdivided based on economics into three sub groups: Commoner, Gentry, Knights


Political Power: The citizens represent themselves by electing the Keys to the Great Chamber, and the Chancellor. All have to pay the general flat tax rate and serve in the militia or a comparable endeavors. Many serve within the armed forces, military, government and in high elected positions.


Socio-Economic:
Commoner The general term for those who live and work and are full citizens

Gentry The term for the landed upper class who hold their land directly from the Royal Family but are not knighted or Peers.

Knights These are individuals who have shown greatness in advancing the intrests of the nation or the royal family. Note the Military Orders such as that of the Blue Cross and the higher Order of St. George get the owner a reduction in the levied tax rate.

Nobles

The small class that many find ‘ruling’ the country. The nobility is broken up along the lines of political power. Although most are considered ‘wealthy’ most titled men can easily become ‘poor’ while retaining their political power

Baronets: The lowest of the nobles, they represent hereditary knighthoods and are awarded to families of distiction that haven’t quite made the list to be elevated to a peer. In many ways three knighthoods in five generations is usually seen as the rule of thumb to be elevated to a baronet.

The Adel

The ‘Titled’ families of the Relm who do not have any real political power beyond that of commoners. Typically they hold some of their lands in freehold. As such these lands can not be attainted by Royal Displeasure. Most Adel can trace their titles to the pre-conquest Outer Islands rulers or to being pre-Unification nobility of Cawahaba

Common Adel titles include

  • Lord
  • Count
  • Laithe
  • Prince(This title is usually used by Adel in revolt and is seen as an affront to the Grand Duke)

The Peers

The titled men and women who have been selected to serve the nation by being members of the College of Peers. Usually this is because said individual has gained enough clout that the government feels they should be more duty bound to their fellow citizens. As such Peers are only allowed to vote within The College of Peers for the offices of Rectors, the Dean of the College, and the Sheriffs. Any member of the College of Peers may address the Grand Chamber during debates as is their right. Some are also acting heads of their Parish. In General the titles held by the Peerage include:

  • Baron - Baroness
  • Vicount - Lady
  • Thane - Lady
  • Earl - Countess
  • Landgrave/Stradtgrave - Landgravine/Stradtgravine
The Wormal-The titles which refer to people given lifetime appointments to positions

Important Reference Texts

International Organisations

Famous Individuals


Formerly member of:

External links