Like the previous chapter, this one is by Mercy.

Government

Rodronian government is organized thus:

King or Queen

Royal Council {Advisers, Representatives}

Lords

City Council

The King or Queen is the highest ruler in the land. The ruler has the power to make any laws that do not contradict the Code of Thoritur (see below). The ruler of Rodron is head of the Royal Council, and throughout history power in Rodron, sometimes giving the ruler more and sometimes the council. The rule traditionally goes to the oldest child, whether male or female, but commonly a daughter has chosen not to take it for various reasons.

The Royal Council is next most powerful, (and sometimes equally powerful) with the ruler. The Council is made up of two parts, Advisers and Representatives.

About ninety percent of the Advisers are taken from the nobility, and ten from the common folk. The job of the advisers is to head various departments, give reports on them, and advise the ruler on matters pertaining to them. The commoners head the Nobles' department, and vice versa, keeping a healthy rivalry going. Advisers are chosen for life from various noble families and a few common families. About half are appointed by the ruler and half are elected by the rest of the council.

In contrast to the advisers, ninety percent of the Representatives are taken from the commoners and ten percent from the nobility. Commoner representatives are chosen yearly by each City Council and the nobility take turns. The job of representatives is to represent the various social groups of Rodron, and give advice on how to tax, etc., each group.

The Royal council together advise the ruler on different matters, approve spouses for the rulers, and look over laws submitted by the ruler to ensure they do not contradict the Code of Thoritur. They also are almost the highest court of appeal, and have the power to overturn a ruler's court decision if over two-thirds of the council members disagree.

The Nobility for the most part are land-owners, typically in charge of one or two villages. They carry out basic law enforcement in these areas, though if someone were passing through he would have the right to appeal to the nearest city or town's council for a trial.

City Councils are made up of elected officials, with a minimum of ten to the council. They rule over the towns and cities of Rodron, and ensure representation for the common people. They also deal with local law enforcement, and hold trials for crime. If the accused is not happy with the decision of a City Council, he has the right to appeal to the Royal Council, and then directly to the ruler.

List of Departments:

War/Army
Nobles'
Commoners'
Agriculture
Trade
Foreign Affairs
Treasury

The Code of Thoritur:

These laws shall apply to all men, from lowest to the greatest.

Do not curse the Ruler of all worlds
Do not curse your parents
Do not murder
Do not commit adultery
Do not steal
Do not lie under oath