Political System

The **political system of the Principality of Saalenia** describes itself as a constitutional monarchy and is described by political scientists as a hybrid of aristocracy and democracy, which existed particularly in the German-speaking countries of the 19th century. Striking is the matriarchy, which is quite unique in the world.

## Executive Power

### Princess

The Princess of Saalenia (Fürstin von Saalenien) is the head of state, head of government and supreme commander of the principality. Structurally as well as medially, she takes on the role of the central political figure. According to the constitution, the matriarch of the noble house of Sarania is always entitled to the office, a position which is inherited. Thus, Saalenia automatically becomes a hereditary monarchy. The heir is always the first daughter of the incumbent princess; if a princess has no female successor, a more distantly related member of the noble house is appointed. People who are not female are not permitted to exercise the office of Princess.

The current Princess is Katharina II, her full title is:

*Katharina die Zweite, von Gayas Gnaden Fürstin von Saalenien, Matriarchin des Hauses Saranien, Premierministerin des Kronrates, Junkerin des Westlandgutes, Oberbefehlshaberin der fürstlichen Streikräfte.*

(Katharina the Second, Princess of Saalenia by the Grace of Gaya, Matriarch of the House of Sarania, Prime Minister of the Privy Council, Esquire of the West Manor, and Commander-in-Chief of the Princely Armed Forces.)

As the head of state of Saalenia, the princess holds the highest office in the state. She makes treaties on behalf of the Principality, which must be ratified by the Congress of the Realm; it sends - with the consent of the Congress - diplomats from the Principality and officially receives envoys from other states.

The Princess has the right to pardon. It can both pardon convicted criminals and grant a pardon before a verdict is passed. The acceptance of the pardon by the accused counts as an admission of guilt.

### Privy Council

The princess is also the head of government of the principality: she leads the Pivy Council she has appointed.
In addition, the Princess has a "small council" consisting of direct advisors. However, this has no direct constitutional task and is to be separated from the Privy Council.

The princess has complete directive authority in the crown council, as she can dismiss a minister at any time. From time to time the Princess has to report to Parliament on the state of the nation.

In addition to the Princess, the Crown Council consists of the Crown Ministers, each of whom is responsible for a ministry. Thus, the executive in Saalenia is organized in a completely aristocratic manner. Although not required by the constitution, it is traditional for ministerial posts to be filled by nobles and by party affiliation, so you have potential support in parliament.

## Legislative Power

### Congress of the Realm

The Congress of the Realm (German: *Reichskongress,* in Saalenian slang *Reiko*) is the lower house of parliament and the center of the legislature in Saalenia. It consists of one hundred seats elected by proportional representation with party lists in a free, equal and secret ballot. According to the constitution, all women over the age of sixteen are entitled to vote. According to modern gender typification, this therefore cotains everybody of the gender class as one. This also applies to the passive right to vote, but this is from the age of eighteen.

### Congress of the Cities

The Congress of the Cities (German: *Städtekongress*, in Saalenian slang *Stako*) represents the upper house of the Saalenian Parliament. All twelve cities of the Principality each send one representative who is elected by a majority vote of all women aged 16 and over who are residents of the respective city. Places that do not have city rights are excluded according to the constitution. The eligibility criteria are the same as for the Congress of the Realm. Every time a bill passes the Congress of the Realm, it still has to be voted on by the Congress of the Cities. However, the latter has no right of initiative.

## Judical Power

### Constitutional Court

The Saalenian Constitutional Court is also the supreme court. Its main task is to check the existing laws for constitutionality as soon as this is enforced. It also determines which political movements, organizations and individuals are observed by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The Presidium consists of nine judges, three of whom are appointed by Parliament, three by the Princess and three by the regional courts.