Regime Structure

'*The Lettonian Regime **is the governing body of the Empire of Lettonia and serves in the executive, legislative and judicial functions to keep the state running as smoothly as it does. While by no means a*** **democratic *state (It considers itself a semi-constitutional monarchy), Lettonia does have a multitude of* democratic *institutions, most of which were long established, but only formalized in the 2012 constitution. Please note, that '*regime** in Lettonian Latin means 'government' and so regime is the word chosen to reflect on all governments.

For example: "The leader of the Tennemagman Regime is Archduchess Mariana Theodosia,"

The Regime is different from most other world governments, as it does not have three branches of government-rather it has seven branches which are as follows:

* Executive
* Legislative
* Judicial
* Treasury
* Elections
* Supervisory/Advisory/Ombudsman
* Civil Service/Examination

Each of these branches have a mixture of publicly elected officials, and officials appointed by the monarch and sovereign. The Lettonian Regime does not employ the typical checks and balances, as the executive branch has the ability to veto and shut down all other branches of regime if they-

"Step out of line, and do not perform their duties righteously or competently, by the atonement of the Gods and their scripture," -Imperator Varus (2012)

## Executive Branch

The Executive Branch is the smallest branch of government, containing only sixty individuals.

### The Monarch/Sovereign

It consists of the sovereign, or monarch, and as of 2017, this office is filled by Imperatrix Vesuvia Sabiniana Caesar, Heir to Caesar, Heir to the Augustii. This position is hereditary in all regards, and no one of non-royal blood can ascend to the Imperial Throne. There is an exception in the constitution, regarding the rare event in which the royal family is removed from the picture (See the 1984 Civil War).

### Imperiale Concilium

The rest of the branch consists of the Imperiale Concilium (Imperial Council), which consists of Her Imperial Majesty, the twenty-six princes and princes of the twenty-six provinces (ironically they are all directly related to HIM), the twenty-six governors of the provinces, the governor-generals of the Commonwealth nations and the *Dictator Perpetuo* (More on him later). The Concilium will meet in the Imperial Capital of Vindelicorum in the Capitoline Territorum once per month to discuss current issues facing the Empire, the provinces, and the Commonwealth. However, of course, the governor-generals are merely there out of courtesy in most cases, as Lettonia exerts no authority except in ceremony over Tennemagma and Osrhoene. The same cannot be said for Batavia, Cilicia, Illuro and Nebula Insula, which are vassals in all but name.

## Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch consists of a unicameral legislation, the Imperiale Parlamentum (Imperial Parliament) as well as various other committees.

### Imperiale Parlamentum

The Imperiale Parlamentum is the unicameral imperial legislation, which is based in Vindelicorum. Established in 1910, it remained effectively powerless, and at the mercy of the executive branch until the 1988 constitution granted it considerable power of the legislative process. Each of the twenty-six provinces has 25 Quaestors, one for each district within the province as there are strictly 25 per province. There are 650 Quaestors in total. General elections are held in February every four years in which the public elects Quaestors, consuls and dictators. There are six currently established political parties:

#### Political Parties

* **The Caesarians (Or 'Those Loyal to Caesar')** was established in 1987, and is the primary supporter of the monarchy, and their plans both domestically and foreign. Has held a majority in Parlamentum since 1990. The party aims to simply keep things the way things are, supports Montanusian Conservatism. It has a mixed records of successes and failures, and their popularity very much depends on the popularity of the monarch they throw their support behind. Caesarian candidates who obtain an endorsement from the monarch are almost always guaranteed a victory.
* **Moderatus-Conservati (Moderate-Conservatives)** was established in 1914, and has remained a dominant political party since its inception, often remaining the second or third most popular party. They constantly clash with the Foederatis, though remain neutral towards the Caesarians. This party supports bringing more power away from the monarch, and to the people, though still allowing the monarch comfortable amounts of executive power. The MC has successfully passed numerous historic legislation such as lifting the ban on contraception, sexual education for high schoolers and middle schoolers (1996) allowing homosexual couples to engage in civil unions (2020), women to serve in the Legion (1964), women the right to vote (1988). However, they suffered setbacks in trying to fully legalize gay marriage (2019) and recognizing transgender individuals (2016), this latter one is notorious for being absolutely annihilated in Parlamentum, as even the majority of the MC wasn't onboard with this, and the proposal was shot down in a **612-38** vote.
* **Foederatis (Fascists)** have been established since 1916, and are considered the worst of the worst. Blatantly racist, fascistic and violent, their rhetoric has led to backlash from all other parties, and regularly unites all other parties against them. However, this wasn't always the case, in fact, the Foederatis held the government majority from 1954 to 1982, though their reputation was sent into the toilet after the devastating Lettonian Invasion of Verdeu (1971-1982), and then the Foederati Coup in 1984 was thought to doom them forever, as the original party was suspended indefinitely in 1985. However, it was re-established in 2008, claiming to be representing new ideals and new beliefs which will better suit Lettonia. Of course, anyone with more than half a functioning brain knows this is a flat-out lie-even Dave knows this to be true, however, the Foederatis have been growing their support base once again, especially in Arcadia and Tingitania.
* **Populares-Optimati (Popular-Optimates/Republicans)** are another old political party, formerly known as the National Republican Front from its inception in 1921 to 1979, this is an extremely unpopular party in the majority of the public, as their goal is simple: Abolish the monarchy. Establish a proper parliamentary or democratic republic (either in their eyes are fine) with a PO party majority. They are more closely aligned as centrists, and most party officials are merely united by their dislike of the monarchy and the Caesarians. Their planned foreign policy is all over the place, the party is always facing internal unrest, and they barely budge on their seats, and rarely gain any. They are often considered the 'Angry drunks of politics'.
* **The Union of Technocrats** is the local technocratic party of Lettonia, inspired by the so-called 'success' of the nation of Orvos. The party is very left leaning, thus is unpopular, and often colludes with the Liberal Progressives and the Populares-Optimati. The party is also unpopular because it suggests that only people above a certain intelligence quotient should hold government office and or vote on policy. The leaders of the UOT are known to spit out aggressive rhetoric against those citizens who are 'less academically gifted' then themselves.
* **The Liberal Progressives** are Lettonia's newest political party, and have done surprisingly well for themselves despite the social and cultural climate in Lettonia. At least for a while, they fit the bill with the bill with the MC's type of policy making, just on the moderate-left rather than the moderate-right. However, between 2018 and 2022 they lost a lot of favor with the wider public as their political objectives became increasingly aggressive towards traditionalism and conservatism, and less willing to work with other parties to achieve their goals. Their attempt to legalize abortion in 2021 united not only Parlamentum, but most of the nation against them, and they lost a lot of voters with this objective as seen in the 2022 elections.

Political Situation in 2014.Political Situation in 2018.Political Situation in 2022.
#### Consuls

Consuls are the chosen party leader by the people, to represent their parties objectives and goals in the Parlamentum. Consuls are expected to cross party lines to achieve what needs to be done, for what is best for the people. The Consulary Committee is a monthly assembly of these consuls to attempt to establish a working united order. Each general election, the consuls clash for the position of *Dictator Temporalis*.

#### Dictators

There are two dictators within the structure of the Lettonian Regime. *Dictator Temporalis* and *Dictator Perpetuo*.

##### Dictator Temporalis

*Dictator Temporalis* is the head consul who wins out over the other consuls in the General Election. He is the Head of Government (HoG) and serves as the leader of the Parlamentum. Usually he has some affiliation with the leading party in Parlamentum (Caesarians or MC's) but this isn't always the case. This dictator may only serve for one four year term, and is prohibited by law from obtaining a second term, or from running for a second term.

##### Dictator Perpetuo

The *Dictator Perpetuo* is the sovereign's man in government, who advocates on her behalf, is firmly in her pocket, and is considered an equal part of both the executive and legislative branch. He serves for life, hence his title, and is appointed by the sovereign. His power is second only to the sovereign, even if that is not a close comparison.

## Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch is the system of the judicature within the Empire. There are a number of subdivisions to this branch of the regime. They follow a hierarchy of authority and command, with each branch requiring to follow the administration of the level preceding it.

### Imperial Tribunal

This court is the equivalent of most nations supreme court, staffed by twelve justices of varying political beliefs, most of course being conservative. A justice for the Tribunal is appointed directly by the monarch, and put right into the position, no hearings applied or necessary. All Tribunal justices serve for life, though special permissions can be established if a justice is unable to complete or follow through on their duty.

### Provincial Courts

Provincial courts are the equivalent of state level courts. Cases that involve manners of the province, but not the imperial regime, are to be conducted in this manner. If need be, these cases can be elevated to the national level, though this is not recommended, as to keep the system suffering from blockade and disrepair.

### District Level Courts

Equivalent to county level courts, these courts are for minor misdemeanors (speeding, shoplifting, drunk driving) more than anything. Most serious crimes are immediately lifted from district level to provincial level.

## Treasury Branch

The Treasury Branch controls the Regime's funds and deploys it where necessary. The Minister of Finance is appointed by the sovereign every ten years, unless conditions prove necessary to invoke removal or a new appointment. The Treasury answers only to the executive branch, which means a new social program or infrastructure project passed by the legislature needs approval by the monarch if it requires funds. Then it gets transferred to the Treasury, which allots the necessary funds for the project.

The Treasury collects annual taxes from the citizenry, and each year on January 1, presents a formal and detailed economic report on the financial situation of the Empire, including what should be cut, increase funding and so forth. Banks are managed by the Treasury, keeping detailed records on all financial institutions in the Empire's territories.

NOTE: The Treasury does not manage the royal family's personal wealth, that task falls to personally appointed advisors.

## Electorate

The Electorate manages General Elections and everything about them. The regulate and approve campaign ads, verify candidates, ensure that each candidate is fit to run, both morally, culturally and mentally. The Electorate registers new voters, running background checks, and ensuring newly registering voters are allowed to vote by law. They provide election security, establish voting sites in all locations, from the provincial to the local level. They collude with local authorities to ensure there is no fraudulent activity in these elections.

After election day has concluded, the electorate will meet and spend the next two weeks, on a strict deadline, counting each and every vote, ensuring every voice is heard. They check each ballot to make sure there is no fraud, no voices overturned by those with harmful agendas. The electorate will then gather these votes and by March 1 of the year, will announce the results of the general elections.

## Supervisory/Advisory/Ombudsman

The typical duties of an ombudsman are to investigate complaints and attempt to resolve them, usually through recommendations (binding or not) or mediation. Ombudsmen sometimes also aim to identify systemic issues leading to poor service or breaches of people's rights. The ombudsman branch cracks down on government corruption, or those thought to be corrupt. They work hand in hand with the Treasury. Corruption is not tolerated within the Regime, and is considered a lowly and borderline treasonous crime. This branch of government also works to ensure human rights are fully protected within the law of the land, and work to fight for workers rights and often clash with those who dare to think they are above the law.

## Civil Service/Examination

This branch of government is responsible for executing civil services and examining to ensure civil servants are fit for the job. The branch also establishes government committees and keeps strict oversight over these committees. The Examination is key to ensure the right people are in the right places of regime, so that they may do the best job to keep the Empire functioning as well as it does.