The Government

There are several levels of government in the GBE.

The Emperor
The Emperor is the head of state. He controls the empire's fleets and armies. He also has the final word on all policies on both internal and external matters.

The new Emperor is elected by the senate from the great houses upon the death of the previous emperor.

The Council
The council deals with important empire wide internal matters and also conducts the war council which concerns (obviously) matters of war.

The council consists of the leaders of the great houses. The great houses are the currently most powerful and influential houses in the GBE.

The Senate
The senate is a body of officials that preside over the day to day running of external affairs.

The senate are selected by the great houses. Each great house chooses 3 of their vassals to represent them on the senate.

The Lords
Each lord controls a portion of land. They decide matters of local importance and those of importance to their vassals.

Separation of powers and constitution within the GBE
Powers of the senate:

1. Passing legislation and enacting new law

2. Veto powers using supermajorities (66.6r%) to block imperial edicts temporarily

3. To raise an army following an imperial edict

4. To propose imperial legislation

5. To declare war on a house, lord, empire, or other entity.

Powers of the Inquisition:

1. To carry out trials

2. To investigate heresy and demand evidence of heresy from any member (barring the chaplain, the emperor, and the emperor's personal retinue)

3. To demand excommunication of anyone against whom a charge of heresy can be delivered

4. To declare a holy war (to which any house who desires to defend the whim of the church may pledge their levy).

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