Imperial title
Overview
The Imperial Senate has the ability to create new Imperial titles. Although an Imperial title may be appointed by the Imperial Synod, Military Council, Bourse or Conclave - only the Senate may create an Imperial title. Interpretation of the Imperial Constitution and long working practice of the Senate means have created a set of rules that define how titles are created.
Eligibility
Any Imperial citizen is eligible to be appointed to an Imperial title, but no citizen may hold two Imperial titles simultaneously. A title may be surrendered at any time, so a citizen who is elevated to two Imperial titles must immediately select which office they wish to hold. The most famous Imperial title is Empress (Emperor for a man or sometimes the Throne) but Senators, Cardinals, Generals, Archmages and Bourse seats are all Imperial titles.
Responsibilities
When an Imperial title is created, the Senate must decide what, if any, responsibilities the title caries. This is the duty that the holder of the title is expected to see to. Not all Imperial titles come with responsibilities, sinecures in particular do not usually carry any direct responsibility.
There is no legal requirement for the holder of an Imperial title to pursue the responsibilities of their title, but those who fail to do so may incur the displeasure of the Senate and risk revocation by the Synod.
Stipend
The Senate may allocate a stipend to support an Imperial title. This money is drawn directly from the Imperial treasury every season and given to the current holder of the title. Not all Imperial titles come with a stipend.
Like the responsibilities, there is no legal basis for judging whether or not a stipend has been used wisely; rather such matters are considered to be matters for the Synod to pass judgement upon.
Legal Authority
A title may be granted the legal authority to execute one or more powers of state. Powers of state are legal powers exercised by one or more of the five house of government. It is theoretically possible to grant the legal authority to exercise a power not possessed by any part of the Imperial government, but attempts to do so are rare as they are always constitutional matters.
For example, only the Senate has the legal authority to raise a new Imperial army. The Senate could create an Imperial title with the legal authority to raise new armies.
Although the responsibilities are also important, the nature of any legal authority granted is usually considered by magistrates to be the best indication for the most appropriate house to appoint an Imperial title. For example, magistrates would expect an Imperial title that possessed the legal authority to use the power of inquisition to be appointed by the Synod - since this power is wielded by the Synod. Attempts to create a Bourse appointed title with this power would normally be struck down as unconstitutional.
Duration
Most Imperial titles are permanent - once a permanent title has been created it remains in perpetuity unless removed by a Senate motion. The Senate may decide to limit the duration of a title if it includes a stipend or legal authority. The title endures for as long as defined by the motion - and then ceases to exist.
Term of Office
Lesser Imperial titles created by the Senate are normally arranged with tenure. Once elected, the holder of the title remains in place until they die, resign the position or are revoked by the Synod. Imperial titles can be created without tenure - the holder of the title must then be periodically reappointed. The magistrates will usually strike down as unconstitutional any attempt to limit the term of an Imperial title that has only minor powers or responsibilities - but will also strike down Imperial titles that have wide-ranging or significant legal authority and powers that do not require regular reappointment.
Limits on Imperial Titles
There are three permitted ways to limit the legal authority of an Imperial title - by territory, nation or Imperial House.
For example, a title might carry the responsibility to secure the defences of Holberg. This title could come with the legal authority to resupply League armies and repair fortifications in Holberg. The holder of this title would not be able to resupply other armies or fortify other regions.
It is not acceptable to limit a title in other ways. For instance, it is possible to create a title with the responsibility to support the welfare of the Church of the Little Mother, with the legal authority to authorize the construction of churches and cathedrals. But legal authority could not be constrained in any way so that only the Church of the Little Mother could benefit from the construction.
Appointment
The Senate must chose which of the five chambers will appoint an Imperial title, the Bourse, Conclave, Military Council, Senate or Synod. The title will be appointed by the normal political election mechanism for that house. Where appropriate, the Senate may vote whether to make a title Imperial or national. In rare cases the magistrates may strike down an attempt to make a title Imperial or national, if they feel it is not in accordance with the constitution.
For example, an Imperial title appointed by the Bourse is appointed by bid, the highest bid for the position is successful. A Varushkan Bourse title is appointed by vote of Varushkan mine owners.
For example, a national title appointed by the Senate is appointed by unanimous vote of the Senators for that nation. An Imperial title appointed by the Senate requires a two-thirds majority of Senate members voting to be successful.
Non-Imperial titles
It is perfectly possible for the Synod, Military Council or Conclave to request that the Senate create an Imperial title, but they cannot create titles themselves. It is still possible for these houses to create positions and appoint people to them - but without the legal backing of the Senate, these positions have no legal standing and do not count as Imperial titles.