Minister of Historical Research
The position was established by majority vote of the Senate in Autumn 377.
Responsibilities
The purpose of the minister is to authorize research requests, freeing the Imperial Senate from the need to assess each request directly.
Power
The Minister of Historical Research is an Imperial title appointed by the Senate.
Historical Research
The minister has the power to authorize historical research requests. Each request costs 5 Thrones. The civil service is able to process up to two research requests in total per season - research requests authorized by the Senate, the minister or the Advisor on the Vallorn all count against this limit. The results of the research are compiled by the civil service then presented to the minister.
To use this power, the Minister provides an announcement to the Civil Service, who present the decision to the Imperial Senate. No voting is possible by the Senate at this point, as the power has been delegated to the Minister. The Imperial Synod may, however, choose to exercise their veto over the minister's decision.
Prior to the murderous events of 379YE, the civil service was able to perform more research commissions each season; the loss of so many experienced researchers significantly curtailed their ability to perform scholastic study.
Selection
This title is appointed during the Autumn Equinox. The minister is appointed by the Imperial Senate.
Any Imperial character may hold the title.
Removal
The minister can be revoked by the General Assembly and the Assembly of Nine of the Imperial Synod.
Research
A record of some of the research that has been carried out by the Minister can be found here