Politics and Government of Zahava

Administrative Divisions
The Empire is divided primarily into three separate political layers.

The Polis- a village, town, or city government

The Segmentum- This represents the government at a provincial level certain laws enacted at the Segmentum level will only pertain to citizens who reside within that territory and do not affect neighboring regions

The Imperium- Consists of the other two subdivisions, any edict or law passed at an imperial level must be obeyed and enforced through all levels of government

Primogenitor
The Primogenitor, seen as a living divine being, and ruling with divine authority and as the nations chief religious figure ensures the Primogenitor has ultimate authority in policy- and decision-making. The Primogenitor's position however is not unassailable and relies heavily on maintaining good relationships with the ruling class hierarchy, which are often used to hold key offices as administrators and appointed as other government officials. Additionally the Primogenitor relies on religious leaders, primarily in order to assure that their designated successor will be deemed a decedent of Zahavarius and thus eligible for the throne.

While there is no official mechanism to remove a Primogenitor outside of assassination or open rebellion, it is possible for the religious leadership to declare an exceptionally unpopular Primogenitor as corrupted by forces of the underworld, thus making their rule, and that of their successors invalid. After being labeled corrupt a Primogenitor would either have to choose to resign, or typically prepare for civil war.

Indeed the most practical source of the Primogenitor's power and authority comes from the fact that all soldiers of the Imperium swear oaths of loyalty to the Primogenitor and to them alone, this military backing makes the prospect of removing a Primogenitor extremely slim, and throughout history was only done when significant military support could be swayed towards a person deemed more desirable

In order to ensure the continued support of all the necessary factions Primogenitors often relied on an informal, and unofficial body of advisors called the Rhetai,typically this council would consist of other Imperial family members, members of the religious and upper class, and mid to high ranking members of the armed forces and occasionally a distinguished lower class individual or two. The Rhetai had many duties but primarily served as a means for the Primogenitor to canvas the mood and sentiments of the various power blocs in the Zahavan government.

Synedrion


The Imperialis Synedrion, or Imperial Senate

Citizenship
Imperial citizenship is a privileged political and legal status afforded to free individuals with respect to laws, property, and governance. Citizens are afforded many rights and privileges not extended to non citizens, and especially those whom have had their citizenship revoked do not have. Among these are the right to run for, and vote in elections, the right to hold, buy, and sell property, and full legal protections under the law as well as exemption from certain taxes and other requirements.

Citizenship could be attained via several ways, to be born to both parents whom were citizens, born to one citizen and one non citizen where the citizen is the mother, through military service or in defense of the Imperium or Imperial family. Citizenship could be bestowed upon entire populations by Imperial decree, this method was often used as a means to promote integration of newly conquered territories historically. Joining and successfully completing the process to become a member of a Zahavan religious order and acceptance of the Zahavan faith is also a path to citizenship.

Citizenship could be revoked for committing a number of crimes such as treason, or attempts at harming members of the Imperial government, or family

Rehati
The Rehati is the Primogenitor's Small Council, headed by the right-hand figure of the empire, the Rehatiarch. The Rehati was an unofficial body and had no set size, and any person regardless of station or wealth could be appointed to the council by the Primogenitor for any reason, likewise an individual regardless of rank or station could removed from the council for any reason.

Typically the Rehati consisted of Imperial family members, members of the noble classes, and religious leaders and military commanders. Its primary purpose is to advise the Primogenitor and act as the eyes and ears for them, and on occasions act as agents to carry out missions the Primogenitor themselves would be unable to do. With the exception of the Primaris Rehatiarch, membership of the Rehati is unknown, this allows its members to carry out their missions quietly or to uncover information persons would not be so forthcoming with had they known whom they were speaking to.

Primaris Rehatiarch
The Primaris Rehatiarch, literally meaning "The right hand" or "the prime hand" and commonly referred to simply as Rehatiarch is the head of the Rehati, and is often a direct relative of the current Primogenitor such as a brother or sister and are typically considered heir apparent to the throne until the current Primogenitor has a child. The Rehatiarch is designated as they are permitted to wear a crown, with the Imperial diadem removed.

Imperialis Administratum
The Administratum are government ministries and departments that oversee the implementation and regulation of imperial policy.

Megas Magistros
The Megas Magistros serves as the head of the Magistros Council, which in turn is made up of the heads of each of the various Administratum. The Megas Magistros is chosen by the Primogenitor and is often also a member of the Rehati.

Judicatum
As with the standard political divisions the Imperium's legal system is also broken up into tiers. At a polis, segmentum, and finally imperial level. In addition to being split among levels at the political subdivisions courts are further divided between civil and criminal cases and special courts for the interpetation of religious based offenses.

Each court may have cases appealed to the next tier higher court, which may then issue a ruling. Ultimately the Imperialis Judicatum, which consists of a panel of seven judges, appointed by the Primogenitor will have final say on a case, the exception being criminal cases where the defendant may face the death penalty. The convicted can then appeal directly to the Primogenitor themselves for mercy.