Captain-General of the Free Worlds League
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The rank of Captain-General held by the head of state of the Free Worlds League and commander-in-chief of the Free Worlds League Military.
Since 2271 the holder of the rank is usually granted title of Duke of Atreus.[1]
History
Before the formation of the Star League in 2571, the Captain-Generalcy was a purely military post, appointed by the Free Worlds parliament in times of crisis to prosecute war or mobilize a defense. With the formation of the Star League, the office began to include diplomatic responsibilities.
Due to the Succession Wars, the office underwent major changes. With the onset of the First Succession War the office de facto became a permanent office with the passing of Resolution 288, which enabled the Captain-General to stay in power "for the duration of the emergency".
Lacking a precise definition of "the emergency", it became a hereditary office and slowly but surely accumulated increasing powers and responsibilities. In fact, the power of the Captain-General has waxed and waned since the onset of the Succession Wars.
Still when compared with the other Successor States the Free Worlds League has a rather decentralized and relatively weak government. Much to the frustration of many Captains-General there are certain limits to their authority and powers.
The Home Defense Act in particular made them unable to command the provincial military units without the approval of the provincial leaders and the support of the parliament. The Addendum to the Incorporation, passed by Thomas Marik, eventually solved this particular problem.[2]