Republic Senate
Sarna News
Republic Senate | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Organization Profile | |
| Type | legislative body |
| Dissolved | 8 April 3135[1] |
| Parent Organization | Republic of the Sphere |
The Republic Senate was a body of thirty to forty individuals that oversaw the political aspects of the federal government.
The Senate dealt with any issues that cross Prefecture boundaries and served as an oversight committee for all Governors, making sure the power of that office was not abused. From three to four Senators were elected by the citizens of each Prefecture. Those individuals were always from the nobility, except on Clan populated worlds, where a Trial of Position was taken. A Senator would serve until he was voted out. Even Knights of the Sphere could be elected to the Senate, but on those instances, the Knight must gave up all his powers and responsibilities within the Knights of the Sphere for the duration of his term. Once this Knight leaves the Senate, and provided he passed the required tests, he could reenter the Knights of the Sphere.[2]
Though the name of the Republic would seem to imply that the Senate would be a very powerful institution, it was not. The Senate's powers were largely advisory. Each world sent two noble representatives to Geneva.
Devlin Stone wanted to break down the barriers that shielded the nation's leader from his or her people. This meant getting rid of the hereditary nobility. Stone, however, realized that he needed their support to make the Republic work. He created the Senate to appeal to the nobility, but gave it and them no real power. The Senate attempted a long-term power play that was discovered by the Paladins in 3134. In response, newly elected Exarch Jonah Levin dissolved the Senate.
In retaliation, the senators rebelled against the Republic, trying to seize the control and capture the other heads of state of all states in the Inner Sphere, who were on Terra to assist the Funeral of Victor, but they failed. Defeated repeatedly, they eventually formed their own state: the Senate Alliance.
References[edit]
Bibliography[edit]
- The Scorpion Jar (novel)
- Sword of Sedition (novel)