The Head of State
The Grand Duchy of Frostbite Falls is an absolute monarchy with Grand Duke Ponsonby Britt serving as the nation's head of state and head of government. He is vested with sole power to draft and enact laws, appoint officials, and negotiate treaties. While the people have no formal voice in the nation, he does pay close attention to public opinion and consults frequently with an array of advisers on various matters affecting the realm. To this end he employs both the Inner Circle and Outer Circle of Government to determine what is best for the nation and its people.
The Inner Circle of Government
The Inner Circle is a group of advisers to the Grand Duke, usually comprising between 8-15 members. They are appointed by the Grand Duke to advise him on a wide range of issues affecting the nation. Members are formally invited to join the Inner Circle (an honor rarely declined) and collect a salary as agents of the administration. Their relative closeness to the Grand Duke and their ability to influence various matters of policy and legislation makes them a powerful entity. They typically hold separate positions of power within the administration or in the private sector, but have no additional governmental authority as members. Though they serve at his leisure and can be dismissed from service at any time, it is usually the members themselves who decide when to leave the Circle by resigning from the position that brought them into the Circle in the first place.
Meetings of the Inner Circle almost always occur in Grand Duke's personal library at Abominable Manor. This is primarily done to preserve the royal residence as the seat of government and to maintain the concept that his ministers come to him. Meetings of the Inner Circle are a relatively informal affair and attended solely by the members of the Circle.
Meetings of the Inner Circle almost always occur in Grand Duke's personal library at Abominable Manor. This is primarily done to preserve the royal residence as the seat of government and to maintain the concept that his ministers come to him. Meetings of the Inner Circle are a relatively informal affair and attended solely by the members of the Circle.
The Outer Circle of Government
The Outer Circle of Government is an informal assortment of ducal advisers. They are typically individuals who advise the Grand Duke on a specific issue for which they are uniquely qualified. Membership in the Outer Circle is usually for a short duration, though the counsel of certain members is sought regularly. In similar fashion with the Inner Circle, the members of the Outer Circle do have the ability to influence the political agenda and legislation, but their power is limited to their area of expertise.
Members of the Outer Circle are rarely invited to the royal residence in their capacity as such. While it is important to impart a mystique of power and grandeur, one must not forget that without the people there is no realm. To this end he believes that it is important to go out among his subjects and consider their views. Seeking the advice of those who are knowledgeable regarding certain issues and situations enables him to make informed decisions while monitoring the pulse of nation regarding various issues.
Members of the Outer Circle are rarely invited to the royal residence in their capacity as such. While it is important to impart a mystique of power and grandeur, one must not forget that without the people there is no realm. To this end he believes that it is important to go out among his subjects and consider their views. Seeking the advice of those who are knowledgeable regarding certain issues and situations enables him to make informed decisions while monitoring the pulse of nation regarding various issues.