10.1 THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF CITIES
A city is ruled, first and foremost, by a ruling council. These council members can have different names, such as Archon, Vizier, or Regent. HELP <city> will show you what the ruling council name for that city is. In order to become a member of the ruling council (which normally have five members), you must contest an existing member in an election, and triumph in the election. HELP ELECTIONS will give you detailed information about elections and referendums. Out of the ruling council members, one member, who must be approved by every council member but one, becomes the leader of that city. The leader can have various names, such as Overseer in Ashtan, Dawnlord in Targossas, or Seneschal in Hashan. That leader then enjoys immunity from electoral challenges from the populace. The leader of the ruling council then may appoint people to the heads of five different ministries, and each of these ministers may appoint aides. These are: Ministry of the Ambassador Responsible for new citizens (old and new) Responsible for city guides Ministry of Defence Responsible for the Army and all hostile excursions, tanks, and war. Responsible for the security of the city, guards, enemies, crimes. Responsible for city improvements and the font. Includes the Admiral, who is responsible for the city fleet. Ministry of Interior Responsible for the city shops. Responsible for the subdivision. Responsible for trade, warehouses, and commodities. Treasurer Responsible for the city coffers. Responsible for all finances and fund allocations. Ministry of Cultural Affairs Responsible for the arena. Responsible for special events within the city. So, in summary: The people elect the ruling council. The ruling council selects one of their number to be the leader. The leader appoints people to the five ministries. The ministers appoint aides to assist them in the day to day. Further help on the various ministries may be found under section 10.4 (Ministries).