The Council of Ten

"The Doge may be the face of the Republic. The Citizens may be its body. But we are its true rulers"

— Cicero di Regiano

Structure

The Council of Ten consists of Ten Councilors elected for life. The Councilors are elected by the remaining members of the council plus the Doge whenever a spot becomes vacant. In theory anyone could be appointed to the council, but seats have always been held by members of the Great Families of Apex. Councilors each have one vote. Proposals to the council require a simple majority to pass. In case of ties the Doge has the deciding vote. The Doge also chairs meetings of the Council.
The Council drafts laws that are then either accepted, or rejected by the Senate. The Council is in charge of tariffs and tolls. They also negotiate trade deals, and assist the Doge in the administration of the realm. The Council also serves as the highest law court of the Republic.
Families Currently on the Council Are:
1 - House di Maggio (Sefran di Maggio)
2 - House di Floranna (Julio di Florrana)
3 - di Pazini (Gerome di Pazini)
4 - di Silva (Lanz di Silva)
5 - di Marcuria (Marco di Mercuria)
6 - di Rossi (Paulus di Rossi)
7 - di Fontana (Flavius di Fontana)
8 - di Luca (Pino di Luca)
9 - House di Donato (Ezio di Donato)
10 - House di Valletta (Serenella di Valletta)

Public Agenda

The Council of Ten is the real power in Apex. As such their agenda is to enrich Apex, and enrich themselves. Not necessarily in that order.

Assets

The Council of Ten works out the Apex budget and allocates money to various decrees made by the Doge. These must be ratified by the senate. The members of the Council each possess significant personal resources which they often use for political purpose. Private and public assets and actions are very much mixed.

History

Founded in 1156 to work out the constitution of the experimental Apex Provincial Republic then under Ordering suzerainty. The Council quickly became a major institution in the republic, and worked to ensure total independence for the Republic. This was achieved after the battle of Driftwood. Deft Council diplomacy helped ensure the War That Never Was did not become an open war. Since then the Council has enjoyed much support.
Even though there are no formal barriers women had until recently never been elected to the Council of Ten. Even the war-hero Lucia di Valletta failed to win her father's seat after his death. However, when Doge Francessco di Valletta was elected he sponsored his sister Serenella to take his place on the council.

Libertatem praestat ceteris meliorem

Founding Date

1156

Type

Government, Leadership

Capital

Apex City

Alternative Names

The Great Council, The Ten, Council of Apex, The Powers That Be

Demonym

Councilor

Parent Organization

The Apex Republic

Location

Apex City