Sacred Assembly
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Politics of Latium |
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The Sacred Assembly (Latin: sacrum consistorium) is the highest political council in Latium. Along with the College of Praetors it is considered a key body within the Latin government. It is chaired by the Latin monarch, or the Master of Offices in his absence.
Meetings
The assembly is a key source of advice for the monarch, with the members deliberating about political and administrative decisions. It's high status and direct involvement with the emperor afford members great influence with the monarch and in the governance of the state.
Meetings take place weekly or whenever necessitated by circumstance or the monarch's desire. The site of most meetings is the XXXX Room at the Palace of Augustus, in Palatine, Castellum ab Alba. Since the reign of Empress Diana Augusta, Palatium Supranio, in Adrianople has served host to meetings on occasion.
Composition
The assembly's powers and membership vary from emperor to emperor. The Master of Offices, Master of Soldiers, Quastor of the Palace, Count of the Sacred Chamber or Imperial Chamberlain, and the two treasury offices of Count of the Sacred Largesses and Count of the Private Fortune are ex offico members of the assembly. Often times the monarch appoints additional councilors who may hold other positions in government. Members that hold no other role in government are considered Counts in the aid of Council (Comes consistoriani ). Appointment to the assembly affords one the style and rank of "The Glorious" (vir gloriosus), though members of the ex offico members are styled "The Illustrious (Vir illustris). The Prince of Youth, or heir presumptive, is regularly appointed to the assembly upon reaching the age of majority.
The Great Officers of State (Vir illustris) are traditional ministers of the Monarch who are appointed to exercise court functions and powers in concert with the government.
Members are appointed by the monarch and may be dismissed at his or her discretion with no notice. Offices that carry membership can and do become vacant, which may require the designation of an acting member; however, there is little practical distinction between a full time appointed member and an acting or interim councilor. Responsibilities of members may vary, with ex offico members most often serving as the executive leader of a government ministry or agency.
Current membership
As of January 2020, the current membership is as follows:
Office | Member | Appointed | Duties | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Great Officers of State (Vir illustris) | ||||
Master of Offices Magister Officorum |
HIH The Duke of Ossonoba | 12 January 2018 | Also known as Imperial Chancellor; Leads and directs the Council, chief advisor, directs civil service, and responsible for conducting court ceremonies | |
Master of Soldiers Magister Militum |
Flavius Vipsanius | 21 September 2016 | The Monarch's chief military advisor; also serves as General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces | |
Quaestor of the Palace Quaestor sacri palatii |
Sergius Acilius IA | 27 February 2016 | Advising on all legal aspects; oversees Legal Bureau | |
Count of the Private Fortune Comes rerum privatarum |
Laurentius Verrucosus | 16 January 2017 | Oversees the Imperial purse; Responsible for the Monarch's personal estate and finances; office held by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Roma. Sits on Treasury Board. | |
Count of the Sacred Largesses Comes sacrarum largitionum |
The Lady Lupeia | 1 March 2016 | Responsible for economic and financial matters; oversees the Treasury Bureau. Sits on Treasury Board. | |
Count of the Sacred Chamber Comes sacri cubiculi |
The Duke Pinarius | 9 March 2017 | Responsible for the Monarch's household; Also Master of Horse | |
Praetorian Prefect Praefectus praetorio |
John Santella | 18 November 2005 | Responsible for the Monarch's security; commander of the Praetorian Guard | |
Master of the Seal Magister sigillum |
The Duke Claudius | 17 April 2005 | Responsible for the Monarch's personal seal | |
Lord Admiral Dominus praefectus classis |
HIH The Duke of Beroea | 12 February 2007 | Chief officer of the Imperial Navy; head of the Naval Board | |
Extraordinary appointees | ||||
Aide-in-Council | File:MarsellaAtmos2.jpg | HIM The Dowager Empress | 22 November 2016 | Additional appointee to the Council |
Aide-in-Council | HIH The Duke of Alba | 1 June 2018 | Additional appointee to the Council | |
Aide-in-Council | Theodotus Cosconius | 2 January 2018 | Additional appointee to the Council | |
Aide-in-Council | Valentia Verrucosa | 21 October 2018 | Additional appointee to the Council |