Synedrion of Mesogeia

The Synedrion of the Mesogeian empire, commonly known internationally as the Mesogeian Parliament, domestically as Her Imperial Majesty's Synedrion or Parliament in Mesogeia. Informally known as the Tetra Parliament in reference to the four houses of the Synedrion. The Synedrion is the major legislative body in the empire of Mesogeia as well as its dependencies, and territories. The legislative body of Mesogeia is unique in that it is the only system that retains a four-house parliament.

The Synedrion of Mesogeia is tetracameral in nature, meaning that it consists of four houses, each of which represent a section of society, meeting together to attend to the empire's legislative system. The four houses of Parliament are: the Gerousia, the Magistan, the Chamber of Poleis, and the Chora Assembly.

The four houses of the Synedrion meet in the Palace of Magnaura in Alexandropolis. The two upper chambers of the Synedrion, the Gerousia and Magistan consist of appointed members from the highest echelons of Mesogeian society. While the 585 member Gerousia is composed of 330 hereditary nobles and 255 appointed members largely drawn from the southern provinces and holding their office for life; the 250 member Magistan is composed of members of the old faith, and nobles drawn from the northern provinces.

The two lower houses of the Synedrion; the 100 member Chamber of Poleis and the 687 member Chora Assembly are both chosen through general election. Originally the Chamber of Poleis was composed of wealthy Alcaenian commoners residing in the urban areas with wealth qualifications, it is presently composed of four members drawn from each of the twenty-two provinces in the empire for a total of eight-eight elected persons; as well as ten additional representatives selected by the regional kings to represent their interests, with the final two elected representives being chosen by the sovereign from the capital.

The 687 member Chora assembly is chosen from 687 constituencies corresponding to themes and municipalities. More populous provinces tend to hsve more themes which translates to more constituencies and more repressentatives. Historically until the passsage of election reforms in the early twentieth century, a seat in this house was based on property requirements and a persons family ancestry and longevity in a particular area.

By custom all members of the Mesogeian government, including the Imperial Mesazon are also members of Synedrion making them accountable to the houses of the parliament. While Mesogeia possesses an unwritten constitution, a partially democratically elected legislature, fundamental rights, and all the trappings of a democratic society it is in theory an autocratic monarchy with all power deriving from the sovereign as the fount of authority.

Composition

The Mesogeian legislature is unique in that it possesses a tetracameral legislature; meaning that four houses make up its Synedrion. The four houses of the Synedrion are the Gerousia, Magistan, Chamber of Poleis, and the Chora Assembly. Along with the sovereign, the four houses of the Synedrion make up the legislative authority in Mesogeia.

State Opening of the Synedrion

The Silention or state opening of the Synedrion (as it is called in English) refers to the annual event held every year at the start of the religious fasting period known as Lent. The Silention officially commences the yearly session of the Synedrion. Historically this event has taken place on the steps of the Magnaura Palace in a courtyard connecting the halls of the upper houses to the lower houses.

The term "Silention" refers to the Silentiarioi, who were responsible for maintaining order and silence during audiences and receptions.