In 1946, in compliance with the accords signed by the leaders of Morada and the British occupationists, the Island leaders set about to establish a democratic system of government. The island of Morada was divided into seven vicinages, or districts. The territory of each was determined by the population density, and the last adjustment of vicinage boundaries was made as a result of the 1980 census (appendix A). A Governor was elected by the members of each vicinage, by a duly democratic process. During this initial election period, the voting was done by all citizens who felt the desire to do so. In 1980, however, registration became required to have the 'right' to vote.

The rules of Governorship are at once simple and profound. A Governor has absolute authority in his vicinage, and absolute responsibility for its well-being. These two basic tenets have never changed. As the supreme administrator for an area, the Governor appoints staff members, and senior officials to deal with the mundane business matters, and to head up specialty operations such as schools, maintenance, parks, etc. He may also levy taxes for the building and maintaining of public buildings in his vicinage, and for any special projects they feel the area needs. The tenure of a Governor is primarily decided by his local popularity, and political savvy. As most of the vicinages have twenty thousand people (give or take), politics is based primarily on personality, and the potential benefits a candidate could bring to the neighborhood. Affiliations to a particular ideology or special interest do not necessarily equate with gaining votes. Charismatic leaders often manage to win their vicinage and stay in office, strictly due to charm and influence (as long as the people in the area do not have their trust abused and are not particularly inconvenienced in their daily lives). A Governor holds office until he is voted out, retires or dies. There is no maximum term.

The seven Governors sit in a body known as the Assembly of Governors, or simply -- the Assembly. Together they meet to discuss problems that concern Morada as a whole, or difficulties and business that encompass multiple vicinages. During one of the first meetings of the Assembly, the Governors appointed one of their group as Prime Minister -- someone who would be responsible for leading the general meetings and following through on agendas, and who could deal directly with the King, if circumstances should warrant it. The Prime Minister's tenure is based on how long he can keep his basic governorship, or until the balance of the other Governors rest against him and he is relieved of office by the Assembly due to a 'no confidence' vote. With such a small number of voting personages in the Assembly, cooperation is a key factor. The swaying of a Governor's vote can have major ramifications in the passing or failing of legislation. It is not uncommon (though hardly discussed) to have one person of a certain viewpoint, 'influence' another individual's stand by the giving of gifts, donations of money, or the more subtle (and often persuasive) method of threats and blackmail. In several instances (as long as the individuals do not get caught by their peers) the view of "what ever works" is acceptable political practice. It is yet to be determined just how far this Machiavellian concept has trickled down into the governmental structure. Several citizens believe that their Vicinage was 'won' by a Governor who 'bought' his way into the office.

Although Morada's government has no true 'Party System' there are certain ideals and ideologies that have shown themselves to be prevalent during the last twenty years. Theoretically, the governors vote as need (or their conscience) dictates and hold no real affiliations with the rest of the Assembly. In practice, they end up voting as will support others who think in like ways, and therefore create a divided Assembly on most matters. The two main divisions at this time are the Progressives and the Traditionalists. The Progressives tend towards modernization of the island, increasing trade, and bringing in more American and European businesses as a way of boosting the economy. The Traditionalists would like to keep the island small, self-sustaining, and to hold to the cultures and ways of the past. These are very broad ideals, and it is not uncommon for a Governor to vote strictly Traditional on one issue then take a more Progressive stance on another. Overlapping these two main affiliations are the Isolationists, the Moderates, the Environmentalists, the Socialists, etc.

At the time this system was set up, King Matthew I sat upon the Moradian throne. He was wise and loved by almost everyone on the island -- truly a popular leader. With the advent of the vicinages and the Governors, his rule became more of a titular one, though he still commanded a great deal of support from the people at large. The first Governors did well to stay on the right side of the King, if they wanted to keep their offices.

One power that the Moradian King still possesses is the ability to call for general elections. The king may, at any time, announce that elections are to be held. This announcement must come a minimum of 3 months before scheduling the actual election. At such time, all vicinages must hold elections for Governor. The incumbent Governor may run, and in many cases runs unopposed, but at this time any citizen may be nominated for office simply by gaining 100 signatures on a Petition for Nomination.

In addition, the King or any of the Governors may call for Vote of Confidence in the Assembly. There are two forms that such a vote may take. If the Vote of Confidence is directed at the Prime Minister (PM), then the Governors must either confirm the current PM, or vote "no confidence". A simple majority vote of no confidence serves to oust the PM, and the Assembly must elect a new one. The second form of the Vote of Confidence is directed against a specific Governor. As with the first, a simple majority vote in the Assembly is enough to either confirm or oust a Governor. If an individual Governor is ousted, then the king has the option of calling an election in that specific vicinage or calling for general elections in all vicinages. This is a powerful political tool. When the king publicly calls for a Vote of Confidence against a specific Governor, that usually signals the end of that Governor's career. The Governors use Votes of Confidence against the PM as means of political in-fighting. However, the Governors seldom call for votes of confidence against other specific Governors without royal support because such a vote gives the king an excuse to call a general election.

The Assembly may enact laws and regulations in keeping with the precepts of the Moradian constitution. Constitutional laws and regulations must be ratified by the king. If the king vetoes a law or regulation that has been passed by the Assembly, then the matter must go before a general referendum, and the citizens of Morada vote on the specific issue. If a law passes by referendum vote, then it is enacted. In the reverse, royal decrees must be ratified by the Assembly to be enacted. If a royal decree is defeated in the Assembly, then the king may choose to put the matter before the people in a referendum vote. Referendum votes on royal decrees are usually accompanied by general elections. Such are the dangers of voting against the king.

Along with the administration of their respective Vicinages, the Governors are also responsible for the management of various 'portfolios', and are thereby known as Ministers of that portfolio. An example would be the Governor of Vicinage 3 who has been made responsible for the 'defense' of Morada, and it's internal security. Therefore, he is the Minister of National Security. Each appointment to a ministry is approved by the Assembly as a whole (this approval also extends to the ministries without portfolio that are assigned by the King for special projects).

The position of Royal Steward is a unique factor in Moradian government. The Royal Steward is appointed by the king, and is responsible for the direction and management of the royal properties and resources. This includes the management of many of the city services and several of the public utilities, which are held as Royal Corporations. Not all public utilities fall under the Royal Steward. Most utilities that were formed after the advent of the Assembly fall under the Minister of Transportation and Development, and some utilities and public services are managed at the individual vicinage level. There is constant pressure on the king to nationalize utilities and services held by the Royal Corporation. This is slowly happening as the king is forced to make political concessions.

King Matthew II
Born Matthew Alvarez, he became king of Morada upon his father's death in 1982. Although popular, he is less intelligent than his father, and none of the old king's political savvy. He tends to be impulsive, easily coerced, and given to pet projects that never see completion. He has a bad habit of appointing his friends and well-wishers to the Royal staff, and to various special ministries, without consideration for the suitability of such appointments. Still, he is rather kind, and definitely not malicious, and he has a certain 'jet setting' flair that gives him some renown with the citizens of the island. Many feel that since the King is still young, 37, he will grow out of these tendencies as he matures. He is considered a 'Progressive' in policy, and his newest pet project is a monorail system designed to circumnavigate the island. This, he hopes, will bring in more tourists, and perhaps more of the American and European trade (although how this is to be accomplished, King Matthew isn't quite sure). One project of his that has been successful is the University. As far as facilities and faculty go, it is superior to any in the geographic area, and brings in students who would other wise never have looked at Morada as a possible locale for education.

Phillipe Gaume - The King's Steward
The King's Steward, Minister for Protocol of the King's Retinue. Phillippe Gaum (or Monsieur, as he prefers to be called) has been with the King's household since he was twenty years old. Blessed with an eye for detail, and a head for figures, he was quickly appointed to the position of Royal Accountant. Unfortunately, such a position did not satisfy young Phillippe and he maneuvered himself into a position where, whenever the post became available, he would be the natural choice for King's Steward. Having worked in that capacity for several years, he is beginning to wonder if he can deal with the Monarch's phenomenal idiocy much longer. As King's Steward, Monsieur Gaum has the responsibility for the public aspects of the city of Cape Marassas (this includes utilities, minor city offices and appointments, city sales tax, parks and recreation, etc.). He also is the Minister for Protocol -- an empty function, in his opinion, as the King has no protocol himself. Phillippe aspires to the time when the King will depend on him alone for advice on political questions, and then he will be able to take control over almost every aspect of life on Morada. Given his natural abilities and his age (41), he may very well live to attain his goal. Time is on his side, even if the King isn't.

Francoise "Lyre" Cafaro - Minister of Commerce and Labor
Minister of Commerce and Labor, Governor Vicinage 7. Born to parents of mixed Carib and African decent, Francoise learned at an early age that prejudices founded by the Spanish and French have not totally died away in Morada. While clinging the traditions of the island's 'native peoples', she sought to overcome those prejudices with education and political activism. Through the gift of a wealthy 'friend' she was able to afford a university education. Spurning the island's University, she selected Harvard and was admitted to their pre-law program. After the money ran out, she supported herself through singing. Her voice became renowned through out the music world for its clarity and tone, and if she chose, Ms. Cafaro could have made it her livelihood. It was during these university years that she acquired her nickname, Lyre, but her love was for law, and for her people in Morada. She missed the rituals, the community, and the magic that was a part of daily life in the Reserve. After passing the bar, she returned to Morada to fight for her peoples rights (in what ever capacity was needed). Francoise is politically a die-hard Traditionalist and an Isolationist. She feels that an increase in tourism and foreign money would sabotage the Island's self-sufficiency, and turn her people back into nothing more than "slaves for the ignorant Europeans." She has run unopposed for the Governorship fifteen times since she first took office. The King's dislike of Ms. Cafaro is well known, and he has called her vicinage for elections more than any other on the island. Most of the Governors who disagree with Ms. Cafaro's viewpoints keep their opposition subtle and leave personalities out of it. There is still a rumor flying concerning the death of one of her more vocal (and insulting) opponents. After a particularly horrendous (by most everyone's standards) legislative session, the man ended up dead of no apparent causes. Locals whispered that voodoo was the reason, but were careful not to lay the blame on Francoise Cafaro's doorstep.

Eric Morris - Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Governor Vicinage 4. Mr. Morris is unique in the Assembly, as he is the only member who is of straight British decent. Exceedingly well educated, of quiet demeanor and unemotional temperament, Mr. Morris has a natural flair for seeing to the heart of a matter and finding solutions that fit his own agenda. After teaching PoliSci and History for twenty-three years at Morada's University, he made his debut into the politics of the island and quickly moved up the ranks in his home vicinage. Three years ago, he became Governor, and was confirmed as Minister of Foreign Affairs. As a "Progressive" he uses all his skills in furthering the goals of the main 'businesses' with in the vicinage -- the Hospital, and the University. Opponents of Mr. Morris's policies say that he only has an eye on what is good for the upper class, and has no real concerns for those in the lower income bracket. His past voting record bears out this accusation out to some extent.

Richard de Chabineaux - Minister of Transportation and Development
Minister of Transportation and Development, Governor Vicinage 2. Originally a Moderate, Mr. de Chabineux has been successfully wooed by the King's associates, and is now an out and out Progressive. Although young, he is neither reckless nor impulsive, and is willing to wait for the right moment before launching any actions. Obsessed by power, de Chabineux will make alliances as he feels is necessary to promote what ever scheme is afoot, including under-the-table payoffs to prominent leaders in other vicinages. Some of his constituents feel that this makes him unreliable, but others see his machinations as benefiting the island as a whole. In reality, everything Richard plans is for his own benefit, but as he is clever enough to understand his power base, he does very little to harm the people, who's good will keeps him in office. He is hoping that sometime in the not so distant future, their support will no longer be necessary, and he will be able to pursue his ambitions regardless of policy.

Maria Alverez - Minster of Health, Education and Welfare
Minister of Health, Education and Welfare, Governor Vicinage 1. Mrs. Alvarez (cousin-in-law to the King) wishes she had never taken her husband's last name when she got married. She feels that being an 'Alvarez' is a disadvantage when your milieu is Moradian politics. Having run for Governor on a dare from her husband -- who told her to stop complaining and do something about the problems she saw -- she was astonished to find herself in the Assembly at the start of the winter session two years ago. With no previous experience in legislation, save that of running a household of seven, Mrs. Alvarez governs by instinct and common sense. She actively seeks her constituents' advice and council, and makes decisions based on that information. For this reason, her voting tends to be erratic at times, and the information that she possesses is often incorrect or incomplete. Viewed as a "Moderate" by the others in the Assembly, Governor Alvarez insists that she has no true affiliations, and votes as she feels the need. One thing is for sure, she rarely sides with her cousin, the King, and wishes that his idiotic behavior wouldn't reflect so badly on the rest of the family.

Roberto Gomez - Minister of National Security
Minister of National Security, Governor Vicinage 3. Mr. Gomez is an observer. He watches everything. Previously a strategist for the Moradian Army (all five hundred of them), he has taken covert operations to heart. Some say this makes him a natural for dealing with matters of Internal Security, but others, more inclined to be uneasy about being spied upon, say that Roberto Gomez is a dangerous man. Most of his constituents are puzzled as to how he came to be their Governor, but few are willing to call him to account. His voting record is Moderate to Traditionalist, and he very rarely opposes any proposed legislation by arguing about it. He simply casts his vote and lets others pick up the pieces.

Nuito Slesin - Minister of Science and Energy
Ministry of Science and Energy, Governor Vicinage 6. Mr. Slesin is the eldest of the Assembly members. At 68 years of age, he is trying to decide if this will be his last session, and if he should learn how to deep sea fish. As the Governor for his Vicinage for the last 17 years, he feels that he has more than done his civic duty. Wise and witty, there is not one member of the Assembly that does not appreciate his humor, even if they do not care for his voting record. Nuito is a strong believer in improving the technology on the Island, and feels that Morada will suffer in the eyes of other countries (US, Canada and Europe) if it does not do so. Cautiously 'Progressive' in his voting, he even endorses the King's attempts to build a light rail system, although his reasons for wanting it built are quite different.

Luce "The Iceman" Berthelot - Prime Minister
Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Governor Vicinage 5. Mr. Berthelot's ancestors were French noblemen who came to Morada in the 1700s and increased their already sizable fortunes with trade and sugarcane. These facts were learned early by Luce, and never forgotten. Living still on the family plantation, he is considered by all of Morada to be a true Gentleman. Known as much for his icy reserve as for his French suits, he has been known to make the King tremble with only a cool stare. It is an established fact in most people's minds that Luce Berthelot cares only about money and what it can buy -- whether this is true or not is known only to Mr. Berthelot. Quietly Moderate to Progressive, his actions as PM have been flawless, if inscrutable. Considered the most desirable man to have at diplomatic functions (if only for his good looks and breeding), Luce Berthelot is in the eye of every matchmaking, materialistic mother ever to have a daughter of marriageable age.