Romulan Praetorate
The third branch is the fvillhaih (Praetorate), which serves as the executive and judicial branch. Originally, the fvillhaih consisted of twelve members, one from each continent on the Two Worlds, making it a small executive council. In recent times, it has grown to include one representative from each planet in the Star Empire, in addition to the original twelve.
Appointment to the fvillhaih is done through a regional election. As with the Upper Senate, seats, once attained, are for life. The fvillhaih cannot be voted out of office. Instead, when a sufficient number of a representative's constituents are dissatisfied with his performance, they will send him their swords. Such a suggestion cannot be ignored.
The fvillhaih combines executive and judicial functions. They set foreign policy, command the military, lead policy initiatives, appoint judges to courts, and settle constitutional questions and major legal disputes.
Shiar'Fvillha (Chief Praetor)
The Shiar'Fvillha is the selected head of the Praetorate, and as such is the chief executive of the Romulan Empire. The Shiar'Fvillha also oversees the Praetorate and leads the agenda.
The Shiar'Fvillha is an appointed position through a secret ballot within the Praetorate. The Shiar'Fvillha is always a Romulan from either ch'Rihan or ch'Havran. The current Shiar'Fvillha is Arrenhe t'Ahaefvthe.
Continuing Committee
Composed of the Praetor, the Proconsul, the Vice Proconsul, the chairmen of the 3 military branches (Galae, Tal Shiar, and Rei'Krannsu), and the top politicians (Consuls) of the political parties (coalitions), this committee serves as an executive board to determine policy. The committee is designed to foster compromise and agreement. Each branch reports on matters of importance. Any disagreements are or decisions are put to a vote after each side expresses its opinion. A simple majority vote settles the issue.
As with anything in Rihannsu politics, nothing is as simple as it appears. The military often sides with the Praetor, giving him/her a full bloc of votes in exchange for appointing certain admirals to the committee. The Senators on the committee are further pressured not to vote against the Praetor in the fear that they may be seen to obstruct a popular ruler. It is only behind the closed doors of the committee that anyone dares challenge the Praetor.
- To help foster agreement. The chairman of the committee is typically not the Praetor, Proconsul, or a consul from the ruling coalition.