TorHavn's system of government is a modified form of enlightened absolutism (Danish: oplyst enev�lde), a system inspired by the Monarchic tradition of Denmark in the period from the mid-1700s to the 1840s.

The system draws its principal inspiration from this historical Monarchy, and from the political philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Charles-Louis de Secondat de Montesquieu. To a lesser extent, it is also inspired by other historical Monarchies, notably the British Monarchy of the 16th-19th centuries (we are reliably informed that the ancient kingdom of Sparta had a similar dual-monarchic system ... thank you once again, Corvinia!).

Fundamental to this system is the concept of a "social contract" (or, as we call it, a "pact") between Monarch and subject, whereby the subjects willingly hand over all legislative, executive, and judicial authority to the Monarch, who is then obligated to function as a "good Monarch", or forfeit his privilege.

In effect, the Monarch and the people are contractually obligated to each other by a common agreement, based in mutual honour and respect. In the Kingdom of TorHavn, to emphasize this "agreement," both Subject & Crown swear an equivicable parallel solemn oath to one another, in token of the respect & affection each feels for the other.

This system has little to do with the forms of absolutism which have prevailed elsewhere - for instance, at the court of King Louis XIV of France, whose famous utterance "L'etat - c'est moi!" ("The State is me!") defines the strictest form of absolutism, near-indistinguishable from outright despotism ("and we shall have none of that, thank you" -- Kasimir Diana, Regina).

Actually, the system of government in TorHavn can be described as a "Constitutional Monarchy without the Constitution." In fact, every citizen always has the option (and the right) to suggest & vote on any item of concern in his or her community (much like a "representative" democracy, except that the Co-Monarchs still has the penultimate ability to ratify or veto any proposed law, or issue Decrees as law without legislative review).

Also, although it is (of course) the aspiration of any sovereign to pass the Scepter & Crown to His or Her Heir, any Citizen may achieve the Crown, so long as he or she has the ability, the power and the heart to win through (as any true warrior may), to be acclaimed by the People. MENU

The Monarchy (the Crown) is invested with the legislative, executive, and judicial authority of the nation.

Portions of this authority may be delegated, as the Crown sees fit.

In the case of suits brought against the Co-Monarchs or resolution of petitions alleging malfeasance by the Co-Monarchs (either or both), the authority to judge the case must be delegated.

The Co-Monarch's ultimate obligation is to act in the best interests of the people primarily, and of Themself (either or both) secondarily.

If a subject presents a supplication to the Co-Monarchs, the Crown is obliged to respond to the petition as soon as possible, or to give a formal and public statement that a response is postponed. Such a statement must include a statement of when a response may be expected, and a reason for the postponement.

The Co-Monarch (or Their duly designated representatives) administers all public affairs in the Kingdom, including but not limited to the apportioning of titles and honours, approval or denial of petitions for naturalisation, foreign relations, legislative initiatives, and judicial process.

The Monarch has the right of clemency - he or she may choose to grant leniency to anyone convicted of a crime under the law. This right is not subject to petitions for judicial review - but a Monarch cannot grant clemency to him- or herself.

If a Monarch is convicted of a crime, he or she must petition the people for clemency (a referendum deciding the issue), and failing to achieve clemency, he or she must then abdicate. MENU

  3. The privileges and duties of the Citizen