The Government of Venice
Venice is unique among the realms of Europe in that she is not mired in despotism. Her government is the envy of the world, a strong and orderly republic proven capable of withstanding any political upheaval. The oligarchic republic makes no pretense at democracy, but does allow all its citizens opportunites for civic service and the wealth and splendor of the city make it apparent to all that the goverment works for the best interest of the citizens of the Republic.
il Doge - Duke of Venice
The Duke is the Head of State of Venice, but he rules only by the grace of the people represented by the grand council, and the
promisione which is signed upon his accession to the Ducal Throne and severely limits his powers. He is elected [insert election procedure here]. The Doge is highly monitored by the Council of Ten and his circle of advisors, The Signoria. His main responsibility is in state ceremonial, the receival of foreign dignitaries, and in marshalling the armed forces of Venice in times of crisis. Still the Doge is to be respected by all and while not above the law his words are listened to with creedence and he holds no mean influence over the affairs of state.
-Antonio Veniero
The Minor Consiglio - Signoria
6 councillors to the doge these men are the primary braintrust of the Republic. They, along with the Doge set in on all meetings of the Council of Ten and their presence is felt in all aspects of government. In the Doge's absence a majority of the Signoria can execute the Ducal authority, and without their approval the Doge is powerless to act. They are the ultimate check against autocracy in the state. Unlike the Doge though they are not elected for life, and as such their influence was limited to their annual term.
The Collegio
Effectively the operators of the government overseeing the execution of the laws and policies of the state. The collegion consists of six
Savii Grandi selected by the Doge and ratified by the Great Council. There are three Ministers of War,
Savii da Terra Firma and three Ministers of Marine and Finance,
Savii agli Ordini. The majority of the Republics laws were initiated by the needs and knowledge of this body. The chairmanship of the body is rotated between the members each week, and the chairman serves effectively as the Prime Minister of Venice.
The Council of Ten
Established 10 July 1310, "to preserve the liberty and peace of the subjects of the Republic and to proect them from the abuses of personal power," by decree of the Great Council, as a temporary measure to calm the unrest following the revolt of Bajamonte Tiepolo against Doge Pietro Gradenigo. The body was continually voted to remain in existence and now functinons permanently both de facto and de jure. It is the vital decision making body of the Republic's government, and consists of ten elected officials who serve terms of six months. Three of the ten are chosen on a monthly basis as Capi to guide the council. These three are restricted to the Doge's palace during their term to avoid corruption. The Council of Ten must always meet in the presence of the Doge and his Signoria, so effectively it is a body of 17 and its discussions range on all matters concerning state security both externally and internally. Still it must follow the proper channels of legislation and is subject to the constitution of the Republic despite its sometimes sinister reputation.
The Pregadi - "Senate"
Officially a body of 120 men, elected from the Maggior Consiglio, whose primary responsibility was the legislation of the state. Here the laws born in the Signoria, Council of Ten, or otherwise were debated, molded, and finally passed in to law. This body also contains many of the cities most notable citizens and influential men who are allowed set in on sessions due to their prestige and wisdom and provide their valuable insight.
Maggior Consiglio - The Great Council
The great base of the oligarchic pyramid of Venice the enormous Great Council, from which the legitimacy and authority of the Republic derived consists of approximately 1,500 of the noble citizens of Venice. The Maggior Consiglios primary duties are election of the Pregadi, The Council of Ten, and ratification of the Doge's selections to the Minor Consiglio. This greaty body is also the originator of much of the law debated in the Pregadi and all of its members are free to have audience with the Doge, and express their opinions on matters of state. While the executive arms of the Republic could pursue war for emergency matters the ability to fully mobilize the state for war and to raise funds belongs to the Maggior Consiglio.
The Sala del Maggior Consiglio - Chamber of the Great Council
Factions at Court
The Doge's Faction
The Doge's faction is headed by the elected Doge, and supported by his family and agents, as well as many like minded families within the city. Their ideology is largely in favor of maritime trade and expansion, to the detriment of the landed nobility and mainland expansion. They believe that the roots of Venice are at sea and by maintaining her dominance there her people are best served. At present the newly elected Doge is wildly popular and enjoys the respect of his peers, but in the calculating environment of the Venetian Republic one wrong move can often change matters drastically.
Political Stance
Opposed to mainland expansion
Greatly favor protectionism
Oppose crusade
Favor the Roman Pontiff
Favor cooperation with the Turk
Influence in the Republic
60% influence with the people
60% influence in the Signoria
50% influence in the Grand Council
The Foscari Faction
The main opposition to the Doge's faction is a group of noble city families headed by the Ca' Foscari. The Foscari family is immensely wealthy and has a long history of influence and the city which allow it to wield great infleunce over their constituents. There stance on issues is largely mysterious as they seek to leverage everything to their best advantage at any time, seeking ultimately the Doge's throne and control of the Republic.
Political Stance
Neutral to mainland expansion
Favor protectionism
Oppose crusade
Favor the Roman Pontiff
Neutral to cooperation with the Turk
Influence in the Republic
25% influence with the people
20% influence in the Signoria
30% influence in the Grand Council
The Landed Nobility Faction
The landed nobility are a small portion of the ruling class of Venice and in general run opposite to the families of the city, but their power, and importance of defenders of Venice's small, but essential Italian land holdings makes them less than negligible. They care little, and understand less of the trade that is the lifeblood of Venice and are hawkish for war and expansion on the mainland and favour crusade against the Republics most crucial Islamic trade partners.
Political Stance
Greatly favor mainland expansion
Neutral to protectionism
Favor crusade
Favor the Roman Pontiff
Vehemently oppose cooperation with the Turk
Influence in the Republic
5% influence with the people
10% influence in the Signoria
10% influence in the Grand Council
The Merchant Houses Faction
The merchant houses faction is made up of the many rich merchant families of Venice that have never broken into the "Golden Book" and seats on the great council. They are men of great wealth who have overtime lost more and more power to the state but still wield great influence from their wealth and tend to support the Doge, so long as he favours trade. The interests of this portion of the Republic have no real leader but act in union and through clandestine meetings.
Political Stance
Opposed to mainland expansion
Greatly favor protectionism
Oppose crusade
Favor the Roman Pontiff
Greatly favor cooperation with the Turk
Influence in the Republic
10% influence with the people
10% influence in the Signoria
10% influence in the Grand Council