Template:Senate Structure

Senate Structure
Senate
The Senate is a fully populated legislative body, that meets within the Curia of Agyr, whos authority is derived from the old Imperial office. The Senate devises and disseminates the laws of the Republic, representing the interests of every citizen in the domain. Every feature of the Senate operation, from the system of debate that initiates legal change to the formalized posture and gesture of their public speakers, is an evolved melding of past and future.
Elections
Members of the Senate are elected from the Patrician class whenever the Senate decides there is an opening. The vote is equally weighted which means fundamentally the more numerous Patricians will choose who takes a vacant seat. Crucially once a member is elevated to the Senate they hold the office for life, unless they manage to upset enough Patricians and Senators to have a vote to remove them. As a result the Senate has considerable freedom to press authority over the Patricians, without fear of loss in office.
Consilium
Matters brought before the Senate are debated for one week, called Consilium. The debate is open to all members of the Republic in good standing, meaning Patricians. This legislative and executive authority extends to all aspects of life within the Republic, indeed nothing is beyond the Senate's authority as it's power is derived from the Imperial office. The lower strata who are curious can loiter about the Forum outside while Equites speakers retell the events that transpire. Most Senate debates are ad hoc affairs with Senators offering comments and thoughts as it strikes them leading to a final vote or Conventus, on the weekend. However if the debate is particularly lively or contentious Orators may be called to represent the various positions.
Orators
Orators are rare, and only arise when a particular Consilium has become heated or deadlocked. If called upon by the Consul vocal volunteers from among the Senate are invited to take the role of Orator, but if none step forward one will be appointed. They are expected to advocate for a possible solution accurately even if they do not personally agree with the matter. Orators take turns making an initial statement about their position. They may then offer one rebutel for each opponent. Finally the matter is put to a vote at Conventus.
Conventus
The end of the debate sees a three day voting period called Conventus. Stretching over the weekend Senators are invited to vote publicly for their preferred solution to each matter raised during the week's debate. The majority rules. If there are Orators, Senators are expected to stand beside their chosen position, signalling their conviction. Failure to vote is marked as abstaining, which is acceptable, but if one makes a habit of avoiding responsibility one rarely keeps the office for long.
Dereliction of Duty
The only way for a Senator to lose their seat is to be brought up on charges of 'Dereliction of Duty'. This serious crime means the senator has failed to comment during any Consilium for a month solid. It is a rare charge, only brought up occasionally, usually by ambitious Patricians eyeing the seat and rival Senators eager to remove an opponent.
Forum Publicus
The Forum is for anyone interested in government that either doesn't want to make decisions, wasn't able to acquire a Senate position, or is just curious. Most things the Senate discusses actually takes place in the Forum so that all patricians (that want to) can listen and make comments. No matter what advice is provided by the Patricians in the Forum, in the end it is the Senate that decides what happens.