Cardassia Primer

[Sorehl 0]

Attached is a conjectural diagram of the current post-war Cardassian Government. (Yes, as Sorehl promised to provide Drankum at the recent state dinner.) In keeping with the Aegis history, this government is the result of consolidation and upheaval, with a decentralized executive power and organizatoins added specifically to check and distribute power. This is all subject to further refinement and suggestion - it's provided as a help for those who want to delve into the complexities our diplomats will be dealing with. You can also just ignore it.

 

The

PRESIDIUM

is the main executive body of the Cardassian Union. Similar in nature to the Romulan Continuing Committee (Proconsulate), it is comprised of ten to fifteen senior officials from government organizations, appointed leaders, and an elected chairman known as the Castellan. This body is the primary instrument for foreign policy, but provides guidance and significant influence over domestic activities.

 

The

PREFECTURE

is responsible for executive and administrative functions. Each world in the Cardassian Union appoints a Prefect to this body - generally their planetary governor. In a departure from pre-war institutions, even members of the few non-Cardassian worlds can be represented. The Prefecture selects a Premier, who oversees administration of the various

MINISTRIES

and represents them on the Presidium. The Prefecture also appoints ministers to lead each major function. The Foreign Minister, Interior Minister, and Economic Minister currently sit on the Presidium, but this is fluid. The

LEGATION

, a smaller group representing what was formerly the Central Command, has been significantly demoted on the order of a military ministry. It is comprised of senior Legates, advising a single Marshall of the Cardassian Union. The

OBSIDIAN LEGION

is a ministry limited to external intelligence, given Cardassian wariness of its predecessor agency, and is led by a Director General.

 

The

DETAPA COUNCIL

is the primary legislative body, comprised of elected Detapas from throughout the Union. The council chair is known as the Chancellor and also sits on the Presidium. Detapas choose High Councilors from their ranks to lead various law-making committees. The

AUSPICE ASSEMBLY

exists specifically to review all proposed legislation and issue pre-emptory vetoes and revisions

before

laws are enacted. The Auspices represent an attempt to balance the needs of the State against the lives of common citizens of the Union. Auditors observe laws in practive and recommend additions or amendments to ensure executive or judicial restraint. The

REFERENDUM

is the public forum by which laws can be enacted or vetoed by specific citizen initiatives.

 

The

TRIBUNAL

is a radical change in Cardassian juridprudence, although it keeps many titles from the early system. The Chief Intercessor is the senior judge who nominates other Archons and convenes hearings for specific high-level cases. Conservators and Arbiters serve to defend and examine accused citizens, respectively.

Since their defeat in the Dominion War, the Cardassian government has shown instability, with internal plots and even assassination. The current form, however, seems to have balanced ambition between groups, introduced measured democratic principles, and succeeded with several projects. Whether it will continue to do so has yet to be seen.

Edited April 23, 2008 by Sorehl