Government of Lyubov
The ruling house of Gilead is lead by Living Saint (tzaddik) who functions as
both the religious and secular leader of the government. Through long tradition,
genuine belief and well-inculcated values, the Tsar Tzaddik is typically a
genuine, albeit extremely focused, philanthropist who works to insure the safety
and well being of his subjects.
The government is not particularly heavy-handed as social mores are enforced by policies of indoctrination, self-policing, and following the Tsar Tzaddik's example to prime virtues. The stories of the Tsar Tzaddik and his predecessors are published in comic format and the virtues of the ruling houses are extolled daily in the state run media. It is also taught in the form of children's stories and popular entertainment.
Law is a matter of tradition rather than legislation, as a result there is no legislative branch of government. The application of the law is in the hands of a Supreme Judicial Council whose 71 members are appointed for life by the Tsar Tzaddik. There is a advisory council to the Tsar Tzaddik, which lacks any law making ability but can offer advice and forms the leadership of the civil service executive. This council, the Douma, is composed of two tiers. The upper house is called the Senate and is composed of the Boyars of the minor houses of Lyubov, the lower house is called the Burgesses and is comprised of leading citizens of the world. There are 70 members of the Senate, the number of Burgesses is not fixed as the Tsar or the Boyars can appoint members.
Concern for others, charitable giving, and public works are primary virtues. Those failing to live up to this society's high standards are pitied... and re-educated. There are half-way houses for those trying to work their way back into society, maintained at government expense. Extensive state-sponsored charities provide for medical care, housing subsidies, food subsidies and education. Taxes are relatively high, but by and large the citizenry support the status quo as the standard of living is also high.
Criminal justice tends to be restitutive rather than retributive. Thieves are required to repay their victims twice what they stole rather than be incarcerated. Those who cannot pay are forced into indentured servitude (either to the victim or to the state) to repay their debts. Assaults are punished by flogging and by restitution to the victim for injuries caused. Murder, rape, kidnapping, slaving, heresy, blasphemy and treason are all punished by death. Two witnesses to the actual crime are required for a conviction. While the legal system is simple, judges have some (but not unlimited) latitude in its application. A great deal of genuine justice is dispensed in the courts of Lyubov.
There are few limits on emigration, immigration is more strictly regulated. Immigrants are required to learn the language, laws and legal system prior to being granted permanent resident status. Residents can become citizens after a seven year residency and passing certain civil and religious tests.
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