Diarchy of Billopesha
- This article is about the diarchy of Billopesha. For information on the reigning diarchs, see Richard VI and Linya.
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| Style | His Lordship/Her Ladyship | ||||
| Motto | "Is est non quis vos utor tamen via ut vos utor is" (Latin) "It is not what you use, it is the way that you use it" | ||||
| Heirs apparent | Prince Ivan & Princess Mia (BC) | ||||
| History - Formation |
- 12 August 1971 | ||||
| First Sovereigns | Incumbents | ||||
| Billopesha |
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Judiciary
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The Diarchy of Billopesha (or historically, the Billopeshian monarchy) is a system of government in which two hereditary diarchs are the constitutional sovereign heads of state of Billopesha. While one diarch, given the title 'Grand Lord', must be male, the other, given the title 'Grand Lady', must be female and each, by law, share the powers of sovereignty.
The first and current diarchs, Grand Lord Richard VI and his wife Grand Lady Linya, reigned from August 12 1971 until the Billopeshian Revolution during which there was a republic and absolute monarchy and after which the couple were restored on October 14, 2007. An absolute monarchy had existed for the few centuries after independence in 1226 but the monarchial powers were gradually passed over to the Chancellor following the mid-17th century. Since the restoration, the diarchs are mainly ceremonial, official state representative figures, similar to other constitutional monarchs, but uniquely exercise considerable executive power as heads of The Crown and Commanders-in-Chief of the Billopeshian Territorial Force. They also appoint the Minister of Luck, which is approved by the Senate, and exercise limited power over the people on the advice of the Constitutional Council. Because of these powers, the diarchs can be deposed or "forced to abdicate" by an abdication vote by the Senate on grounds of a lack of funtionality if they themselves do not recogise it. It is therefore not assumed likely that a diarch will reign until death.
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Style
The current diarchs' full official title is "Richard the Sixth/Linya of the Consitituional Domain of Billopesha, Grand Lord/Lady Protector of her Territory and its Resources, Defender of the Past". Commonly recognised ceremonial titles inlcude the titles 'Lord of the Land' and 'Lady of the Lake', refering to Arthurian legend. This was given to fully reflect the intended role of the diarchs as the protectors of the land, as compared with protectors of the people. This does not imply that they are detached from the people of the realm but designates that the scope of the diarchs' executive powers are in protecting the land and its heritage rather than subjecting the people to their rule. the term 'Grand Lord/Lady' before 2007, denoting the idea that the diarchs were both heads of state and government, rather than simply heads of state.
Entitlement
Nature
Line of succession
Italics denote a non-spousal relationship with other diarch. He/she will abdicate if partner marries for the first time.
- Prince Ivan & Princess Mia (BC)
Prince Alexander & Princess Anne(BC)- Princess Anne & Prince James (BC)
- Prince David & Princess Joanna (BC)
- Prince Aaron & Princess Sophie (BC)
- Princess Anne & Prince Philip (BS)
- Princess Laura & Prince John (BS)
- Prince John & Princess Annette (BS)
Spousal Duumvirate
Powers
- See also: The Crown (Billopesha)
History
Interregnum
- Main article: Billopeshian Revolution
The diarchy was abolished after the 2005 Republican Revolution and replaced by a republican parliamentary democracy. The president became the head of state and government. This altered again after the Imperial Restoration in 2007 when sovereign power shifted back to the monarch. The chaos caused the government to collapse and it was replaced with the current institution which was a compromise between the two opposing systems.
