Rangitanga-a-te-Moana: Difference between revisions
→Powers and duties
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The emperor's powers arise from the laws and traditions of the people who recognise him as their monarch. As such they vary according to country.
In the Oan Isles (and by extension its dependant territories such as the Kōhatu Isles) he exercises these powers directly whereas in the Asian Pacific Islands he is represented by a legitimate male descendant of Markka IV as Viceroy. In both instances his powers are severely limited and restricted to ceremonial duties or reserve powers in the event of an emergency.
The Crown is invested with vast prerogatives, but the Emperor himself relies on the advice of the Prime Minister in the exercise of royal prerogatives. In practice, the real power to exercise royal prerogative lies with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, not with the Emperor himself. The Emperor simply carries out ceremonial duties that symbolise the action of the Crown.
In practice he cannot appoint nor dismiss the government. He simply signs the instruments of their dismissal, resignation or appointment as appropriate. He cannot refuse to grant royal assent to legislation and must always sign the law. He cannot criticise the government or speak on government policy except in private meetings with Ministers of the Crown. In these settings he has the rights to warn, encourage and to be informed.
During a war or state of emergency the Emperor has more independence in the exercise of his duties. The most prominent contemporary example was the roles played by Ehe and Oahoanu during the [[Auroran-Pacific War]]. They were able to contribute to the discussion in the Cabinet about major security and diplomatic policy issues. They often represented the interests of the government in meetings with foreign leaders such as the incident when Oahoanu had Erwin Pipua sent to the Oan Isles for medical treatment and had a meeting with him calling for the end of the war.
The biggest part of the influence of the monarch comes from the indirect role he plays in society. He is the patron of hundreds of charitable and non-profit organisations through which he supports causes closest to his heart. Through the Crown, he owns and personally oversees the largest collection of ancient artefacts, historical monuments and valuable art in both the Oan Isles and the Asian Pacific Islands. The royal family owns businesses and property throughout the Oan Isles and even in Aurora through the Royal Trust, the income from which is in the billions of kiribs. Thousands of people and hundreds of businesses are closely connected to the value chain under the Royal family. This influence can have far reaching consequences for the daily lives of the people and for the policies pursued by the state.
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