Republican Faction

The Republican Faction was a vocal faction within the Imperial Moot. Dating from at least the time of the Civil War and the so-called Imperial Republic, they wanted to transform the Third Imperium from a hereditary monarchy with a lifetime, near-absolute ruler into a type of interstellar republic. Some nobles of the Republican Faction wanted an Elected Monarch elected by the Moot for a tenure of office lasting from 10 to 30 years. Other Republican Moot members wanted to replace the monarchy entirely, to be replaced by an Executive Council composed of seven to 12 members elected by the Moot, with council members likewise serving for a term of 10 to 30 years.

The Republican Faction also wanted to expand Moot powers, turning the body into a real legislative body, albiet the elected monarch or council would retain veto power over bills passed by the Moot. They also wanted to place the executive authority in the hands of a Council of Ministers appointed by the elected monarch or executive council, with ministers subject to a vote of no confidence in the Moot.

The Question of the Nobility

The Republican Faction mainly wanted to retain the Imperial Nobility, although they were divided on the question of who should have the authority to grant and revoke titles. Some wanted the Moot to have the power to grant and revoke noble status of the rank or baron or higher. Other wanted to Elected Monarch or Executive Council to have the authority to appoint Archdukes and Sector Dukes, subject to the approval of the Moot.