St Scarlett has a unique system to most nations, being neither a republic of a monarchy, though if the system is simplified down enough it could be compared to a constitutional monarchy. This institution, the matriarchy, has existed for centuries and first emerged to resist Norwegian rule, it has always been female only and even despite our recent movements for equality will most likely remain so due to its cultural significance.

 

The current system consists of a matriarchal council which acts as the third house of our parliament and sits in the place a monarch usually would. It consists of 7 members, all granted a duchy, who discuss legislation and sign it into law. They have the power to say no but like with most constitutional monarchs they would face a lot of flack if they did so. The council is led by two authorities, the matriarchal director and the matriarch herself. The director acts as the head whenever the matriarch is not present and also handles the general management of the other members. To become a member of the council you must be hand picked by the matriarch herself, there is no limit on how many women may sit on the council and the number tends to vary. 

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The matriarch is always chosen by her predecessor, or the director if no decision is made, and is given the title of Princess between the choice being made and her coronation. Anyone can be chosen for the position though the selected individual is usually already a member of the council and is usually related to the previous matriarch. The position, whilst not hereditary, usually passes to the oldest daughter of the matriarch.

 

Our current Matriarch is Her Most Feminine, Lady Kari Erland. She took over from her mentor, Lady Erin Redwood, after she decided to step back to take care of her family. At 22 she is the youngest so far and her plans seem highly positive for our developing society. She holds no sexist bias against men and as a bisexual plans to expand LGBT rights further within the nation.