The third branch is the fvillhaih (Praetorate), which serves as the executive and judicial branch. Originally, the fvillhaih consisted of twelve members, one from each continent on the Two Worlds, making it a small executive council. In recent times, it has grown to include one representative from each planet in the Star Empire, in addition to the original twelve.
Appointment to the fvillhaih is done through a regional election. As with the Upper Senate, seats, once attained, are for life. The fvillhaih cannot be voted out of office. Instead, when a sufficient number of a representative's constituents are dissatisfied with his performance, they will send him their swords. Such a suggestion cannot be ignored.
The fvillhaih combines executive and judicial functions. They set foreign policy, command the military, lead policy initiatives, appoint judges to courts, and settle constitutional questions and major legal disputes.
Shiar'Fvillha (Chief Praetor)
The Shiar'Fvillha is the selected head of the Praetorate, and as such is the chief executive of the Romulan Empire. The Shiar'Fvillha also oversees the Praetorate and leads the agenda.
The Shiar'Fvillha is an appointed position through secret ballot within the Praetorate. The Shiar'Fvillha is always a Romulan from either ch'Rihan or ch'Havran. The current Shiar'Fvillha is Arrenhe t'Ahaefvthe.