Peer

A Westarctican peer is any member of the Peerage of Westarctica. Peers are recognized as having a voice in the nation's public debates, and their opinions, advice, and counsel, when offered, are to be taken into consideration by the Grand Duke of Westarctica (who may or may not follow this counsel, but is expected to at least hear and weigh it).

Members of the Peerage

The peers include all nobles, from the Sovereign (Grand Duke or Grand Duchess) through Baronet/Baronetess. The Sovereign may place greater value on the opinions of higher ranking peers before lower, as the former usually have more invested in the country's overall well being and future, but the thoughts of every peer are of considerable value and many of the country's Barons have exercised greater influence over national policy than some of its Dukes and Princes.

Life Peers and Hereditary Peers

A peer may be created for life or may be hereditary. A life peer is entitled to and holds their assigned rank from the moment it is received until death, unless the title is revoked for some reason by the Grand Duke. A hereditary peer, on the other hand, is allowed to pass the title to their heirs, as they may wish. In other respects, a life peer and a hereditary peer are indistinguishable in terms of rights or privileges.

Changes to the Peerage

At the discretion of the Sovereign, the rank of a peer may be changed (either promoted or demoted) or an entire rank may be eliminated and its members assigned to a new rank. This happened, for example, with the rank of Westarctican Earl, a currently-defunct form of peer.

Font of Honor

The reigning Sovereign alone has the authority to grant peerages, and may do so for any reason. Peerages are bestowed by the Sovereign at their discretion. They may decide to confer with advisors on the suitability of a person, or on the specific rank to be bestowed. For example, Grand Duke Travis has asked for input from the Prime Minister before making appointments on more than one occasion.

Being named to the peerage is done pretty much universally in recognition for contributions to Westarctica. This contribution may be financial, in nature.