From every 30 families a magistrate is chosen each year to represent them in the government of the country. These were formerly called Syphogrants but are now entitled Philarchs. (Hythloday sometimes uses one designation and sometimes the other.) Over every ten Syphogrants is an official called either a Tranibor or an Archphilarch. The head of the government, the Prince, is elected through secret ballot from a slate of four candidates by the assembly of Syphogrants and holds office for life. The council of Tranibors meets with the Prince every third day, or oftener if necessary. No issue concerning the public good may be settled until it has been debated in three successive meetings, for they mistrust the hasty resolution of serious matters.
