Prince Darren

The title of Prince Darren has been in existence since 1942, after Principality of Darren's involvement in World War II made the need for a central ruler apparent. The Alice Disaster, in particular, spurred calls for a new form of government.

The country previously had a monarch, the King of Darren.

The Prince Darren has the ability to make laws, though he answers to a board of advisers chosen by the Congress. Other than that, the Congress' powers are mostly ceremonial.

Current Prince Darren
The current Prince Darren XI, Reny Rousseau, was elected in 2001 and has been re-elected every three years since. He has been controversial for his aggressive foreign policy and has said that he aims to annex parts of the United States.

His re-elections have strained his country's relations with Canada and put further stress on its relationship with the United States.

In 2010, he unveiled a sweeping vision for the Principality of Darren. His plan includes serious investment in new technology and decreasing reliance on imports.

He has also embraced a socially conservative philosophy, outlawing abortion and imposing other religious-based restrictions on the people -- a swift departure from the country's normal libertarian style.

He faces his party's first serious opponent in the 2013 election.

Powers and responsibilities
The Prince Darren has the power to propose laws but must get the approval of at least 4 of the 8 members of the Board of Advisers.

The Advisers historically approve most of the Prince's proposals, though they first vetoed a law from Rousseau in 2008.

The 500-member Congress is chosen by a vote of the people. A move has been made in recent years to decrease cronyism on the local level, but it has had limited success.

The Prince Darren is elected by popular vote. The Principality of Darren has had historically low voter turnout since it began its electoral system.

Past Princes Darren
Rousseau is the eleventh Prince Darren. Because the Principality of Darren is mostly a one-party country, past Princes Darren have generally been re-elected until they choose to step down.

-RPM