The Martian government was directed by ten men, the leader of whom was elected by
universal suffrage for five years and entitled "Elon." Two houses of Parliament enacted
the laws to be administered by the Elon and his cabinet.
The Upper House was called the Council of the Elders and was limited to a
membership of 60 persons, each being appointed for life by the Elon as vacancies
occurred by death. In principle, the method was not unlike that by which the College of
Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church is appointed. Usually the Elon chose historians,
churchmen, former cabinet members or successful economic leaders who could offer
lifetimes of valuable experience.