Consiglio Maggiore (Greater Council or Grand Council)
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The Consiglio Maggiore
The Consiglio Maggiore – or the Great Council – was the highest authority of the Venetian Republic. It was not, however, an elected body. It was the entire electorate.
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The Doge
The doge was the elected head of the Venetian Republic. He was elected for life by an arcane process that also included drawing lots.
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Marin Falier – doge and traitor
Marin Falier was a doge of Venice, but he was beheaded on April 17th, 1355, for having orchestrated a coup against the state he led