In this chapter, the reader is introduced to a number of characters, each of whom is a member of the Politburo. The Politburo is composed of seven members: the president, the prime minister, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the Foreign Minister, the Chief Justice, the Secretary of State, and the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Justice is the most powerful person in the government. The Prime Minister is the second most powerful man in the country, but he is also the most important. The Foreign Minister is also a powerful man, but his position is not secure. He is not allowed to speak to the people of the country because he is considered a traitor.