The power of Ethiopia's negusa nagast (king of kings), as the emperor is called, is in theory unlimited beginning in the fourteenth century, but in reality it is often considerably less than that.

The unity of the state depends on an emperor's ability to control the local governors of the various regions that compose the kingdom, these rulers being self-made men with their own local bases of support.

In general, the court does not interfere with these rulers so long as the latter demonstrate loyalty through the collection and submission of royal tribute and through the contribution of armed men as needed for the king's campaigns.

When the military has to be used, it is under central control but is composed of provincial levies or troops who live off the land, or who are supported by the provincial governments that supply them.

The result is that the expenses borne by the imperial administration are small, whereas the contributions and tribute provided by the provinces are substantial.

In theory, the emperor has unrestrained control of political and military affairs.

In actuality, however, local and even hereditary interests are recognized and respected so long as local rulers pay tribute, supply levies of warriors, and, in general, comply with royal dictates.

Failure to honor obligations to the throne can and often does bring retribution in the form of battle and, if the emperor's forces win, plunder of the district and removal of the local governor.

Ethiopian rulers continually move around the kingdom, an important technique for assertion of royal authority and for collection—and consumption—of taxes levied in kind.

The emperor is surrounded by ceremony and protocol intended to enhance his status as a descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

He lives in seclusion and is shielded, except on rare occasions, from the gaze of all but his servants and high court officials.

Most other subjects are denied access to his person.

The emperor's judicial function is of primary importance.

The administration of justice is centralized at court and is conditioned by a body of Egyptian Coptic law known as the Fetha Nagast (Law of Kings), introduced into Ethiopia in the mid-fifteenth century.

Judges appointed by the emperor are attached to the administration of every provincial governor. They not only hear cases but also determine when cases can be referred to the governor or sent on appeal to the central government.