This article comprises an annotated translation of a responsum (Orah Hayyim, No. 12) by R. Moses Sofer (the "rlatam Sofer"; 1762-1839). The is sue addressed is one central to all political discourse? legitimate succession to public office. Particularly noteworthy, however, is Sofer's analysis of this question by explicit reference to the differences between the characters of office in the three governmental demesnes known to Jewish tradition as "ketarim."
