If Protocol Aspen called for every important personnel in the Eastern Federation, Protocol Ficus referred to the summoning of the representatives from the twelve, now thirteen, prominent Houses in the Eastern Federation--six of which were part of the Old Houses.
These thirteen Houses had certain authority within the Eastern Federation, something that put a check and balance to the government's policies. It was an authority of respect, from the great service these Houses made in preserving the civilization and developing the nation.
That being said, the President still retained a right to do a summon, when a great emergency in which the fate of the nation was in the balance. The meeting had to receive an endorsement of at least five Houses, of which two must be from Old Houses. And once the meeting was approved, these Houses were obliged to attend, without exception.
