The majority of worlds in the Imperium are ruled by a local leader granted the rank of planetary governor, though the title for each varies with the world’s traditions and society. The means by which a planet is ruled are usually of no interest to the Imperium, so long as the tithes are met, the psyker cull conducted, and Imperial Law followed. Most leaders gain their position by hereditary succession, and as such they fulfil the role of feudal kings and queens to their people. Some are elected, though probably from the ranks of the elite such as a local nobility or other class such as martial orders. Some worlds are ruled by mercantile concerns, the prime executive holding the simultaneous rank of governor. In each case, the appointment of a new ruler must be ratified by the Adeptus Terra by way of the chain of command starting at the High Lords of Terra themselves and extending down through segmentum, sector, and sub-sector administrations. As it is not unusual for worlds to remain apart from the Imperium for decades, even centuries at a time, some appointments never get ratified, but regardless, no governor should be under any illusions that he governs under anything other than the sufferance of the Adeptus Terra.