The feudal system of Dune is unstable, complicated, and repressive. The hereditary Padishah Emperor of House Corrino rules over the Known Universe. He is the source of power and control at the ...

Checks and balances exist in the system, which is why the Padishah Emperor has to trick Duke Leto out in an underhanded way.

In the distant year of 10191, all the planets of the known Universe are under the control of Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV and the most important commodity in the Universe. is a substance called the ...