In the oligarchy form of House government, three members hold leadership over the organisation, but of the three, one is appointed to a more powerful Ascendant position. Any of the three Oligarchs will be unable to exercise his or her powers of office unless a successor has been chosen; thus, there should always be three successors at any point in time. Similarly, each member must respond to any challenge to his or her position by the respective successor within a limited time frame, or the office is lost. Oligarchs can hold the office until the end of a chosen definite term. No referendums or elections are involved in an oligarchy.