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A family's structure is paramilitary, and commanding it is the Capofamiglia, commonly referred to as simply the 'Boss', absolute ruler with unquestioned life or death authority over everyone in the organization. At his side is his Consigliere, an advisor chosen for his loyalty, knowledge of the family business, and political strength internal to the family's alliances and factions. The Boss's second-in-command, the Sotto Capo or 'Underboss', has power that varies depending on the man holding the position. The Underboss more closely runs the day to day activities of the organization and acts as a buffer between the Boss, who gives the orders, and the people responsible for carrying them out. The Underboss is the successor to the Boss in the event of his death, or his representative on the street if the Boss is imprisoned and chooses to run the organization from his cell. The Underboss directly controls a group of Capo Régimes, usually referred to as Capos or Captains; these are the family's middle level managers who run groups of Soldiers, or 'crews'. Since only the Boss, Underboss and Consigliere are above the rank of Capo, it's a powerful position; a Soldier at odds with his Capo is a Soldier with a severely limited life expectancy. Finally, the people who rely on a Soldier's protection and power to conduct their business, yet are not members of the organization, are known as 'connected' guys. To a connected guy, a made guy is his Boss, his agent and his police, all rolled into one; of course in some cases he may also turn out to be his judge, jury and executioner.
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