Government (more specifics)
The government is actually not as laid back as you'd think (at least, not in all regards.) In fact, it has a fondness of keeping tabs on private activity. There is a constant sense of paranoia regarding secret brotherhood uprisings, and the public is made to believe that these brotherhoods are bloodthirsty, savage brutes (which is, in fact, not a completely inaccurate generalization.) Also, in Armour, the government may decide someone is obligated to attend an academy. They may do this for many reasons: the adolescent may have demonstrated potential, or there may be a general economic need for educated people.

Interpersonal and familial relations are strictly monitored among the important persons. This prevents governmental setbacks or economic blunders: the government likes to keep track of its money, essentially.

The method of control is very friendly. Investigators are trained to be as personable as possible, and the government is not feared or hated by anyone. The idea is not to be the feared leaders as one would think. It really is "for the good of the people." Councilmen are elected officials, after all, and if the government is not enacting the people's will, the people will certainly change their councilmen quickly.

Liberty or representation of the people is not a virtue in Armour. The people mostly want protection more than they want liberty, and most citizens wouldn't trust their fellow people to run the country. They'd much rather "leave it to the professionals," and this is the kind of attitude that encourages this almost Totalitarian system.