Galactic Republic

The Galactic Republic, commonly known as The Republic, is a fictional political entity in the Star Wars universe that predates the formation of the Galactic Empire. It is prominently featured in the prequel trilogy of Star Wars films, offering a glimpse into its history and functioning. In the original trilogy, which takes place after the events of the prequels, the Republic is referred to as the Old Republic, suggesting its long-established nature. In the prequel era, which takes place during the last years of the Republic, the term "Old Republic" referred to the Galactic Republic of ancient time, which was reorganized into the modern High Republic, a thousand years before the Battle of Yavin (1000 BBY).

The Republic is portrayed as a democratic republic-union of sovereign planets, analogous to the United Nations, that has sustained itself peacefully for over twenty-five thousand years but was tied up in layers of bureaucracy, its government ineffective and prone to corruption. A decentralized system where planets are represented and maintain a degree of independence, the Republic's authority is primarily focused on inter-planetary relations and trade, to foster cooperation and maintain order among their members. It was mainly overseen by the Galactic Senate, the Republic's legislative branch, consisting of elected officials from each system and populated world. These officials elected a head of state for the Office of the Supreme Chancellor, the Republic's executive branch. The Chancellor and Senate were moderated by an impartial Judicial Department, the Republic's judiciary branch.

Pre-Clone Wars era, the Republic did not have a standing military; it was protected by the Jedi Order, who served as peacekeepers throughout the Star Wars galaxy. After the end of the Galactic Empire, the New Republic was founded. It was enforced by the original Rebel Alliance, eventually known as the New Republic Military. The consolidation of the New Republic is depicted in The Mandalorian as it sought to wipe out remnants of the Imperial forces and was eventually destroyed by the First Order, under Supreme Leader Snoke's direction, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.