Political Structure

The Empire functions as a representative federation distinguishing two types of territories:

Integration of Autonomous Factions

When the Empire absorbs a pre-existing human faction (through diplomatic agreement or conquest), that faction goes through three stages of progressive integration to facilitate the transition:

Caste: Near-total autonomy, local governor and army lent by the Empire. Limited participation in the Assembly, often overrepresented to facilitate integration.
State: Full representation at the Assembly, local laws under Council supervision. Significant autonomy. Overrepresentation may persist during this phase.
Federated System: Complete integration into the imperial system, strict proportional representation at the Assembly according to population. Full participation in all imperial institutions.

This gradual progression allows populations to adapt their institutions and culture without sudden shock, reducing resistance and facilitating lasting integration.

Imperial Provinces

Worlds founded directly by the Empire (colonization of uninhabited systems, space stations, terraforming) are immediately created as Imperial Provinces, integrated from their founding without going through the preceding stages. Their citizens immediately benefit from full representation at the Assembly.

The imperial system combines experienced leadership and democratic representation. Social stability and economic prosperity ensure general contentment, while the Assembly provides populations with a means to express their concerns and influence imperial policies.

Non-federated populations often envy the security, comfort, and political representation offered by the Empire, which facilitates its peaceful expansion.