Cardassian Union

INTERSTELLAR STATE
Cardassian Union
Founded:	19th century
Location:	Alpha Quadrant
Affiliation:	Cardassian Union
Capital:	Cardassia Prime
Legislature:	Detapa Council (powerless pre-2372) Central Command and Obsidian Order (de facto pre-2372)
Judiciary:	Cardassian Supreme Tribunal
Major Species:	Cardassians
Military:	Cardassian Guard
Intelligence Service:	Obsidian Order (pre-2373, 2395 - ) Cardassian Intelligence Bureau (c. 2373-2375)
Language:	Cardassian language
Currency:	Cardassian lek

The Cardassian Union (also referred to as the Cardassian Empire and colloquially often simply called Cardassia) is the official governing body of the Cardassian people. The capital world is Cardassia Prime.

History

See: Main article

Government

The Cardassian Union was formed under a treaty that established a power-sharing agreement between the Cardassian Central Command and the Obsidian Order. Friction has always existed between the two organizations as the Central Command worked to expand the reaches of the Union and the Obsidian Order worked to suppress it. The civilian Detapa Council was established to serve as the chief governing body between the two branches, however, in practice, the Council was virtually powerless.

In late-2371 or early-2372, following the fall of the Obsidian Order at the Battle of the Omarion Nebula, the Detapa Council and the Cardassian dissident movement overthrew the Central Command, establishing control over the government.

In 2373, Gul Dukat secretly negotiated with the Dominion for the Cardassian Union to become its newest members. The Detapa Council was overthrown and Gul Dukat established himself as ruler of the Cardassian Union. This arrangement was later revealed to be inaccurate as Dukat (and his successors Legate Damar (External Link) and Legate Broca) were actually subservient to the Vorta and the Founders.

The Cardassian Guard is lead by the Central Command and the Cardassian forces are divided into several orders. The Obsidian Order, the intelligence agency of the Union, is sometimes referred to as part of the structure of the Cardassian military orders. (See also: Cardassian ranks)

The highest court of justice in the Cardassian Union is the Cardassian Supreme Tribunal. The Cardassian Articles of Jurisprudence provide the laws governing treatment and rights of prisoners in the Cardassian justice system.

Subject Species

• Bajorans (Formerly)

Economy

During the 24th century, the Cardassians maintained trade alliances with the Valerians and Klaestrons. They also were known to use the Xepolites and Lissepians as trade intermediaries in arrangements that may otherwise be considered illegal outside of the Union.

Many of the primary worlds in the Cardassian Union lacked an abundance of natural resources. For this reason, the Union relied heavily on strip mining resources from neighboring planets which were not part of other Alpha Quadrant powers, such as Bajor. As opposed to making trade alliances with them, the Cardassian Central Command would often instill occupations on worlds and use the populations as forced laborers.

• See: Occupation of Bajor

The lek is the common form of currency within the Union.

Agencies

• Cardassian Bureau of Identification
• Cardassian Central Archives
• Cardassian Central Command
• Cardassian Communications Service (or "Information Service")
• Cardassian Finance Ministry
• Cardassian Guard
• Cardassian Intelligence Bureau
  • Obsidian Order (former)
• Cardassian Mechanized Infantry
• Cardassian Ministry of Justice
• Cardassian Ministry of Trade
• Cardassian Science Ministry
• Cardassian Supreme Tribunal

Territorial Claims

• Cardassian planets

Ships and Technology

• Cardassian starships