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| head of state = [[Federation_President|President of the United Federation of Planets]]| head of government = [[Federation_President|President of the United Federation of Planets]]| legislature = [[Federation Council]]| judiciary = [[Federation Supreme Court]]| major species = See [[All Federation members]]

| currency = [[United_Federation_of_Planets#Economy|Federation credit]]

 The '''United Federation of Planets''' (abbreviated as '''UFP''' and commonly referred to as '''The Federation''') is an interstellar federal republic, . It is composed of [[planet|planetary]] [[government]]s that agreed to exist semi-autonomously , under a single central government , based on the principles of universal liberty, rights, and equality, and . They have also agreed to share their knowledge and resources in peaceful cooperation and [[space]] exploration. The [[Star Fleet|Federation Star Fleet]] was incorporated as into this government in order to serve the [[military|peace-keeping]] and [[humanitarian]] [[armada]] of the Federation , in addition to exploratory, scientific, and diplomatic functions.

[[Image:FederationFoundingSpecies.jpg|thumb|Four of the five founding species of the Federation (clockwise from top left): Humans[[Human]]s, Vulcans[[Vulcan]]s, Andorians[[Andorian]]s, and Tellarites[[Tellarite]]s.]]

The Federation was founded in [[San Francisco]], [[Earth]] in [[2161]]. The seeds of the Federation were planted during a temporary alliance in [[2154]], in the cooperative search for a [[Romulan]] drone ship. This search brought these species together for the first time, and they would late become the founder of the Federation: [[Human]]s, [[Vulcan]]s, [[Andorian]]s, [[Tellarite]]s, and [[Alpha Centauran]]s. After the crisis, these four species remained together, founding the precursor to the Federation, called the [[Coalition of Planets]]. Other species soon joined: the [[Denobulan]]s, the [[Rigelian]]s, and several others. Over the next several years, ties between the members of the [[Coalition of Planets|Coalition]] strengthened, becoming more structured, and in [[2161]], the [[Coalition of Planets|Coalition]] became the '''Federation'''.  Although the Federation's intentions were peaceful, around it were other, more was surrounded by belligerent powers such as the [[Klingon Empire|Klingon]] and [[Romulan Empire]]s. As it the Federation expanded through the admittance of more and more worlds, it came into conflict with these two powers. In the [[23rd century]], its the Federation's main adversary was the [[Klingon Empire]], with war briefly erupting between the two in [[2267]], before being halted by the [[Organian]]s. However, tensions eased considerably towards the end of the century, with the [[Khitomer Conference]] of [[2293]] being a substantial turning point. This conference saw the signing of to the [[Khitomer Accords]], which effectively ended hostile relationsbetween the [[Klingon]]s and the Federation.  At the start of the [[24th century]], the Federation began an unprecedented period of peaceful exploration of the galaxy, free of major conflicts. However, relations with the Romulans remained hostile, albeit at a low, 'cold war' level. There were also a series of local conflicts in the late [[2340s]], as the Federation came into contact with other militant races such as the [[Cardassian]]s, the [[Talarian]]s, the [[Tholian]]s and the [[Tzenkethi]].

Then, howeverIn [[2365]], the period of peaceful exploration came to an abrupt end. In [[2365]], the The Federation encountered its single worst threat in : the cybernetic pseudo-race known as the [[Borg]]. One of the most powerful and destructive forces in the entire galaxy, the Borg twice invaded the Federation within two times in less than a decade. They were unlike anything the Federation had ever encountered, and were only foiled by chance and resourcefulness. The Federation was thus schooled forcefully humbled in the fact that, in the vast, unexplored reaches of the galaxy beyond what they knew, there were threats that they could not even imagine. 

Then, in [[2370]], contact was made with the [[Dominion]], the predominant ruling power over much of the [[Gamma Quadrant]]. After numerous skirmishes, misfortunes suffered by the [[Cardassian Union ]] allowed for their eventual incorporation into the Dominion, and the subsequent [[Dominion War|Dominion invasion]] of the [[Alpha Quadrant]]. The [[Dominion]]/[[Cardassian ]] forces were also joined by the reclusive but immensely powerful race known as the [[Breen]]. The ensuing war was the greatest crisis to be faced by the Federation, with the Federation forming [[Federation Alliance|an alliance]] with the Klingons and Romulans ]] to defeat the Dominion. Although the Alliance eventually emerged victorious, many of the Federation's important member worlds, such as [[Betazed]], [[Coridan]], and [[Benzar]], had been temporarily occupied before the Dominion's offensive could be turned back. Thousands of Federation Star Fleet vessels and millions of lives were lost, in what turned out be, as of the late [[24th century]], the bloodiest conflict in Federation history. The most devastating and demoralizing offensive occurred in [[2375]], when the Breen hit the Federation at its heart, with a surprise attack on [[Star Fleet Headquarters]] on Earth.

:''See also: [[Federation members]] and [[Federation colonies]]''The Federation was is located in the [[Alpha Quadrant]] of the [[Milky Way Galaxy]]. By the early [[2370]]s, the Federation's territory was spread across 8,000 [[light year]]s, with a membership of over 150 worlds and over 1,000 semi-autonomous [[colony|colonies]]. Its major neighboring sovereignties were the [[Klingon Empire]], the [[Romulan Star Empire]], the [[Cardassian Union]], and the [[Ferengi Alliance]]. Other neighboring sovereignties were the [[Tzenkethi]], the [[Tholian Assembly]], the [[Breen Confederacy]] and the [[Xindi]]. 

The Federation's government was is a representative republic, headquartered on [[Earth]].

 ===The ExecutiveBranch===

The executive branch was is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Federation. The [[Democracy|democratically-elected]] [[Federation President]] was is the head of this branch. The Federation President served serves as both the head of state , and head of government; as . As chief executive officer of the government, the President determined determines most of the Federation's foreign policy, managed oversees budgetary concerns, and served serves as supreme commander of the Federation's military forces. The President's office was is located in the Earth city of [[Paris]] , on the European [[Europe]]an continent. * The "''Federation Cabinet''" is a special executive committee to the President of the United Federation of Planets.

====Executive agenciesAgencies====The Federation also maintained maintains a number of executive agencies that assisted assist in the administration of its affairs:

* [[Terraform Command]]* [[United Earth Space Probe Agency|United Earth Space Probe Agency (UESPA)]] (** Existed from the [[21st century|21st]] and at least into the [[23rd century]]) 

 ===The LegislatureLegislative Branch ===

The [[Federation Council]] was is the unicameral legislative body of the Federation. Composed of representatives from the various [[Federation members|member worlds]], the Federation Council held has the power to create, amend, and ratify Federation law. The Federation Council also held a has great deal of influence over the operations of the Federation's military service, [[Star Fleet]]. It sometimes served serves as the judging body of specially-convened [[court martial|courtscourt-martialmartials]], and on occasion issued , issues operational orders to Star Fleet. The Council also held holds influence over the making of Federation foreign policy. The Council's meeting chamber was is in the Earth city of [[San Francisco]], on the west coast of the [[North American America]]n continent. 

The judiciary was the branch of the Federation's government which was responsible for the administration of justice in the name of the state according to Federation law. * Its highest level was is the [['''''Federation Supreme Court]]'''''.

* ===Federation Law===The [[Federation Charter]] was the document ratified by the original members fundamental political principles and laws of the United Federation of Planets at the organization's founding in [[2161]]. Caste-based discrimination was prohibited under the Charter.are derived from two important documents:

* The '''Federation Charter''' was the document ratified by the original members of the United Federation of Planets at the organization's founding in [[2161]]. <br>Caste-based discrimination was prohibited under the '''''Charter'''''. * The '''Federation Constitution]] incorporated ''' incorporates a series of enumerated rights , to which all sentient beings were are regarded as being entitled, collectively referred to as the Guarantees. <br>Examples: The [[''Seventh Guarantee]] '' of the Federation Constitution protected protects individuals from self-incrimination, while the [[''Twelfth Guarantee]] '' protected the rights of artists. :''Note: This is not to be confused with the [[Federation Space Constitution]], which is the document that determines how the game is to be played''

* The [['''Federation Judicial Code]]''', which provided provides guidelines and regulations related to legal issues in the Federation.* [['''Star Fleet General Orders and Regulations]]''', a series of guidelines used to instruct members of Star Fleet on the proper etiquette and policy in a situation that requires consultation for a resolution.* The [[Federation Uniform Code of Justice]], which formed forms the legal basis of [[Star Fleet]] [[court martial]] proceedings. 

''[[Star Fleet was ]]'' is the military and deep-space exploratory service maintained by the United Federation of Planets. Its principal functions were include: the advancement of Federation knowledge about the galaxy, ; the advancement of Federation knowledge of science and technology, ; and the military defense of the Federation. In addition, it also played plays a significant diplomatic role. As per its mandate of deep-space exploration, its personnel were are frequently brought into contact with cultures and sentient species whose existences were previously unknown to the Federation. Federation Star Fleet officers therefore acted act as official representatives of the Federation in these cases. Also, Federation Star Fleet vessels were are frequently used to ferry ambassadors [[ambassador]]s on diplomatic missions. 

The basic unit of currency backed by the Federation was is called the [['''Federation credit]]'''. This currency was is used in both internal and external transactions. Federation worlds who possessed possess resources unavailable elsewhere were obligated to provide consignments of these resources in times of emergency. Individual Federation worlds were free to employ their own economic models. [[Bolarus IX|Bolias]], for example, utilized currency based economics (the [[Bank of Bolias]] was a major interstellar financial institution). By the [[24th century]], economic practices on [[Earth]] were able to exclude the need for an established currency. ==Membership==Admittance into the Federation was either by invitation or successful petition of a world or civilization desirous of joining. In the second case, membership was granted only upon satisfaction of certain requirements. Firstly, the government of the prospective member submitted an official petition to the Federation Council, outlining its desire to join. A lengthy, thorough investigation of the prospective member's culture followed. This investigation could take several years, and was done to ascertain whether or not the culture genuinely shared the values of the Federation: values of benevolence, peaceful co-existence and co-operation, the [[rule of law]], and equal rights and justice. For example, the discovery on the petitioning planet, [[Angosia III]], of enhanced soldiers being unjustly indefinitely imprisoned without treatment in times of peace was considered unacceptable in Captain [[Jean-Luc Picard]]'s official evaluation of the planet for the Federation.

:'''See also:''' Individual Federation worlds are free to employ their own economic models. For example, the [[Federation members|List planet]] of Federation members[[Bolarus IX]] utilizes currency-based economics. Conversely, by the [[24th century]], economic practices on [[Earth]]were able to exclude the need for an established currency.

[[Klingon]] propaganda in the [[23rd century]] claimed that ==Membership==Admittance into the Federation committed atrocities against its prisonersis either by invitation, keeping them in death camps and torturing them for their scientific and military secretsor successful petition of a world or civilization desirous of joining. When beamed aboard In the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC|1701}} in [[2268]]second case, [[Mara]] reminded her husband [[Kang]] membership is granted only upon satisfaction of these claimscertain requirements. [[Captain]] [[James TFirstly, the government of the prospective member is required to submit an official petition to the Federation Council, outlining its desire to join. Kirk]] remarked that she had much A lengthy, thorough investigation of the prospective member's culture then follows. This investigation can take several years, and is done to learn about ascertain whether or not the culture genuinely shares the values of the Federation: values of benevolence, peaceful co-existence and co-operation, the rule of law, and equal rights and justice.

During Even before the preparation for investigation, the [[First Battle of Deep Space 9]], in [[2372]], [[Quark]] expressed prospective member has to [[Garak]] the direness being stuck on [[Deep Space 9|the station]], stating that "''the worst part is, my only hope for salvation is the Federationmeet certain requirements.''These were as follows:* An " Quark went on to introduce Garak to the Earth concoction advanced level of [[root beer]], which Quark went on to describe as being technology"''bubbly and cloying and happy. Just like the : The Federation,''" adding, "''but you know what's really frightening? If you drink enough baseline definition of it, you start to like it.''" Garak, who disliked the taste of the "vile" {{MA|Beverage|beverage}}, added too, that it this term was "insidious", to which Quark added, "''just like the Federation.''" Garak finally take a moment to embrace the Federation, inquiring to Quark in he thought they would "''be able to save us?''" The defeated Quark responded, "''I hope so.''" Prior to the breakdown of relations between the Federation and Klingon Empire, which eventually led to the capability for [[Federationwarp|faster-Klingon War (2372-73)|Klingonthan-Federation War]], [[Kurn]] opposed the decision to break the treaty but was overruled in [[Klingon Councillight]]space travel. He later stated * Government has to [[Worf]]have achieved stable planetary political unity, that respecting the reason for his opposition was "''because [https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Gowron Gowron] underestimates rights of the Federationindividual. He thinks they're soft, weak, but he is wrong. Sooner or later, there will be war.''" When [[Michael Eddington]], the self-proclaimed leader * No form of [[Maquis]], commented to [[Benjamin Sisko]] on why the Federation was "so obsessed about the Maquis," Eddington surmised that it caste discrimination was "''because we've left the Federation, and that's the one thing you can't accept. Nobody leaves paradise. Everyone should want to be in the Federation,''" adding, "''Hell, you even want the Cardassians to join. You're only sending them [[CFI replicator|replicators]] so that one day they can take their "rightful place" on the Federation Councilpracticed.''" Eddington finally drove his point home, stating, "''you know, in some ways you're worse than the Borg. At least they tell you about their plans for [[assimilate|assimilation]]. You're more insidious, you assimilate people and they don't even know it.''"