Federation

In the fifth century of the Warp drive era, the United Federation of Planets comprehended the fairest part of the galaxy, and the most civilised portion of the totality of sentient beings. The frontiers of that extensive republic were guarded by ancient renown and disciplined valour. The gentle but powerful influence of laws and manners had gradually cemented the union of the planets. Their peaceful inhabitants enjoyed and abused the advantages of wealth and luxury. The image of a free constitution was preserved with decent reverence: the Federation Council appeared to possess the sovereign authority, and devolved on the leading starship captains all the executive powers of government. During a happy period of more than four centuries, the public administration was conducted by the virtue and abilities of Archer, Kirk, Picard, Sisko, and Bauer. It is the design of this article to describe the prosperous condition of their republic; and afterwards, from the death of Janeway, to deduce the most important circumstances of its decline and fall; a revolution which will ever be remembered, and is still felt by the nations of the galaxy.