The Old Republic was the Republic of legend, greater than distance or time. Before a cruel and ruthless Empire supplanted it, the Old Republic was the democratic union that governed a galaxy for thousands of years. Those who lived in it knew it as the Galactic Republic, or more simply, the Republic.

Ruling the Republic was the Galactic Senate, a governing body comprising elected or appointed representatives from across the galaxy. From within that Senate, a Supreme Chancellor was elected. Justice and peace in the Republic was protected by the Jedi Knights, a noble order of Force-sensitives.

As the Republic grew more and more powerful, many of the bureaucrats and Senators that ran the government grew increasingly corrupt or complacent. The bureaucracy that had grown and festered over millennia choked any attempt at proactive government. Furthermore, partisan politics and personal agendas also hampered effective governing.

Into this mire stepped the ambitious Senator Palpatine from Naboo. His homeworld was under siege by the greedy Neimoidian Trade Federation, as protest to increased tariffs and taxation to outlying trade routes. Despite the full-scale invasion of the planet, the call to react was tied up in procedure. When Queen Amidala -- the elected leader of the sovereign system of Naboo -- spoke before the Senate, calling for action, she also called for a Vote of No Confidence in the leadership of the Republic.

The well-meaning but politically clumsy Chancellor Valorum was voted out of office. In his place, Palpatine was elected Supreme Chancellor. Despite promises of bringing order and compassion back to the Republic, the first decade of his term was blighted by great political upheaval. A separatist movement, led by the charismatic Count Dooku, began splitting the Republic, and it was all the Jedi could do to maintain order.

This chaotic political climate precipitated the dark times that overcame the galaxy. The Republic crumbled and was rebuilt in the guise of the New Order.
Related: Galactic Empire Clone Troopers Bail Organa Palpatine AT-TE
by not a starwars geek November 29, 2004
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a kitten belived to come from outer space, usually all black, very cute and smarter than the average cat
by StellaG March 25, 2008
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One of the greatest Metal bands that no one knows about. Originating from Houston in 1989. Daringly combining crushing metal riffs with beatle-esque vocal harmonies, this band created music that was unique to the point that most people couldn't begin to comprehend its complexity. They called it quits in 2000, much to the dismay of many hardcore fans.
Man, I wish this band sounded more like the Galactic Cowboys!
by RnR Freak March 26, 2009
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1. The antagonist team in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. Lead by Cyrus, they are after new world order and expansion into outer space.

2. A crashing and roleplaying based group started by a group of teenagers, precisely one being the elusive Expresso and several others. Team Galactic rivals the Militia, the Kirbies, SDD Airlines, and several other not so well known
"Team Galactic wears space pants."

"Team Galactic just crashed my board!"

"I'm just saying. Team Galactic's pretty good for a brand new group."
by Cyresso June 19, 2008
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The art of putting a rubber glove on one's head , farting in it an making them
Inhale the deadly poot
by YaNansGotClap666 June 06, 2019
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