United Federation of Planets
The interstellar government that Starfleet serves.
The United Federation of Planets, usually just "the Federation", is the interstellar government that most Star Trek characters and starships serve through its space force, Starfleet. It is an organisation of many planetary sovereignties, Earth and Vulcan among them, and was introduced in the original series.
Quick Facts
- Universe
- Star Trek
- Founded
- 2161
- Enemies
- Romulan
- Klingon (until 2327)
- Borg
- The Dominion
- Cardassian Union
- Leader
- Federation President
Lore & Background
The franchise follows Starfleet, the Federation's exploration and defence arm, rather than its government, so viewers rarely see how the government works, though many episodes refer to its rules and laws. The survival and growth of the Federation and its principles of freedom are among the franchise's central themes.
Early in the first season, Kirk said the Enterprise's authority came from the United Earth Space Probe Agency, and bases were called "Earth Outposts". Gene L. Coon, hired by Gene Roddenberry in August 1966, is credited by William Shatner with bringing in Starfleet, Starfleet Command and the Federation; his teleplay "A Taste of Armageddon" refers to a Federation official.
More in Empires, Organizations & Species
Elsewhere in Star Trek
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