Each system colonized by the Umbrian Republic has a chief executive responsible for the management of that solar system, whether the Umbrian presence includes terrestrial colonies on habitable worlds or isolated stations and outposts located near valuable resources.

At the dawn of the Umbrian Republic, its founding statesmen believed that executive authority was too great, and too prone to corruption, to rest in a single person. Instead, they devised a system whereby those responsibilities would be split between three equals, and decisions reached by majority vote.

The image of the Senator as a selfless public servant has been significantly strained over the last few decades, and scandals and corruption have become increasingly frequent amongst the Republic's senatorial class.

The Senate is the Republic's legislative body, responsible for creating the common laws and regulations which apply to each Umbrian, regardless of which planet or system they occupy. Originally idealized as a 'citizens' assembly, the Senate's members are elected by broad bodies of constituents, for whom the senators serve as representatives in the deliberative process of governance.

The founding of the Republic ushered in the first unified government that was recognized as representing all Umbrians. The cornerstone of this new global governing body was the Constitution, a document outlining the rights and duties of Umbria's citizens and the manner and structure of planetary governance.

The Colonial Affairs Commission, or CAC, is a panel established by the Senate to oversee the development of Umbria's colonies and administer the various bodies that have been created to support those efforts. Its members are made up of senators and civilian appointments in equal parts, with a strong preference for those with the appropriate knowledge and experience needed to aid the Commission in its work.