User:The Architect/Sandbox1

Some reference in regards to interstellar governance

Speed Classification

 * Butterfly type - FTL in this case doesn't exist, as such the light barrier prevents the transmission of information, people and ideas in real-time or a short period of time (within traditional Human lifespans) which is a barrier for efficient governmental systems. Interaction between systems is slowed down significantly. Interstellar polities of this type are largely intergovernmental in character; facilitating dialogue between systems and aggregating their interests as a whole.
 * Augmentation route - A new class of Humans who through genetic tailoring and cybernetic augments take up up the role of being the primary travelers and distillers of knowledge, commerce, information and generally facilitating interstellar civilization in general. Said class of people would have lifespans bleeding into several centuries, and other adaptions making them suited for long journeys.
 * AI route - Same as above except the new human class is replaced by automated couriers and AI administrators and governors that control and coordinate individual systems.
 * Sleeper couriers
 * Superluminal type - FTL exists whether it be Warp, Hyperspace or Wormholes, administration largely occurs in real time.

Scale

 * Type I - Subplanetary, single orbital (Earth now)
 * Type II - Planetary, orbital cluster (World governments)
 * Type III - Largely planetary, presence on other celestial bodies, space-based industrial base and infrastructure (Ad Astra)
 * Type IV - Early Interplanetary
 * Type V - Stellar (The Expanse pre-Gates)
 * Type VI - Stellar, presence outside of Heliosphere
 * Type VII - Stellar, deep-space stations/rough bodies
 * Type VII - Stellar, interstellar presence (After Tranquility)
 * Type IX - Early Interstellar (UEG from Halo)
 * Type X - Interstellar (Covenant from Halo)
 * Type XI - Interstellar, larger galaxy-wide presence (Citadel polities from ME)
 * Type XII - Galactic quadrant (Star Trek)
 * Type XIII - Transgalactic (Star Wars Governments [limited])