Created by Captain Michael Turlogh Kane on Aug 16, 2016 @ 3:46pm

THE ARTICLES OF FEDERATION

The driving force behind the creation and establishment of the United Federation of Planets is a political and philosophical document known as the ARTICLES OF FEDERATION. Prepared and ratified following the 22nd century Romulan War by the combined governments of Earth, Tellar, Andor, and Vulcan (then known simply as the Coalition of Planets), the Articles of Federation serves as both a collective statement of mutual understanding and unity, as well as representing the commitment of each signatory to preserve collective security. It is a lengthy document, divided into 16 chapters covering 109 articles.

These chapters and articles cover such diverse topics as the purpose and principles of the new Federation, membership and affiliations, the establishment of the Assembly and Council, solving disputes between members, political response to acts of aggression, the establishment of Starfleet Command, economic and social co-operation, exploration of the galaxy, trusteeships, and the establishment of a Secretariat. Leeway was also made to account for any future Amendments to the document.

The Articles of Federation came into effect in 2161, when the leaders of all four governments signed the document in the city of San Francisco on Earth. The United Federation of Planets has existed since that date.