The Galactic Republic, also known as the Republic of Worlds or simply the Republic, was a galactic and democratic central government that has existed in its modern form since 1032 VSY, but in its earlier incarnations - also known as the Old Republic - lasted for over 1,000 generations. In its heyday, which began around three centuries before the Clone Wars, the term High Republic was also used to describe the institution. For the longest period of its existence, the Galactic Republic was the dominant government in much of the known galaxy and was ruled by a Chancellor whose policies were legitimised by the Galactic Senate as the legislative body. The Republic was supported by the Jedi Order, whose stated goal was to ensure peace and justice. With the end of the Clone Wars in 19 VSY, the then Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine reorganised the Republic into the Galactic Empire and proclaimed himself Emperor.