The Terran Federation is the government of Earth and its Space Colonies. It is a multicultural society that functions as a limited democracy. Full citizenship is not guaranteed to all members of the population and must be earned, typically through military service. Citizenship grants additional civil rights, such as suffrage and the right to run for political office.

People of higher levels of authority also have to suffer tougher repercussions of their actions. For instance, a Lieutenant could hang for making a mistake that a Private would merely be dismissed and maybe lashed for, while Corporal and Capital Punishment are practiced by the government as well as physical child rearing being standard use amongst the population.

Everyone is born a "Civilian", and at age 18 every "Civilian" has the right to enroll for a minimal 2 year term of "Federal Service". In theory a completed term of Federal Service ensures a "Citizen" is willing to put the needs of the community before their own personal well-being. This is because Federal Service is tough and dangerous (by design). It can involve joining the Military, being a Human Guinea Pig, testing survival equipment or Manual Labour.

The Federation makes it quite easy to quit a term of service before completion (even during war time), but once someone has quit they are never allowed to enroll again. This is to ensure that all volunteers are dedicated, whilst also discouraging people from leaving.

"Civilians" are neither discriminated against, nor deprived of legal rights other than that of the ballot.

Once in the military a volunteer has the choice to "go career", choosing to devote 20 years of service to the Federation instead of the usual 2 years required to gain Citizenship. After these 20 years they can then leave and get a "reserved job", for example in the police.

• Starship Troopers Wiki article on the Terran Federation