KISMET Lore dump: The Republic governs the inner planets of the Perseus system, also known as the "Old Worlds," as they were the first celestial bodies to be settled.  Through its many government-run social programs, the Republic's citizens enjoy a relatively comfortable life free of extreme financial hardship.  However, the rigid caste system in place within the Old Worlds' society makes upward social mobility extremely difficult, if not impossible, for members of the lower castes.  In recent decades, the Ordana has used its significant political and financial influence to create numerous programs through which citizens of the Republic can improve their social standing, even creating avenues into politics for members of the plebeian castes.  These groundbreaking changes have created some resentment from members of the governing patrician castes, though few would say so publicly.  The overwhelming popular support of these programs--and the Ordana itself--means that the Republic's leadership on Elysium has little choice but to simply welcome the newly minted members of the patrician caste into their ranks.