Efficiency of comms in Imperial Government vs Republican

[frogcurry]

http://www.projectrho.com/rocket/rocket3ac.html

Scroll down to the part titled From "Galactic Empires" by Dr. Robert A. Freitas Jr. Ares Magazine No. 16, Winter 1983", then read.

This isn't the only place I've seen this idea but its probably the best to explain it.

Anyway, applying this to the star wars galaxy, the Emperor comes out quite well. With the galactic government based on Grand Moffs then Moffs, providing the main chain of control from the Emperor to individual planets, there aren't many layers apparent between the Emperor and each world, and so in turn each of his subjects. Also paralled to this are the religious (dark side) and political (COMPNOR?) movements that are referenced in the EU giving additional routes of control. Plus the Imperial armed forces and intelligence forces themselves seem to effectively be able to act as a fourth due to the Emperor having direct control over those organisations (ie. Isard, Thrawn). So overall the efficiency of the Empire in acting in line with the Emperors Will and Desire looks quite good.

However, all we seem to have in the Republic (post-war) is the Senate and its bureacracy, the local regional governments and the planetary governments, which appear to be integrated in a standard vertical hierarchy. Theres only one chain of command, and to get to planetary level from Chief of State goes through two committees (Senate and regional council) and the local government - whatever form that is.

So, does anyone else think that the post war Republic of the EU would be poorer than the Empire at actually translating the will of its leaders into local actions?