Nap'otahya

Nap'otahya (Old Mando'a for "right to choose") was an ancient government style used among Mandalorian clans that was centered around a democratic system. In clans that were governed in this fashion, the chieftain were elected from the clan's elders, as opposed to the Teh'goten ("from birth") system, in which the position of chieftain was a hereditary position among dynasties that traced their lineage back to the introduction of Humans to the Mandalorian civilization in c. 4500 BBY. Hundreds of civil wars occurred among prominent clans between followers of the two systems.

In clans that practiced Nap'otahya, a primitive form of capitalism is typically employed, and local law often vaguely resembled that of the Galactic Republic. Clans that practiced Teh'goten were typically more authoritarian and militaristic. As of the Imperial era, Nap'otahya was the dominant system among remaining noble clans, though Teh'goten remained prevalent among some high-profile clans such as the Varads, Bralors, and the Tenaus.

The position of Mand'alor itself frequently alternated between election- or hereditary-based secession. This unstable secession system led to many periods in Mandalorian history where several individuals were recognized as Mand'alor at the same time, and periods where none were recognized. During the reign of some Mandalores (including the Indomitable, the Ultimate, the Preserver, the Lesser, the Vindicated, the Hammerborn, and the Uniter), the position was acquired by defeating the former in combat or lieutenants of the Mandalores succeeding them on the frontlines of war per Takar's Law.