Well, only organized "goverment bodies" I have seen so far are Order admirals, Crete elders, Outcast dons, Gaians, and way MR works(4 leaders). Reasons those have somewhat organized rule are theese:
Corsairs, Order and Outcasts are trying to get some cohesion and standard in their factions, mosty due to large influx of independant players. Here we have different power figures, capital ship and pilot lists and so on.
Gaians are huddled up together due to extremely low numbers. That fact itself gives them somewhat easier job standardizing faction.
MR was from start designed over idea of ruling council. Reason is simple, not all decisions one would make are good. Also, 4 leaders cover more time online to coordinate stuff. Also sometimes we all need some break. having more people helps here too. Oh, and also there is matter of regular members actually being able to gain rank of faction leader without former one leaving or giving up. (we changed one councilor, and one quit, currenty there is voting on higher ranking chars who will fill in)
Problem with theese systems are numerous. One is that they are never stable. We all see players coming, going, coming back, leaving for good and alike. Second problem is that many refuse to agree on someone being their superior (here you get lots of indies, only because of this). Third is, that with change of rule, some regulations of faction could be messed up. This things can happen rapidly and will keep those underinformed(not likely to hang on forums) unbalanced. You will get rather confusing behavior after some time.
Best solution is to leave things like this to natural growth. If you get base of players that play same faction for long time, they will start to interact and will in some time create regulation system(its something thats in human nature, and Crete elders are best example here). Stuff that is created naturally tend to live longer than that created artificially.
