The Jei are members of an ancient and noble monastic order in the fictional Star Wars universe. The Jedi Knights are known for two things: their observance of a religion founded on The Force and their selection and admittance to the order, based upon specific talents that demonstrate that a person has a special link to such Force. The Star Wars universe contains a Galactic Republic, thousands of years old, in which a democratic ruling body, the Galactic Senate, oversees the Republic for the best interests of all the inner states, called Systems. Where or when the public order cannot be imposed through regular means of the law, the Jedi Order assists the Senate, sending their Knights to restore peace, thus acting as a guard corps for the Republic. The Jedi Knights are so effective in this role that, for much of its existence, Republic deemed the existence of a regular standing army unnecessary.