You are correct in that they would be bitter - I am not denying that. What I am saying is that once they ARE conquered, they fare better than other peoples. They do not decide major issues themselves as oft the people decide on what they want rather than what they need. For example - people drive SUVs. What if gas was rationed for the war, and it was put to a vote. People would say no because they want the gas for their SUVs and larger underused trucks and so that would be the end of the mat5ter - as a result, tanks run out of petrol and occupants of said tanks die after being set on by the very people from whom they were evading.
In The Empire - rationing is installed and there is no argument. Period.
A government might be moderately prosperous but the Empire offers a greater deal ofprosperity. Your own Alexander Hamilton countered an oft quoted phrase - "Those unwilling to sacrifice some freedoms for security are worthy of neither."
Democracy is not a sought after option in the Empire as, for the last fifty years in many cases and smaller year-numbers in recently annexed places, it is taught that the rule of the many creates disorder as a thousand voices clamor to a thousand different ends. They have been taught not to be mindless zombies - but that order is a lofty goal for all to strive. They have been taught that intelligence is secon to none and that the intelligent are only those worthy of true leadership. **Citizens are not zombies - they are counters to everything because absolute rulers can make mistakes - for the Emperor, the counter is the fleet. If he decides to kill every person on Coruscant for wearing blue, then he ahs erred and the Fleet/Army would step in and say no.
Let us take a real-world American example. Kerry v Bush. John Kerry - a man without imagination drive and dedication who bowed to whatever way the wind was blowing. He cared only about what he wanted to get elected and while in office would have done what the people told him - he would have listened to what they wanted and not what they needed.
Bush - also a sub-par human being but one with devotion. While he is a fanatical religious zealot, he has ideas and he sticks to them. Do I agree with him - certainly not, in fact I oppose him on many issues. But I can respect him for listening to what people say and saying I do not believe that. He at least has some personal values and ideals and stands by them - he does not yield.
The fundamental thing in the Empire is that the people need to worry about political matters are people above them are being trained and paid to do so for them. They can go on about their lives without being stressed to the limit of whether or not a war is just. They live and profit off of a bettered economy and go loyally when their number is called to join the ranks of the Imperial Army. They decide not if they should fight but serve their time and then enjoy the rewards if they live of being honoured Citizens.
BTW - In the Empire there is a difference - Citizens are those who have served and have indisputable loyalty to the Empire (not the Emperor, but to tis head whomever that may be). Civilians are the average person - does not take direct responsibility at any time for the well being of the State. Citizens are paid a stipend for their services and are permitted to wear their decorations on any clothing form they chooe - they have reserved seats at sporting events, et al. Careers guranateeing citizenship: soldiering, police, firefighters, Medics, governors, etc. Citizenship can be awarded if a person displays a heroic act (or something) that makes him worthy - ie saving the life of a person from a speeding hoverbus, or doing some groundbreaking research for the betterment of the Empire as a whole - or being a teacher recommended by her students as a loyal and kind person...etc
You get the idea.
***Comon quote - Franklin: Those willing to sacrifice freedom for security are unworthy of both.***
[size=1]Requiem en Terra Pax[/size]
