Their home planet, Ferenginar, is a non-Federation world governed by the GrandNagus and a Commerce Authority made primarily of the Council of Economic Advisors (formerly Board of Liquidators).
The Ferengi Alliance is ultimately controlled by the GrandNagus, followed by his subordinates in the Ferengi Commerce Authority.
The title 'Nagus' is remarkably similar is spelling, pronunciation, and meaning to the Ethiopian word 'Negus', meaning King or Emperor.
During Ferenginar's planetary Tongo championships, Ishka passed tips to GrandNagusZek which helped him win, and they began a correspondence, which led to a romance (once he got over finding out she was a female).
Under Ishka's influence, Zek instituted reforms that caused him to be deposed, after which they went to DS9, where Ishka was to meet with an important FCA member, Nilva, to convince him to aid in reinstating Zek.
Zek returned in "Rules of Acquisition", to have Quark negotiate a deal with the Dosi, for 10,000 vats of tulaberry wine; this was part of a plan to make contact with members of the Dominion.
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