The following is full of spoilers. Highlight to read them:

Let's start out with some facts that a spy recently sent us, then we'll venture into speculation. Our informant tells us we'll see the "Confederacy of Independent Systems" in Episode II along with secessionists and separatists. We'll also see a "military creation act", a law passed by the Senate that allows a new military force to be created.

That's what we know for sure. Now for the speculation on our part.

It looks like Lucas is delving into the American Civil War for inspiration for Episode II. Apparently several systems break away from the Republic to form the Confederacy. Count Dooku, the "charismatic separatist", leads them under the secret guidance of Darth Sidious. By playing both sides and creating a threat to the Republic, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine would have the support of the Senate to create a clone army through the "military creation act" and thus create his new army that will eventually become the Empire. Sneaky, eh? Would that make the Confederacy technically the good guys? The Rebels? And would the table seen in this Episode II Select be the meeting place for the Confederacy? We don't know, but that's our speculation.