Let’s say I decide I’ve had enough with this whole Federation business and that humanity would be better represented by a Starfleet that follows my particular ideology. Assuming I could get enough people for crew and support, why can’t I start my own Starfleet?
I could replicate ship parts until I have a couple vessels. Go to new worlds and present myself as the official first contact of humanity. I could fly to Vulcan or Bajor and tell them no actually my organization represents humanity.
What’s going to stop me?
Your UBI allotment of energy usage is limited.
What you’re even allowed to replicate is limited. Not just by, like, laws limiting what kinds of things you can replicate but also the fact that starships and other things require materials that can’t be replicated even if you had lawful permission.
Look at the Maquis. They’re basically what you described, within the scope of what they actually can do as simple citizens. Even with the benefit of actual star fleet officers they didn’t fare too well.
from what i know it wouldn’t be that you have a strict energy allotment, more that people would see you using tons of energy and come knocking to gently ask what in the blazes you’re doing in there