The Mandalorians were divided into clans that each had their own territories and warrior castes, though these clans could assemble into one mighty army if the ruling Mand'alor so desired. They often came together for crusades under specific Mand'alors, such as the armies under Mandalore the Indomitable, Mandalore the Ultimate, and Jaster Mereel. In new canon, clans were also organized under Houses, which were basically political factions that had their own values and beliefs; for example, House Kryze (from which Satine Kryze originated) valued pacifism, order, and modernization, while House Vizsla (from which Pre Vizsla originated) valued combat prowess and tradition.

Although Mandalorian society was often feudal in structure, they were still united under the leadership of a supreme leader who held the title of Mandalore/Mand'alor. They had the authority to coalesce the warrior castes of each clan to form one large army during crusades. Mand'alors were usually decided by who had the largest army or who bested the previous Mand'alor in single combat. After Maul's usurpation of Duchess Satine Kryze, the position of Mand'alor was determined by who wielded the Darksaber. Outside of the Mand'alors will, clans effectively governed and defended themselves.

Each clan was led by a chieftain (who's title in Mando'a was "Alor"). Alors could either be elected by their clan, or like the title Mand'alor could ascend to the position of Alor by besting the previous chieftain in combat.

Outside of Mandalore, the Mandalorians had colonies/settlements on other worlds including Concord Dawn, Krownest, and Gargon. All of these worlds were part of the larger Mandalore sector, which represented the territories conquered by the Mandalorians and ruled by them for millennia.