The fact that Yoda talks about how a Jedi should only use the Force for knowledge and defense -never- attack is indicative that their acting as Generals leading "pre-emptive" attacks on the Separatist as a perversion of the ways of the Jedi.
The link between the Jedi and the Old Republic government wasn't explained in excruciating detail, just more than was ever indicated in the classic trilogy alone.
At least they conveyed a whole lot more to me anyway.