Some viewed the Republic as a corrupt bureaucratic nightmare where nothing could be accomplished. The Galactic Empire was a chance to make a government that worked.
But perhaps it was enough to know that law and order had finally triumphed over corruption and indulgence, which had been the hallmarks of the Republic. - Tarkin: Star Wars, ch. 6
Did they think it was evil? Apparently not.
Most of the former Republic accepted the Empire without complaint, but there were many bands of resistence fighters and Separatist remnants lurking around the galaxy. Lords of the Sith: Star Wars, ch. 2
In Palpatine's speech at end of Revenge of the Sith
By bringing the entire galaxy under one law, one language, and the enlightened guidance of one individual, the corruption that plagued the Republic in its later years will never take root. Regional governors will eliminate the bureaucracy that allowed the Separatist movement to grow unchecked. A strong and growing military will ensure the rule of law.
Palpatine did see the Republic as antiquated and corrupt. Their differences in language and species caused nothing to happen. The Senate couldn't even decide to stop a blockade around Naboo or help the crisis on Geonosis. Palpatine demonstrated that the Republic was flawed, and he offered an alternative that appealed to many.
Sidebar
Everyone is the hero of their own story.
A hero says “I have a good side and a bad side. I have to suppress my bad side and choose my good side.” A
A villain says “I only have a good side.” - Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2015 – Heroes, Villains, and Anti-Heroes in Harry Potter: Who’s Who? Panel
