home rule

noun

1. self-government in local matters by a city, province, state, colony, or the like.

home rule

¹

noun

1. self-government, esp in domestic affairs

2. government the partial autonomy of cities and (in some states) counties, under which they manage their own affairs, with their own charters, etc, within the limits set by the state constitution and laws

3. the partial autonomy sometimes granted to a national minority or a colony

Home Rule

²

noun

1. self-government for Ireland: the goal of the Irish Nationalists from about 1870 to 1920

Word History and Origins

Origin of home rule¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Local leaders have protested the move, calling it an unprecedented intrusion on home rule.

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Remarkably for Florida’s profound level of diversity, Florida has not had a single Black or non-white governor since “home rule” was reestablished in 1885…

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In 1979, a referendum on home rule gave Greenland control of most policies within the territory, with Denmark retaining control over foreign affairs and defence.

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They had no choice but to pursue home rule, even at risk of fracturing or destroying their own party.

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Serrott agreed, finding that the law was only designed to prevent cities from exercising home rule.

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Related Words

• self-determination 
• self-rule