self-government

American  

[self-guhv-ern-muhnt, -er-muhnt, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈgʌv ərn mənt, -ər mənt, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

1. control of the government of a state, community, or other body by its own members; democratic government.

2. the condition of being self-governed.

3. self-control.

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self-government British  

noun

1. the government of a country, nation, etc, by its own people

2. the state of being self-controlled

3. an archaic term for self-control

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Other Word Forms

• self-governed adjective
• self-governing adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-government

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

This is already happening in Washington, where the Home Rule Act of 1973, which gave the city limited self-government, allows Congress oversight.

From Salon

Their charitable giving supports a range of civic associations that train citizens in the skills and habits needed for self-government.

From The Wall Street Journal

Danes returning after the war found a population that wanted self-government.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those frustrations built until a 2009 self-government act, approved by three-quarters of Greenland voters, which charted a path for independence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Greenland, which has a population of 57,000 people, has had extensive self-government since 1979, though defence and foreign policy remain in Danish hands.

From BBC

Related Words

• autonomy
• discretion
• flexibility
• immunity
• independence
• sovereignty