Governments — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Meaning & Definition of Governments

Governments (noun)

1. the body of persons that constitutes the governing authority of a political unit or organization
2. the officials comprising the governing body of a political unit and constituting the organization as an active agency
3. the executive branch of the U.S. federal government
4. a group of people that organizes as an unofficial governing authority to oppose or supplant a legitimate or generally recognized government
5. a political system or tenet in which the role of the governing authority is confined (as by a constitution) to protecting individual liberties (such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to due process) and providing essential services (such as national security, public safety and education)
6. the government of a specific local area constituting a subdivision of a major political unit (such as a nation or state); also, the body of persons constituting such a government
7. a system of government having the real executive power vested in a cabinet composed of members of the legislature who are individually and collectively responsible to the legislature
8. a system of government in which the president is constitutionally independent of the legislature
9. self-control, self-command
10. government under the control and direction of the inhabitants of a political unit rather than by an outside authority; broadly, control of one's own affairs
11. the organization and management of student life by various student organizations
12. a secondary or subordinate government, an informal or unofficial association of persons or institutions that exercises considerable influence on a formal government or organization