Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Self-governance is the ability and right of individuals or groups to independently manage their own affairs, making decisions without external control. It emphasizes autonomy in political, social, or organizational contexts.
The capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision about one's actions and life direction.
Decentralization: The process of distributing or dispersing functions, powers, people, or things away from a central location or authority.
Direct democracy: A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly, allowing for direct participation in the decision-making process