1. self-governing - Adjective
2. self-governing - Adjective Satellite
(of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces
Source: WordNetself governing
Just what is it that America stands for If she stands for one thing more than another it is for the sovereignty of self-governing people. Woodrow Wilson
The Church, however, is a self-governing society, distinct from the State, having its officers and laws, and, therefore, an administrative government of its own. Charles Hodge
Independence, the freedom of a self-governing nation, is in my estimation the highest political good, for which any disadvantage, if need be, and any sacrifice are a cheap price. Enoch Powell
I have taken office with two objects; to see whether something cannot be done to bring the self-governing Colonies and ourselves into closer relations, and to attempt the development of the resources of the Crown Colonies, especially to increase our trade with those Colonies. Joseph Chamberlain
They tell us that we live in a great free republic; that our institutions are democratic; that we are a free and self-governing people. This is too much, even for a joke. But it is not a subject for levity; it is an exceedingly serious matter. Eugene V. Debs
Often his name was, in a generation or two, forgotten. It was from this brotherhood that America has drawn its statesmen and its judges. A free and self-governing Republic stands as a monument for the little-known and unremembered as well as for the famous men of our profession. Robert H. Jackson