government

n.

1. The process of governing

   rule, control, command, regulation, administration, bureaucracy, direction, equity, dominion, sway, authority, jurisdiction, hegemony, suzerainty, sovereignty, prerogative, polity, direction, power, management, authorization, patronage, mastery, predominance, superiority, supervision, superintendence, magistracy, supremacy, domination, preponderance, ascendancy, influence, presidency, politics, regimentation, state, statecraft, political practice, caretaker government, governmental procedure; see also administration.

2. The instrument of governing

   administration, assembly, legislature, congress, cabinet, executive power, regime, supreme authority, ministry, party, chamber, council, parliament, senate, department of justice, soviet, diet, synod, convocation, convention, court, directory, house.

   Types of government include: absolute monarchy, dictatorship, empire, tyranny, fascism, imperialism, colonialism, despotism, limited monarchy, constitutional monarchy, hereditary kingship, oligarchy, aristocracy, democracy, popular government, representative government, democratic socialism, communism, socialism, party government.

3. Divisions of government include: state, province, kingdom, territory, colony, dominion, commonwealth, soviet, republic, shire, city, county, canton, town, village, hamlet, township, municipality, principality, precinct, borough, commune, ward, district, suburb, department, arrondissement, département (both French), nome, nomarchy, parish.