governed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The governed: The collective group of people who are subject to the authority of a government; the citizens or subjects of a state. This term is often used in political theory to refer to the populace in contrast to those who govern.
Usage
- The term "the governed" is used as a collective noun, typically with the definite article "the," to discuss the relationship between a state's authority and its people.
- It is a formal term most common in political, philosophical, and historical contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- A fundamental principle of democracy is that the governed must consent to the powers of their leaders.
- The new policy was deeply unpopular with the governed.
- The social contract outlines the mutual obligations between the governors and the governed.
Advanced Usage
- The concept is central to theories of legitimate political authority. The phrase "consent of the governed" is a famous formulation from Enlightenment philosophy, asserting that a government's legitimacy and moral right to use state power is justified only when consented to by the people over whom that power is exercised.
Variants and Related Words
- Govern (verb): To conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of a state, organization, or people.
- The elected officials govern the country.
- Governor (noun): A person in authority, especially the executive head of a state.
- Government (noun): The system or group of people governing an organized community, generally a state.
- Governing (adjective): Having authority to control or rule.
- The governing party proposed new laws.
Synonyms
- Citizenry: The body of citizens in a state.
- Populace: The ordinary people in a country or area.
- Subjects: People under the rule of a monarch or government (often implies a monarchy).
Antonyms
- The governors: Those who rule or administer.
- The government: The governing body itself.
Noun
- the body of people who are citizens of a particular government
- governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed--Declaration of Independence