Self-government (noun)

1. The ability or right of a group of people to govern themselves without external control or influence.
2. The form of government in which power is held by the people rather than by a central authority.

Origin:

Composed of the word "self" meaning "oneself" and "government" meaning "the act or process of governing".

Examples:

1. The colony fought for self-government, eventually gaining independence from the mother country.
2. Self-government is a fundamental principle of democratic societies.
3. The group of settlers established a system of self-government in their new community.
4. The town's charter granted self-government to its residents.
5. Self-government is an essential aspect of personal development and maturity.