autonomy

In politics, a term used to describe political self-government of a state or, more commonly, a subdivision of a state. Autonomy may be based upon cultural or ethnic differences and often leads eventually to independence.

Varying degrees of autonomy are exhibited by colonies and dependencies. A more perfect instance is afforded by the powers of independent action of the ancient Greek city communities.

Autarky can be regarded as a state of extreme political and economic autonomy. In Immanuel Kant's philosophical use of the term it expresses the principle that no law without a moral foundation can be held as binding on the conscience.