1. The act or process of governing, especially the control and administration of public policy in a political unit.

2. The office, function, or authority of one who governs or of a governing body.

3. Exercise of authority in a political unit; rule.

4. The agency or apparatus through which an individual or a body that governs exercises authority and performs its functions.

5. A governing body or organization, as: a. The ruling political party or coalition of political parties in a parliamentary system. b. The cabinet in a parliamentary system. c. The persons who make up a governing body.

6. A system or policy by which a political unit is governed.

7. Management or administration of an organization, a business, or an institution.

8. Political science.