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Autonomy

Definition

Autonomy refers to the ability or right of a person or entity to self-govern and make decisions independently, without external control or interference. In the context of the French Wars of Religion, autonomy would involve granting Henry II more power and freedom to act on his own.

Analogy

Imagine you have been given permission by your parents to stay out until midnight on weekends. This newfound autonomy allows you to make your own decisions about how late you want to stay out and what activities you want to engage in, without needing constant approval from your parents.

Related terms

Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority and power held by a ruler or government within a specific territory. It involves complete independence and control over internal affairs.

Decentralization: Decentralization is the process of transferring power and decision-making authority from a central authority (such as a government) to lower levels, such as regional or local governments. It aims to distribute power more evenly across different entities.

Factionalism: Factionalism refers to the presence of competing groups or factions within a larger organization or society, each pursuing their own interests. These factions often clash with each other due to differing ideologies or goals.