Empire vs. Dominion — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 21, 2024
An empire is a group of territories or nations ruled by a single sovereign authority, often an emperor, whereas a dominion refers to a territory or nation that is self-governing but still under the sovereignty of a larger empire or kingdom.
Difference Between Empire and Dominion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An empire is a large political unit or state, usually under a single supreme authority, often an emperor, that controls multiple territories or nations. Empires are characterized by centralized control and can span vast geographic areas, bringing diverse cultures and regions under one rule. A dominion, on the other hand, refers to a territory that is self-governing but remains under the sovereignty of a larger empire or kingdom. Dominions have their own local governments and some degree of autonomy, but they recognize the authority of the central government or monarch.
Empires typically exert control through a combination of military conquest, economic dominance, and cultural influence. They often establish administrative frameworks to manage the diverse regions under their control. Dominions maintain a more balanced relationship with the central authority, emphasizing local governance while still acknowledging allegiance to the larger sovereign power. This arrangement allows dominions to manage their own affairs while contributing to the stability and strength of the empire.
In terms of governance, empires are usually more centralized, with a hierarchical structure that places ultimate authority in the hands of the emperor or central government. Dominions, by contrast, exhibit a form of decentralized governance, allowing for local decision-making and greater responsiveness to the needs of their populations.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A large political unit with multiple territories under a single authority
A self-governing territory under the sovereignty of a larger empire
Governance
Centralized, often under an emperor
Decentralized, local self-government
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Sovereignty
Absolute, centralized authority
Partial, under a larger sovereign power
Examples
Roman Empire, British Empire
Canada, Australia (historically)
Administrative Control
High, with integrated regions
Moderate, with local autonomy
Relationship Dynamics
Dominant-subject
Cooperative, semi-independent
Compare with Definitions
Empire
A large group of states or countries under a single supreme authority.
The Roman Empire stretched across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Dominion
A territory that has its own government but is subject to an external monarch or authority.
Australia was referred to as a dominion of the British Crown.
Empire
A state that exerts control over other nations through conquest and colonization.
The Spanish Empire expanded through the Americas via conquest and settlement.
Dominion
A region with self-governing powers under a larger sovereign framework.
The Dominion of New Zealand managed its internal affairs while recognizing the British monarch.
Empire
A major political unit with centralized control over diverse regions.
The Ottoman Empire governed a vast region with a central authority in Istanbul.
Dominion
A status indicating partial sovereignty and self-administration.
The term dominion signified a step towards full sovereignty for many British colonies.
Empire
A powerful and influential organization or enterprise.
The media empire owned several television networks and newspapers.
Dominion
A semi-autonomous political unit under the sovereignty of a larger empire.
Canada was a dominion within the British Empire before gaining full independence.
Empire
An empire is a sovereign state made up of several territories and peoples subject to a single ruling authority, often an emperor. A state can become an empire either by a narrow definition through having an emperor and being named as such, or by a broad definition as stated above as an aggregate territory under the rule of supreme authorities such as the Roman Empire.
Dominion
The word Dominion was used from 1907 to 1948 to refer to one of several self-governing nations of the British Empire. "Dominion status" was formally accorded to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland, South Africa, and the Irish Free State at the 1926 Imperial Conference to designate "autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the Crown and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations”.
Empire
An extensive group of states or countries ruled over by a single monarch, an oligarchy, or a sovereign state
The Roman Empire
Dominion
Control or the exercise of control; sovereignty
"The devil ... has their souls in his possession, and under his dominion" (Jonathan Edwards).
Empire
A large commercial organization owned or controlled by one person or group
Her business empire grew
Dominion
A territory or sphere of influence or control; a realm.
Empire
Denoting a style of furniture, decoration, or dress fashionable chiefly during the First Empire in France. The decorative style was neoclassical but marked by an interest in Egyptian and other ancient motifs.
Dominion
Often Dominion A self-governing nation under the nominal rule of the British monarch.
Empire
Denoting produce from the Commonwealth.
Dominion
Dominions(Christianity) See domination.
Empire
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a neoclassic style, as in clothing or the decorative arts, prevalent in France during the early 1800s.
Dominion
Power or the use of power; sovereignty over something; stewardship, supremacy.
Empire
A variety of apple having dark red skin and white flesh.
Dominion
Predominance; ascendancy
Empire
A political unit having an extensive territory or comprising a number of territories or nations and ruled by a single supreme authority.
Dominion
A kingdom, nation, or other sphere of influence; governed territory.
The dominions of a king
The dominion of the passions
Empire
The territory included in such a unit.
Dominion
(taxonomy) kingdom
Empire
An extensive enterprise under a unified authority:a publishing empire.
Dominion
(Christianity) An order of angel in Christian angelology, ranked above virtues and below thrones.
Empire
Imperial or imperialistic sovereignty, domination, or control:the extension of empire to distant lands.
Dominion
Sovereign or supreme authority; the power of governing and controlling; independent right of possession, use, and control; sovereignty; supremacy.
I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion.
To choose between dominion or slavery.
Empire
A political unit, typically having an extensive territory or comprising a number of territories or nations (especially one comprising one or more kingdoms) and ruled by a single supreme authority.
The Russian empire
Dominion
Superior prominence; predominance; ascendency.
Objects placed foremost ought . . . have dominion over things confused and transient.
Empire
A political unit ruled by an emperor or empress.
The Empire of Vietnam was a short-lived client state of Japan governing Vietnam between March 11 and August 23, 1945.
Dominion
That which is governed; territory over which authority is exercised; the tract, district, or county, considered as subject; as, the dominions of a king. Also used figuratively; as, the dominion of the passions.
Empire
The group of states or other territories that owe allegiance to an imperial power (foreign to them), when distinguished from the native territory of that power; imperial possessions.
Dominion
A supposed high order of angels; dominations. See Domination, 3.
By him were all things created . . . whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers.
Empire
An expansive and powerful enterprise under the control of one person or group.
The McDonald's fast food empire
Dominion
Dominance or power through legal authority;
France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa
The rule of Caesar
Empire
(Absolute) control, dominion, sway.
Dominion
A region marked off for administrative or other purposes
Empire
Alternative case form of Empire.
Dominion
One of the self-governing nations in the British Commonwealth
Empire
Supreme power; sovereignty; sway; dominion.
Over hell extendHis empire, and with iron scepter rule.
Dominion
A self-ruling colony or territory within an empire.
The Dominion of South Africa had significant autonomy under British rule.
Empire
The dominion of an emperor; the territory or countries under the jurisdiction and dominion of an emperor (rarely of a king), usually of greater extent than a kingdom, always comprising a variety in the nationality of, or the forms of administration in, constituent and subordinate portions; as, the Austrian empire.
Empire carries with it the idea of a vast and complicated government.
Empire
Any dominion; supreme control; governing influence; rule; sway; as, the empire of mind or of reason.
Another force which, in the Middle Ages, shared with chivalry the empire over the minds of men.
Empire
The domain ruled by an emperor or empress
Empire
A group of countries under a single authority;
The British empire
Empire
A monarchy with an emperor as head of state
Empire
A group of diverse companies under common ownership and run as a single organization
Empire
An eating apple that somewhat resembles a McIntosh; used as both an eating and a cooking apple
Empire
An extensive territory ruled by an emperor.
The British Empire was the largest empire in history by land area.
Common Curiosities
Do dominions have their own governments?
Yes, dominions have their own local governments and a degree of self-governance.
What is the primary difference between an empire and a dominion?
An empire is a centralized political unit ruling multiple territories, while a dominion is a self-governing territory under a larger empire's sovereignty.
Are empires always ruled by an emperor?
While many empires are ruled by an emperor, some may be governed by other forms of centralized authority.
What kind of governance does an empire typically have?
Empires usually have centralized governance with authority concentrated in a single ruler or central government.
Can an empire consist of multiple dominions?
Yes, an empire can include multiple dominions, each with its own local governance.
What historical examples illustrate the concept of a dominion?
Canada and Australia are historical examples of dominions within the British Empire.
Can a dominion become fully independent?
Yes, dominions can become fully independent nations, as seen with Canada and Australia.
Do dominions contribute to the stability of the empire?
Yes, dominions contribute to the stability and strength of the empire through cooperation and local governance.
Is the relationship between a dominion and an empire cooperative?
Yes, dominions typically have a cooperative relationship with the central authority, balancing autonomy with allegiance.
What kind of sovereignty do dominions have?
Dominions have partial sovereignty, recognizing the larger empire's authority while managing their own affairs.
How do empires maintain control over diverse regions?
Empires maintain control through military, economic, and cultural influence, as well as administrative structures.
Do empires integrate their territories into a unified state?
Empires often aim to integrate their territories to some extent, but complete unification is rare.
What is an example of a modern dominion?
Modern dominions have largely become fully independent nations, but the term historically applied to places like Canada.
Can an empire decline if it loses control over its dominions?
Yes, the loss of dominions can weaken an empire, contributing to its decline.
How do empires expand their territories?
Empires expand through conquest, colonization, and annexation of regions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
