The settlers were self-governing. What does that mean?

Question

Leaders were elected, and they made all the rules.

Leaders were appointed, and issues were voted on.

Leaders were elected, and issues were voted on.

Leaders were appointed, and they made all the rules.

Answer 1

The phrase "The settlers were self-governing" typically means that they had the ability to govern themselves and make their own decisions without external authority. In the context of your options, the statement that best aligns with this idea is:

Leaders were elected, and issues were voted on.

This indicates that the settlers had a democratic process where they elected their leaders and participated in decision-making through voting on issues.