Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - governing

~ adj 1 only before noun having the power to control an organization, country etc  (governing body (=the group of people controlling an institution))  (the university's governing body | governing party (=the political party that is governing a country)) 2 governing principle a principle that has the most important influence on something  (Freedom of speech for all is one of the governing principles in a democracy.)  (- see also self­governing)