An empire is a large territory under the control of one ruler or government. It often consists of several different nations, countries, or peoples who are ruled over by a single sovereign authority.
Consider empires like big corporations. Just as corporations have branches in various cities and countries but are controlled from one head office, empires consist of many territories but are governed from one central power.
Colony: A country or area under the political control of another country, typically a distant one.
Sovereign Authority: The supreme power in a state; it has ultimate decision-making power and maintains order within its jurisdiction.
Imperialism: A policy or ideology by which a nation extends its power by acquiring territories.
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