adj
[only before noun]
having the power and authority to control an organization, country etc
= ruling
　FIFA is the governing body of world soccer (=the group of people who control it) .
　The Democrats are now the governing party (=the party in power) in the country.
　the governing class of ancient Rome
governing principle
a principle that has the most important influence on something
　Freedom of speech is one of the governing principles in a democracy.
→self-governing