What term refers to independent political authority held by a government?

The term that refers to independent political authority held by a government is sovereignty. Sovereignty signifies the ultimate power and authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. This concept is foundational to political science and international relations, as it establishes the legitimacy of a government to enact laws, conduct foreign policy, and maintain order within its territory.

Sovereignty implies that a government has full control over its domestic and foreign affairs, ensuring that it can operate independently from other political entities. This independence is crucial for understanding state behavior in global contexts and the principles of international law.

The other terms offered do not capture this specific notion of independent political authority as clearly. Liberty refers to individual freedoms, anarchy suggests the absence of governance, and authority generally denotes the power to make decisions or enforce rules but does not specifically imply independence in the way sovereignty does.