Prefecture: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Latin word 'praefectura', meaning a position of authority or a district under a leader.
• In ancient Rome, 'prefect' referred to officials in charge of specific areas or tasks, showing the word's historical roots in governance.

Cultural Significance

• In Japan, prefectures are key administrative divisions, each with a governor, playing a significant role in local governance.
• France has a system of departments that function similarly to prefectures, each overseen by an appointed prefect, illustrating a blend of centralized and local power.

Geography

• There are 47 prefectures in Japan, each unique in culture and geography, from bustling Tokyo to rural Hokkaido.
• Some countries, like Italy, utilize the concept of provinces, which serve similar administrative purposes as prefectures.

Governance

• Prefectures often have their own laws and regulations that cater to the needs of their residents, facilitating local governance.
• The introduction of prefectures helped streamline administration by placing authority closer to the people.

Education

• In educational contexts, perfectures often determine local school policies and standards, impacting students' learning environments.
• Students in different prefectures in Japan may study different subjects and cultural events, showcasing regional diversity in education.

Positioned at #21,564, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 21561 unmodified
• 21562 prom
• 21563 introspective
• 21564 prefecture
• 21565 heritable
• 21566 puny
• 21567 misnomer
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