What is a Dominion?

Dominions are territories or lands ruled by a monarch or sovereign state, over which they exercise supreme authority. The term "dominion" was historically used to describe the British Empire's colonies and territories, and it is still used in some contexts today.

In the context of the British North America Act, the term "dominion" referred to the self-governing colonies of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, which were granted independence from the United Kingdom but remained part of the British Empire. These dominions were considered equal in status to the United Kingdom, and they shared a common monarch as head of state.

Over time, the term "dominion" fell out of use and was replaced by the term "commonwealth," which is now used to describe the group of countries that were once part of the British Empire but are now independent and equal in status. Today, the Commonwealth of Nations is an organization made up of 53 member states, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire.