unbounded authority

[/ʌnˈbaʊndɪd ɔːˈθɒrɪti/]
noun phrasepl: unbounded authorities
autoridade ilimitada
1. Power or right to make decisions and enforce obedience without legal, constitutional, or practical limits or restrictions
The dictator exercised unbounded authority over all government institutions.
O ditador exercia autoridade ilimitada sobre todas as instituições governamentais.
2. Complete control or command without accountability or constraints
She was granted unbounded authority to restructure the entire department as she saw fit.
Ela recebeu autoridade ilimitada para reestruturar todo o departamento conforme achasse conveniente.
This term is frequently discussed in Brazilian and American political discourse when analyzing separation of powers, constitutional limits on government, and potential abuses of executive power. In Brazil, discussions of 'autoridade ilimitada' often reference historical periods of military dictatorship (1964-1985) and debates over presidential power. In the USA, it appears in constitutional debates regarding executive orders and presidential overreach.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
absolute authorityunlimited powertotal powerunrestricted authorityplenary authoritysovereign power
Antonyms / Antônimos
limited authorityrestricted powerbounded authorityconditional authoritycircumscribed power

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
autoridade ilimitada
Standard term used in legal and political contexts
Portugal
autoridade sem limites
Alternative phrasing more common in European Portuguese
São Paulo
poder sem freios
Colloquial variant meaning 'power without brakes'
General USA
unbounded authority
Frequently used in constitutional law and political science discussions

Related Words

despotismautocracytyrannytotalitarianismdiscretionary powerexecutive privilege

Related Idioms & Phrases

a blank check
free rein
no strings attached
complete carte blanche
rule with an iron fist
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