Final answer:
Villages can be described as autonomous, where they practice self-governance and local rule, often without the need for formal leadership. Settlement patterns influenced by the geography and economy have contributed to the political and social landscapes, with some villages growing into larger towns or cities due to their competitive advantage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Villages are autonomous, meaning they don't control each other. Autonomous communities such as villages or hamlets often rely on self-governance and local rule, fostering a sense of independence among residents. This contrasts with larger urban centers where centralized government is more common. In such small settlements, communal decisions are frequently made without the need for formal leadership or written laws, implying a societal structure where local governance predominates, and community members voluntarily decide on matters for the common good.
In the context of the varied settlement patterns across regions, such as those in the Midwest and West of the United States, a marked individualism influenced by sparse populations has shaped the political and economic ideologies present in modern American politics. Similarly, developments in settlement patterns have driven the growth of county-level governments and the expansion of some villages into towns or cities, due to the geographic advantages and convenience offered to merchants and customers alike.