UNTERHERRSCHAFT.

The article presents a discussion on the structure of governance in the area of the Rhine River in 18th-century Germany. Descriptions are given of the system known as "Unterherrschaft," in which landowners operated more or less independently within the context of the larger empire. Statistics are provided about the number of Unterherrschaften in Jülich-Berg, Germany, and the author examines the self-representation of landowners as heads of jurisdiction, executive, and punitive government in their areas. An overview is also provided of the historical events and legislative developments leading up to the emergence of Unterherrschaften, beginning in the 15th century and continuing to the late 18th century.