the body of people who are citizens of a particular government
"governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed"
simple past tense and past participle of govern
"The ancient city was governed by a council of elders who made all major decisions."
In plain English: To be governed means to follow rules made by someone else who has authority over you.
"The local community center is governed by an elected board of volunteers who meet every month to make decisions about its budget and activities."