THESAURUS
wield authority
administer, administrate, be master, captain, carry authority, chair, command, control, crack the whip, direct, discipline, dominate, govern, have clout, have power, have the power, have the right, have the say, head, lead, manage, officer, possess authority, preside over, regulate, rule, stand over, supervise
ROGET THESAURUS
wield authority
Government
VB
govern, rule, have authority, hold authority, possess authority, exercise authority, exert authority,
wield authority, reign, be sovereign, ascend the throne, mount the throne, take the reins, take the reins into one's hand, assume authority, assume the reins of government, take command, assume command, politics, be governed by, be in the power of, be a subject of, be a citizen of.