An- (negation of) -archos (rulers). The absence of political authority, i.e. government. Some anarchists claim to be opposed to hierarchy of any sort, but real leadership is derived from consent and not coercion, and is what allows society to function in the real world.

Governments are territorial monopolies in violence. That is the root definition. They never have legitimate authority, because no one can delegate the authority they claim to exercise on our behalf. This is the same whether such a system is called democracy, monarchy, republic, or anything else. It does not matter if they claim a written constitution, Magna Carta, bill of rights, charter, or any other document. None of us ever agreed to it, and none of them are bound by it.

The governments are the gangs you fear. They already took over. Taxation and licenses are racketeering writ large. What do you think the Russo-Ukraine war is over if not gang turf? And the government is its own judge, jury, and executioner. There are no fair trials when the State is fundamentally both prosecution and judge. The military and police have always been brutal enforcers first and foremost. Just ask an Indian. Dot or feather.

The law is not handed down by legislators, it is discovered by reason. Government invariably declares exceptions to every crime for itself.