In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one word substitute for the given words or sentence: Protection of or authority over someone.

Introduction / Context:
This question asks for a one word substitute for the phrase "Protection of or authority over someone." One word substitution questions are designed to test your vocabulary precision, especially knowledge of less common but important academic or formal terms. Recognising the correct word helps in concise, effective writing and aids in understanding complex texts where such words frequently appear.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase to be replaced is "Protection of or authority over someone".
• The options are "Autonomous", "Tutelage", "Nonaligned", "Unaided", and "Patronage".
• The core meaning involves guidance, supervision, or guardianship.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings of all options.
• The correct word should cover both the idea of care and control.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase described suggests a relationship where one person or organisation provides oversight, protection, and sometimes control over another, often in an educational or developmental context. The word "Tutelage" precisely captures this idea. It refers to the protection or authority over someone, particularly to supervise or instruct them. The other options either describe independence, lack of assistance, political neutrality, or a different type of support and therefore do not match the given definition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the phrase: "Protection of or authority over someone" points to a guardian-like or supervisory role. Step 2: Examine "Autonomous". This means independent or self-governing, which is the opposite of being under someone's authority. Step 3: Examine "Tutelage". Dictionaries define this as instruction, protection, or authority, especially in relation to a guardian or tutor guiding a learner. Step 4: Examine "Nonaligned". This relates to not being formally aligned or committed to a particular group or side, usually in politics. Step 5: Examine "Unaided". This simply means without help and does not include the sense of authority or control. Step 6: Examine "Patronage". This refers to support, encouragement, or financial aid given by a patron; it does not inherently include direct authority or supervisory power over the person. Step 7: Conclude that "Tutelage" is the only option that incorporates both protection and authority over someone.

Verification / Alternative check:
Example sentences can help verify the choice: "The child is under the tutelage of his uncle" implies both guidance and authority. "The colony was under the tutelage of the imperial power" similarly suggests control and protection. In contrast, "autonomous regions" are self-governing, "nonaligned nations" are politically neutral, "unaided students" receive no help, and "patronage" focuses on support without necessarily implying direct control. These comparisons confirm that "Tutelage" is the best one word substitute.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Autonomous" describes independence and self-rule, which contradicts the idea of being under someone's authority. "Nonaligned" is primarily used in international relations to describe states not formally aligned with any major power bloc, so it does not relate to guardianship. "Unaided" conveys a lack of help or assistance and therefore does not express protection or authority. "Patronage" involves support or sponsorship, often financial, but does not inherently mean exercising authority over the supported person.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse "patronage" with guardianship because both involve support. However, patronage emphasises sponsorship, especially in the arts or politics, while tutelage emphasises instruction and control. Another pitfall is choosing long or formal sounding words such as "autonomous" without checking their meaning carefully. Always focus on the exact wording of the phrase and match it with the precise dictionary sense of the options.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for "Protection of or authority over someone" is Tutelage.