Despotism

Despotism is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small group, who hold absolute authority without effective checks or balances. In such systems, decisions are made unilaterally, often disregarding citizens' rights or opinions. Despotism can occur under monarchies, authoritarian regimes, or dictatorships, and typically involves limited personal freedoms, suppression of dissent, and control over many aspects of daily life. Its key characteristic is the lack of accountability, with power maintained through force or fear rather than democratic consent.