Despotism refers to a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. That entity may be an individual, as in an autocracy, or it may be a group.
Despotism is like a strict school principal who makes all the rules without any input from students or teachers. They have absolute power over everything that happens in the school and there's no system for checks and balances.
Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule where power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control unlawfully.
Monarchy: A form of government with a monarch at the head (king, queen, emperor), often hereditary.
Totalitarianism: A political system where the state holds total authority over society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.