Autocracy
An
autocracy is a
form of government where the
political power is held by a single individual.
The term
autocrat is derived from the
Greek word
autokratôr (lit. "self-ruler", "ruler of one's self"). Compare with
oligarchy (rule by a minority, by a small group) and
democracy (rule by the majority, by the people).
Today it is usually seen as synonymous with
despot,
tyrant and/or
dictator, though each of these terms originally had a separate and distinct meaning (see their respective articles).
Autocracy is not synonymous with
totalitarianism, as this concept was precisely forged to distinguish modern regimes that appeared in the 1930s from traditional
dictatorships. It also isn't synonymous with
military dictatorship, as these often take the form of "collective presidencies" (see the South-American
juntas). However, an autocracy may be totalitarian or be a military dictatorship.
The term
monarchy differs in that it emphasizes the hereditary characteristic. The actual power of the monarch may be limited. Historically, many monarchs ruled autocratically but eventually their power was diminished and dissolved with the introduction of
constitutions giving the people the power to make decisions for themselves through elected bodies of
government.
The autocrat needs some kind of power structure to rule. Only a boss of a street gang or a barbarian chieftain can truly rule with only his personal charisma and his fighting skills. Most historical autocrats depended on their nobles, the military, the priesthood or others, who could turn against the ruler and depose or murder him. The true nature of a historical autocracy can be difficult to judge.
*
Absolute monarchy
