Answer – Despotism refers to a form of government in which a ruler has absolute power and authority over the state and its people.

Explanation: 

The entity that possesses complete control over all aspects of government and society is called a despot. Here are some characteristics of despotism:

• Absolute power: The despot possesses complete authority and decision-making power, and their commands are not subject to any meaningful challenge or legal framework. These powers are often exercised in a brutal or oppressive manner.
• Lack of accountability: The despot is not accountable to any other individual or institution, and there are no mechanisms for effectively challenging their actions or decisions.
• Limited rights and freedoms: Citizens have limited or no individual rights and freedoms under a despotic regime. They may face arbitrary arrest, torture, and even execution for expressing dissent or opposing the despot’s policies.
• Repression and coercion: Despotic regimes often rely on force and intimidation to maintain control. This may involve the use of secret police, military forces, or the suppression of dissent.
• Lack of rule of law: The rule of law is usually absent in despotism, with the despot’s will serving as the law of the land.

Some examples of despots are Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union, 1922–1952), Adolf Hitler (Germany, 1933–1945), Genghis Khan (Mongol Empire, 1206–1227), and Idi Amin (Uganda, 1971–1979).

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