In a dictatorship, power is typically concentrated in the hands of a single individual or a small group of individuals. This person or group makes decisions without the input or consent of the general population. The leader, often referred to as a dictator, wields absolute authority and usually maintains control through various means such as propaganda, political repression, and the use of state security forces.
In many cases, dictators can rise to power through a coup, through manipulation of the electoral process, or in some instances, even through legitimate elections that they subsequently undermine to maintain their grip on power. Unlike in democracies where power is distributed across various branches of government and is subject to checks and balances, a dictatorship eliminates these safeguards, leading to an environment where dissent is often silenced and civil liberties are restricted.
Examples of dictatorships throughout history have shown that the individual or ruling party not only controls the government but often also influences all aspects of life, including the economy, the media, and education, ensuring that their ideology and authority remain unchallenged.