A dictatorship is defined by the concentration of power in a single leader or a small group, lacking the democratic processes typical of a democracy. In a dictatorship, political opposition is often suppressed, and citizens have little to no say in decision-making. Elections, if they occur, are typically not free or fair. In contrast, a democracy emphasizes the participation of the populace in governance, promoting individual rights, free and fair elections, and accountability. The key distinction lies in the balance of power and the level of citizen engagement in political life.