The main characteristics of an authoritarian regime include centralized control, limited political freedom, and suppression of dissent. In such systems, power is concentrated in a single leader or ruling party, often curtailing civil liberties such as freedom of speech and assembly. These regimes may use propaganda and state-controlled media to manipulate public perception. Additionally, authoritarian governments frequently rely on coercive measures, including surveillance and repression, to maintain their grip on power and prevent opposition or political dissent.