"Autocracy" refers to a form of governance where a single individual or a small group holds absolute power and authority, often without effective checks and balances. In an autocracy, political pluralism is limited, and dissent may be suppressed. This concentration of power can manifest in various forms, including dictatorships and absolute monarchies, where leaders maintain control over both state institutions and civil society. Autocratic systems are characterized by restricted political freedoms and diminished democratic practices, affecting citizens' participation in the political process.