Authoritarian political systems are characterized by concentrated power in a single leader or ruling party, often with limited political freedoms and civil rights. Some common examples include dictatorships, absolute monarchies, and oligarchies. In these systems, political opposition is typically suppressed, media may be controlled, and public dissent is discouraged. The ruling authorities maintain power through various means, including coercion, propaganda, and restricting access to information. Such systems often lack transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles.