A political system characterized by single-party rule is known as a one-party state. In this system, one political party holds all power and effectively eliminates political opposition. This often leads to a lack of democratic processes, such as free elections and pluralistic debate, as dissenting voices are suppressed. Countries like North Korea serve as examples of one-party states, where the ruling party controls all aspects of governance and political life, often justifying such control as a means to maintain unity and stability. This system raises significant concerns regarding human rights and individual freedoms.