What does "autocracy" imply in the context of governance?

In the context of governance, "autocracy" refers to a political system in which one individual or a small group holds absolute power over the state and its citizens. This concentration of authority means that the decision-making process is not subject to checks and balances typically found in more democratic systems. In an autocratic regime, the leader or ruling group usually maintains control over various aspects of governance without significant input or opposition from the populace.

The nature of autocratic governance can lead to a lack of political plurality, where dissent is often suppressed and civil liberties may be limited. This can result in a society where the people have little power to influence government actions or policies, with governance characterized by top-down decision-making.

In contrast to this, systems where leaders are elected through popular vote indicate broader participation and democratic principles, while shared powers among branches suggest a separation of authority typical of democratic governance. Finally, a democracy with strictly enforced laws does not align with the concept of autocracy, as it emphasizes the rule of law in a system that ideally includes citizen participation and accountability in leadership. Thus, the meaning of autocracy clearly aligns with the definition that encapsulates absolute power held by one or a small few.