Authoritarianism, << uh `thawr` uh TAIR ee uh `nihz` uhm, >> is any form of government in which relatively few people run the country, and the rest of the population takes little part in decision making. Authoritarian states may prohibit, severely restrict, or manipulate elections to suit their own purposes. They may limit the powers of legislatures that represent the people, such as a parliament or congress, and restrict individual freedom. Authoritarianism includes such types of government as absolute monarchy, dictatorship, and totalitarianism.
The goals and methods of authoritarian governments vary. In a totalitarian state, for example, the leaders try to change society according to a set of doctrines. In an absolute monarchy or a dictatorship, the ruler may only be interested in gaining personal wealth and power. Some authoritarian states exercise cruel and unjust use of power, but others may not. Democratic states occasionally may adopt authoritarian methods of rule during a war or other emergency.
