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An autocracy is a form of government in which one person possesses unlimited power.1 An autocrat is a person (such as a monarch) ruling with unlimited authority.2 The term autocrat is derived from the Greek word autokratōr (αὐτοκράτωρ, lit. "self-ruler", or "one who rules by himself"). It is distinct from oligarchy ("rule by the few") and democracy ("rule by the people"). Today, the term autocrat is usually understood as synonymous with despot, tyrant and dictator, although each of these terms originally had a separate and distinct meaning. Comparison with other forms of government

Autocracy and totalitarianism are related concepts. Autocracy is defined by one individual having unlimited power, while totalitarianism extends to regulating every aspect of public and private life. Totalitarianism does not imply a single ruler, but extends to include absolute rule by any faction or class of elites who recognize no limit to their authority. Autocracy differs from military dictatorship, as these often take the form of "collective presidencies" such as the South American juntas. However, an autocracy may be totalitarian or be a military dictatorship.

The term monarchy also differs in that it emphasizes the hereditary characteristic, though some Slavic monarchs, specifically Russian Emperors, included the title "autocrat" as part of their official styles. This usage originated in the Byzantine Empire, where the term autokratōr was traditionally employed in Greek to translate the Latin imperator, and was used along with Basileus to mean "emperor". This use remains current in the modern Greek language, where the term is used for any emperor (e.g. the Emperor of Japan), regardless of the actual power of the monarch. Historically, many monarchs ruled autocratically but eventually their power was diminished and dissolved with the introduction of constitutions giving the people the power to make decisions for themselves through elected bodies of government.

The autocrat needs some kind of power structure to rule. Most historical autocrats depended on their nobles, the military, the priesthood or other elite groups.3 As such, it can be difficult to draw a clear line between historical autocracies and oligarchies. See also Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Autocracy. De facto rule, government Roman Empire Byzantine Empire Theocracy Totalitarianism Authoritarianism Tsarist autocracy Soviet Union Nazi Germany The Wave, film about autocracy References ^ Merriam Webster's Dictionary http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autocracy ^ Merriam Webster's Dictionary http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autocrat ^ Tullock, Gordon. "Autocracy", Springer Science * Business, 1987. ISBN 9024733987 v · d · eAuthoritarian forms of government Autocratic Absolute monarchy · Benevolent dictatorship · Despotism · Dictatorship · Enlightened absolutism · Tyranny Totalitarian Fascism · Nazism · Communist state · Inverted totalitarianism · Theocracy · Totalitarian democracy Other Illiberal democracy · Military dictatorship · Military junta · Oligarchy · Single-party state · Police state (Counterintelligence state)