The meanings or synonyms of the word despotic are autocratic, dictatorial, totalitarian, tyrannical, etc. The word autocratic is closest in meaning to the word despotic. In a democracy, the real power is in the hands of the people, whereas in an autocracy, the power is only in the hands of one person. This article will share some interesting insights into the autocratic system of government.

Autocratic Government – Example of Despotic Style of Functioning

• An example of the autocratic rule was the Tsars in Russia.
• The autocratic rule of the Tsars in Russia came to an end after the Russian revolution.
• Another example is the situation that existed in India in the 1970s when the former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi imposed an emergency in India. There was massive turmoil in society, and the democracy of the nation was in danger. Many people were arrested arbitrarily and jailed. The attempt was made to completely change the Constitution of India through the 42nd amendment.
• An autocratic government or ruler can never succeed for long.

Powers in Autocratic Government – Powers of Despotic Rulers

• In the autocratic system of government, the person wielding absolute power is not subject to regularized mechanisms of popular control.
• In the autocratic system of government, the person wielding absolute power is not subject to external legal constraints.

Print Culture – Role in Ending Despotic Rule in Europe

• There was a firm belief that books were a means of spreading progress in Europe. This belief came into existence by the mid-eighteenth century.
• There was also a firm belief that books were helping in spreading enlightenment.
• Many people in Europe started believing that books could change the world.
• People started having a firm belief that books would help them in liberating their societies from tyranny and despotism and bring in a time when intellect and reason would rule.
• A famous novelist in France made a famous declaration in the mid-eighteenth century that despotism could be swept away by the printing press as it was a powerful engine of public opinion and progress.
• People believed that power printing could help in destroying the basis of despotism.

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