What is a key characteristic of a dictatorship?

A key characteristic of a dictatorship is that one person or a small group holds absolute authority over the government and its functions. In this type of regime, power is concentrated, and political pluralism—such as the presence of multiple opposing parties or independent institutions—tends to be absent.

In a dictatorship, the ruling authority often makes decisions unilaterally, without checks and balances typically found in democratic systems. This concentration of power can lead to the suppression of dissent, limitation of freedoms, and the absence of mechanisms for civic engagement or popular decision-making, such as referendums or elections that genuinely allow for the public's choice.

In contrast, features like multiple political parties competing for power or elections driven by popular vote characterize democratic systems, where leadership is accountable to the electorate. The mention of a referendum process reflects a decision-making style that empowers citizens, which is also fundamentally opposed to the principles of dictatorship.