Autocracy vs. Dictatorship — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Autocracy is a form of government where a single person holds all power, while Dictatorship is a type of autocracy characterized by a leader who governs without consent, often seizing power forcefully.
Difference Between Autocracy and Dictatorship
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms "Autocracy" and "Dictatorship" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two. Autocracy refers to a government system where a single individual wields supreme power, often without legal constraints. In an autocracy, the governing individual may be a monarch, a military leader, or some other type of leader. Dictatorship, on the other hand, is a specific type of autocracy where a leader governs without the consent of the governed, often gaining and maintaining power through force.
Both Autocracy and Dictatorship involve centralized control, but the methods and justifications for this control can differ. In some autocracies, the leader may argue that their rule is justified by divine right, hereditary lineage, or some other form of legitimate authority. Dictators, however, often lack such traditional claims to leadership and instead depend on fear, propaganda, or military power to maintain their position.
In practice, Autocracy can be less oppressive than a Dictatorship. An autocrat may choose to govern in a manner that is more benevolent or just, even if they hold the ultimate authority. Dictatorships, in contrast, are often associated with human rights abuses, censorship, and suppression of dissent, although autocracies can also exhibit these characteristics.
In summary, Autocracy is a broader term that describes a system where one person holds all power, which can take various forms and justifications. Dictatorship is a narrower form of autocracy often characterized by a leader who governs without consent, frequently employing force to maintain control.
Comparison Chart
Scope
Broader term
Specific type of autocracy
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Consent of Governed
Not necessarily required
Usually without consent
Method of Control
May vary
Often forceful
Justification
May have traditional claims
Rarely has traditional claims
Human Rights
May or may not be oppressive
Often oppressive
Compare with Definitions
Autocracy
A government system with one ruling individual.
The country transitioned from a democracy to an autocracy.
Dictatorship
Relies on fear and suppression.
The dictatorship maintained control through fear and censorship.
Autocracy
Can be more varied in its methods.
The autocracy maintained control through a mix of propaganda and legal measures.
Dictatorship
Usually involves human rights abuses.
Human rights were regularly violated under the dictatorship.
Autocracy
Supreme power vested in a single leader.
In an autocracy, checks and balances are often absent.
Dictatorship
A form of government without the consent of the governed.
The dictatorship seized power in a military coup.
Autocracy
May have a legitimate claim to rule.
His autocracy was rooted in ancient traditions.
Dictatorship
Often characterized by forceful control.
The dictatorship suppressed protests violently.
Autocracy
The leader may or may not be oppressive.
The autocracy turned out to be surprisingly benevolent.
Dictatorship
The leader typically has no traditional claim to rule.
The dictatorship was not supported by any historical or religious mandate.
Autocracy
Autocracy is a system of government in which supreme power over a state is concentrated in the hands of one person, whose decisions are subject to neither external legal restraints nor regularized mechanisms of popular control (except perhaps for the implicit threat of coup d'état or other forms of rebellion).In earlier times, the term autocrat was coined as a favorable description of a ruler, having some connection to the concept of "lack of conflicts of interests" as well as an indication of grandeur and power. This use of the term continued into modern times, as the Russian Emperor was styled "Autocrat of all the Russias" as late as the early 20th century.
Dictatorship
A dictatorship is a form of government characterized by a single leader or group of leaders and little or no toleration for political pluralism or independent media. According to other definitions, democracies are a form of government in which "those who govern are selected through periodically contested elections (in years)"; therefore, dictatorships are "not democracies,.".With the advent of the 19th and 20th centuries, dictatorships and constitutional democracies emerged as the world's two major forms of government, gradually eliminating monarchies with significant political power, the most widespread form of government in the pre-industrial era.
Autocracy
Government by a single person having unlimited power; despotism.
Dictatorship
The office or tenure of a dictator.
Autocracy
A country or state that is governed by a single person with unlimited power.
Dictatorship
A state or government under dictatorial rule.
Autocracy
(uncountable) A form of government in which unlimited power is held by a single individual.
Dictatorship
Absolute or despotic control or power.
Autocracy
(countable) An instance of this government.
Dictatorship
A type of government where absolute sovereignty is allotted to an individual or a small clique.
Autocracy
Independent or self-derived power; absolute or controlling authority; supremacy.
The divine will moves, not by the external impulse or inclination of objects, but determines itself by an absolute autocracy.
Dictatorship
A government which exercises autocratic rule.
Autocracy
Supreme, uncontrolled, unlimited authority, or right of governing in a single person, as of an autocrat.
Dictatorship
Any household, institution, or other organization that is run under such sovereignty or autocracy.
Autocracy
Political independence or absolute sovereignty (of a state); autonomy.
Dictatorship
The office, or the term of office, of a dictator; hence, absolute power.
Autocracy
The action of the vital principle, or of the instinctive powers, toward the preservation of the individual; also, the vital principle.
Dictatorship
A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
Autocracy
A political system governed by a single individual
Autocracy
A political theory favoring unlimited authority by a single individual
Common Curiosities
What is Autocracy?
Autocracy is a form of government where one person holds all power.
Is every Dictatorship an Autocracy?
Yes, every dictatorship is a form of autocracy, but not every autocracy is a dictatorship.
What is Dictatorship?
Dictatorship is a type of autocracy where a leader governs without the consent of the governed.
Is consent of the governed required in a Dictatorship?
Typically no, dictatorships usually operate without the consent of the governed.
Are human rights often violated in a Dictatorship?
Yes, human rights abuses are a common feature of dictatorships.
How do Autocracies maintain control?
Autocracies can use various methods, from legal measures to propaganda, to maintain control.
Can an Autocracy be legitimate?
An autocracy may have traditional or other forms of claims to legitimacy.
Are Autocracies always oppressive?
Not necessarily, although they have the potential to be.
Is force common in Dictatorships?
Yes, dictatorships often rely on forceful control and suppression.
Can an Autocracy be benevolent?
Although rare, some autocracies may govern in a more benevolent manner.
How do Dictatorships maintain control?
Dictatorships often use force, suppression, and fear to maintain control.
Is censorship common in Dictatorships?
Yes, censorship is often used to control information and suppress dissent in dictatorships.
Can an Autocrat be a monarch?
Yes, autocracy can take various forms, including monarchy.
Can a Dictatorship be temporary?
Some dictatorships may start as temporary regimes but often extend their rule.
Is Autocracy broader than Dictatorship?
Yes, autocracy is a broader term that can encompass various forms of single-person rule, including dictatorships.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
