Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which of the following accurately defines the term 'autocracy'?

1. Rule by many elected representatives

2. Rule by a single person with absolute power

3. Rule by a small group of elites

4. Rule by democratic election

The correct answer is: Rule by a single person with absolute power

The term 'autocracy' is accurately defined as the rule by a single person with absolute power. In an autocratic system, one individual holds significant control over the government and is not bound by legal or constitutional constraints that limit that power. This often results in a centralized authority where decisions are made by this one person without the input or consent of others, contrasting greatly with democratic forms of governance, where power is distributed among elected representatives or the populace. In contrast, the other choices illustrate different systems of governance. A system ruled by many elected representatives denotes a democracy or representative government, where authority is vested in elected officials who represent the interests of the people. Rule by a small group of elites describes an oligarchy, where a limited segment of society holds power, often based on wealth or social status. Rule by democratic election emphasizes the process of electing officials through a voting mechanism, which fundamentally differs from the unilateral decision-making characteristic of an autocracy. Thus, the definition of autocracy distinctly emphasizes the centralization of power in the hands of a single individual.