Which term denotes ultimate authority vested in a single person?

Which term denotes ultimate authority vested in a single person?

• A. Democracy
• B. Authoritarianism
• C. Power
• D. Legitimate

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is centralized power in one person. This is best described by authoritarianism, which refers to a system where authority is concentrated in a single leader or a small group with limited political pluralism and few checks on power. In such setups, the ruler holds final decision-making power with minimal accountability. Democracy, on the other hand, centers on rule by the people or their representatives with safeguards and balances; power is distributed and limited by institutions. Power is a broad concept and doesn’t specify how authority is organized. Legitimate refers to rightful or accepted authority, not the concentration of power in one person. So the term that fits “ultimate authority vested in a single person” is authoritarianism.

The idea being tested is centralized power in one person. This is best described by authoritarianism, which refers to a system where authority is concentrated in a single leader or a small group with limited political pluralism and few checks on power. In such setups, the ruler holds final decision-making power with minimal accountability.

Democracy, on the other hand, centers on rule by the people or their representatives with safeguards and balances; power is distributed and limited by institutions. Power is a broad concept and doesn’t specify how authority is organized. Legitimate refers to rightful or accepted authority, not the concentration of power in one person. So the term that fits “ultimate authority vested in a single person” is authoritarianism.