A one-party state is a political system where a single political party controls the government, and other parties are either banned or limited in their activities. This means that the ruling party has the power to make laws and govern without opposition, often leading to a lack of political pluralism and democratic processes. Examples of one-party states include China, where the Communist Party holds power, and North Korea, governed by the Workers' Party. In a one-party state, elections may still occur, but they typically do not offer genuine competition. Citizens often have limited freedom of expression and may face consequences for opposing the ruling party. This concentration of power can lead to authoritarian governance, where dissent is suppressed, and political freedoms are restricted.