A single-party state is a political system where only one political party is allowed to hold power, effectively banning all other parties. This means that the government is controlled by a single group, which often suppresses opposition and dissent. Citizens typically have limited political freedoms, and elections, if they occur, are usually not competitive. In a single-party state, the ruling party often justifies its control by claiming to represent the interests of the nation or the people. Examples of single-party states include countries like China and Cuba, where the ruling party maintains strict control over political life and governance.