Authoritarian rule is a form of government where a single leader or a small group holds significant power, often limiting individual freedoms and political opposition. In such systems, citizens typically have little to no say in decision-making processes, and dissent is often suppressed through various means, including censorship and intimidation. In authoritarian regimes, laws and policies are usually enforced without the consent of the governed. Examples of authoritarian rule can be seen in countries like North Korea and China, where the government maintains strict control over many aspects of life, including the media, education, and public expression.