A dictatorship is a form of government where a single leader or a small group holds absolute power, often without the consent of the governed. In such systems, political opposition is typically suppressed, and citizens have limited rights and freedoms. Decisions are made unilaterally, and there is little to no public participation in the political process. Dictatorships can arise in various contexts, often during times of crisis or instability. Historical examples include Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany and Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union. These regimes often use propaganda and state control to maintain power and manipulate public perception.