Which political system is described as run by a single party with extensive surveillance and control over life?

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

Answer: (A)

Totalitarianism is a political system in which power is concentrated in a single party, and the state seeks total dominance over almost every aspect of public and private life. It relies on pervasive surveillance, censorship, propaganda, and coercive institutions to monitor and suppress dissent, with the goal of aligning all social, economic, and cultural activities with the party’s objectives. This all-encompassing control and suppression of opposition set it apart from other forms of governance.

Democracy involves competitive elections, pluralism, and protections for civil liberties, so power is not monopolized and citizens have avenues to challenge the government. Authoritarianism centers power in a strong authority, but may not engineer total control over every sector of life, allowing some limited personal or social space. The term “power” by itself doesn’t describe a specific system with organized mechanisms of control.