専制政治(せんせいせいじ)

せんせいせいじ
noun
despotism; autocratic rule
formalwrittenpoliticshistory
1. despotism; autocracy; autocratic government
A system of government in which a single ruler or small group holds absolute power without constitutional or democratic constraints. Used in historical, political, and academic contexts.
専制政治(せんせいせいじ)は国民(こくみん)の自由(じゆう)を奪(うば)う。
Autocratic rule robs the people of their freedom.
フランス革命(かくめい)は専制政治(せんせいせいじ)に対(たい)する民衆(みんしゅう)の反乱(はんらん)だった。
The French Revolution was a popular uprising against despotic rule.
世界(せかい)にはいまだに専制政治(せんせいせいじ)が続(つづ)く国(くに)があり、国際社会(こくさいしゃかい)から批判(ひはん)を受(う)けている。
There are still countries where autocratic rule continues, drawing criticism from the international community.

Composed of 専制(せんせい) (autocracy, despotism) and 政治(せいじ) (politics, government). The 専制(せんせい) component means exclusive or monopolistic control. A standard term in history textbooks and political science.

Usage

Commonly encountered in world history education when discussing absolute monarchies, dictatorships, and pre-modern political systems. Also used in contemporary commentary about authoritarian regimes. More formal and academic than simply calling a government 独裁(どくさい) (dictatorship).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 独裁政治(どくさいせいじ): dictatorship — emphasizes rule by a single dictator; more modern and direct
  • 専制(せんせい): autocracy, despotism — the shorter form, usable on its own as a noun
  • 絶対王政(ぜったいおうせい): absolute monarchy — specifically refers to monarchical despotism, as in pre-revolutionary France
  • 民主政治(みんしゅせいじ): democratic government — the opposite concept
general
Added 2026.4.20 20:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
24500/24669_senseiseiji